A novel electrophoretic variant of human apolipoprotein E. Identification and characterization of apolipoprotein E1.

A new apolipoprotein E (apo E) phenotype has been demonstrated in a Finnish hypertriglyceridemic subject (R.M.). At the time of this study, R.M.'s plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels were 1,021 and 230 mg/dl, respectively. The subject's apo E isoelectric focusing pattern was characterized by two major bands, one in the E3 position and the other in the E1 position. Normally the E1 position is occupied by sialylated derivatives of apo E4, E3, or E2. The E1 band of subject R.M. is not a sialylated form, however, because it was not affected by neuraminidase digestion. The identity of the E1 variant as a genetically determined structure was established by amino acid and partial sequence analyses, confirming that the variant is an example of a previously uncharacterized apo E phenotype, E3/1. Both cysteamine modification and amino acid analysis demonstrated that this variant contains two cysteine residues per mole. Sequence analysis of two cyanogen bromide fragments and one tryptic fragment of the apo E3/1 showed that it differs from E2(Arg158----Cys) at residue 127, where an aspartic acid residue is substituted for glycine. This single amino acid interchange is sufficient to account for the one-charge difference observed on isoelectric focusing gels between E2(Arg158----Cys) and the E1 variant. The variant has been designated E1 (Gly127----Asp, Arg158----Cys). When compared with apo E3, the E1 variant demonstrated reduced ability to compete with 125I-LDL for binding to LDL (apo B,E) receptors on cultured fibroblasts (approximately 4% of the amount of binding of apo E3). This defective binding is similar to that of E2-(Arg158----Cys). Therefore, the binding defect of the variant is probably due to the presence of cysteine at residue 158, rather than aspartic acid at residue 127. In contrast, the apo E3 isoform from this subject demonstrated normal binding activity, indicating that it has a normal structure. In family studies, the vertical transmission of the apo E1 variant has been established. It is not yet clear, however, if the hypertriglyceridemia observed in the proband is associated with the presence of the E1(Gly127----Asp, Arg158----Cys) variant.

Characterization of lipase activities in obese Pima indians. Decreases with weight reduction.

Adipose tissue and muscle lipoprotein lipase and postheparin hepatic and lipoprotein lipase activities have been measured in a group of 21 Pima Indian males over a wide range of body weight to determine the relationship between obesity and these lipase activities. There was a significant positive correlation between adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase and obesity; muscle and postheparin lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase were not related to degree of obesity. Fasting insulin levels were not related to any of the measurements of lipase activity. There were racial differences in adipose and postheparin lipoprotein lipase activities; both were significantly lower in the Pimas as compared with a group of weight-matched Caucasian males. Lipase activities were remeasured in eight subjects after a period of weight reduction including several weeks of stabilization at the reduced weights. After the period of weight reduction adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase declined in all subjects. Hepatic lipase also declined in all but two patients. Muscle and postheparin lipolytic activities were not affected by weight loss. The data indicate that (a) there are racial differences in adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase; and (b) the elevated adipose lipoprotein lipase associated with obesity, like many other biochemical variables in the obese state, returns toward normal after weight reduction.

Monoacylglycerol hydrolase in human platelets.

In the present paper we show for the first time monoacylglycerol hydrolase in human platelets. No monoacylglycerol hydrolase activity could be demonstrated in the other blood cells. The monoacylglycerol hydrolase of platelets could not be released from the cells by heparin, thus the enzyme is distinct from the postheparin plasma lipases. The enzyme could be solubilized by a non-ionic detergent, Triton X-100. The solubilized monoacylglycerol hydrolase from platelets was optimally active at pH between 7 and 8 and at ionic strength corresponding to [NaCl] between 0.1 and 0.3 M. The optimal assay temperature was 37 degrees C. The enzyme activity was sensitive to HgCl2 but not to NaF. Accordingly, it was stabilized by 2-mercaptoethanol.

Selective measurement of triacylglycerol lipase activities in pig post-heparin plasma.

Immunochemical methods for the selective measurement of pig post-heparin plasma lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase are described and validated. A simple two step purification method for porcine hepatic lipase from hepatic perfusate based on affinity chromatography and gel filtration is reported. The activity of the post-heparin plasma lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase in swine is reported. It is demonstrated that fasting decreases the activity of post-heparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity more than two-fold while it does not affect the hepatic lipase activity significantly.

