Heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Shinshu N-07 exerts antiobesity effects in western diet-induced obese mice.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiobesity effects of heat-killed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Shinshu N-07 (N-07) isolated from fermented Brassica rapa L. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male mice were divided into three groups (n = 10/group); normal diet, western diet (WD), or WD + N-07 (N-07) group and administered each diet for 56 days. The N-07 group showed significant suppression of body weight gain and epididymal fat, perirenal fat, and liver weights compared with the WD group. Higher levels of fecal total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) were observed in the N-07 group than in the WD group. The mRNA expression of the cholesterol transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter G5 (ABCG5) was significantly increased in the small intestine of N-07-fed mice compared with WD-fed mice. Moreover, N-07 supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of ABCG5 and ABCG8 in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, the TG- and FFA-removal ability of N-07 was confirmed to evaluate its soybean oil- and oleic acid-binding capacities in in vitro experiments. CONCLUSIONS: The antiobesity effects of N-07 might be due to its ability to promote lipid excretion by regulating cholesterol transporter expression and lipid-binding ability.

QiShenYiQi pill inhibits atherosclerosis by promoting TTC39B-LXR mediated reverse cholesterol transport in liver.

BACKGROUND: Tetranucleotide repeat domain protein 39B (TTC39B) was found to combine with ubiquitin ligase E3, and promote the ubiquitination modification of liver X receptor (LXR), which led to the inhibition of reverse cholesterol transport and development of atherosclerosis. QiShenYiQi pill (QSYQ) is a modern Chinese patent drug for treating ischemic cardiovascular diseases, the underlying mechanism is found to promote the expression of LXR-α/ ATP-binding cassette transporter G5 (ABCG5) in the liver of atherosclerotic mice. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of QSYQ on TTC39B-LXR mediated reverse cholesterol transport in atherosclerotic mice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Male apolipoprotein E gene knockout mice (7 weeks old) were fed with high-fat diet and treated with low dose of QSYQ (QSYQ-l, 0.3 g/kg·d), high dose of QSYQ (QSYQ-H, 1.2 g/kg·d) and LXR-α agonist (LXR-A, GW3965 10 mg/kg·d) for 8 weeks. C57BL/6 J mice were fed with normal diet and used as negative control. Oil red O staining, HE staining, ELISA, RNA sequencing, western blot, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, cell culture and RNA interference were performed to analyze the effect of QSYQ on atherosclerosis. RESULTS: HE staining showed that QSYQ reduced the atherosclerotic lesion significantly when compared to the control group. ELISA measurement showed that QSYQ decreased serum VLDL and increased serum ApoA1. Oil Red O staining showed that QSYQ reduced the lipid content of liver and protect liver function. Comparative transcriptome RNA-sequence of liver showed that DEGs after QSYQ treatment enriched in high-density lipoprotein particle, ubiquitin ligase complex, bile secretion, etc. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot proved that QSYQ increased the protein expression of hepatic SR-B1, LXR-α, LXR-ß, CYP7A1 and ABCG5. Targeted inhibiting Ttc39b gene in vitro further established that QSYQ inhibited the gene expression of Ttc39b, increased the protein expression of SR-B1, LXR-α/ß, CYP7A1 and ABCG5 in rat hepatocyte. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated the new anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of QSYQ by targeting TTC39B-LXR mediated reverse cholesterol transport in liver. QSYQ not only promoted reverse cholesterol transport, but also improved fatty liver and protected liver function.

Air channels create a directional light signal to regulate hypocotyl phototropism.

In plants, light direction is perceived by the phototropin photoreceptors, which trigger directional growth responses known as phototropism. The formation of a phototropin activation gradient across a photosensitive organ initiates this response. However, the optical tissue properties that functionally contribute to phototropism remain unclear. In this work, we show that intercellular air channels limit light transmittance through various organs in several species. Air channels enhance light scattering in Arabidopsis hypocotyls, thereby steepening the light gradient. This is required for an efficient phototropic response in Arabidopsis and Brassica. We identified an embryonically expressed ABC transporter required for the presence of air channels in seedlings and a structure surrounding them. Our work provides insights into intercellular air space development or maintenance and identifies a mechanism of directional light sensing in plants.

Snapshots of ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8: A Sterol's Journey to Cross the Cellular Membranes.

