Endothelial cell CD36 regulates membrane ceramide formation, exosome fatty acid transfer and circulating fatty acid levels.

Endothelial cell (EC) CD36 controls tissue fatty acid (FA) uptake. Here we examine how ECs transfer FAs. FA interaction with apical membrane CD36 induces Src phosphorylation of caveolin-1 tyrosine-14 (Cav-1Y14) and ceramide generation in caveolae. Ensuing fission of caveolae yields vesicles containing FAs, CD36 and ceramide that are secreted basolaterally as small (80-100 nm) exosome-like extracellular vesicles (sEVs). We visualize in transwells EC transfer of FAs in sEVs to underlying myotubes. In mice with EC-expression of the exosome marker emeraldGFP-CD63, muscle fibers accumulate circulating FAs in emGFP-labeled puncta. The FA-sEV pathway is mapped through its suppression by CD36 depletion, blocking actin-remodeling, Src inhibition, Cav-1Y14 mutation, and neutral sphingomyelinase 2 inhibition. Suppression of sEV formation in mice reduces muscle FA uptake, raises circulating FAs, which remain in blood vessels, and lowers glucose, mimicking prominent Cd36-/- mice phenotypes. The findings show that FA uptake influences membrane ceramide, endocytosis, and EC communication with parenchymal cells.

A mouse model with features of familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) is a common inherited lipid disorder, affecting 1 to 2 percent of the population in Westernized societies. Individuals with FCHL have large quantities of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and develop premature coronary heart disease. A mouse model displaying some of the features of FCHL was created by crossing mice carrying the human apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3) transgene with mice deficient in the LDL receptor. A synergistic interaction between the apolipoprotein C-III and the LDL receptor defects produced large quantities of VLDL and LDL and enhanced the development of atherosclerosis. This mouse model may provide clues to the origin of human FCHL.

Role of lipoprotein lipase in the regulation of high density lipoprotein apolipoprotein metabolism. Studies in normal and lipoprotein lipase-inhibited monkeys.

Mechanisms that might be responsible for the low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) associated with hypertriglyceridemia were studied in an animal model. Specific monoclonal antibodies were infused into female cynomolgus monkeys to inhibit lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the rate-limiting enzyme for triglyceride catabolism. LPL inhibition produced marked and sustained hypertriglyceridemia, with plasma triglyceride levels of 633-1240 mg/dl. HDL protein and cholesterol and plasma apolipoprotein (apo) AI levels decreased; HDL triglyceride (TG) levels increased. The fractional catabolic rate of homologous monkey HDL apolipoproteins injected into LPL-inhibited animals (n = 7) was more than double that of normal animals (0.094 +/- 0.010 vs. 0.037 +/- 0.001 pools of HDL protein removed per hour, average +/- SEM). The fractional catabolic rate of low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein did not differ between the two groups of animals. Using HDL apolipoproteins labeled with tyramine-cellobiose, the tissues responsible for this increased HDL apolipoprotein catabolism were explored. A greater proportion of HDL apolipoprotein degradation occurred in the kidneys of hypertriglyceridemic than normal animals; the proportions in liver were the same in normal and LPL-inhibited monkeys. Hypertriglyceridemia due to LPL deficiency is associated with low levels of circulating HDL cholesterol and apo AI. This is due, in part, to increased fractional catabolism of apo AI. Our studies suggest that variations in the rate of LPL-mediated lipolysis of TG-rich lipoproteins may lead to differences in HDL apolipoprotein fractional catabolic rate.

Association of plasma lipoproteins with postheparin lipase activities.

Studies were designed to explore the association of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) activities with lipoproteins in human postheparin plasma (PHP). The major peak of LPL activity after gel filtration of PHP eluted after the triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and just before the peak of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. When PHP contained chylomicrons, an additional peak of LPL activity eluted in the void volume of the column. Most HTGL activity eluted after the LDL and preceded the elution of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. LPL activity in preheparin plasma eluted in the same position, relative to lipoproteins, as did LPL in PHP. Gel filtration of purified human milk LPL mixed with plasma or isolated LDL produced a peak of activity eluting before LDL. During gel filtration of PHP in high salt buffer (1 M NaCl) or after isolation of lipoproteins by ultracentrifugation in high salt density solutions, most of the lipase activity was not associated with lipoproteins. LPL activity was removed from PHP by elution through immunoaffinity columns containing antibodies to apolipoprotein (apo) B and apo E. Since lipoproteins in PHP have undergone prior in vivo lipolysis, LPL activity in PHP may be bound to remnants of chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins.

