High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ester Research Articles

Defects in High Density Lipoprotein metabolism and hepatic steatosis in mice with liver-specific ablation of Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4A

BackgroundAberrant concentration, structure and functionality of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) are associated with many prevalent diseases, including cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Mice with liver-specific ablation of Hnf4α (H4LivKO) present steatosis and dyslipidemia by mechanisms that are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to explore the role of liver HNF4A in HDL metabolism and the development of steatosis. Methods and resultsSerum and tissue samples were obtained from 6-weeks old H4LivKO mice and their littermate controls. Liver and serum lipids were measured and HDL structure and functionality were assessed. Global gene expression changes in the liver were analyzed by expression arrays, validations were performed by RT-qPCR and DNA-protein interactions were studied by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). H4LivKO mice presented liver steatosis, increased liver triglyceride content and decreased concentration of serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesteryl esters. Most classes of phospholipids showed significant changes in species ratio and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels were reduced. H4LivKO serum was enriched in the smaller, denser HDL particles, devoid of APOA2 and APOM apolipoproteins, exhibiting decreased activity of paraoxonase-1 but retaining macrophage cholesterol efflux capacity and phospho-AKT activation in endothelial cells. Global gene expression analysis revealed the association of liver HNF4A with known and novel regulators of HDL metabolism as well as NAFLD-susceptibility genes. ConclusionsHNF4A ablation in mouse liver causes hepatic steatosis, perturbations in HDL structure and function and significant global changes in gene expression. This study reveals new targets of HNF4A involved in HDL metabolism and the development of steatosis and enriches our knowledge on HDL functionality in NAFLD.

Increased apolipoprotein M induced by lack of scavenger receptor BI is not activated via HDL-mediated cholesterol uptake in hepatocytes

BackgroundScavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is a classic high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor, which mediates selective lipid uptake from HDL cholesterol esters (HDL-C). Apolipoprotein M (ApoM), as a component of HDL particles, could influence preβ-HDL formation and cholesterol efflux. The aim of this study was to determine whether SR-BI deficiency influenced the expression of ApoM.MethodsBlood samples and liver tissues were collected from SR-BI gene knockout mice, and serum lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C) and ApoM were measured. Hepatic ApoM and ApoAI mRNA levels were also determined. In addition, BLT-1, an inhibitor of SR-BI, was added to HepG2 cells cultured with cholesterol and HDL, under serum or serum-free conditions. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ApoM were detected by RT-PCR and western blot.ResultsWe found that increased serum ApoM protein levels corresponded with high hepatic ApoM mRNA levels in both male and female SR-BI−/− mice. Besides, serum TC and HDL-C were also significantly increased. Treatment of HepG2 hepatoma cells with SR-BI specific inhibitor, BLT-1, could up-regulate ApoM expression in serum-containing medium but not in serum-free medium, even in the presence of HDL-C and cholesterol.ConclusionsResults suggested that SR-BI deficiency promoted ApoM expression, but the increased ApoM might be independent from HDL-mediated cholesterol uptake in hepatocytes.

Abstract 320: Procollagen C-Endopeptidase Enhancer Protein 2 Enhances SR-BI Mediated HDL Cholesterol Uptake and Reduces Atherosclerosis in Mice