The subfamily-G ATP-binding cassette (ABCG) transporters play important roles in regulating cholesterol homeostasis. Recent progress in the structural data of ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8 disclose putative sterol binding sites that suggest the possible cholesterol translocation pathway. ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8 share high similarity in the overall molecular architecture, and both transporters appear to use several unique structural motifs to facilitate cholesterol transport along this pathway, including the phenylalanine highway and the hydrophobic valve. Interestingly, ABCG5/G8 is known to transport cholesterol and phytosterols, whereas ABCG1 seems to exclusively transport cholesterol. Ligand docking analysis indeed suggests a difference in recruiting sterol molecules to the known sterol-binding sites. Here, we further discuss how the different and shared structural features are relevant to their physiological functions, and finally provide our perspective on future studies in ABCG cholesterol transporters.

Effects of SNVs in ABCA1, ABCG1, ABCG5, ABCG8, and SCARB1 Genes on Plasma Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Adiposity Markers in a Brazilian Population.

Several proteins are involved in cholesterol homeostasis, as scavenger receptor class B type I and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters including ABCA1, ABCG1, ABCG5, and ABCG8. This study aimed to determine the effects of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) rs2275543 (ABCA1), rs1893590 (ABCG1), rs6720173 (ABCG5), rs6544718 (ABCG8), and rs5888 (SCARB1) on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and adiposity markers in an asymptomatic population and its sex-specific effects. Volunteers (n = 590) were selected and plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and adiposity markers (waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios, lipid accumulation product and body adiposity index) were measured. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells according to the method adapted from Gross-Bellard. SNVs were detected in the TaqMan® OpenArray® Real-Time polymerase chain reaction platform and data analyses were performed using the TaqMan® Genotyper Software. The rs2275543*C point to an increase of high-density lipoprotein size in females while in males very-low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, and triglycerides were statistically lower (P value < 0.05). The rs1893590*C was statistically associated with lower apolipoprotein A-I levels and higher activities of paraoxonase-1 and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (P value < 0.05). The rs6720173 was statistically associated with an increase in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in males; moreover, rs6544718*T reduced adiposity markers in females (P value < 0.05). Regarding the rs5888, a decreased adiposity marker in the total population and in females occurred (P value < 0.05). Multivariate analysis of variance showed that SNVs could influence components of high-density lipoprotein metabolism, mainly through ABCG1 (P value < 0.05). The ABCA1 and ABCG5 variants showed sex-specific effects on lipids and lipoproteins, while SCARB1 and ABCG8 variants might influence adiposity markers in females. Our data indicate a possible role of ABCG1 on HDL metabolism.

Structure of the Human Cholesterol Transporter ABCG1.

ABCG1 is an ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter that removes excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues. Despite its role in preventing lipid accumulation and the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, the mechanism underpinning ABCG1-mediated cholesterol transport is unknown. Here we report a cryo-EM structure of human ABCG1 at 4 Å resolution in an inward-open state, featuring sterol-like density in the binding cavity. Structural comparison with the multidrug transporter ABCG2 and the sterol transporter ABCG5/G8 reveals the basis of mechanistic differences and distinct substrate specificity. Benzamil and taurocholate inhibited the ATPase activity of liposome-reconstituted ABCG1, whereas the ABCG2 inhibitor Ko143 did not. Based on the structural insights into ABCG1, we propose a mechanism for ABCG1-mediated cholesterol transport.

Regulation of the expression of cholesterol transporters by lipid-lowering drugs ezetimibe and pemafibrate in rat liver and intestine.