Lipoprotein lipase increases low density lipoprotein retention by subendothelial cell matrix.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the rate-limiting enzyme for hydrolysis of plasma lipoprotein triglycerides, is a normal constituent of the arterial wall. We explored whether LPL affects (a) lipoprotein transport across bovine aortic endothelial cells or (b) lipoprotein binding to subendothelial cell matrix (retention). When bovine milk LPL was added to endothelial cell monolayers before addition of 125I-labeled LDL, LDL transport across the monolayers was unchanged; but, at all concentrations of LDL tested (1-100 micrograms), LDL retention by the monolayers increased more than fourfold. 125I-labeled LDL binding to extracellular matrix increased when LPL was added directly to the matrix or was added to the basolateral side of the endothelial cell monolayers. Increased LDL binding required the presence of LPL and was not associated with LDL aggregation. LPL also increased VLDL, but not HDL, retention. Monoclonal anti-LPL IgG decreased both VLDL and LDL retention in the presence of LPL. Lipoprotein transport across the monolayers increased during hydrolysis of VLDL triglyceride (TG). In the presence of LPL and VLDL, VLDL transport across the monolayers increased 18% and LDL transport increased 37%. High molar concentrations of oleic acid to bovine serum albumin (3:1) in the medium increased VLDL transport approximately 30%. LDL transport increased 42% when oleic acid was added to the media. Therefore, LPL primarily increased retention of LDL and VLDL. A less remarkable increase in lipoprotein transport was found during hydrolysis of TG-containing lipoproteins. We hypothesize that LPL-mediated VLDL and LDL retention within the arterial wall potentiates conversion of these lipoproteins to more atherogenic forms.

Subendothelial retention of lipoprotein (a). Evidence that reduced heparan sulfate promotes lipoprotein binding to subendothelial matrix.

Vessel wall subendothelial extracellular matrix, a dense mesh formed of collagens, fibronectin, laminin, and proteoglycans, has important roles in lipid and lipoprotein retention and cell adhesion. In atherosclerosis, vessel wall heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) are decreased and we therefore tested whether selective loss of HSPG affects lipoprotein retention. A matrix synthesized by aortic endothelial cells and a commercially available matrix (Matrigel; , Rutherford, NJ) were used. Treatment of matrix with heparinase/heparitinase (1 U/ml each) increased LDL binding by approximately 1.5-fold. Binding of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] to both subendothelial matrix and Matrigel(R) increased 2-10-fold when the HSPG were removed by heparinase treatment. Incubation of endothelial cells with oxidized LDL (OxLDL) or lysolecithin resulted in decreased matrix proteoglycans and increased Lp(a) retention by matrix. The effect of OxLDL or lysolecithin on endothelial PG was abolished in the presence of HDL. The decrease in matrix HSPG was associated with production of a heparanase-like activity by OxLDL-stimulated endothelial cells. To test whether removal of HSPG exposes fibronectin, a candidate Lp(a) binding protein in the matrix, antifibronectin antibodies were used. The increased Lp(a) binding after HSPG removal was inhibited 60% by antifibronectin antibodies. Similarly, the increased Lp(a) binding to matrix from OxLDL-treated endothelial cells was inhibited by antifibronectin antibodies. We hypothesize that atherogenic lipoproteins stimulate endothelial cell production of heparanase. This enzyme reduces HSPG which in turn promotes Lp(a) retention.

Lipoprotein metabolism during acute inhibition of lipoprotein lipase in the cynomolgus monkey.

