Lipid Transfer Protein Activity Research Articles

Cytotoxic activity of non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP1) from Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) seeds

BackgroundTrachyspermum ammi, commonly known as Ajwain, is a member of the Apiaceae family. It is a therapeutic herbal spice with diverse pharmacological properties, used in traditional medicine for various ailments. However, all previous studies were conducted using small molecule extracts, leaving the protein’s bioactivity undiscovered.AimThe current study aimed to demonstrate the cytotoxic activity of Ajwain non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP1) in normal breast (MCF10A), breast cancer (MCF-7), and pancreatic cancer (AsPC-1) cell lines. Also, to evaluate its structural stability in human serum as well as at high temperature conditions.MethodsThe cytotoxic activity of Ajwain nsLTP1 was evaluated in MCF-7 and AsPC-1 cell lines using MTT assay. Annexin V-FITC and PI staining were used to detect the early apoptotic and late apoptotic cells. The role of nsLTP1 in inducing apoptosis was further studied by quantifying Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, Survivin, EGFR, and VEGF genes expression using RT-PCR. CD spectroscopy analyzed the nsLTP1 conformational changes after thermal treatment for structure stability determination. The RP-HPLC was used to analyze the nsLTP1 degradation rate in human serum at different time intervals incubated at 37 °C.ResultsAjwain nsLTP1 showed a potent cytotoxic effect in MCF-7 and AsPC-1. The IC50 value obtained in MCF-7 was 8.21 μM, while for AsPC-1 4.17 μM. The effect of nsLTP1 on stimulating apoptosis revealed that the proportions of apoptotic cells in both cell lines were relatively increased depending on the concentration. The apoptotic cells percentage at 20 μM was in MCF-7 71% (***P < 0.001) and AsPC-1 88% (***P < 0.001). These results indicate that nsLTP1 might efficaciously induce apoptosis in multiple types of cancerous cells. Genes expression in MCF-7 and AsPC-1 showed significant upregulation in Bax and Caspase-3 and downregulation in Bcl-2, Survivin, EGFR, and VEGF protein. The CD analysis of nsLTP1 showed a significant thermostable property. In serum, nsLTP1 showed a slow degradation rate, indicating high stability with a half-life of ~ 8.4 h.ConclusionOur results revealed the potential anticancer activity of Ajwain nsLTP1 and its mechanism in inducing apoptosis. It further exhibited thermostable properties at high temperatures and in human serum, which suggested this protein as a promising anticancer agent.

Two Liberibacter Proteins Combine to Suppress Critical Innate Immune Defenses in Citrus.

We adopted a systems-based approach to determine the role of two Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) proteins, LasP235 and Effector 3, in Huanglongbing (HLB) pathogenesis. While a published work suggests the involvement of these CLas proteins HLB pathogenesis, the exact structure-based mechanism of their action has not been elucidated. We conducted the following experiments to determine the structure-based mechanisms of action. First, we immunoprecipitated the interacting citrus protein partners of LasP235 and Effector 3 from the healthy and CLas-infected Hamlin extracts and identified them by Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Second, we performed a split green fluorescent protein (GFP) assay in tobacco to validate that the interactions observed in vitro are also retained in planta. The notable in planta citrus targets of LasP235 and Effector 3 include citrus innate immune proteins. Third, in vitro and in planta studies were performed to show that LasP235 and Effector 3 interact with and inhibit the functions of multiple citrus proteins belonging to the innate immune pathways. These inhibitory interactions led to a high level of reactive oxygen species, blocking of bactericidal lipid transfer protein (LTP), and induction of premature programed cell death (PCD), all of which are beneficial to CLas lifecycle and HLB pathogenesis. Finally, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to visualize the interactions of LasP235 and Effector 3, respectively, with LTP and Kunitz protease inhibitor. This led to the design of an LTP mimic, which sequestered and blocked LasP235and rescued the bactericidal activity of LTP thereby proving that LasP235, indeed, participates in HLB pathogenesis.

