Effect of LSR polymorphism on blood lipid levels and age-specific epistatic interaction with the APOE common polymorphism.

The lipolysis stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR) is an apolipoprotein (Apo) B and ApoE receptor that participates in the removal of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins during the postprandial phase. LSR gene is located upstream of APOE, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since the APOE common polymorphism significantly affects the variability of lipid metabolism, this study aimed to determine the potential impact of a functional SNP rs916147 in LSR gene on lipid traits in healthy subjects and to investigate potential epistatic interaction between LSR and APOE. Unrelated healthy adults (N = 432) and children (N = 328, <18 years old) from the STANISLAS Family Study were used. Age-specific epistasis was observed between APOE and LSR, reversing the protective effect of APOE ε2 allele on cholesterol, ApoE and low-density lipoprotein levels (ß: .114, P: .777 × 10-8 , ß: .125, P: .639 × 10-3 , ß: .059, P: .531 × 10-3 , respectively). This interaction was verified in an independent adult population (n = 1744). These results highlight the importance of the LSR polymorphism and reveal the existence of complex molecular links between LSR and ApoE for the regulation of lipid levels, revealing potential new pathways of interest in type III hyperlipidemia and its involvement in CVD pathology.

Association of human cathelicidin (hCAP-18/LL-37) gene expression with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are components of the innate immune system. In addition, evidence suggests that these peptides are associated with various inflammatory diseases. We examined whether expression of the cathelicidin LL-37 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 90 men and 87 women selected from STANISLAS cohort were studied. Expression of LL-37 mRNA isolated from PBMCs of these subjects was quantified by quantitative RT-PCR. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical profiles were assessed for each individual. In women, LL-37 mRNA expression was significantly and positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (p

Five-year alterations in BMI are associated with clustering of changes in cardiovascular risk factors in a gender-dependant way: the Stanislas study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present longitudinal study was to describe the associations between the 5-year changes in body mass index (BMI) and alterations in the clusters of metabolic syndrome (MS)-related factors. METHODS: The study population comprised 1099 middle-aged adults drawn from the Stanislas study. Individuals were stratified into four groups according to the 5-year changes in BMI (weight loss (<0 kg/m(2)), and weight gain (0-1, 1-2 and >2 kg/m(2))). Changes in various MS-related variables and clusters were compared between groups: anthropometric indices, blood pressure, lipid and inflammatory markers, liver enzymes, uric acid and the five summary factors extracted by using factor analysis ('risk lipids', 'liver enzymes', 'inflammation', 'protective lipids' and 'blood pressure'). RESULTS: There was a strong linear trend between increasing BMI and worsening of risk lipids and blood pressure factors for both men and women (P

[Present possibilities and future development of clinical proteomics]. / Présent et futur de la Protéomique clinique.

This review focuses on "clinical proteomics" which represents an emerging discipline in biomedical research. "Clinical proteomics" relies on the analysis of the proteome, i.e. the entire set of peptides and proteins present in a biological sample, to provide relevant data for diagnosis, prognosis or therapeutic strategies of human pathologies. This new type of approach has tremendous potential for the diagnosis of complex pathologies or for the early detection of cancers. This article reports the conclusions of a workgroup of the French Society for Clinical Biology (SFBC) 2004-2006 which evaluated the status, the impact and the future development of proteomics in the clinical field. It provides therefore a broad view going from the methods already present in the clinical laboratories (multiplex technologies...), to the tools for clinical and basis research including bioinformatics.

[A prospective study on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among healthy French families: the importance of plasma concentration of TNF-alpha in addition to its genetic polymorphism]. / Une étude prospective de la prévalence du syndrome métabolique dans des familles Françaises supposées saines.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of synergistically interacting cardiovascular risk factors which may have serious consequences for the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of MS within presumably healthy French families of the STANISLAS cohort, and to observe biological parameters involved in cardiovascular diseases among the offspring of MS subjects. 371 apparently healthy families (1366 individuals) were examined at two visits with a five-year interval (t0 and t+5). MS prevalence was assessed among parents following the ATP-III definition. Our results show that MS is present in presumably healthy adults of the STANISLAS cohort and increases with age. Moreover, low HDL-C and TNF-alpha may play an important role in the development of MS in childhood, at least in our population. Therefore, a systematic tracking of MS appears to be all the more important as it will permit early management of MS in parents and the installation of efficient preventive measures in children including specific advice for diet and physical activity.