To clarify the role of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the catabolism of nascent and circulating very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and in the conversion of VLDL to low density lipoproteins (LDL), studies were performed in which LPL activity was inhibited in the cynomolgus monkey by intravenous infusion of inhibitory polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. Inhibition of LPL activity resulted in a three- to fivefold increase in plasma triglyceride levels within 3 h. Analytical ultracentrifugation and gradient gel electrophoresis demonstrated an increase predominantly in more buoyant, larger VLDL (Sf 400-60). LDL and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels fell during this same time period, whereas triglyceride in LDL and HDL increased. Kinetic studies, utilizing radiolabeled human VLDL, demonstrated that LPL inhibition resulted in a marked decrease in the catabolism of large (Sf 400-100) VLDL apolipoprotein B (apoB). The catabolism of more dense VLDL (Sf 60-20) was also inhibited, although to a lesser extent. However, there was a complete block in the conversion of tracer in both Sf 400-100 and 60-20 VLDL apoB into LDL during LPL inhibition. Similarly, endogenous labeling of VLDL using [3H]leucine demonstrated that in the absence of LPL, no radiolabeled apoB appeared in LDL. We conclude that although catabolism of dense VLDL continues in the absence of LPL, this enzyme is required for the generation of LDL.

Lack of effect of lovastatin therapy on the parameters of whole-body cholesterol metabolism.

UNLABELLED: The effects of lovastatin therapy on the parameters of body cholesterol metabolism were explored in nine hypercholesterolemic patients. Long-term cholesterol turnover studies were performed before therapy, and were repeated after 15 mo of lovastatin therapy (40 mg/d) while continuing on therapy. The major question addressed was whether a reduction in plasma cholesterol level with lovastatin would be associated with a reduction in the whole-body production rate of cholesterol or with the sizes of exchangeable body cholesterol pools as determined by the three-pool model of cholesterol turnover. The mean plasma cholesterol level decreased 19.4% (from 294 to 237 mg/dl), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased 23.8% (from 210 to 159 mg/dl) with lovastatin therapy. Changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level were not significant. The cholesterol production rate did not change significantly with therapy (1.09 +/- 0.10 [mean +/- S.D.] vs. 1.17 +/- 0.09 g/d). By comparison, colestipol and niacin treatment in three other subjects more than doubled the cholesterol production rate (1.14 +/- 0.28 vs. 2.42 +/- 0.34 g/d). Thus, hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibition by lovastatin at the therapeutic dose used here did not change the steady-state rate of whole-body cholesterol synthesis. Despite the changes in plasma cholesterol levels, no significant changes were seen in the values of M1, of M3 or of Mtot, the sizes of the pools of rapidly, of slowly, and of total body exchangeable cholesterol. CONCLUSION: lovastatin therapy to lower plasma cholesterol does not lead to corresponding reductions in body cholesterol pools or to a reduction in the rate of whole-body cholesterol synthesis. In the new steady state that exists during long-term lovastatin therapy, along with increased expression of the genes for HMG-CoA reductase and the LDL receptor, the body compensates for the effects of the drug so that cholesterol production rate and tissue pool sizes are not changed from pretreatment values.

Human ApoA-II inhibits the hydrolysis of HDL triglyceride and the decrease of HDL size induced by hypertriglyceridemia and cholesteryl ester transfer protein in transgenic mice.

The plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the exchange of HDL cholesteryl esters with triglycerides of other lipoproteins. Subsequent lipolysis of the triglyceride-enriched HDL by hepatic lipase leads to reductions of HDL size and apoA-I content. To investigate a possible modulation of the effects of CETP by apoA-II, human CETP transgenic mice were cross-bred with transgenic mice expressing human apoA-II and, in some cases, human apoA-I and apoC-III (with human-like HDL and hypertriglyceridemia). CETP expression resulted in reductions of HDL and increases in VLDL cholesteryl ester in mice expressing human apoA-II, alone or in combination with apoA-I and apoC-III, indicating that apoA-II does not inhibit the cholesteryl ester transfer activity of CETP. However, CETP expression resulted in more prominent increases in HDL triglyceride in mice expressing both apoA-II and CETP, especially in CETP/apoA-II/apoAI-CIII transgenic mice. CETP expression caused dramatic reductions in HDL size and apoA-I content in apoAI-CIII transgenic mice, but not in apoA-II/AI-CIII transgenic mice. HDL prepared from mice of various genotypes showed inhibition of emulsion-based hepatic lipase activity in proportion to the apoA-II/apoA-I ratio of HDL. The presence of human apoA-II also inhibited mouse plasma hepatic lipase activity on HDL triglyceride. Thus, apoA-II does not inhibit the lipid transfer activity of CETP in vivo. However, coexpression of apoA-II with CETP results in HDL particles that are more triglyceride enriched and resistant to reductions in size and apoA-I content, reflecting inhibition of hepatic lipase by apoA-II. The inhibition of HDL remodeling by apoA-II could explain the relatively constant levels of HDL containing both apoA-I and apoA-II in human populations.