Effects of gemfibrozil on low-density lipoprotein particle size, density distribution, and composition in patients with type II diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of gemfibrozil treatment on LDL particle size, density distribution, and composition in NIDDM patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed LDL analyses on 16 NIDDM patients with stable glycemic control. They were randomly allocated to receive either gemfibrozil (n = 8) or a placebo (n = 8) for 3 mo in a double-blind study. The LDL particle size distribution and the particle diameter of the major LDL peak were measured with nondenaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. The density distribution and composition of LDL were determined with the density gradient ultracentrifugation method. RESULTS: In the gemfibrozil group the mean serum TG concentration decreased by 38%, HDL cholesterol concentration increased by 10%, and LDL cholesterol concentration by 17% (P < 0.05). During gemfibrozil therapy the mean particle diameter of the major LDL peak increased from 244 to 251 A (P < 0.05), whereas in the placebo group the mean LDL particle diameter remained unchanged. We found an inverse correlation between the changes of serum TG and the particle diameters of the major LDL peak (r = 0.85, P < 0.01). Gemfibrozil produced a shift in the LDL density distribution toward lower density. The mean peak density decreased from 1.0371 to 1.0345 g/ml because of a significant rise in the light LDL concentration from 141.0 to 183.2 mg/dl (P < 0.05), whereas the concentration of dense LDL had a tendency to decrease. In the placebo group the LDL density distribution did not change. Gemfibrozil increased the CE-to-TG ratio in LDL core lipids by 27% (P < 0.05); otherwise, the LDL composition was only slightly affected. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate gemfibrozil-induced changes in LDL properties in NIDDM patients are similar to those previously reported in nondiabetic individuals and are related to changes in serum TG level.

Lipoproteins, lipolytic enzymes, and hormonal status in hypothyroid women at different levels of substitution.

Serum lipoproteins and postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase (HL) activities were determined in 23 hypothyroid women treated with graded doses of thyroxine (T4) (50, 100, and 150 micrograms/day), each given for 3 weeks. Since the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and thereby serum sex steroid concentrations are sensitive to thyroid status, we also measured serum testosterone, estradiol, and SHBG at each time. Stepwise T4 treatment resulted in gradual improvement in thyroid status. Concomitantly, serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased in a linear fashion from a mean of 4.72 +/- 0.31 (+/- SEM) to 3.21 +/- 0.18 mmol/L (P less than 0.001) after the largest dose. In contrast, serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol decreased, although not in a dose-dependent fashion, from 1.61 +/- 0.07 to 1.44 +/- 0.05 mmol/L (P less than 0.001) after the largest dose. Serum SHBG increased along with improvement of thyroid function, but this increase did not have major impact on the changes in LDL during T4 treatment, as judged by multiple regression analysis. Thus, serum LDL correlated independently only with T4 (r = -0.38; P less than 0.001). The serum HDL changes were almost exclusively due to those in the HDL2 subfraction, and these were related to HL activity, which increased from 13.4 +/- 1.76 to 18.9 +/- 2.08 U/L after the largest dose. We conclude that thyroid hormones regulated serum HDL (HDL2) cholesterol mainly through their effect on HL.

Short-term effects of prednisone on serum lipids and high density lipoprotein subfractions in normolipidemic healthy men.