Ezetimibe and pemafibrate are lipid-lowering drugs and promote reverse cholesterol transport. However, it is unknown whether cholesterol is mainly excreted by hepatobiliary excretion or by non-biliary transintestinal cholesterol efflux (TICE). We evaluated the effects of ezetimibe and pemafibrate on hepatic and intestinal cholesterol transporter regulation in Sham-operated rats, and examined the effects of these drugs on TICE in bile duct-ligated rats. Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated as follows for two weeks: 1) Sham, Sham operation; 2) BDL, bile duct ligation; 3) E-Sham, Sham + ezetimibe; 4) E-BDL, BDL + ezetimibe; 5) P-Sham, Sham + pemafibrate; and 6) P-BDL, BDL + pemafibrate. Blood, liver, jejunum, and feces were collected 72 h post-surgery. Hepatic cholesterol levels were decreased in P-Sham and E-Sham, and were lower in E-BDL and P-BDL than in BDL. Fecal cholesterol levels increased in E-Sham and P-Sham compared with Sham, and were higher in E-BDL and P-BDL than in BDL. In liver, Abcg5 mRNA showed induction in E-Sham, Abcg5 and Abca1 mRNA were induced in P-Sham, Abcg5 mRNA was reduced in E-BDL, and Abca1 mRNA was increased in P-BDL. In jejunum, Abcg5 mRNA was induced in E-Sham. Abcg8 mRNA was induced in E-Sham and P-Sham. NPC1L1 mRNA showed reduced expression in P-Sham and P-BDL. SR-B1 mRNA was reduced in P-Sham, and the expression decreased in P-BDL. LDL receptor mRNA was induced in BDL and P-BDL. Ezetimibe and pemafibrate may promote TICE by increasing Abcg5/g8, while pemafibrate may inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption by decreasing SR-B1 and NPC1L1.

NF-κB Regulation of LRH-1 and ABCG5/8 Potentiates Phytosterol Role in the Pathogenesis of Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Cholestasis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronically administered parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with intestinal failure carries the risk for developing PN-associated cholestasis (PNAC). We have demonstrated that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and liver X receptor (LXR), proinflammatory interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and infused phytosterols are important in murine PNAC pathogenesis. In this study we examined the role of nuclear receptor liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1) and phytosterols in PNAC. APPROACH AND RESULTS: In a C57BL/6 PNAC mouse model (dextran sulfate sodium [DSS] pretreatment followed by 14 days of PN; DSS-PN), hepatic nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A, member 2/LRH-1 mRNA, LRH-1 protein expression, and binding of LRH-1 at the Abcg5/8 and Cyp7a1 promoter was reduced. Interleukin-1 receptor-deficient mice (Il-1r-/- /DSS-PN) were protected from PNAC and had significantly increased hepatic mRNA and protein expression of LRH-1. NF-κB activation and binding to the LRH-1 promoter were increased in DSS-PN PNAC mice and normalized in Il-1r-/- /DSS-PN mice. Knockdown of NF-κB in IL-1ß-exposed HepG2 cells increased expression of LRH-1 and ABCG5. Treatment of HepG2 cells and primary mouse hepatocytes with an LRH-1 inverse agonist, ML179, significantly reduced mRNA expression of FXR targets ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 2/multidrug resistance associated protein 2 (ABCC2/MRP2), nuclear receptor subfamily 0, groupB, member 2/small heterodimer partner (NR0B2/SHP), and ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 11/bile salt export pump (ABCB11/BSEP). Co-incubation with phytosterols further reduced expression of these genes. Similar results were obtained by suppressing the LRH-1 targets ABCG5/8 by treatment with small interfering RNA, IL-1ß, or LXR antagonist GSK2033. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments in HepG2 cells showed that ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 5/8 (ABCG5/8) suppression by GSK2033 increased the accumulation of phytosterols and reduced binding of FXR to the SHP promoter. Finally, treatment with LRH-1 agonist, dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine (DLPC) protected DSS-PN mice from PNAC. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that NF-κB regulation of LRH-1 and downstream genes may affect phytosterol-mediated antagonism of FXR signaling in the pathogenesis of PNAC. LRH-1 could be a potential therapeutic target for PNAC.

Cryo-EM structure of ABCG5/G8 in complex with modulating antibodies.

The heterodimer of ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCG5 and ABCG8 mediates the excretion of sterols from liver and intestine, playing a critical role in cholesterol homeostasis. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of ABCG5/G8 in complex with the Fab fragments from two monoclonal antibodies at 3.3Å resolution. The high-resolution structure reveals a unique dimer interface between the nucleotide-binding domains (NBD) of opposing transporters, consisting of an ordered network of salt bridges between the conserved NPXDFXXD motif and serving as a pivot point that may be important for the transport cycle. While mAb 11F4 increases the ATPase activity potentially by stabilization of the NBD dimer formation, mAb 2E10 inhibits ATP hydrolysis, likely by restricting the relative movement between the RecA and helical domain of ABCG8 NBD. Our study not only provides insights into the structural elements important for the transport cycle but also reveals novel epitopes for potential therapeutic interventions.