Functional analyses of phosphatidylserine/PI(4)P exchangers with diverse lipid species and membrane contexts reveal unanticipated rules on lipid transfer

BackgroundLipid species are accurately distributed in the eukaryotic cell so that organelle and plasma membranes have an adequate lipid composition to support numerous cellular functions. In the plasma membrane, a precise regulation of the level of lipids such as phosphatidylserine, PI(4)P, and PI(4,5)P2, is critical for maintaining the signaling competence of the cell. Several lipid transfer proteins of the ORP/Osh family contribute to this fine-tuning by delivering PS, synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum, to the plasma membrane in exchange for PI(4)P. To get insights into the role of these PS/PI(4)P exchangers in regulating plasma membrane features, we question how they selectively recognize and transfer lipid ligands with different acyl chains, whether these proteins exchange PS exclusively for PI(4)P or additionally for PI(4,5)P2, and how sterol abundance in the plasma membrane impacts their activity.ResultsWe measured in vitro how the yeast Osh6p and human ORP8 transported PS and PI(4)P subspecies of diverse length and unsaturation degree between membranes by fluorescence-based assays. We established that the exchange activity of Osh6p and ORP8 strongly depends on whether these ligands are saturated or not, and is high with representative cellular PS and PI(4)P subspecies. Unexpectedly, we found that the speed at which these proteins individually transfer lipid ligands between membranes is inversely related to their affinity for them and that high-affinity ligands must be exchanged to be transferred more rapidly. Next we determined that Osh6p and ORP8 cannot use PI(4,5)P2 for exchange processes, because it is a low-affinity ligand, and do not transfer more PS into sterol-rich membranes.ConclusionsOur study provides new insights into PS/PI(4)P exchangers by indicating the degree to which they can regulate the acyl chain composition of the PM, and how they control PM phosphoinositide levels. Moreover, we establish general rules on how the activity of lipid transfer proteins relates to their affinity for ligands.

Biotechnological applications of versatile plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs)

Plant AMPs are usually cysteine-rich, and can be classified in several classes, including lipid transfer proteins (LTPs). LTPs are small plant cationic peptides, and can be classified in two subclasses, LTP1 (9−10 kDa) and LTP2 (7 kDa). They have been identified and isolated from various plant species and can be involved in a number of processes, including responses against several phytopathogens. LTP1 presents 4 parallel α- helices and a 310-helix fragment. These structures form a tunnel with large and small entrances. LTP2 presents 3 parallel α- helices, which form a cavity with triangular structure. Both LTP subclasses present a hydrophobic cavity, which makes interaction with different lipids and general hydrophobic molecules possible. Several studies report a broad spectrum of activity of plant LTPs, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumoral, and insecticidal activity. Thus, these molecules can be employed in human and animal health as an alternative to the conventional treatment of disease, well as providing the source of novel drugs. However, employing peptides in human health can present challenges, such as the toxicity of peptides, the difference between the results found in in vitro assays and in pre-clinical or clinical tests and their low efficiency against Gram-negative bacteria. In this context, plant LTPs can be an interesting alternative means by which to bypass such challenges. This review addresses the versatility of plant LTPs, their broad spectrum of activities and their potential applications in human and animal health and in agricultural production, and examines challenges in their biotechnological application.

Monitoring Non-vesicular Transport of Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate in Intact Cells by BRET Analysis.

Non-vesicular lipid transport via lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) at membrane contact sites (MCSs) is critical for the maintenance of the lipid composition of biological membranes. The ability to measure lipid transfer activity of diverse LTPs in live cells without interrupting the fine structural organization is essential to better understand the contribution of non-vesicular lipid transport to membrane organization. Here, we describe a semiquantitative method to analyze phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) and phosphatidylserine (PS) changes at the plasma membrane (PM) as they relate to LTP functions. This live cell method is based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) measurements between a luciferase-tagged lipid-recognizing module and a PM-targeted fluorescent acceptor. Oxysterol-binding protein-related protein (ORP) 5 is a PI4P/PS lipid transfer protein which is stably tethered to the ER and also dynamically interacts with PM PI4P/PI(4,5)P2 via its pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. We show that this method is able to detect PI4P and PS changes in the PM upon acute recruitment of an ORP5 construct to the PM. This method is convenient and robust, utilizing population of cells in 96-well plates analyzed in a plate reader. We will also highlight potential further applications extending the method for other LTPs and other lipid cargoes.