To study the effects of short term low dose prednisone administration on serum lipids and lipoproteins we measured the concentration and composition of serum lipoproteins; serum apoproteins (apo) A-I, A-II, and B; and plasma lipolytic enzymes before and during prednisone administration (30 mg/day for 7 days) in eight normal men. We also measured insulin binding to adipocytes. Serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased significantly after 2 days of prednisone administration; the maximal increase was 27% (P less than 0.01 after 5 days). The rise of HDL cholesterol was accounted for by that of HDL2 cholesterol. There were marked changes in the distribution of HDL particles; HDL2 increased, whereas HDL3 decreased. These changes were also apparent after 2 days of prednisone administration and were maximal at 5 days [mean, 1.58 +/- 0.12 (+/- SE) vs. 2.00 +/- 0.14 g/L (P less than 0.001) for HDL2; 1.82 +/- 0.11 vs. 1.61 +/- 0.06 g/L (P less than 0.05) for HDL3], and they were due to opposing changes in cholesterol, phospholipids, and proteins in the HDL subfractions. The change in HDL2 protein correlated inversely with that in HDL3 protein (r = -0.73; P less than 0.05). Notably, prednisone did not change the apo A-I concentration, but that of apo A-II decreased (0.32 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.27 +/- 0.01 g/L; P less than 0.05). Consequently, the lipid to protein ratio of HDL increased. Prednisone induced no significant changes in very low density or low density (LDL) lipoproteins. Adipose tissue LPL activity did not increase until after 7 days of prednisone intake (1.10 +/- 0.28 vs. 3.43 +/- 1.02 mumol FFA/g.h; P less than 0.05), and the same was true for muscle LPL (0.49 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.82 +/- 0.11 mumol FFA/g.h; n = 4; P = 0.06). Specific insulin binding was normal, but both basal and maximal insulin-stimulated glucose transport decreased significantly. In summary, prednisone induces changes in serum HDL which are characterized by redistribution of particles within HDL density toward less dense particles and a quantitative rise of lipids in the HDL2 fraction.

Effects of endogenous sex steroids on serum lipoproteins and postheparin plasma lipolytic enzymes.

Sex steroids influence serum high density cholesterol (HDL) concentrations through their effects on postheparin plasma hepatic lipase activity. This enzyme is remarkably sex steroid sensitive; its activity is increased by treatment with androgens and androgenic progestins but decreased by estrogens. Hepatic lipase also is regulated by endogenous estradiol, but less is known about its regulation by endogenous androgens. We measured serum lipoproteins and postheparin plasma hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase activities in relation to sex steroids in 13 boys in whom testicular sex steroid production was stimulated by 4 injections of hCG given at 3-day intervals. Serum testosterone, but not estradiol, concentrations increased in 8 boys (group I, prepubertal and early pubertal boys), whereas in 5 boys both testosterone and estrogen concentrations increased concomitantly (group II, pubertal boys). Postheparin plasma hepatic lipase activity increased by 34% (P less than 0.001) in group I, but did not change in group II. Serum HDL cholesterol concentrations did not change during hCG stimulation. However, postheparin plasma hepatic lipase activity correlated inversely with serum HDL (r = -0.34; P less than 0.05) and HDL2 cholesterol levels (r = -0.51; P less than 0.001), and the changes in HDL2 levels and hepatic lipase activity were inversely related (r = -0.63; P less than 0.05). Postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity decreased during hCG stimulation. Its activity was positively related to HDL (r = 0.47; P less than 0.05) and HDL2 cholesterol levels (r = 0.54; P less than 0.001). These results suggest that endogenous androgens and estrogens are involved in the regulation of postheparin plasma lipase activities and serum HDL cholesterol concentrations.

High density lipoprotein-2 and hepatic lipase: reciprocal changes produced by estrogen and norgestrel.

The concentrations of plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) and its subfraction HDL2 are influenced by endogenous and exogenous sex hormones. The catabolism of HDL2 is mediated by a lipolytic enzyme, hepatic lipase, which is present in endothelial cells covering the liver sinusoids. Since the activity of this enzyme is also regulated by gonadal and anabolic steroids, we examined whether the effect of sex steroids on plasma HDL is related to changes in hepatic lipase. In postmenopausal women, estradiol valerate (2 mg/day, orally) increased the HDL2 cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations by 20% (P less than 0.05). Simultaneously, the hepatic lipase activity of postheparin plasma decreased by 25% (P less than 0.05). The addition of levonorgestrel (250 micrograms/day, orally) to the treatment reversed both effects of estrogen, so that HDL2 cholesterol and phospholipid levels fell below and hepatic lipase activity rose above the respective pretreatment values. The hormones did not influence the HDL3 lipid concentrations or the lipoprotein lipase and lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activities. The results are compatible with the hypothesis that the effects of sex steroids on plasma HDL (HDL2) are mediated by changes in hepatic lipase activity.

Desogestrel- and levonorgestrel-containing oral contraceptives have different effects on urinary excretion of prostacyclin metabolites and serum high density lipoproteins.