Sitosterolemia: Twenty Years of Discovery of the Function of ABCG5ABCG8.

Sitosterolemia is a lipid disorder characterized by the accumulation of dietary xenosterols in plasma and tissues caused by mutations in either ABCG5 or ABCG8. ABCG5 ABCG8 encodes a pair of ABC half transporters that form a heterodimer (G5G8), which then traffics to the surface of hepatocytes and enterocytes and promotes the secretion of cholesterol and xenosterols into the bile and the intestinal lumen. We review the literature from the initial description of the disease, the discovery of its genetic basis, current therapy, and what has been learned from animal, cellular, and molecular investigations of the transporter in the twenty years since its discovery. The genomic era has revealed that there are far more carriers of loss of function mutations and likely pathogenic variants of ABCG5 ABCG8 than previously thought. The impact of these variants on G5G8 structure and activity are largely unknown. We propose a classification system for ABCG5 ABCG8 mutants based on previously published systems for diseases caused by defects in ABC transporters. This system establishes a framework for the comprehensive analysis of disease-associated variants and their impact on G5G8 structure-function.

Hypothyroidism Increases Cholesterol Gallstone Prevalence in Mice by Elevated Hydrophobicity of Primary Bile Acids.

Background: Thyroid hormone (TH) deficiency has been associated with increased cholesterol gallstone prevalence. Hypothyroidism impacts hepatic lipid homeostasis, biliary secretion, gallbladder motility, and gallstone (LITH) gene expression, all potential factors contributing to cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD). However, how TH deficiency may lead to gallstone formation is still poorly understood. Therefore, we performed molecular studies in a CGD mouse model under lithogenic conditions and modulation of TH status. Methods: Male, three-month-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control (euthyroid) group, a hypothyroid (hypo) group, a gallstone (litho) group, and a gallstone+hypothyroid (litho+hypo) group and were treated for 2, 4, and 6 weeks (n = 8/treatment period). Gallstone prevalence, biliary composition and cholesterol crystals, hepatic expression of genes participating in cholesterol, bile acid (BA), and phosphatidylcholine synthesis (Hmgcr, Cyp7a1, Pcyt1a), and canalicular transport (Abcg5, Bsep, Abcb4) were investigated. Results: Increased cholesterol gallstone prevalence was observed in hypothyroid mice under lithogenic diet after 4 and 6 weeks of treatment (4 weeks: 25% vs. 0%; 6 weeks: 75% vs. 37.5%). Interestingly, neither the composition of the three main biliary components, cholesterol, BAs, and phosphatidylcholine, nor the hepatic expression of genes involved in synthesis and transport could explain the differences in cholesterol gallstone formation in the mice. However, TH deficiency resulted in significantly increased hydrophobicity of primary BAs in bile. Furthermore, downregulation of hepatic sulfonation enzymes Papss2 and Sult2a8 as well as diminished biliary BA sulfate concentrations in mice were observed under hypothyroid conditions all contributing to a lithogenic biliary milieu as evidenced by microscopic cholesterol crystals and macroscopic gallstone formation. Conclusions: We describe a novel pathogenic link between TH deficiency and CGD and suggest that the increased hydrophobic character of biliary BAs due to the diminished expression of hepatic detoxification enzymes promotes cholesterol crystal precipitation and enhances cholesterol gallstone formation in the bile of hypothyroid mice.

Transmembrane Polar Relay Drives the Allosteric Regulation for ABCG5/G8 Sterol Transporter.

The heterodimeric ATP-binding cassette (ABC) sterol transporter, ABCG5/G8, is responsible for the biliary and transintestinal secretion of cholesterol and dietary plant sterols. Missense mutations of ABCG5/G8 can cause sitosterolemia, a loss-of-function disorder characterized by plant sterol accumulation and premature atherosclerosis. A new molecular framework was recently established by a crystal structure of human ABCG5/G8 and reveals a network of polar and charged amino acids in the core of the transmembrane domains, namely, a polar relay. In this study, we utilize genetic variants to dissect the mechanistic role of this transmembrane polar relay in controlling ABCG5/G8 function. We demonstrated a sterol-coupled ATPase activity of ABCG5/G8 by cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS), a relatively water-soluble cholesterol memetic, and characterized CHS-coupled ATPase activity of three loss-of-function missense variants, R543S, E146Q, and A540F, which are respectively within, in contact with, and distant from the polar relay. The results established an in vitro phenotype of the loss-of-function and missense mutations of ABCG5/G8, showing significantly impaired ATPase activity and loss of energy sufficient to weaken the signal transmission from the transmembrane domains. Our data provide a biochemical evidence underlying the importance of the polar relay and its network in regulating the catalytic activity of ABCG5/G8 sterol transporter.