Insight into the α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Plant Lipid Transfer Proteins.

We previously characterized the inhibitory activity of human salivary α-amylase (HSA) and Callosobruchus maculatus intestinal α-amylases by the plant lipid transfer protein from Vigna unguiculata ( Vu-LTP). Herein, we further study this inhibitory activity. First by an analysis of protein α-amylase inhibitors complexed with α-amylase, we find that positively charged amino acids of inhibitors interact with the active site of α-amylases and we know that Vu-LTP is rich in positively charged amino acid residues. For this reason, we model Vu-LTP, and based on its three-dimensional structure, we choose five peptides to be synthesized. Herein, we report that two peptides of Vu-LTP are responsible for HSA inhibition. A comparison of primary and tertiary structures of LTPs with and without inhibitory activity against α-amylase, superimposed with the sequence of Vu-LTP mapped for HSA inhibition, reinforces our suggestion that positively charged amino acids in loops are responsible for the inhibition. To prove our observation, one modified peptide is synthesized in which Arg39 is replaced by Gln. This modified peptide loses the HSA inhibitory property presented by the unmodified peptide. Therefore, we describe a new biological active for Vu-LTP, i.e. the α-amylase inhibitory activity that is not a fortuitous biological activity and probably has evolved to perform a biological function which is still unknown. A good candidate should be defense against insects. The results of this study also expand the possible biotechnological applications of LTPs.

Deciphering the Evolution and Development of the Cuticle by Studying Lipid Transfer Proteins in Mosses and Liverworts.

When plants conquered land, they developed specialized organs, tissues, and cells in order to survive in this new and harsh terrestrial environment. New cell polymers such as the hydrophobic lipid-based polyesters cutin, suberin, and sporopollenin were also developed for protection against water loss, radiation, and other potentially harmful abiotic factors. Cutin and waxes are the main components of the cuticle, which is the waterproof layer covering the epidermis of many aerial organs of land plants. Although the in vivo functions of the group of lipid binding proteins known as lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are still rather unclear, there is accumulating evidence suggesting a role for LTPs in the transfer and deposition of monomers required for cuticle assembly. In this review, we first present an overview of the data connecting LTPs with cuticle synthesis. Furthermore, we propose liverworts and mosses as attractive model systems for revealing the specific function and activity of LTPs in the biosynthesis and evolution of the plant cuticle.

Serum Lipid Transfer Proteins in Hypothyreotic Patients Are Inversely Correlated with Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels.

BackgroundPlasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity is often decreased in patients with hypothyroidism, whereas less is known about the phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). We aimed to evaluate simultaneously serum CETP and PLTP activity in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism.Material/MethodsThe selection criteria for control group members (without thyroid dysfunction) in this case to case study were levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides similar to those in study group patients (101 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism). Serum CETP and PLTP activities were measured by homogenous fluorometric assays using synthetic donor particle substrates.ResultsSerum CETP and PLTP activities in hypothyreotic patients were lower (p<0.001) compared with those in healthy subjects. This lowering was associated with significant changes in HDL-C subclasses: decrease in HDL2- and increase in HDL3 cholesterol levels. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, and alcohol drinking showed a strong association between hypothyroidism and activity of lipid transfer proteins. A linear inverse relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and CETP (r=−0.21; p<0.01) and between TSH and PLTP (r=−0.24; p<0.001) was shown. There also was a positive correlation (p<0.001) between CETP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.27) and between PLTP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.37). A negative correlation between CETP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=−0.22: p<0.01) and between PLTP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=−0.24; p<0.001) has been demonstrated as well.ConclusionsThe decreased HDL2 and increased HDL3 cholesterol levels in subjects with hypothyroidism are consequences of decreased activity of lipid transfer proteins. These changes are early symptoms of lipid disturbances in hypothyroidism.