Heparin-binding defective lipoprotein lipase is unstable and causes abnormalities in lipid delivery to tissues.

Lipoprotein lipase (LpL) binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) is hypothesized to stabilize the enzyme, localize LpL in specific capillary beds, and route lipoprotein lipids to the underlying tissues. To test these hypotheses in vivo, we created mice expressing a human LpL minigene (hLpL(HBM)) carrying a mutated heparin-binding site. Three basic amino acids in the carboxyl terminal region of LpL were mutated, yielding an active enzyme with reduced heparin binding. Mice expressing hLpL(HBM) accumulated inactive human LpL (hLpL) protein in preheparin blood. hLpL(HBM) rapidly lost activity during a 37 degrees C incubation, confirming a requirement for heparin binding to stabilize LPL: Nevertheless, expression of hLpL(HBM) prevented the neonatal demise of LpL knockout mice. On the LpL-deficient background hLpL(HBM) expression led to defective targeting of lipids to tissues. Compared with mice expressing native hLpL in the muscle, hLpL(HBM) transgenic mice had increased postprandial FFAs, decreased lipid uptake in muscle tissue, and increased lipid uptake in kidneys. Thus, heparin association is required for LpL stability and normal physiologic functions. These experiments confirm in vivo that association with HSPGs can provide a means to maintain proteins in their stable conformations and to anchor them at sites where their activity is required.

Lipoprotein lipase-mediated uptake and degradation of low density lipoproteins by fibroblasts and macrophages.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the rate limiting enzyme for hydrolysis of lipoprotein triglyceride, also mediates nonenzymatic interactions between lipoproteins and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. To determine whether cell surface LPL increases LDL binding to cells, bovine milk LPL was added to upregulated and nonupregulated human fibroblasts along with media containing LDL. LDL binding to cells was increased 2-10-fold, in a dose-dependent manner, by the addition of 0.5-10 micrograms/ml of LPL. The amount of LDL bound to the cells in the presence of LPL far exceeded the capacity for LDL binding via the LDL receptor. Treatment of fibroblasts with heparinase and heparitinase resulted in a 64% decrease in LPL-mediated LDL binding. Compared to studies performed without LPL, more LDL was internalized and degraded in the presence of LPL, but the time course was slower than that of classical lipoprotein receptor mediated pathways. In LDL receptor negative fibroblasts, LPL increased surface bound LDL > 140-fold, intracellular LDL > 40-fold, and LDL degradation > 6-fold. These effects were almost completely inhibited by heparin and anti-LPL monoclonal antibody. LPL also increased the binding and uptake by fibroblasts of apolipoprotein-free triglyceride emulsions; binding was increased > 8-fold and cellular uptake was increased > 40-fold with LPL. LPL increased LDL binding to THP-1 monocytes, and increased LDL uptake (4.5-fold) and LDL degradation (2.5-fold) by THP-1 macrophages. In the absence of added LPL, heparin and anti-LPL monoclonal antibodies decreased LDL degradation by > 40%, and triglyceride emulsion uptake by > 50%, suggesting that endogenously produced LPL mediated lipid particle uptake and degradation. We conclude that LPL increases lipid and lipoprotein uptake by cells via a pathway not involving the LDL receptor. This pathway may be important for lipid accumulation in LPL synthesizing cells.