Alisol B 23-acetate activates ABCG5/G8 in the jejunum via the LXRα/ACAT2 pathway to relieve atherosclerosis in ovariectomized ApoE-/- mice.

Phytosterols have been shown to improve blood lipid levels and treat atherosclerosis. This research investigated the effects of phytosterol Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A) on jejunum lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. The results show that intragastric administration of AB23A can significantly reduce atherosclerotic plaque area and lipid accumulation in the jejunum of ovariectomized ApoE-/- mice fed a high-fat diet and can also improve the lipid mass spectra of the plasma and jejunum. In vitro studies have shown that AB23A can increase cholesterol outflow in Caco-2 cells exposed to high fat concentrations and increase the expression of ATP-binding cassette transfer proteins G5/G8 (ABCG5/G8), the liver X receptor α (LXRα). Furthermore, inhibition of LXRα can significantly eliminate the active effect of AB23A on decreasing intracellular lipid accumulation. We also confirmed that AB23A has a negative effect on Acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) in Caco-2 cells cultured in the high concentrations of fat, and we found that AB23A further reduces ACAT2 expression in cells treated with the ACAT2 inhibitor pyripyropene or transfected with ACAT2 siRNA. In conclusion, we confirmed that AB23A can reduce the absorption of dietary lipids in the jejunum by affecting the LXRα-ACAT2-ABCG5/G8 pathway and ultimately exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect.

Hypolipidemic Roles of Casein-Derived Peptides by Regulation of Trans-Intestinal Cholesterol Excretion and Bile Acid Synthesis.

Hyperlipidemia, a syndrome characterized by an abnormal elevation of blood lipids, causes chronic lethal metabolic disorders. Although statins are regularly prescribed to patients, an alternative to treat the burden of excessive lipids is required for cholesterol control. In this study, it was found that the treatment of casein hydrolyzed by pepsin and trypsin induced trans-intestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE) through ATP-binding cassette subfamily G members 5 (ABCG5) expression. Next, we analyzed sequences of the peptides responsible for TICE induction, synthesized artificial peptides based on the sequences, and the hypolipidemic effects of the peptide treatments were assessed in both in vitro and in vivo models. We determined that two bioactive peptides contained in casein hydrolysates (SQSKVLPVPQK and HPHPHLSF) induced TICE through the expression of ABCG5 in enterocytes and suppressed hepatic mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and CYP8B1by ileal FGF19 expression both in an liver X receptor α (LXRα)-mediated manner. In the hyperlipidemic mouse models, the oral administration of peptides reduced serum cholesterol levels through elevation of the ABCG5 expression in proximal intestine and fecal cholesterol secretion. Besides this, peptides induced ileal expression of fibroblast growth factor 15/19 (FGF15/19) and inhibited hepatic bile acid synthesis. We found that the oral treatment of casein-derived bioactive peptides could improve hyperlipidemia by regulating intestinal excretion and hepatic synthesis of cholesterols.

Modulation of sphingosine 1-phosphate by hepatobiliary cholesterol handling.

Hepatobiliary cholesterol handling, mediated by Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein (NPC1L1) and ABCG5/8, is well-known to contribute to the homeostasis of cholesterol. We attempted to elucidate the impact of hepatobiliary cholesterol handling on the homeostasis of sphingolipids and lysophospholipids, especially sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). We induced the overexpression of NPC1L1 or ABCG5/8 in the mouse liver. Hepatic NPC1L1 overexpression increased the plasma and hepatic S1P levels, while it decreased the biliary S1P levels, and all of these changes were inhibited by ezetimibe. The ability of HDL to activate Akt in the endothelial cells was augmented by hepatic NPC1L1 overexpression. NPC1L1-mediated S1P transport was confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo studies conducted using C17 S1P, an exogenous S1P analog. Upregulation of apolipoprotein M (apoM) was involved in these modulations, although apoM was not necessary for these modulations. Moreover, the increase in the plasma S1P levels also observed in ABCG5/8-overexpressing mice was dependent on the elevation of the plasma apoM levels. In regard to other sphingolipids and lysophospholipids, ceramides were similarly modulated by NPC1L1 to S1P, while other lipids were differently influenced by NPC1L1 or ABCG5/8 from S1P. Hepatobiliary cholesterol handling might also regulate the functional lipids, such as S1P.