Mitochondrial cholesterol import

All animal subcellular membranes require cholesterol, which influences membrane fluidity and permeability, fission and fusion processes, and membrane protein function. The distribution of cholesterol among subcellular membranes is highly heterogeneous and the cholesterol content of each membrane must be carefully regulated. Compared to other subcellular membranes, mitochondrial membranes are cholesterol-poor, particularly the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). As a result, steroidogenesis can be controlled through the delivery of cholesterol to the IMM, where it is converted to pregnenolone. The low basal levels of cholesterol also make mitochondria sensitive to changes in cholesterol content, which can have a relatively large impact on the biophysical and functional characteristics of mitochondrial membranes. Increased mitochondrial cholesterol levels have been observed in diverse pathological conditions including cancer, steatohepatitis, Alzheimer disease and Niemann-Pick Type C1-deficiency, and are associated with increased oxidative stress, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and changes in the susceptibility to apoptosis, among other alterations in mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are not included in the vesicular trafficking network; therefore, cholesterol transport to mitochondria is mostly achieved through the activity of lipid transfer proteins at membrane contact sites or by cytosolic, diffusible lipid transfer proteins. Here we will give an overview of the main mechanisms involved in mitochondrial cholesterol import, focusing on the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein StAR/STARD1 and other members of the StAR-related lipid transfer (START) domain protein family, and we will discuss how changes in mitochondrial cholesterol levels can arise and affect mitochondrial function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Lipids of Mitochondria edited by Guenther Daum.

Purification, biochemical characterization, and antimicrobial activity of a new lipid transfer protein from Coffea canephora seeds.

Coffee, an agronomical crop of great economic importance, is also among the most commonly traded commodities in worldwide markets. Antimicrobial peptides, which play a role in plant defense, have been identified and isolated particularly from seeds. We isolated and immunolocalized Cc-LTP2, a new lipid transfer protein (LTP) from Coffea canephora seeds. We report its antimicrobial activity against various phytopathogenic fungi of economic importance, and against the bacterium Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Peptides from C. canephora seeds were initially extracted using acid buffer and subjected to ion-exchange and reverse-phase chromatographies. A purified peptide of approximately 9 kDa, which we named Cc-LTP2, was then subjected to amino acid sequencing. The analyses showed that it was similar to LTPs isolated from various plants. The tissue and subcellular localization of C. canephora LTPs indicated that they were located in cell walls and intracellular palisade parenchyma, mainly in large vacuoles. The results of immunohistochemistry and histochemistry superposed from C. canephora seed tissues showed that LTPs and lipid bodies are present in organelles, supporting the hypothesis that LTPs from seeds are involved in lipid mobilization during germination. Cc-LTP2 did inhibit the development of the phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium solani, Fusarium lateritium, and Colletotrichum sp, but did inhibit X. euvesicatoria. Cc-LTP2 also increased membrane permeability and induced endogenous production of reactive oxygen species in all the fungi tested.

Effects of Whole Grain, Fish and Bilberries on Serum Metabolic Profile and Lipid Transfer Protein Activities: A Randomized Trial (Sysdimet)

ObjectiveWe studied the combined effects of wholegrain, fish and bilberries on serum metabolic profile and lipid transfer protein activities in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.MethodsAltogether 131 subjects (40–70 y, BMI 26–39 kg/m2) with impaired glucose metabolism and features of the metabolic syndrome were randomized into three groups with 12-week periods according to a parallel study design. They consumed either: a) wholegrain and low postprandial insulin response grain products, fatty fish 3 times a week, and bilberries 3 portions per day (HealthyDiet), b) wholegrain and low postprandial insulin response grain products (WGED), or c) refined wheat breads as cereal products (Control). Altogether 106 subjects completed the study. Serum metabolic profile was studied using an NMR-based platform providing information on lipoprotein subclasses and lipids as well as low-molecular-weight metabolites.ResultsThere were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the groups at baseline or at the end of the intervention. Mixed model analyses revealed significant changes in lipid metabolites in the HealthyDiet group during the intervention compared to the Control group. All changes reflected increased polyunsaturation in plasma fatty acids, especially in n-3 PUFAs, while n-6 and n-7 fatty acids decreased. According to tertiles of changes in fish intake, a greater increase of fish intake was associated with increased concentration of large HDL particles, larger average diameter of HDL particles, and increased concentrations of large HDL lipid components, even though total levels of HDL cholesterol remained stable.ConclusionsThe results suggest that consumption of diet rich in whole grain, bilberries and especially fatty fish causes changes in HDL particles shifting their subclass distribution toward larger particles. These changes may be related to known protective functions of HDL such as reverse cholesterol transport and could partly explain the known protective effects of fish consumption against atherosclerosis.Trial RegistrationThe study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00573781.