[Pharmacogenomics and pharmacoproteomics: a strategy for cardio-vascular drugs]. / Pharmacogénomique et pharmacoprotéomique.

The development of personalized medicine will require improved knowledge of biological variability, particularly concerning the important impact of each individual's genetic makeup. A five-step strategy can be followed when trying to identify genes and gene products involved in differential responses to cardiovascular drugs: 1) Pharmacokinetic-related genes and phenotypes; (2) Pharmacodynamic targets, genes and products; (3) Cardiovascular diseases and risks depending on specific or large metabolic cycles; (4) Physiological variations of previously identified genes and proteins; (5) Environmental influences on them. After summarizing the most well known genes involved in drug metabolism, we used statins as an example. In addition to their economic impact, statins are generally considered to be of significant importance in terms of public health. Individuals respond differently to these drugs depending on multiple polymorphisms. Applying a pharmacoproteomic strategy, it is important to use available information on peptides, proteins and metabolites, generally gene products, in each of the five steps. A profiling approach dealing with genomics as well as proteomics is useful. In conclusion, the ever growing volume of available data will require an organized interpretation of variations in DNA and mRNA as well as proteins, both on the individual and population level.

VEGF-related polymorphisms identified by GWAS and risk for major depression.

Depression is a common, severe, disabling mental disease that affects millions of people of all ages worldwide. Various studies have shown that neurotrophic/growth factors have a key role in depression and, more specifically, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in the pathogenesis of depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential links between four VEGF-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), previously identified through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and depression. The direct effects and epistatic interactions of the four VEGF-related SNPs (rs10738760, rs6921438, rs6993770 and rs4416670) on depression were investigated through a case-control study including 437 individuals diagnosed with depression and 477 healthy volunteers as controls. Gender, age and body mass index influence was additionally analyzed. The SNP rs4416670 was associated with increased risk for depression (OR: 1.60, P: 0.010). This result demonstrates the existence of relationships between VEGF genetic determinants and depression. This novel association reveals new molecular mechanisms suggesting the potential role of VEGF in depression development that could help to promote a personalized prediction for this severe common disease.

Stereospecific induction of rat liver bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase and lauric acid 12-hydroxylation by the isomers of 2-phenylpropionic acid.

The inductive effects of racemic 2-phenylpropionic acid and its isomers on rat liver bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity and lauric acid 12-hydroxylation (cytochrome P-452-dependent) were compared. The (S)-(+)-enantiomer and the racemic mixture gave the greatest induction of both enzyme activities, whereas (R)-(-)-2-phenylpropionic acid produced increases of only one-third of those of its antipode. The determination of the enantiomeric composition of the excreted 2-phenylpropionic acid after a single oral dose indicated that the (R)-(-)-enantiomer given as such or in the racemate was inverted to its antipode, which strongly suggests that (S)-(+)-2-phenylpropionic acid is responsible for the inductive effects observed. The demonstration of the same stereospecificity for the induction of bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase and lauric acid 12-hydroxylation further indicates a close mechanistic link between these two processes.

Some kinetic properties of gamma-glutamyltransferase from rabbit liver.

gamma-Glutamyltransferase ((5-glutamyl)-peptide: amino-acid 5-glutamyltransferase, EC 2.3.2.2) of rabbit liver (detergent form) was purified 1100-fold in order to study its kinetic properties. Kinetic studies were conducted from pH 6.0 to 12.0 in the absence and presence of the acceptor substrate glycylglycine using gamma-glutamyl-3-carboxy-4-nitroanilide as the donor. The existence of more than one binding site for both donor and acceptor is postulated on kinetic evidence such as donor substrate activation, donor substrate inhibition and acceptor substrate activation. Homotropic interaction is also observed, in the form of negative cooperativity, in donor substrate binding, in the absence of acceptor at pH less than 9.0 and positive cooperativity (n = 2), in the absence or presence of acceptor at pH greater than 9.0. Hydrolase reaction reaches a maximum of activity at pH 10 (pK 8.6). Transferase activity under conditions of maximal velocity is maximal at pH 9.0 (pK 7.1). The ratio of transferase activity/hydrolase activity is maximal at pH 7.0-7.5. At low donor substrate concentrations, maximal activity is attained at pH 7.5.

Pressure effects on the apparent viscosity of artificial dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine membranes using intramolecular excimer probe.