Picky ABCG5/G8 and promiscuous ABCG2 - a tale of fatty diets and drug toxicity.

Structural data on ABCG5/G8 and ABCG2 reveal a unique molecular architecture for subfamily G ATP-binding cassette (ABCG) transporters and disclose putative substrate-binding sites. ABCG5/G8 and ABCG2 appear to use several unique structural motifs to execute transport, including the triple helical bundles, the membrane-embedded polar relay, the re-entry helices, and a hydrophobic valve. Interestingly, ABCG2 shows extreme substrate promiscuity, whereas ABCG5/G8 transports only sterol molecules. ABCG2 structures suggest a large internal cavity, serving as a binding region for substrates and inhibitors, while mutational and pharmacological analyses support the notion of multiple binding sites. By contrast, ABCG5/G8 shows a collapsed cavity of insufficient size to hold substrates. Indeed, mutational analyses indicate a sterol-binding site at the hydrophobic interface between the transporter and the lipid bilayer. In this review, we highlight key differences and similarities between ABCG2 and ABCG5/G8 structures. We further discuss the relevance of distinct and shared structural features in the context of their physiological functions. Finally, we elaborate on how ABCG2 and ABCG5/G8 could pave the way for studies on other ABCG transporters.

Lactobacillus Strains Alleviated Hyperlipidemia and Liver Steatosis in Aging Rats via Activation of AMPK.

In this study, we hypothesized that different strains of Lactobacillus can alleviate hyperlipidemia and liver steatosis via activation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that is involved in cellular energy homeostasis, in aged rats. Male rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and injected with D-galactose daily over 12 weeks to induce aging. Treatments included (n = 6) (i) normal diet (ND), (ii) HFD, (iii) HFD-statin (lovastatin 2 mg/kg/day), (iv) HFD-Lactobacillus fermentum DR9 (10 log CFU/day), (v) HFD-Lactobacillus plantarum DR7 (10 log CFU/day), and (vi) HFD-Lactobacillus reuteri 8513d (10 log CFU/day). Rats administered with statin, DR9, and 8513d reduced serum total cholesterol levels after eight weeks (p < 0.05), while the administration of DR7 reduced serum triglycerides level after 12 weeks (p < 0.05) as compared to the HFD control. A more prominent effect was observed from the administration of DR7, where positive effects were observed, ranging from hepatic gene expressions to liver histology as compared to the control (p < 0.05); downregulation of hepatic lipid synthesis and ß-oxidation gene stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), upregulation of hepatic sterol excretion genes of ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 5 and 8 (ABCG5 and ABCG8), lesser degree of liver steatosis, and upregulation of hepatic energy metabolisms genes AMPKα1 and AMPKα2. Taken altogether, this study illustrated that the administration of selected Lactobacillus strains led to improved lipid profiles via activation of energy and lipid metabolisms, suggesting the potentials of Lactobacillus as a promising natural intervention for alleviation of cardiovascular and liver diseases.

Efficacy of Lidan Tang on high-fat-diet induced hepatolithiasis in mice and possible mechanism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate efficacy of Lidan Tang (LDT) on gallstone induced by high fat diet in mice, and to study its underlying mechanism. METHODS: Mice were fed with high fat diet every day and treated with LDT (9.01 times of human clinic dosage). Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups as control group, gallstone model group (high-fat diet), positive control ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) group (80 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.), LDT low dose group (6 kg/d, i.g.), LDT middle dose group (12 kg/d, i.g.), and LDT high dose group (24 kg/d, i.g.). The whole experiment was lasted for 4 weeks. The levels of ALT, AST, LDH, CHO, HDL-C and LDL-C in serum were measured, the pathological sections were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured by kits, and the proteins related to oxidative stress and lipid transport were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: LDT could significantly reduce the contents of ALT and AST in serum and improve the pathological tissue of liver. LDT could significantly reduce the content of MDA and LPO, and increase the level of GSH and GSH-PX in liver tissue. The data of Western blot showed that LDT had antioxidant effect promoting Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and regulated the process of lipid transport, which was statistically significant. In addition, LDT treatment inhibited the expression of ATP-binding cassette transports ABCG5/8 in liver, and reduced cholesterol transport from the hepatocytes to the gallbladder. CONCLUSION: LDT has protective effect on gallstones induced by high fat diet in mice, which might be based on the protective effect on liver, including enhancing the antioxidant capacity of liver and reducing the production of lipid peroxides.