Lipoprotein lipase regulates Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages maintained in glucose-deficient medium.

During periods of intense activity such as phagocytosis, macrophages are thought to derive most of their energy from glucose metabolism under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. To determine whether fatty acids released from lipoproteins by macrophage lipoprotein lipase (LPL) could substitute for glucose as a source of energy for phagocytosis, we cultured peritoneal macrophages from normal and LPL knockout (LPL-KO) mice that had been rescued from neonatal demise by expression of human LPL via the muscle creatine kinase promoter. Normal and LPL-KO macrophages were cultured in medium containing normal (5 mM) or low (1 mM) glucose, and were tested for their capacity to phagocytose IgG-opsonized sheep erythrocytes. LPL-KO macrophages maintained in 1 and 5 mM glucose phagocytosed 67 and 79% fewer IgG-opsonized erythrocytes, respectively, than macrophages from normal mice. Addition of VLDL to LPL-expressing macrophages maintained in 1 mM glucose enhanced the macrophages' phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized erythrocytes, but did not stimulate phagocytosis by LPL-KO macrophages. Inhibition of secreted LPL with a monoclonal anti-LPL antibody or with tetrahydrolipstatin blocked the ability of VLDL to enhance phagocytosis by LPL-expressing macrophages maintained in 1 mM glucose. Addition of oleic acid significantly enhanced phagocytosis by both LPL-expressing and LPL-KO macrophages maintained in 1 mM glucose. Moreover, oleic acid stimulated phagocytosis in cells cultured in non-glucose-containing medium, and increased the intracellular stores of creatine phosphate. Inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, but not of glycolysis, blocked the capacity of oleic acid to stimulate phagocytosis. Receptor-mediated endocytosis of acetyl LDL by macrophages from LPL-expressing and LPL-KO mice was similar whether the cells were maintained in 5 or 1 mM glucose, and was not augmented by VLDL. We postulate that fatty acids derived from macrophage LPL-catalyzed hydrolysis of triglycerides and phospholipids provide energy for macrophages in areas that have limited amounts of ambient glucose, and during periods of intense metabolic activity.

Delayed catabolism of apoB-48 lipoproteins due to decreased heparan sulfate proteoglycan production in diabetic mice.

We used wild-type (WT) mice and mice engineered to express either apoB-100 only (B100 mice) or apoB-48 only (B48 mice) to examine the effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes (DM) on apoB-100- and apoB-48-containing lipoproteins. Plasma lipids increased with DM in WT mice, and fat tolerance was markedly impaired. Lipoprotein profiles showed increased levels and cholesterol enrichment of VLDL in diabetic B48 mice but not in B100 mice. C apolipoproteins, in particular apoC-I in VLDL, were increased. To investigate the basis of the increase in apoB-48 lipoproteins in streptozotocin-treated animals, we characterized several parameters of lipoprotein metabolism. Triglyceride and apoB production rates were normal, as were plasma lipase activity, VLDL glycosaminoglycan binding, and VLDL lipolysis. However, beta-VLDL clearance decreased due to decreased trapping by the liver. Whereas LRP activity was normal, livers from treated mice incorporated significantly less sulfate into heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) than did controls. Hepatoma (HepG2) cells and endothelial cells cultured in high glucose also showed decreased sulfate and glucosamine incorporation into HSPG. Western blots of livers from diabetic mice showed a decrease in the HSPG core protein, perlecan. Delayed clearance of postprandial apoB-48-containing lipoproteins in DM appears to be due to decreased hepatic perlecan HSPG.