Enhanced Detection of Lipid Transfer Protein Activity by Resonance Energy Transfer with Tetramethyl-Bodipy Labeled Lipids

Real-time monitoring of lipid transfer between membranes can be achieved with fluorescence-based approaches. Ideally, the fluorophore probe should have a high extinction coefficient, quantum yield, and photostability. We previously showed the usefulness of 4,4-difluoro-1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-8-yl (Me4-BODIPY-8) fluorophore as a lipid-probe for overcoming deficiencies of other probes [1,2]. Here, we have expanded our evaluation of Me4-BODIPY-8 sphingolipids and glycerolipids by using rhodamine 101-diglyceride (Rh101-DG), rhodamine B-diglyceride (RhB-DG), and C18-tetramethylindocarbocyanine-5,5’-disulfonic acid (C18-diI) as energy acceptors during resonance energy transfer (RET). Each RET system was assessed for sensitivity and accuracy of time-dependent, glycolipid intervesicular transfer by human glycolipid transfer protein (GLTP). Me4-BODIPY-8-PC served as negative control for GLTP specificity. A long linker chain for attaching Me4-BODIPY-8 was essential for maintaining low spontaneous transfer of Me4-BODIPY-8 lipids. Use of Rh-B-DG, Rh-101-DG and C18-DiI also minimized spontaneous transfer compared to RhB-PE and avoided the self-quenching observed when DPH-PC was used as energy donor in the RET system. Our results show that tetramethyl-BODIPY-based energy transfer approaches provide increased sensitivity over previous lipid transfer protein assay systems ([2] and references therein) and show promise for direct monitoring of lipid protein transfer activities within the cellular milieu in the visible light range. [Support: NIH/NIGMS GM45928, Hormel Foundation; Russian Foundation for Basic Research 09-04-00313] [1] Boldyrev, I.A., X. Zhai, M.M. Momsen, H.L. Brockman, R.E. Brown, and J.G. Molotkovsky. 2007. New BODIPY lipid probes for fluorescence studies of membranes. J. Lipid Res. 48: 1518-1532. [2] Mattjus, P., J. G. Molotkovsky, J.M. Smaby, R.E. Brown. 1999. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer approach for monitoring protein-mediated glycolipid transfer between vesicle membranes. Anal. Biochem. 268: 297-304.

Purification, biochemical characterization and antifungal activity of a new lipid transfer protein (LTP) from Coffea canephora seeds with α-amylase inhibitor properties

BackgroundA growing number of cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been isolated from plants and particularly from seeds. It has become increasingly clear that these peptides, which include lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), play an important role in the protection of plants against microbial infection. MethodsPeptides from Coffea canephora seeds were extracted in Tris–HCl buffer (pH 8.0), and chromatographic purification of LTP was performed by DEAE and reverse-phase HPLC. The purified peptide was submitted to amino acid sequence, antimicrobial activity and mammalian α-amylase inhibitory analyses. ResultsThe purified peptide of 9kDa had homology to LTPs isolated from different plants. Bidimensional electrophoresis of the 9kDa band showed the presence of two isoforms with pIs of 8.0 and 8.5. Cc-LTP1 exhibited strong antifungal activity, against Candida albicans, and also promoted morphological changes including the formation of pseudohyphae on Candida tropicalis, as revealed by electron micrograph. Our results show that Cc-LTP1 interfered in a dose-dependent manner with glucose-stimulated, H+-ATPase-dependent acidification of yeast medium and that the peptide permeabilized yeast plasma membranes to the dye SYTOX green, as verified by fluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, we also showed for the first time that the well characterized LTP1 family, represented here by Cc-LTP1, was also able to inhibit mammalian α-amylase activity in vitro. Conclusions and general significanceIn this work we purified, characterized and evaluated the in vitro effect on yeast of a new peptide from coffee, named Cc-LPT1, which we also showed, for the first time, the ability to inhibit mammalian α-amylase activity.