Emission spectroscopy of intramolecular excimer probes allows the determination of 'equivalent viscosity' of membranes. While increasing the pressure on artificial membrane suspensions, variations in viscosity - essentially related to an increase in the order parameter in the membranes - are observed. In the case of mixed phospholipids, the effect of pressure is amplified, probably due to the existence of holes on the molecular scale between the two lipidic layers.

Inhibition of bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase activity by triphenylacetic acid and related compounds.

Bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase of rat or human liver microsomes was inhibited, in vitro, by triphenylacetic acid and by structurally related arylcarboxylic acids. This inhibition appeared to be competitive towards bilirubin, and mixed-type towards UDPglucuronic acid. A decrease in the number of phenyl rings or the absence of the carboxyl group in the molecule gave structures which did not affect enzyme activity, showing that both the triphenyl moiety and the carboxyl group were necessary for the inhibition. On the other hand, successive additions of methylene groups in the aliphatic chain progressively increased inhibitory potency. Kappi,bilirubin for triphenylacetic acid was 96 microM compared with 5 microM for 7,7,7-triphenylheptanoic acid. The inhibition of bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase was not due to displacement of bilirubin from albumin. On the basis of these results an attempt was made to delineate the molecular events leading to glucuronidation of bilirubin.

Glucuronidation of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine in human liver microsomes: enzyme inhibition by drugs and steroid hormones.

The molecular form of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase involved in the catalysis of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT)-5'-O-glucuronide was characterized in human liver microsomes. The specific activity (1.3 nmol/min per mg protein) in transplantable liver was more than 2-times higher than in post-mortem fragments. Liver microsomes from patients suffering Crigler-Najjar syndrome, who are genetically deficient in bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, could also glucuronidate AZT to a similar extent, thus indicating that this protein was not involved in that process. A genetically engineered V79 cell line stably expressing a cDNA which encodes a human isozyme active towards 1-naphthol was unable to glucuronidate AZT. Clinically used drugs, most of them being glucuronidated, were tested as potential inhibitors of the glucuronidation of AZT in human liver microsomes. The drugs chemically related to 2-phenylpropionic acid, naproxen and flurbiprofen, and the steroid compounds testosterone, estrone and ethynylestradiol strongly inhibited AZT glucuronidation. Codeine and morphine also decreased the reaction rate although to a lower extent. Except estrone which elicited a partial competitive inhibition, ethynylestradiol, flurbiprofen naproxen and testosterone could competitively inhibit AZT glucuronidation with an apparent Ki of 38, 50, 172 and 250 microM, respectively. The results suggest that these drugs were substrates of the same isozyme(s) involved in AZT glucuronidation. Probenecid was a weak inhibitor of the reaction (Ki 900 microM), only when non-disrupted microsomes were used. This drug may compete with the anion carrier system involved in the microsomal uptake of UDP-glucuronic acid.

Conformation of apolipoprotein E both in free and in lipid-bound form may determine the avidity of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins to the LDL receptor: structural and kinetic study.

Slow refolding of human apolipoprotein E (apoE) in solution after guanidine- or cholate-induced denaturation followed by dialysis under controlled conditions was investigated using various spectroscopic properties of fluorescein- and dansyl-labeled apolipoprotein molecules. The results suggest that the last phase(s) of apoE refolding in solution include a slow (several hours at 24 degrees C) interconversion of a self-associated 'open' conformer into a more dense 'closed' conformer. The hydrophobic interactions are primarily responsible for the formation of this more compact apoE structure. To visualize the contribution of apolipoprotein conformation and/or the number of 'active' lipid-bound apoE molecules in the reaction of binding to the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) by solid-phase binding assay, the complexes of human plasma apolipoprotein or recombinant (rec) apoE3 with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) or palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) varying in size were used. For seven complexes with plasma protein (four DPPC and three POPC complexes), the final phosphatidylcholine (PC)/protein mole ratio ranged from 117 to 279; affinity constant K(a) averaged for both PCs and plotted against this ratio abruptly increased from 3.8 x 10(7) to 3.8 x 10(8) M(-1) with a transition midpoint of 150-180 PC/apoE, mole ratio. Two DPPC complexes with rec protein bind much more efficiently. Complexes with both plasma and rec apoE were able to compete with very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) or low density lipoproteins (LDL) isolated from patients with E3/3 phenotype, for binding to the LDLr. Again, the competition efficiency abruptly increased at the increase in PC content with a transition midpoint of 130 PC/apoE, mole ratio. The transitions observed both in direct and competitive binding assay probably correspond to the abrupt increase in the number of 'active' apoE molecules on the complex surface accompanying the change in the size and/or in the shape of the complexes. The efficiency of apoE and apoB as the corresponding major ligands in the binding reaction of VLDL and LDL to the LDL receptor was compared. VLDL bind to LDLr following a simple encounter complex model, while LDL binding was characterized by a more complex two-step model with an additional isomerization step. The analysis of the binding data led us to suggest the existence of the continuum from several (2-3) apoE molecules on the surface of TG-rich particles that resulted in the increased binding affinity, on average 3.5-fold higher, compared to LDL. The existence of a complex equilibrium between aqueous and different lipid-bound forms of apoE is proposed, in particular, the formation of a transient disc-lipoprotein particle structure during the interaction with LDLr in vivo as well as in LPL-stimulated lipolysis of the lipid phase of the particle.