Lipoprotein lipase expression exclusively in liver. A mouse model for metabolism in the neonatal period and during cachexia.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the rate-limiting enzyme in triglyceride hydrolysis, is normally not expressed in the liver of adult humans and animals. However, liver LPL is found in the perinatal period, and in adults it can be induced by cytokines. To study the metabolic consequences of liver LPL expression, transgenic mice producing human LPL specifically in the liver were generated and crossed onto the LPL knockout (LPL0) background. LPL expression exclusively in liver rescued LPL0 mice from neonatal death. The mice developed a severe cachexia during high fat suckling, but caught up in weight after switching to a chow diet. At 18 h of age, compared with LPL0 mice, liver-only LPL-expressing mice had equally elevated triglycerides (10,700 vs. 14,800 mg/dl, P = NS), increased plasma ketones (4.3 vs. 1.7 mg/dl, P < 0.05) and glucose (28 vs. 15 mg/dl, P < 0.05), and excessive amounts of intracellular liver lipid droplets. Adult mice expressing LPL exclusively in liver had slower VLDL turnover than wild-type mice, but greater VLDL mass clearance, increased VLDL triglyceride production, and three- to fourfold more plasma ketones. In summary, it appears that liver LPL shunts circulating triglycerides to the liver, which results in a futile cycle of enhanced VLDL production and increased ketone production, and subsequently spares glucose. This may be important to sustain brain and muscle function at times of metabolic stress with limited glucose availability.

Lipoprotein metabolism during acute inhibition of hepatic triglyceride lipase in the cynomolgus monkey.

The role of the enzyme hepatic triglyceride lipase was investigated in a primate model, the cynomolgus monkey. Antisera produced against human postheparin hepatic lipase fully inhibited cynomolgus monkey posttheparin plasma hepatic triglyceride lipase activity. Lipoprotein lipase activity was not inhibited by this antisera. Hepatic triglyceride lipase activity in liver biopsies was decreased by 65-90% after intravenous infusion of this antisera into the cynomolgus monkey. After a 3-h infusion of the antisera, analytic ultracentrifugation revealed an increase in mass of very low density lipoproteins (S(f) 20-400). Very low density lipoprotein triglyceride isolated by isopycnic ultracentrifugation increased by 60-300%. Analytic ultracentrifugation revealed an increase in mass of lipoproteins with flotation greater than S(f) 9 (n = 4). The total mass of intermediate density lipoproteins (S(f) 12-20) approximately doubled during the 3 h of in vivo enzyme inhibition. While more rapidly floating low density lipoproteins (S(f) 9-12) increased, the total mass of low density lipoproteins decreased after infusion of the antibodies. The changes in high density lipoproteins did not differ from those in control experiments. In order to determine whether the increases of plasma concentrations of very low density lipoproteins were due to an increase in the rate of synthesis or a decrease in the rate of clearance of these particles, the metabolism of radiolabeled homologous very low density lipoproteins was studied during intravenous infusion of immunoglobulin G prepared from the antisera against hepatic triglyceride lipase (n = 3) or preimmune goat sera (n = 3). Studies performed in the same animals during saline infusion were used as controls for each immunoglobulin infusion. There was a twofold increase in the apparent half-life of the very low density lipoprotein apolipoprotein-B tracer in animals receiving the antibody, consistent with a decreased catabolism of very low density lipoproteins. Concomitantly, the rise in low density lipoprotein apoprotein-B specific activity was markedly delayed. None of these changes were observed during infusion of preimmune immunoglobulin G.Hepatic triglyceride lipase participates with lipoprotein lipase in the hydrolysis of the lipid in very low density lipoproteins, intermediate density lipoproteins, and the larger low density lipoproteins (S(f) 9-12). Thus, hepatic triglyceride lipase appears to function in a parallel role with lipoprotein lipase in the conversion of very low density and intermediate density lipoproteins to low density lipoproteins (S(f) 0-9).