Epidemiological studies have shown an inverse correlation between plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations and cardiovascular disease risk. At variance with these observations, clinical trials that significantly raised plasma HDL-C levels did not have improved clinical outcomes, emphasizing the importance of understanding HDL function. Recently, a significant correlation has been reported between human procollagen c-endopeptidase enhancer protein 2 (PCPE2) single nucleotide polymorphisms and HDL. PCPE2, a 52 kDa glycoprotein found in the extracellular matrix enhances cleavage of C-terminal procollagen by bone morphogenetic protein 1. Mice lacking PCPE2 have elevated concentrations of enlarged plasma HDL, a phenomenon associated with defective cholesterol efflux. HDL synthesis depends on ABCA1-mediated lipid efflux to lipid-poor apoA-I balanced by cholesterol uptake through hepatic scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). Our studies focused on investigating if the elevated concentration of enlarged plasma HDL in PCPE2 deficient mice was atheroprotective. PCPE2 deficient mice were crossed with LDLr -/- mice (SKO) giving LDLr -/- , PCPE2 -/- (DKO) mice that had elevated HDL levels compared to SKO mice. Despite elevated HDL levels, we found that DKO mice had significantly more lipid and CD68+ infiltration into the aortic root, similar to that reported for LDLr -/- , apoA-I -/- mice that lack plasma apoA-I/HDL. Furthermore, DKO mice showed reduced HDL apoA-I fractional clearance and reverse cholesterol transport rates compared to SKO mice suggesting PCPE2 plays a significant role in HDL remodeling and/or cholesterol uptake by the liver. To test the effect of PCPE2 on SR-BI function we incubated 3 H-cholesteryl ether ( 3 H-CE) enriched HDL from SKO and DKO mice with CHO cells overexpressing PCPE2. Compared to CHO control cells, overexpression of PCPE2 increased 3 H-CE HDL uptake that was independent of HDL particle origin. Western Blot analysis showed no difference in SR-BI expression between control and PCPE2 transfected cells, suggesting that PCPE2 enhanced SR-BI function and promoted HDL cholesterol ester uptake. We conclude that PCPE2 is atheroprotective and an essential component of the reverse cholesterol transport system.

Effects of antisense-mediated inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 on hepatic lipid metabolism

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) converts inactive 11-keto derivatives to active glucocorticoids within tissues and may play a role in the metabolic syndrome (MS). We used an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to knock down 11β-HSD1 in livers of C57BL/6J mice consuming a Western-type diet (WTD). 11β-HSD1 ASO-treated mice consumed less food, so we compared them to ad libitum-fed mice and to food-matched mice receiving control ASO. Knockdown of 11β-HSD1 directly protected mice from WTD-induced steatosis and dyslipidemia by reducing synthesis and secretion of triglyceride (TG) and increasing hepatic fatty acid oxidation. These changes in hepatic and plasma lipids were not associated with reductions in genes involved in de novo lipogenesis. However, protein levels of both sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 1 and fatty acid synthase were significantly reduced in mice treated with 11β-HSD1 ASO. There was no change in hepatic secretion of apolipoprotein (apo)B, indicating assembly and secretion of smaller apoB-containing lipoproteins by the liver in the 11β-HSD1-treated mice. Our results indicate that inhibition of 11β-HSD1 by ASO treatment of WTD-fed mice resulted in improved plasma and hepatic lipid levels, reduced lipogenesis by posttranslational regulation, and secretion of similar numbers of apoB-containing lipoproteins containing less TG per particle.

Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase Expression Has Minimal Effects on Macrophage Reverse Cholesterol Transport In Vivo

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) catalyzes the formation of plasma cholesteryl ester, plays a key role in high-density lipoprotein metabolism, and has been believed to be critical in the process of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). The role of LCAT in RCT from macrophages was quantified with a validated assay involving intraperitoneal injection in mice of (3)H-cholesterol-labeled J774 macrophages and monitoring the appearance of tracer in plasma, liver, bile, and feces. Human LCAT overexpression in human apolipoprotein A-I transgenic mice substantially increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels but surprisingly did not increase macrophage RCT. Even in the setting of coexpression of scavenger receptor BI or cholesteryl ester transfer protein, both of which promoted the transfer of LCAT-derived high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ester to the liver, LCAT overexpression still had no effect on RCT. Serum from LCAT-overexpressing mice had reduced ability to promote cholesterol efflux from macrophages ex vivo via ABCA1. To determine the effect of LCAT deficiency on macrophage RCT, LCAT(-/-) and LCAT(+/-) mice were compared with wild-type mice. Despite extremely low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LCAT-deficient mice had only a 50% reduction in RCT. LCAT(+/-) mice had normal RCT despite a significant reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Serum from LCAT-deficient mice had increased ability to promote ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux from macrophages ex vivo. These results demonstrate that LCAT overexpression does not promote an increased rate of macrophage RCT. Although LCAT activity does become rate limiting in the context of complete LCAT deficiency, RCT is reduced by only 50% even in the absence of LCAT. These data suggest that macrophage RCT may not be as dependent on LCAT activity as has previously been believed.