Structural peculiarities of the binding of very low density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins to the LDL receptor in hypertriglyceridemia: role of apolipoprotein E.

Very low (VLDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were isolated from plasma of patients with the E3/3 phenotype which were divided into three groups based on their plasma triglyceride content: low (TG<200 mg/dl, TG(l)), intermediate (200<300 mg/dl, TG(i)300 mg/dl, TG(h)). The protein density (PD) on the VLDL and LDL surface was calculated from lipoprotein composition and protein location was studied by tryptophan fluorescence quenching by I(-) anions at 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C. A comparison of the TG(h) with the TG(l) group revealed a significant (<0.05) increase of the PD parameter as much as 21% for VLDL, but not for LDL where this parameter did not change for any group; generally, PD(LDL) values were 3.2-3.8-fold lower than PD(VLDL). In accordance with this difference, the tryptophan accessibility f in VLDL vs. LDL was lower at both temperatures. There were temperature-induced changes of the f parameter in opposite directions for these lipoproteins. The difference in f value gradually decreased for VLDL in the direction TG(l)TG(i)TG(h) while for LDL there was a U-shaped dependence for these groups. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant K(S-V) which is sensitive to both temperature and viscosity, did not change for VLDL, but K(S-V)(LDL) was 2-3-fold higher for the TG(i) group compared to the other two. The efficiencies of VLDL and LDL binding to the LDL receptor (LDLr) in vitro were compared by solid-phase assay free of steric hindrance observed in cell binding. The maximal number of binding sites did not change for either type of particles and between groups. The association constant K(a) and apolipoprotein (apo) E/apoB mole ratio values all increased significantly for VLDL, but not for LDL, in comparison of the TG(i+h) with the TG(l) group. Based on VLDL and LDL concentrations in serum and on the affinity constant values obtained in an in vitro assay, VLDL concentrations corresponding to 50% inhibition of LDL binding (IC(50)) were calculated in an assumption of the competition of both ligands for LDLr in vivo; the mean values of IC(50) decreased 2-fold when plasma TG exceeded 200 mg/dl. The functional dependences of K(a)(VLDL), IC(50) and apoE content in VLDL (both fractional and absolute) and in serum on TG content in the whole concentration range studied were fitted to a saturation model. For all five parameters, the mean half-maximum values TG(1/2) were in the range 52-103 mg/dl. The efficiency of protein-protein interactions is suggested to differ in normolipidemic vs. HTG-VLDL and apoE content and/or protein density on VLDL surface may be the primary determinant(s) of the increased binding of HTG-VLDL to the LDL receptor. ApoCs may compete with apoE for the binding to the VLDL lipid surface as plasma triglyceride content increases. The possible competition of VLDL with LDL for the catabolism site(s) in vivo, when plasma TG increases, could explain the atherogenic action of TG-rich lipoproteins. Moreover, the 'dual action' hypothesis on anti-atherogenic action of apoE-containing high density lipoproteins (HDL) in vivo is suggested: besides the well-known effect of HDL as cholesteryl ester catabolic outway, the formation of a transient complex of apoE-containing discs appearing at the site of VLDL TG hydrolysis by lipoprotein lipase with VLDL particles proposed in our preceding paper promotes the efficient uptake of TG-rich particles; in hypertriglyceridemia due to the diminished HDL content this uptake seems to be impaired which results in the increased accumulation of the remnants of TG-rich particles. This explains the observed increase in cholesterol and triglyceride content in VLDL and LDL, respectively, due to the CETP-mediated exchange of cholesteryl ester and triglyceride molecules between these particles.

Differential action of thyroid hormones and chemically related compounds on the activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and cytochrome P-450 isozymes in rat liver.