NPC1L1 and ABCG5/8 induction explain synergistic fecal cholesterol excretion in ob/ob mice co-treated with PPAR-α and LXR agonists.

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and transintestinal cholesterol efflux (TICE) are two important pathways for body cholesterol elimination. We studied these pathways in an animal model of diabetes and obesity (ob/ob) where HDL function is compromised as a result of hyperglycemia, low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. Co-treatment of ob/ob mice with PPAR-α (fenofibrate) and LXR (T0901317) agonists increased fecal cholesterol by 12-fold; PPAR-α and LXR agonists individually showed 2.6- and 4.0-fold fecal cholesterol excretion, respectively. We investigated the mechanism of synergistic efficacy of PPAR-α and LXR agonists in fecal cholesterol excretion. LXR agonist and the combination of PPAR-α and LXR agonists had greater HDL-C elevation. Ex vivo cholesterol efflux showed correlation with the fecal cholesterol excretion but was not sufficient to explain 12-fold increases in the fecal cholesterol in the co-treated mice. Therefore, we examined TICE to explain the 12-fold increases in the fecal cholesterol. A strong positive correlation of fecal cholesterol with ATP binding cassette transporter G5 (ABCG5) and G8 and a negative correlation with NPC1L1 was observed. ABCG5, G8 and NPC1L1 are involved in intestinal cholesterol absorption. The extent of influence of PPAR-α and LXR agonists on RCT and TICE was distinctly different. PPAR-α agonist increased fecal cholesterol primarily by influencing TICE, while LXR agonist influenced fecal cholesterol excretion via both RCT and TICE mechanisms. Synergistic efficacy on fecal cholesterol excretion following co-treatment with PPAR-α and LXR agonists occurred through a combination of RCT, TICE, and the key enzyme in bile synthesis, cholesterol 7-α hydroxylase (cyp7a1). These results suggest that cholesterol efflux, biliary cholesterol excretion, and TICE collectively contributed to the 12-fold increases in the fecal cholesterol excretion in ob/ob mice co-treated with PPAR-α and LXR agonists.

Recent Advances in the Critical Role of the Sterol Efflux Transporters ABCG5/G8 in Health and Disease.

Cardiovascular disease is characterized by lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, cell death, and fibrosis in the arterial wall and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cholesterol gallstone disease is caused by complex genetic and environmental factors and is one of the most prevalent and costly digestive diseases in the USA and Europe. Although sitosterolemia is a rare inherited lipid storage disease, its genetic studies led to identification of the sterol efflux transporters ABCG5/G8 that are located on chromosome 2p21 in humans and chromosome 17 in mice. Human and animal studies have clearly demonstrated that ABCG5/G8 play a critical role in regulating hepatic secretion and intestinal absorption of cholesterol and plant sterols. Sitosterolemia is caused by a mutation in either the ABCG5 or the ABCG8 gene alone, but not in both simultaneously. Polymorphisms in the ABCG5/G8 genes are associated with abnormal plasma cholesterol metabolism and may play a key role in the genetic determination of plasma cholesterol concentrations. Moreover, ABCG5/G8 is a new gallstone gene, LITH9. Gallstone-associated variants in ABCG5/G8 are involved in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones in European, Asian, and South American populations. In this chapter, we summarize the latest advances in the critical role of the sterol efflux transporters ABCG5/G8 in regulating hepatic secretion of biliary cholesterol, intestinal absorption of cholesterol and plant sterols, the classical reverse cholesterol transport, and the newly established transintestinal cholesterol excretion, as well as in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of ABCG5/G8-related metabolic diseases such as sitosterolemia, cardiovascular disease, and cholesterol gallstone disease.