Hepatic SR-BI-mediated cholesteryl ester selective uptake occurs with unaltered efficiency in the absence of cellular energy

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) plays a critical role in the delivery of HDL cholesterol and cholesteryl esters (CEs) to liver and steroidogenic tissues by a selective process that does not result in significant degradation of HDL protein. Recently, SR-BI-mediated endocytosis and recycling of HDL have been demonstrated. However, it remains unclear whether efficient SR-BI-mediated selective uptake occurs strictly at the plasma membrane or at additional sites along its endocytic itinerary. To examine the requirement for SR-BI endocytosis in HDL selective uptake, we determined the effects of energy depletion on the levels of cell-associated HDL protein and CE in primary mouse hepatocytes. Compared with CHO cells, we observed a much larger energy-dependent effect on CE uptake in primary mouse hepatocytes. Although varying the levels of caveolin-1 and carboxyl ester lipase altered the efficiency of selective uptake, neither was able to account for the energy-dependent component of HDL-CE uptake. Finally, we demonstrate that the hepatocyte-specific, energy-dependent effects on HDL-apolipoprotein A-I and -CE uptake are independent of SR-BI and are not required to achieve efficient SR-BI-mediated selective uptake of CE. Together, these data support the conclusion that neither the intracellular trafficking of HDL nor any energy-dependent cellular process affects the ability of the cell to maximally acquire CE through SR-BI-mediated selective uptake from HDL.

Scavenger receptor type BI potentiates reverse cholesterol transport system by removing cholesterol ester from HDL

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role in reverse cholesterol transport by removing accumulated cholesterol from extrahepatic tissues. Subsequently, cholesterol ester (CE) on HDL in humans is transported to apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins by cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). CETP deficiency, which is common in the Japanese population, leads to a marked increase in HDL-cholesterol levels due to impaired CE transport from HDL to LDL. It has been reported that the HDL observed in CETP deficiency is an atherogenic lipoprotein, as it contains a large amount of CE. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) has been found to be an authentic HDL receptor that mediates the selective uptake of HDL CE and the bi-directional transfer of free cholesterol between HDL and cells. In the present study, the interaction between SR-BI and CE-rich HDL from CETP-deficient patient was studied in order to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic role of SR-BI in relation to CE uptake and reverse cholesterol transport. When CE-rich HDL was added to the medium of SR-BI-transfected CHO (SR-BI CHO) cells, more CE accumulated in SR-BI CHO cells compared to control HDL. In contrast, the amount of cholesterol efflux from SR-BI CHO cells into HDL was almost the same between the two HDLs. Therefore, when CE-rich HDL was added to the medium of SR-BI CHO cells, the intracellular CE content increased significantly. Moreover, the particle size of HDL in CETP-deficient patient decreased significantly when the HDL was added to the medium of SR-BI CHO cells, and this HDL showed an increment of CE efflux from foam cells. These results indicate that SR-BI reduces the cholesterol content and size of the CE-rich HDL from CETP deficiency, which ultimately activate reverse cholesterol transport system.

Aberrant Cholesterol Transport and Impaired Steroidogenesis in Leydig Cells Lacking Estrogen Sulfotransferase

Estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the sulfoconjugation and inactivation of estrogens. It is expressed abundantly in the mammalian testes in which it may modulate the activity of locally produced estrogen. We demonstrate here that testicular Leydig cells from mice rendered deficient in EST expression by targeted gene deletion acquire a phenotype of increased cholesterol ester accumulation and impaired steroidogenesis with natural aging or in response to estrogen challenge. Abnormal accumulation of cholesterol ester in the mutant Leydig cells correlated with induced expression of the scavenger receptor type B class I, and cultured EST-deficient but not wild-type Leydig cells avidly uptook high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ester ex vivo. EST-deficient Leydig cells in culture produced 50-70% less testosterone than wild-type cells. This deficiency was reversed by androstenedione but not progesterone supplementation, indicating that reduced activities of 17-alpha-hydroxylase-17, 20-lyase were responsible. This conclusion was corroborated by decreased expression levels of 17-alpha-hydroxylase-17, 20-lyase but not of other key steroidogenic enzymes in the mutant cells. These results suggest that EST plays a physiologic role in protecting Leydig cells from estrogen-induced biochemical lesions and provide an example of critical regulation of tissue estrogen sensitivity by a ligand-transformation enzyme rather than through estrogen receptors.