The effect of thyroid hormones and chemically related compounds, on the activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (EC 2.4.1.17) and cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases in rat liver microsomes was investigated. The animals were thyroidectomized and treated with different doses of the drugs for 3 weeks. Opposite effects were observed depending on the isoenzyme of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase considered. While 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine, 3,3',5-triiodothyroacetic acid, 3,3',5-triiodothyropropionic acid, isopropyldiiodothyronine and L- and D-thyroxine strongly increased 4-nitrophenol glucuronidation in a dose-dependent fashion, they decreased markedly bilirubin glucuronidation. However, the activity toward nopol, a monoterpenoid alcohol, was not significantly changed regardless of which compound or dose was used. Variation of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase observed with 4-nitrophenol and bilirubin was related to the thyromimetic effect of the drugs estimated from the increase in alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. Thyronine and 3,5-diiodo-L-tyrosine, which did not enhance this activity, also failed to affect glucuronidation. Variations in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity were more likely due to changes in protein expression rather than changes in enzyme latency, since lipid organization of the microsomal membrane, as estimated from the mean anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene by fluorescence polarization was not significantly modified by the drug administration. Although some of the drugs could significantly decrease the triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents in plasma, all failed to affect lauric acid hydroxylation. The activities of catalase, palmitoyl-CoA dehydrogenase (CN- insensitive) and carnitine acetyltransferase in the fraction enriched in peroxisomes were also not significantly affected by treatment with the thyroid hormone LT3. In contrast, the activity of 7-ethoxycoumarine O-deethylase was increased by large doses of thyronine and by 3,3',5-triiodothyropropionic acid. The concentration of total cytochrome P-450 was decreased in a dose-dependent fashion by all the compounds used, except thyronine. Finally, significant correlations were observed between glucuronidation of bilirubin and 4-nitrophenol and the content in cytochrome P-450. This suggests a possible coordinate regulation of the two processes, which depends on the physicochemical characteristics of the thyroid hormones and related compounds.

Structure-dependent induction of bilirubin glucuronidation and lauric acid 12-hydroxylation by arylcarboxylic acids chemically related to clofibrate.

The inductive potency of carboxylic acids, structurally related to clofibrate, on bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase was investigated in the rat. For this purpose, structure-induction relationships were established using ten different arylcarboxylic or chlorophenoxycarboxylic acids. 4'-Chlorophenoxyacetic, -propionic and -isobutyric (clofibric) acids progressively increased hepatic glucuronidation of bilirubin (17%, 43%, 60% greater than controls, respectively) after a 5-day treatment in rat (100 mg/kg per day). 2-Phenylpropionic acid also enhanced bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase activity (50%) in contrast to phenylacetic acid. The other compounds did not, or only slightly, affect this parameter. These results indicate that specific structural features are required for the induction property. Moreover, a good correlation (r = 0.962) was found between the extent of induction and the physiochemical descriptors which characterize the electronic state of the molecules, when analysed by multidimensional regression. Fluorescence polarization revealed that the compounds tested, especially clofibric acid, did not affect, in vivo or in vitro, the anisotropy of two different probes embedded in the microsomal membranes. Finally, since the interaction of the carboxylic acids with the membranes did not modify the latency state of bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase, it was concluded that the increase in enzyme activity was due more to a real induction than to activation of bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase. A close linkage was established between bilirubin UDPglucuronosyltransferase induction and that of cytochrome P-452, as shown by enhanced omega-oxidation of lauric acid. This led to the hypothesis that both processes could be under coordinate regulation and mediated by a molecular interaction depending on the physicochemical properties of the carboxylic acids.

Characterization of a new class of inhibitors of the recombinant human liver UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, UGT1*6.

The inhibitory effect of a series of novel structurally related compounds on the human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase UGT1*6 stably expressed in a V79 cell line was investigated. The inhibitors contain a lipophilic N-acyl phenylaminoalcohol residue and a uridine moiety connected by a spacer varying for each compound. The effects of these compounds on the glucuronidation reaction measured with 4-methylumbelliferone as substrate were determined. The best inhibitor of the series, D-DPMSU, had an IC50 of 39 microM in the assay conditions. Low Ki values were found toward both UDP-glucuronic acid and 4-methylumbelliferone (17 and 21 microM, respectively). The inhibition was competitive toward both substrates. A similar strong and competitive inhibitory effect was observed with two other inhibitors, DHPASU and DHPASiU. Another compound, D-DPASiU, showed a pure competitive inhibition towards UDP-glucuronic acid, but a non-competitive inhibition towards the acceptor substrate. These data and the optimization of the structures of the inhibitors by molecular modeling suggest that D-DPMSU and DHPASiU compounds may be transition state analog inhibitors of the recombinant UGT1*6 enzyme.