Prostacyclin synthesis is stimulated in vitro by high density lipoproteins (HDL), which themselves are differently affected by desogestrel (DG)- and levonorgestrel (LN)- containing oral contraceptives. In this study we measured the urinary excretion of the metabolites of prostacyclin [6-keto-prostaglandin F 1 alpha(6-keto) and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (dinor)] and of thromboxane A2 [thromboxane B2 (TxB2)] as well as serum HDL- and HDL2 cholesterol concentrations before and during DG and LN administration alone or in combination with ethinyl estradiol (EE) in 26 women. Before the trial, urinary dinor excretion correlated with serum total HDL cholesterol (r = 0.499; P less than 0.01) and HDL2 cholesterol levels (r = 0.668; P less than 0.001; n = 26). Administration of DG (150 micrograms/day; 14 women) or LN (150 micrograms/day; 12 women) for 2 weeks caused no changes in the excretion of these prostanoids, but LN administration decreased serum HDL cholesterol levels. After that, the women underwent a monophasic regimen of 150 micrograms DG or LN plus 30 micrograms EE for 3 months and thereafter polyphasic regimens of the same steroids for a further 3 months. The DG-containing pills increased urinary dinor excretion by 25-40%, but caused no changes in 6-keto and TxB2 excretion, as measured on days 19-21 of the cycles. LN-containing pills reduced urinary 6-keto excretion by 22% at the end of polyphasic treatment, but caused no changes in dinor and TxB2 output. DG plus EE, but not LN plus EE, increased serum total HDL and HDL2 cholesterol concentrations by a maximum of 25%. Thus, a DG plus EE combination may stimulate PGI2 synthesis by increasing the levels of HDL/HDL2. Theoretically, this stimulation protects against occlusive vascular disorders.

PIP: The effects of desogestrel or levonorgestrel alone and in combination with ethinyl estradiol on the urinary excretion of metabolites of antiaggregatory prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and on serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL2 cholesterol concentrations were investigated in 26 women. Baseline urinary 6-keto, dinor, and TxB2 excretion and serum HDL or HDL2 cholesterol concentrations did not differ between study groups. Administration of desogestrel and levonorgestrel alone for 2 weeks caused no changes in PG excretion, but it reduced serum HDL and HDL2 cholesterol concentrations. The desogestrel-estradiol combination was accompanied by 40% and 25% rises in urinary dinor excretion and 20% and 15% rises in urinary 6-keto and dinor excretion at the end of the monophasic and polyphasic regimens, respectively, but no significant changes in urinary TxB2 excretion. The levonorgestrel-estradiol combination produced a 22% decrease in urinary 6-keto excretion during polyphasic treatment, but led to no change in the excretion of the other prostanoids. Both monophasic and polyphasic levonorgestrel and estradiol administration lowered serum HDL and HDL2 cholesterol levels, while monophasic desogestrel plus estradiol increased serum HDL2. The mean relative changes in serum HDL2 cholesterol and urinary dinor excretion were parallel in users of desogestrel plus estradiol, suggesting that a serum HDL cholesterol increase induced by this regimen could be related to increased vascular PGI2 production. Although the mechanism that causes increases in PGI2 and HDL during desogestrel-estradiol administration remains unknown, such a combination has the potential to reduce the risk of occlusive-thrombotic vascular disorders--currently the most serious side effect of oral contraceptive use.

Vitamin C prevents the acute atherogenic effects of passive smoking.

During passive smoking the body is attacked by an excess of free radicals inducing oxidative stress. In nonsmoking subjects even a short period of passive smoking breaks down serum antioxidant defense (TRAP) and accelerates lipid peroxidation leading to accumulation of their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in cultured human macrophages. We now studied whether these acute proatherogenic effects of secondhand smoke could be prevented by an effective free radical scavenger, vitamin C. Blood samples were collected from nonsmoking subjects (n = 10) as they were consecutively exposed to normal air or cigarette smoke during four separate days. During the last 2 d, a single dose of vitamin C (3 g) was given, which doubled its plasma concentration. Vitamin C did not influence the plasma antioxidant defense or the resistance of LDL to oxidation in normal air, but prevented the smoke-induced decrease in plasma TRAP (p <.001), the decrease in the resistance of LDL to oxidation (p <.05), and the accelerated formation of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (p <.05) otherwise observed 1.5 h after the beginning of passive smoking. Vitamin C protected nonsmoking subjects against the harmful effects of free radicals during exposure to secondhand smoke.