Deficiency of acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 prevents atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Deficiency of acyl CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) in mice results in a reduction in cholesterol ester synthesis in the small intestine and liver, which in turn limits intestinal cholesterol absorption, hepatic cholesterol gallstone formation, and the accumulation of cholesterol esters in the plasma lipoproteins. Here we examined the contribution of ACAT2-derived cholesterol esters to atherosclerosis by crossing ACAT2-deficient (ACAT2(-/-)) mice with apolipoprotein (apo) E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice, an atherosclerosis-susceptible strain that has impaired apoE-mediated clearance of apoB-containing lipoproteins. ACAT2(-/-) ApoE(-/-) mice and ACAT2(+/+) ApoE(-/-) (control) mice had similar elevations of plasma apoB and total plasma lipids; however, the lipid cores of the apoB-containing lipoproteins in ACAT2(-/-) ApoE(-/-) mice contained primarily triglycerides rather than cholesterol esters. At 30 wk of age, only the control mice had significant atherosclerosis, which was nearly absent in ACAT2(-/-) ApoE(-/-) mice. ACAT2 deficiency in the apoE-deficient background also led to a compensatory increase in the activity of lecithincholesterol acyltransferase, the major plasma cholesterol esterification enzyme, which increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol esters. Our results demonstrate the crucial role of ACAT2-derived cholesterol esters in the development of atherosclerosis in mice and suggest that triglyceride-rich apoB-containing lipoproteins are not as atherogenic as those containing cholesterol esters. Our results also support the rationale of pharmacological inhibition of ACAT2 as a therapy for atherosclerosis.

The Farnesoid X-receptor Is an Essential Regulator of Cholesterol Homeostasis

To address the importance of the farnesoid X-receptor (FXR; NR1H4) for normal cholesterol homeostasis, we evaluated the major pathways of cholesterol metabolism in the FXR-deficient (-/-) mouse model. Compared with wild-type, FXR(-/-) mice have increased plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and a markedly reduced rate of plasma HDL cholesterol ester clearance. Concomitantly, FXR(-/-) mice exhibit reduced expression of hepatic genes involved in reverse cholesterol transport, most notably, that for scavenger receptor BI. FXR(-/-) mice also have increased: (i) plasma non-HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, (ii) apolipoprotein B-containing lipoprotein synthesis, and (iii) intestinal cholesterol absorption. Surprisingly, biliary cholesterol elimination was increased in FXR(-/-) mice, despite decreased expression of hepatic genes thought to be involved in this process. These data demonstrate that FXR is a critical regulator of normal cholesterol metabolism and that genetic changes affecting FXR function have the potential to be pro-atherogenic.

Effect of growth hormone replacement therapy on plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase and lipid transfer protein activities in growth hormone-deficient adults

The effects of growth hormone (GH) replacement on plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), factors involved in high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism, are unknown. We carried out a 6 months study in 24 GH-deficient adults who were randomized to placebo (n = 8), low dose GH (1 U daily, n = 8), and high dose GH (2 U daily, n = 8), followed by a 6 months open extension study with high dose GH (1 dropout). No significant changes in plasma lipoproteins, LCAT, CETP, and PLTP activities, cholesterol esterification (EST) and cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) were observed after placebo. After 6 months of GH (combined data, n = 24), very low + low density lipoprotein (VLDL + LDL) cholesterol (P < 0.05) and apolipoprotein B (P < 0.05) decreased, whereas HDL cholesterol and HDL cholesteryl ester increased (P < 0.05). Prolonged treatment showed comparable effects. Plasma apolipoprotein A-I and Lp[a] remained unchanged. Plasma LCAT (P < 0.01) and CETP activities (P < 0.01), as well as EST (P < 0.01) and CET decreased (P < 0.01) after 12 months of GH (n = 15), but PLTP activity did not significantly change. Changes in EST and CET after 12 months of treatment were independently related to changes in plasma LCAT (P = 0.001 and CETP activity (P = 0.01).In conclusion, GH replacement therapy improves the lipoprotein profile in GH-deficient adults. Chronic GH replacement lowers plasma LCAT and CETP activities, contributing to a decrease in cholesterol esterification and cholesteryl ester transfer. These effects may have consequences for HDL metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport.