Structural Stability and Surface Activity of Sunflower 2S Albumins and Nonspecific Lipid Transfer Protein

The structural and interfacial properties of five different fractions of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) seed storage proteins were studied. The fractions comprised lipid transfer protein (LTP), the methionine-rich 2S albumin SFA8 (sunflower albumin 8), and three mixtures of non-methionine-rich 2S albumins called Alb1 and Alb2 proteins (sunflower albumins 1 and 2). Heating affected all of the proteins studied, with SFA8 and LTP becoming more surface active than the native proteins after heating and cooling. LTP appeared to be less thermostable than homologous LTPs from other plant species. SFA8 generated the greatest elastic modulus and formed the most stable emulsions, whereas LTP showed poorer emulsification properties. The mixed 2S albumin fractions showed moderate levels of surface activity but had the poorest emulsification properties among the proteins studied.

Isolation and Partial Characterization of a Novel Lipid Transfer Protein (LTP) and Antifungal Activity of Peptides from Chilli Pepper Seeds

The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize peptides present in chilli pepper seeds and evaluate their antifungal activities. An isolated peptide closer to 9 kDa showed high sequence homology to the antimicrobial peptide lipid transfer protein. The peptide fraction containing the LTP inhibited the growth of the fungi, Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrium lindemunthianum, the yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia membranifaciens, Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans, inhibited glucose-stimulated acidification of the medium by yeast cells of S. cerevisiae and caused several morphological changes in P. membranifaciens.

Effects of cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition on apolipoprotein A-II-containing HDL subspecies and apolipoprotein A-II metabolism

This study was designed to establish the mechanism responsible for the increased apolipoprotein (apo) A-II levels caused by the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor torcetrapib. Nineteen subjects with low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dl), nine of whom were also treated with 20 mg of atorvastatin daily, received placebo for 4 weeks, followed by 120 mg of torcetrapib daily for the next 4 weeks. Six subjects in the nonatorvastatin cohort participated in a third phase, in which they received 120 mg of torcetrapib twice daily for 4 weeks. At the end of each phase, subjects underwent a primed-constant infusion of [5,5,5-(2)H(3)]L-leucine to determine the kinetics of HDL apoA-II. Relative to placebo, torcetrapib significantly increased apoA-II concentrations by reducing HDL apoA-II catabolism in the atorvastatin (-9.4%, P < 0.003) and nonatorvastatin once- (-9.9%, P = 0.02) and twice- (-13.2%, P = 0.02) daily cohorts. Torcetrapib significantly increased the amount of apoA-II in the alpha-2-migrating subpopulation of HDL when given as monotherapy (27%, P < 0.02; 57%, P < 0.003) or on a background of atorvastatin (28%, P < 0.01). In contrast, torcetrapib reduced concentrations of apoA-II in alpha-3-migrating HDL, with mean reductions of -14% (P = 0.23), -18% (P < 0.02), and -18% (P < 0.01) noted during the atorvastatin and nonatorvastatin 120 mg once- and twice-daily phases, respectively. Our findings indicate that CETP inhibition increases plasma concentrations of apoA-II by delaying HDL apoA-II catabolism and significantly alters the remodeling of apoA-II-containing HDL subpopulations.

Lipid transfer protein activities in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis that may be due in part to dyslipidemia. The purpose of this study was to assess the regulatory role of lipid transfer proteins in the development of this dyslipidemia. Activities of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), as well as lipid and protein components of the major lipoprotein fractions, were evaluated in probands with IGT and were compared with those in subjects with normal glucose tolerance. The effect of a fat-rich meal on these variables was also investigated. IGT probands had a higher triglyceride content in subfractions of low- (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). IGT patients had higher fasting CETP activity. The latter was positively correlated with HDL2 triglycerides and negatively with HDL3 total cholesterol. PLTP activity and mass were not higher in IGT patients. However, PLTP activity correlated with components of VLDL and LDL and was influenced by the type of obesity. Neither CETP and PLTP activities nor PLTP mass were altered by a fat-rich meal. PLTP and CETP activities correlated in both fasting and postprandial conditions. Increased fasting CETP activity may contribute to increased risk of atherosclerosis in subjects with IGT.