Increased plasma and renal clearance of an exchangeable pool of apolipoprotein A-I in subjects with low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Plasma levels of HDL apo A-I are reduced in individuals with low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations as a result of increased fractional catabolic rates (FCRs). To determine the basis for the high apo A-I FCRs, seven subjects with low HDL-C levels (31.0 +/- 4.3 mg/dl) were compared with three subjects with high HDL-C levels (72.0 +/- 4.5 mg/dl). Each subject received autologous HDL that was labeled directly by the iodine-monochloride method (whole-labeled) and autologous HDL that was labeled by exchange with homologous radiolabeled apo A-I (exchange-labeled). Blood was obtained for 2 wk, specific activities determined, and FCRs (d-1 +/- SD) estimated. In every subject, whether in the low or high HDL-C group, the exchange-labeled FCR was greater than the whole-labeled FCR. The exchange-labeled FCR was higher in the low HDL-C group (0.339 +/- 0.043) versus the high HDL-C group (0.234 +/- 0.047; P < 0.009). The whole-labeled FCR was also greater in the low HDL-C group (0.239 +/- 0.023) versus the high HDL-C group (0.161 +/- 0.064; P < 0.02). In addition, in both low and high HDL groups ultracentrifugation resulted in more radioactivity in d > 1.210 (as percentage of total plasma counts per minute) with the exchange-labeled tracer than with the whole-labeled tracer (12.55 +/- 4.95% vs. 1.02 +/- 0.38%; P < 0.003). With both HDL tracers, more radioactivity was found in d > 1.210 in the low versus the high HDL-C groups. When apo A-I catabolism was studied by perfusing isolated rabbit kidneys with whole-labeled HDL, there was twice as much accumulation (cpm/g cortex) of HDL apo A-I isolated from subjects with low HDL-C than from subjects with high HDL-C (P < 0.0025). Finally, HDL that had been isolated from subjects with high levels of HDL-C was triglyceride enriched and exposed to partially purified lipases before perfusion through kidneys. Threefold more apo A-I from modified HDL accumulated in the cortex compared with the unmodified preparation (P < 0.007). The results of these in vivo and ex vivo studies indicate that individuals with low HDL-C levels have more loosely bound, easily exchanged apo A-I and that this exchangeable apo A-I is more readily cleared by the kidney.

Apolipoprotein B metabolism in subjects with deficiency of apolipoproteins CIII and AI. Evidence that apolipoprotein CIII inhibits catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by lipoprotein lipase in vivo.

Previous data suggest that apolipoprotein (apo) CIII may inhibit both triglyceride hydrolysis by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apo E-mediated uptake of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by the liver. We studied apo B metabolism in very low density (VLDL), intermediate density (IDL), and low density lipoproteins (LDL) in two sisters with apo CIII-apo AI deficiency. The subjects had reduced levels of VLDL triglyceride, normal LDL cholesterol, and near absence of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Compartmental analysis of the kinetics of apo B metabolism after injection of 125I-VLDL and 131I-LDL revealed fractional catabolic rates (FCR) for VLDL apo B that were six to seven times faster than normal. Simultaneous injection of [3H]glycerol demonstrated rapid catabolism of VLDL triglyceride. VLDL apo B was rapidly and efficiently converted to IDL and LDL. The FCR for LDL apo B was normal. In vitro experiments indicated that, although sera from the apo CIII-apo-AI deficient patients were able to normally activate purified LPL, increasing volumes of these sera did not result in the progressive inhibition of LPL activity demonstrable with normal sera. Addition of purified apo CIII to the deficient sera resulted in 20-50% reductions in maximal LPL activity compared with levels of activity attained with the same volumes of the native, deficient sera. These in vitro studies, together with the in vivo results, indicate that in normal subjects apo CIII can inhibit the catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by lipoprotein lipase.

Overexpression of apolipoprotein CII causes hypertriglyceridemia in transgenic mice.

We have generated transgenic mice expressing the human apolipoprotein CII (apoCII) gene under the transcriptional control of the human cytochrome P-450 IA1 (CYPIA1) promoter. Human apoCII transgenic (HuCIITg) mice exhibited significant basal expression of the transgene (plasma apoCII level = 26.1 +/- 4 mg/dl) and showed further induction of transgene expression after treatment with beta-naphthoflavone. Unexpectedly, HuCIITg mice were hypertriglyceridemic and human apoCII levels correlated strongly to triglyceride levels (R = 0.89, P < 0.0001). Triglyceride levels (mg/dl +/- SEM) were elevated compared to controls in both the fed (804 +/- 113 vs 146 +/- 18, P < 0.001) and fasted (273 +/- 39 vs 61 +/- 4, P < 0.001) states. HuCIITg mice accumulated triglyceride-rich very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) with an increased apoC/apoE ratio. Tracer kinetic studies indicated delayed clearance of VLDL-triglyceride, and studies using Triton inhibition of VLDL clearance showed no increase in VLDL production. Plasma from these mice activated mouse lipoprotein lipase normally and radiolabeled VLDL were normally hydrolyzed. However, HuCIITg VLDL showed markedly decreased binding to heparin-Sepharose, suggesting that apoCII-rich, apoE-poor lipoprotein may be less accessible to cell surface lipases or receptors within their glycosaminoglycan matrices. HuCIITg mice are a promising model of hypertriglyceridemia that suggests a more complex role for apoCII in the metabolism of plasma triglycerides.