CD36 LIMPII analogous-1, a human homolog of the rodent scavenger receptor B1, provides the cholesterol ester for steroidogenesis in adrenocortical cells

CD36 and LIMPII analogous-1 (CLA-1), a human homolog of the rodent scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1), binds high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and mediates the selective uptake of HDL cholesterol ester (CE) by cultured transfected cells. CLA-1 is strongly expressed in steroidogenic tissues, including the adrenal gland, suggesting that CLA-1 plays a role in providing substrates for steroidogenesis. To address this, we established an adrenocortical cell line that highly expresses CLA-1. These cells increased CE uptake from HDL to 140.5% of the level in mock-transfected cells. After incubation of the transfected cells with HDL, corticosterone secretion from CLA-1-transfected cells increased to about two times the level in mock-transfected cells. These results indicate the possibility that CLA-1 (a close structural homolog of SR-B1)-mediated uptake of HDL CE may be a significant source of precursor cholesterol for steroidogenesis in humans as it is in mice.

Regulated turnover of a cell surface-associated pool of newly synthesized apolipoprotein E in HepG2 cells

Newly synthesized apolipoprotein E (apoE) is incompletely secreted and partially degraded by hepatocytes. To evaluate current models concerning apoE's role in remnant lipoprotein clearance by the liver, we performed a detailed and quantitative pulse-chase analysis of apoE secretion, subcellular distribution, and proteolytic degradation by the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. Only about 35% of newly synthesized apoE were found to be secreted to the culture medium. As determined by a protease-protection assay, a substantial amount of newly synthesized apoE was transported to the cell surface, constituting more than half of the cellular apoE under steady-state conditions. A subpopulation representing almost 40% of newly secreted apoE was rapidly rebound to the cell surface, indicating a dynamic equilibrium between cell surface and secreted apoE. These pools of newly synthesized apoE were subject to proteolytic turnover that occurred in lysosomes, presumably after re-endocytosis. We found that the proteolytic turnover of cell surface and secreted apoE was regulated by the availability of apoE ligands, being almost completely suppressed by the presence of lipoprotein-containing human serum or isolated lipoproteins, namely LDL and HDL. The characteristics of regulated degradation of cell surface apoE shed new light on potential physiological functions of this pool of apoE. Our results provide evidence that hepatocytes are capable of forming a large pool of cell surface-associated apoE, thereby supporting the previously proposed secretion-recapture model for apoE.

Hypertriglyceridemia and cholesteryl ester transfer protein interact to dramatically alter high density lipoprotein levels, particle sizes, and metabolism. Studies in transgenic mice.

Several types of transgenic mice were used to study the influence of hypertriglyceridemia and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) expression on high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, particle sizes, and metabolism. The presence of the CETP transgene in hypertriglyceridemic human apo CIII transgenic mice lowered HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) 48% and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I 40%, decreased HDL size (particle diameter from 9.8 to 8.8 nm), increased HDL cholesterol ester (CE) fractional catabolic rate (FCR) 65% with a small decrease in HDL CE transport rate (TR) and increased apo A-I FCR 15% and decreased apo A-I TR 29%. The presence of the CETP transgene in hypertriglyceridemic mice with human-like HDL, human apo A-I apo CIII transgenic mice, lowered HDL-C 61% and apo A-I 45%, caused a dramatic diminution of HDL particle size (particle diameters from 10.3 and 9.1 to 7.6 nm), increased HDL CE FCR by 107% without affecting HDL CE TR, and increased apo A-I FCR 35% and decreased apo A-I TR 48%. Moreover, unexpectedly, hypertriglyceridemia alone in the absence of CETP was also found to cause lower HDL-C and apo A-I levels primarily by decreasing TRs. Decreased apo A-I TR was confirmed by an in vivo labeling study and found to be associated with a decrease in intestinal but not hepatic apo A-I mRNA levels. In summary, the introduction of the human apo A-I, apo CIII, and CETP genes into transgenic mice produced a high-triglyceride, low-HDL-C lipoprotein phenotype. Human apo A-I gene overexpression caused a diminution of mouse apo A-I and a change from monodisperse to polydisperse HDL. Human apo CIII gene overexpression caused hypertriglyceridemia with a significant decrease in HDL-C and apo A-I levels primarily due to decreased HDL CE and apo A-I TR but without a profound change in HDL size. In the hypertriglyceridemic mice, human CETP gene expression further reduced HDL-C and apo A-I levels, primarily by increasing HDL CE and apo A-I FCR, while dramatically reducing HDL size. This study provides insights into the genes that may cause the high-triglyceride, low-HDL-C phenotype in humans and the metabolic mechanisms involved.