Very low density lipoprotein triglyceride kinetics during hepatic lipase suppression by estrogen. Studies on the physiological role of hepatic endothelial lipase.

The exact role of the heparin-releasable hepatic endothelial lipase has remained controversial. It has been suggested that it acts in concert with lipoprotein lipase in the step-wise delipidation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. On the other hand, there is evidence indicating that high density lipoprotein2 is the preferred substrate for hepatic lipase. Here, it is shown that a moderate (27%) suppression of hepatic lipase activity by estrogen did not impair removal of 3H-labeled very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) triglycerides, suggesting that this enzyme is not a major regulator of VLDL catabolism under physiological circumstances.

High density lipoproteins in postprandial lipemia. Relation to sex and lipoprotein lipase activity.

Twelve subjects (6 women, 6 men) were given 120 g fat orally for 2 h to study its effect on serum high density lipoproteins (HDL), HDL subfractions and apoproteins A-I and A-II. In addition, we measured the fasting activity of adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase (LPL). The HDL2 mass concentration increased significantly in women (216 +/- 10 vs 232 +/- 12 mg/dl, P less than 0.01) but not in men (114 +/- 10 vs 119 +/- 11 mg/dl, NS). The changes of the HDL2 mass in women were due to significant increases of phospholipids, and both apoproteins A-I and A-II. In men, only HDL2 phospholipids rose slightly. The HDL2 cholesterol remained unchanged postprandially. Both fasting and maximal postprandial concentrations of HDL2 correlated positively with adipose tissue LPL activity (r = +0.63, P less than 0.05 and r = +0.61, P less than 0.05). The concentration of HDL3 remained unchanged postprandially but compositional changes were observed. Thus, the HDL3 phospholipids increased slightly in both sexes whereas the HDL3 cholesteryl esters fell significantly. The postprandial changes of HDL2 and HDL3 phospholipids were evident in both zonal ultracentrifugation and equilibrium ultracentrifugation. In addition, 5 women received intragastric fat infusions with or without extra soya phospholipids, lecithin. The HDL2 mass concentration increased after both infusions. In 4 of the 5 subjects the overall increment of the HDL2 phospholipids was larger after the phospholipid-rich emulsion than after phospholipid-poor one. This difference was obvious in zonal profile of HDL subfractions which revealed also a slight increase of HDL3 phospholipids after both infusions. In conclusion, the response of HDL2 to fat meal is more pronounced in women than in men and it seems to be dependent on fasting LPL activity which is higher in women than in men. Further, the alterations in postprandial composition of HDL subfractions can be modified by the composition of fat meal.

Evidence for the role of hepatic endothelial lipase in the metabolism of plasma high density lipoprotein2 in man.

Previous animal studies have shown that the heparin-releasable hepatic lipase (HL) is located on the luminal surface of the liver endothelial cells and may have a function in the removal of high density lipoprotein lipids from plasma. We therefore examined the relationship between plasma HDL levels and the HL activity of postheparin plasma in a group of young, very fit men who were living under strictly controlled comparable conditions (military academy studients). HDL2 cholesterol, HDL2 phospholipid and HDL2 protein concentrations each showed a highly significant negative correlation with postheparin HL activity. A similar but slightly lower inverse relationship was also present between total HDL lipids and HL activity, whereas no correlation could be observed between any of the HDL3 lipids and HL activity. The cholesterol/protein ratio of HDL2 correlated negatively with the HL activity. These results support the hypothesis that the hepatic endothelial lipase has a physiological role in the degradation and removal of circulating HDL2.

High density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-i during physical inactivity. Demonstration at low levels in patients with spine fracture.

Lack of physical activity appears to have deleterious effects on serum lipoproteins. Twenty-three patients who were completely immobilised by traumatic fracture of the spine had significantly lower (P < 0.001) plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I levels than normally mobile paired control subjects. The low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of the immobile patients were not different from those of controls but the LDL triglyceride (LDL-TG) of the patients was increased. The patients had a significantly higher LDL/HDL-C ratio and HDL-C/apoprotein A-I ratio than the controls. These results suggest that the increased risk of ischemic heart disease in physically inactive people is partially accounted for by low plasma HDL levels. On the other hand, caution is needed in the interpretation of HDL findings in clinical conditions where the physical activity of the patients is limited.