Direct visualization of lipid deposition and reverse lipid transport in a perfused artery : roles of VLDL and HDL.

The major goal of this study was to determine the interactions of VLDL surface and core lipids with the artery wall. We first demonstrated in vitro that surface lipid in VLDL could be traced using the phospholipid-like fluorescent probe 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3, 3',3'-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine (DiI). The core of VLDL particles was traced by fluorescently labeling apolipoprotein B with TRITC. The labeled VLDLs were perfused through rat carotid arteries, and accumulation of the fluorescently labeled VLDL components in the arterial walls was determined by quantitative fluorescence microscopy. Addition of lipoprotein lipase increased the accumulation of both DiI and TRITC by >2.3-fold. Histological examination showed that DiI and TRITC were primarily localized to the endothelial layer; however, DiI also accumulated as small "lakes" deeper in the artery, in a subendothelial position. Addition of HDL to the perfusion decreased the accumulation of surface lipid and apolipoprotein B-containing particles and eliminated the DiI lakes. Moreover, the increase in endothelial layer permeability associated with lipolysis was attenuated 21% by HDL. If VLDL surface lipid first was allowed to accumulate in the arterial wall, its subsequent rate of loss was more than twice as fast if HDL was included in the perfusate. These studies directly demonstrate atherogenic effects of VLDL lipolysis and their inhibition by HDL.

Interaction of lipoprotein lipase with glycosaminoglycans and apolipoprotein C-II: effects of free-fatty-acids.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) bound to endothelial cells is released from the cell surface by triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins and oleic acid (Saxena, U., Witte, L.D. and Goldberg, I.J. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 4349-4355). Studies were conducted to compare the ability of different fatty acids to release 125I-labelled bovine milk LPL bound to endothelial cells and to define the mechanism for this effect. Using fatty acid/bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions (molar ratio, 6:1), the release of LPL from endothelial cell surfaces using monounsaturated (18:1), polyunsaturated (18:2) and saturated (16:0) fatty acids was 78%, 60% and 28%, respectively. Release of LPL from heparin-agarose followed a similar pattern, suggesting that the fatty acids specifically affected LPL-heparin interaction. Short-chain fatty acids (C6, C8 and C10), medium-chain fatty acids (C12 and C14) and elaidic acid, a transisomer of oleic acid, released less 125I-LPL than oleic acid from heparin-agarose. To determine whether oleic acid release of 125I-LPL from heparin-agarose was due to binding of the fatty acid to heparin or LPL, oleic acid was incubated with either LPL or heparin-agarose prior to performing the affinity chromatography. Only the prior incubation with LPL affected the binding to heparin-agarose. This demonstrates that dissociation of LPL from heparin required interaction of fatty acid with LPL. At high molar ratios of fatty acid:BSA (greater than 3:1), apo C-II is known to be ineffective as an activator of LPL. To determine whether this effect is due to decreased association of apo C-II with LPL, 125I-apo C-II (0.5-10 nmol) was allowed to bind to LPL-Sepharose. A 6:1 molar ratio of oleic acid:BSA produced up to 69% decrease in the amount of 125I-apo C-II bound to the gel. This dissociation of apo C-II from LPL by oleic acid was also demonstrated using gel-filtration chromatography. Thus, the amount and type of fatty acids may be important in regulating LPL activity in vivo by affecting both LPL interaction with glycosaminoglycans and with apo C-II.