Dietary fat increases high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels both by increasing the transport rates and decreasing the fractional catabolic rates of HDL cholesterol ester and apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I. Presentation of a new animal model and mechanistic studies in human Apo A-I transgenic and control mice.

In humans, diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol raise HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. To explore the mechanism, we have devised a mouse model that mimics the human situation. In this model, HuAITg and control mice were studied on low fat (9% cal)-low cholesterol (57 mg/1,000 kcal) (chow) and high fat (41% cal)-high cholesterol (437 mg/1,000 kcal) (milk-fat based) diets. The mice responded to increased dietary fat by increasing both HDL-C and apo A-I levels, with a greater increase in HDL-C levels. This was compatible with an increase in HDL size observed by nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Turnover studies with doubly labeled HDL showed that dietary fat both increase the transport rate (TR) and decreased the fractional catabolic rate of HDL cholesterol ester (CE) and apo A-I, with the largest effect on HDL CE TR. The latter suggested that dietary fat increases reverse cholesterol transport through the HDL pathway, perhaps as an adaptation to the metabolic load of a high fat diet. The increase in apo A-I TR by dietary fat was confirmed by experiments showing increased apo A-I secretion from primary hepatocytes isolated from animals on the high fat diet. The increased apo A-I production was not associated with any increase in hepatic or intestinal apo A-I mRNA, suggesting that the mechanism of the dietary fat effect was posttranscriptional, involving either increased translatability of the apo A-I mRNA or less intracellular apo A-I degradation. The dietary fat-induced decrease in HDL CE and apo A-I fractional catabolic rate may have been caused by the increase in HDL particle size, as was suggested by our previous studies in humans. In summary, a mouse model has been developed and experiments performed to better understand the paradoxical HDL-raising effect of a high fat diet.

Uptake of high density lipoprotein cholesterol ester by HepG2 cells involves apolipoprotein E localized on the cell surface.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ester (CE) is taken up by many cells without simultaneous uptake of HDL apoprotein. The studies described herein demonstrate that the selective uptake of cholesterol ester by HepG2 cells is reduced by antibody directed against the receptor-binding domain of apoE (monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1D7) but not by antibody directed against the NH2-terminal portion of the molecule. The reduction, by 1D7, of HDL cholesteryl ester uptake is not due to apoE acquisition by the labeled HDL preparation or by the transfer of [3H]CE of HDL to apoE-containing lipoproteins and uptake by the apoB/E or apoE receptors. Rather, it appears that mAb 1D7 recognizes apoE localized at the cell surface of HepG2 cells. This conclusion is supported by the fact that: 1) reduction of HDL-CE uptake by HepG2 cells is observed within 15 min after the addition of the antibody-ligand mixture; 2) 1D7 is similarly effective in reducing the selective uptake of HDL-CE when added to the ligand or to the cells; 3) three different anti-apoE mAbs (1D7, 3B7, and 3H1) bind specifically to the surface of the cells. We have also demonstrated that heparin (5 mg/ml) does not reduce the amount of apoE-immunoreactive material bound at the cell surface when added before or after the binding period. 1D7, but not 3B7 or 3H1, binds less in the presence of heparin. The observations are consistent with a localization of apoE on the cell membrane rather than on lipoproteins bound to apoB/E or apoE receptors.

Transport of HDL cholesterol esters to the liver is not diminished by probucol treatment in rats.