Relationships between changes in plasma lipid transfer proteins and apolipoprotein B-100 kinetics during fenofibrate treatment in the metabolic syndrome

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between changes in apoB (apolipoprotein B-100) kinetics and plasma PLTP (phospholipid transfer protein) and CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) activities in men with MetS (the metabolic syndrome) treated with fenofibrate. Eleven men with MetS underwent a double-blind cross-over treatment with fenofibrate (200 mg/day) or placebo for 5 weeks. Compared with placebo, fenofibrate significantly increased the FCRs (fractional catabolic rates) of apoB in VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein), IDL (intermediate-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) (all P<0.01), with no significant reduction (-8%; P=0.131) in VLDL-apoB PR (production rate), but an almost significant increase (+15%, P=0.061) in LDL-apoB PR. Fenofibrate significantly lowered plasma TG [triacylglycerol (triglyceride); P<0.001], the VLDL-TG/apoB ratio (P=0.003) and CETP activity (P=0.004), but increased plasma HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol concentration (P<0.001) and PLTP activity (P=0.03). The increase in PLTP activity was positively associated with the increase in both LDL-apoB FCR (r=0.641, P=0.034) and PR (r=0.625, P=0.040), and this was independent of the fall in plasma CETP activity and lathosterol level. The decrease in CETP activity was positively associated with the decrease in VLDL-apoB PR (r=0.615, P=0.044), but this association was not robust and not independent of changes in PLTP activity and lathosterol levels. Hence, in MetS, the effects of fenofibrate on plasma lipid transfer protein activities, especially PLTP activity, may partially explain the associated changes in apoB kinetics.

Effect of in vitro gastric and duodenal digestion on the allergenicity of grape lipid transfer protein

Severe grape allergy has been linked to lipid transfer protein (LTP) sensitization. LTPs are known to be resistant to pepsin digestion, although the effect of gastroduodenal digestion on its allergenicity has not been reported. We sought to investigate the effect of gastric and gastroduodenal digestion on the allergenic activity of grape LTP. The proteolytic stability of grape LTP was investigated by using an in vitro model of gastrointestinal digestion. The allergenicity of LTP and its digesta was assessed in vitro by means of IgE immunoblotting, RASTs, and in vivo skin prick tests in the same patients with grape allergy. Grape LTP was resistant to gastric digestion, and yielded a 6000-d relative molecular mass C-terminally trimmed fragment after duodenal digestion. This fragment retained the in vitro IgE reactivity of the intact protein. Inclusion of phosphatidylcholine during gastric digestion protected the LTP to a limited extent against digestion. Digestion did not affect the in vivo (skin prick test) biologic activity of LTP. The allergenic activity of grape LTP was highly resistant to in vitro digestion. This property might facilitate sensitization through the gastrointestinal tract and might also potentiate the ability of LTPs to elicit severe allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. Purified natural allergens will facilitate the development of component-resolved diagnostic approaches, including allergen chips. This study contributes to our understanding of the role digestion plays in symptom elicitation in true food allergy.

The effect of thermal processing on the IgE reactivity of the non‐specific lipid transfer protein from apple, Mal d 3

Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are involved in allergy to fresh and processed fruits. We have investigated the effect of thermal treatment and glycation on the physico-chemical and IgE-binding properties of the LTP from apple (Mal d 3). Mal d 3 was purified from apple peel and the effect of heating in the absence and presence of glucose investigated by CD spectroscopy, electrospray and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. IgE reactivity was determined by RAST and immunoblot inhibition, SPT and basophil histamine release test. The identity and IgE reactivity of purified Mal d 3 was confirmed. Mild heat treatment (90 degrees C, 20 min) in the absence or presence of glucose did not alter its IgE reactivity. More severe heat treatment (100 degrees C, 2 h) induced minor changes in protein structure, but a significant decrease in IgE-binding (30-fold) and biological activity (100- to 1000-fold). Addition of glucose resulted in up to four glucose residues attached to Mal d 3 and only a 2- and 10-fold decrease of IgE-binding and biological activity, respectively. Only severe heat treatment caused a significant decrease in the allergenicity of Mal d 3 but glycation had a protective effect. The presence of sugars in fruits may contribute to the thermostability of the allergenic activity of LTP in heat-processed foods.