Glycation of apolipoprotein E impairs its binding to heparin: identification of the major glycation site.

The increased glycation of plasma apolipoproteins represents a possible major factor for lipid disturbances and accelerated atherogenesis in diabetic patients. The glycation of apolipoprotein E (apoE), a key lipid-transport protein in plasma, was studied both in vivo and in vitro. ApoE was shown to be glycated in plasma very low density lipoproteins of both normal subjects and hyperglycemic, diabetic patients. However, diabetic patients with hyperglycemia showed a 2-3-fold increased level of apoE glycation. ApoE from diabetic plasma showed decreased binding to heparin compared to normal plasma apoE. The rate of Amadori product formation in apoE in vitro was similar to that for albumin and apolipoproteins A-I and A-II. The glycation of apoE in vitro significantly decreased its ability to bind to heparin, a critical process in the sequestration and uptake of apoE-containing lipoproteins by cells. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, a transition metal chelator, had no effect on the loss of apoE heparin-binding activity, suggesting that glycation rather than glycoxidation is responsible for this effect. In contrast, glycation had no effect on the interaction of apoE with amyloid beta-peptide. ApoE glycation was demonstrated to be isoform-specific. ApoE(2) showed a higher glycation rate and the following order was observed: apoE(2)>apoE(4)>apoE(3). The major glycated site of apoE was found to be Lys-75. These findings suggest that apoE is glycated in an isoform-specific manner and that the glycation, in turn, significantly decreases apoE heparin-binding activity. We propose that apoE glycation impairs lipoprotein-cell interactions, which are mediated via heparan sulfate proteoglycans and may result in the enhancement of lipid abnormalities in hyperglycemic, diabetic patients.

Signal peptide-length variation in human apolipoprotein B gene. Molecular characteristics and association with plasma glucose levels.

We studied the molecular characteristics of three naturally occurring variants in the human apolipoprotein B (apoB) signal peptide, their frequencies in non-insulin-dependent diabetic and random populations, and their association with several measures of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. In a random sample of 197 French whites, there were two common alleles, 5'beta SP-24 and 5'beta SP-27, with frequencies of 0.35 and 0.65, respectively. In a random sample of 181 Mexican Americans, there was an additional allele, 5'beta SP-29, with a frequency of 0.03. DNA sequence analysis indicated that the signal peptide alleles consisted of the following: 5'beta SP-29 encoded 29 amino acids in the signal peptide containing two copies of the sequence CTG GCG CTG encoding Leu-Ala-Leu and a consecutive run of eight Leu-encoding codons; 5'beta SP-27 encoded 27 amino acids with a run of only six Leu codons; 5'beta SP-24 encoded 24 amino acids and contained a single copy of CTG GCG CTG and a run of six Leu codons. In the sample of French whites, average apoAI and glucose levels were significantly different among signal peptide genotypes. 5'beta SP-24/24 homozygotes had higher apoAI levels than the two other signal peptide genotypes (1.59 vs. 1.42 g/L, respectively). Heterozygous 5'beta SP-24/27 individuals had the highest glucose levels. In the random sample of Mexican Americans, average glucose levels were also significantly different among signal peptide genotypes. However, the rank order of average glucose levels was not the same between the two samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characterization and regulatory effect of gamma-glutamyltransferase messenger RNA untranslated regions in human leukemia.

In this paper we report the presence and function of the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) from the mRNA encoding human gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in three different hematopoietic cell lines (HL-60, U-937 and K-562) as well as in the RNA of the leukocyte fraction from six acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL). Results obtained by RNase protection analysis demonstrate the presence of a unique form of 5'UTR expressed in most human tissues. In order to investigate the possible role of this type of sequence on regulation of GGT in hematopoietic cells, plasmid constructs carrying human hepatoma GGT 5'UTR and a luciferase reporter gene were transfected into the three blood cell lines. Compared to control untransfected cells, transfected HL-60 and K-562 showed a decrease in reporter gene activity of 51 and 73%, respectively. In contrast, transfected U-937 showed a 139% increase of reporter gene activity. Results were compared to GGT activity in the relevant cells and we concluded that the 5'UTR appears to have a regulatory role in GGT expression as a tissue-specific modulator of translation.