This study examined the relation of decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in probucol-fed rats and the transport of HDL cholesterol esters (CEs) to the liver. HDLs from both control rats and rats fed 1% probucol for 3 weeks were doubly labeled in their CE and apolipoprotein A-I moieties with intracellularly trapped tracers and then intravenously injected into probucol-fed or control rats for determination of plasma decay kinetics and sites of tracer uptake. Results for HDL from control and probucol-fed rats were not different. The fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of plasma HDL CE was significantly increased by probucol feeding (23%) so that mass transport of HDL CE through the plasma compartment was not significantly different from that in control rats. The plasma FCR for apolipoprotein A-I did not change. Similarly, the FCR for uptake of HDL CE by the liver increased on probucol feeding (20%), resulting in a near-normal rate of HDL CE mass uptake, whereas the FCR for HDL particle uptake (measured by apolipoprotein A-I uptake) did not change. Thus, the maintenance of near-normal HDL CE uptake by the liver was exclusively due to increased selective uptake (32%). To the extent that hepatic uptake of HDL CE mediates reverse cholesterol transport, that process was not significantly compromised in rats fed 1% probucol.

Probucol increases the selective uptake of HDL cholesterol esters by Hep G2 human hepatoma cells.

A previous study in rats showed that even though probucol substantially lowers high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, near-normal mass transport of HDL cholesterol esters (CE) to the liver is maintained by the induction of "selective" (direct) uptake of HDL CE. The present study describes a parallel result in cultured Hep G2 human hepatoma cells. Cells were preincubated in the presence or absence of probucol before measuring the uptake of doubly labeled HDL3 in the absence of probucol. Preincubation with probucol decreased the uptake of HDL3 particles (iodine-125-labeled N-methyltyramine cellobiose-apolipoprotein [125I-NMTC-apo] A-I uptake) but increased the uptake of [3H]cholesteryl oleyl ether in excess of 125I-NMTC-apo A-I (i.e., selective uptake) in a dose-dependent fashion. The reversibly cell-associated pool of CE tracer, a precursor for selective uptake, enlarged on probucol treatment, but the increase was not in proportion to the increase in selective uptake. HDL3 particle uptake decreased on probucol treatment. The decrease was evident after less than 20 minutes of probucol exposure and was maximal after 6 hours; in contrast, HDL3 CE selective uptake increased only after greater than 13 hours and had not reached a plateau after 20 hours. Thus, effects on particle uptake and selective uptake were dissociated in time.

Evaluation of pathways for the cellular uptake of high density lipoprotein cholesterol esters in rabbits.

Cholesterol esters (CE) formed in HDL by lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase are thought to mediate the return of cholesterol from extrahepatic tissues to the liver for excretion or reutilization. Several pathways may be involved in that process. Tracer kinetics were used to estimate the contributions of the various pathways to cellular uptake of HDL CE in rabbits. Tracers of HDL CE, HDL apo A-I, LDL apo B, and VLDL CE were simultaneously injected intravenously. Plasma decays were followed for 24 h in 4 lipoprotein pools: HDL without apo E, HDL with apo E, LDL, and VLDL. Kinetic analysis of the resulting plasma decay curves revealed that the preponderance of plasma CE (greater than 90%) originated in the HDL fraction. About 70% of HDL CE were cleared from plasma after transfer to LDL and VLDL, 20% were cleared directly from the HDL pool without HDL particle uptake ("selective" uptake), and 10% were cleared in HDL particles (including particles containing apo E). Since rabbits have about four times the plasma cholesterol ester transfer activity of man, and since the transfer pathway must compete with the selective uptake pathway, these results make it likely that selective uptake plays a substantial role in humans in the clearance of HDL CE.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids enhance the uptake of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ester by rat adipocytes

Compared with diets high in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (20% lard by weight), diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (20% sunflower oil) alter the fatty acid composition of rat adipocyte plasma membranes and enhance HDL2 binding. We examined the effect of these two diets on HDL1 and HDL2 apolipoprotein and cholesterol uptake by adipocytes isolated from perirenal and epididymal adipose tissue of male Wistar rats. Consistent with selective cellular uptake. HDL esterified cholesterol uptake was 3-10-fold higher than predicted from HDL apolipoproteins associated with adipocytes. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids significantly enhanced apolipoprotein and esterified-cholesterol uptakes from HDL2 by perirenal adipocytes. This effect of dietary fat composition was adipose-region (perirenal greater than epididymal) and HDL-subfraction (HDL2 greater than HDL1) specific. Thus, diet-induced changes known to alter membrane phospholipid composition and increase HDL2 binding are also associated with enhanced HDL2-esterified-cholesterol uptake by adipocytes.