High density lipoprotein, apoproteins A-I and A-II and postheparin plasma lipolytic enzymes after ileal bypass.

Apoproteins A-I and A-II, and the activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL), were studied in 16 patients 3-12 years after ileal bypass operation and in 13 controls, all heterozygous for familial hypercholesterolemia, to investigate why the operated subjects had a higher HDL cholesterol level than the unoperated controls. HDL- and HDL2-cholesterol and apoprotein A-I were higher, HDL3-cholesterol was similar and apoprotein A-II tended to be lower in the operated than the control subjects. The activities of LPL and HL were similar in the 2 groups. HL was negatively correlated with HDL2-cholesterol, whereas LPL was not associated with any of the HDL components. The controls had gained in weight during the follow-up, but the HDL components were not correlated with relative body weight. It is concluded that in familial hypercholesterolemia ileal bypass results in higher HDL- and HDL2-cholesterol and apoprotein A-I level than conservative treatment and that postheparin plasma lipolytic enzymes do not explain the higher level of these HDL components in the operated subjects.

Immunochemical assay of rat postheparin plasma triacylglycerol lipases.

Immunochemical methods for selective measurement of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase activities in rat postheparin plasma are described and validated. Lipoprotein lipase was measured using a substrate containing 10% serum and 0.1 M NaCl after inactivation of hepatic lipase with a specific antiserum. Hepatic lipase was measured at 1.0 M NaCl with a serum-free substrate. The heparin dose-response curve indicated maximum relase of both activities at a heparin dose of 500 IU/kg. The lipase activities in rat postheparin plasma were 3 to 4-fold higher than those in human postheparin plasma. The LPL activity in female rats was significantly higher than in males whereas there was no sex difference for hapatic lipase.

Apolipoprotein E phenotype and cholesterol metabolism in familial hypercholesterolemia.

Serum lipids, lipoproteins, cholesterol absorption and parameters of cholesterol metabolism were related to apolipoprotein E phenotypes in 38 patients with familial xanthomatous hypercholesterolemia. Serum lipids and lipoproteins were similar in 2 most frequent apo E phenotypes E 3/3 and E 4/3. Coronary artery disease was not related to the apo E phenotypes. Cholesterol absorption efficiency was significantly lower in the apo E 3/3 patients than in the apo E 4/3 group. A high serum level of cholesterol precursor lathosterol, a high lathosterol/sitosterol ratio and sterol balance data suggest that cholesterol synthesis may be slightly higher in the apo E 3/3 than E 4/3 group. The findings indicate that the genetically determined apo E polymorphism contributes to cholesterol absorption efficiency in FH patients, but serum total and lipoprotein cholesterol levels are poorly related to apo E isoforms.

Different effects of two progestins on plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL2) and postheparin plasma hepatic lipase activity.

Two progestins with different androgenic activity were compared for their effects on plasma high density lipoproteins and postheparin plasma lipase activities in premenopausal women. Levonorgestrel, a nortestosterone-derived steroid with androgenic activity reduced plasma HDL cholesterol by 17% (P less than 0.05) and HDL2 cholesterol by 30% (P less than 0.05), without changing the HDL3 cholesterol concentration. At the same time the postheparin plasma hepatic lipase activity was increased by 56% (P less than 0.01) whereas the lipoprotein lipase was not changed. None of these effects was reproduced during administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a progestin with low androgenic activity. The results suggest, first, that the decrease of HDL cholesterol observed during treatment with progestins is related to the androgenic activity of the steroid used, and, second, that the change in HDL (HDL2) is caused by androgen-induced increase of hepatic lipase activity.

Effect of probucol on cholesterol synthesis, plasma lipoproteins and the activities of lipoprotein and hepatic lipase in the rat.

The postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and plasma HDL and LDL cholesterol concentrations, decreases significantly during probucol treatment of the rat. The reduction of the LPL activity obviously took place in adipose tissue. The activity of hepatic lipase and the in vitro synthesis of cholesterol in the liver or isolated jejunal villous cells were unaffected by the probucol treatment. Plasma triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol concentrations remained similar in the control and probucol groups despite the difference in the LPL activity, whereas the esterified VLDL cholesterol level was significantly reduced in the probucol group. The results suggest that the HDL lowering action of probucol is contributed by the reduced LPL activity probably via impaired VLDL metabolism.