Negative regulation of human fibrinogen gene expression by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonists via inhibition of CCAAT box/enhancer-binding protein beta.

Fibrinogen is a coagulation factor and an acute phase reactant up-regulated by inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6). Elevated plasma fibrinogen levels are associated with coronary heart diseases. Fibrates are clinically used hypolipidemic drugs that act via the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha). In addition, most fibrates also reduce plasma fibrinogen levels, but the molecular mechanism is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that fibrates decrease basal and IL-6-stimulated expression of the human fibrinogen-beta gene in human primary hepatocytes and hepatoma HepG2 cells. Fibrates diminish basal and IL-6-induced fibrinogen-beta promoter activity, and this effect is enhanced in the presence of co-transfected PPAR alpha. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrate that PPAR alpha activators decrease human fibrinogen-beta promoter activity via the CCAAT box/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) response element. Co-transfection of the transcriptional intermediary factor glucocorticoid receptor-interacting protein 1/transcriptional intermediary factor 2 (GRIP1/TIF2) enhances fibrinogen-beta gene transcription and alleviates the repressive effect of PPAR alpha. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that PPAR alpha and GRIP1/TIF2 physically interact in vivo in human liver. These data demonstrate that PPAR alpha agonists repress human fibrinogen gene expression by interference with the C/EBP beta pathway through titration of the coactivator GRIP1/TIF2. We observed that the anti-inflammatory action of PPAR alpha is not restricted to fibrinogen but also applies to other acute phase genes containing a C/EBP response element; it also occurs under conditions in which the stimulating action of IL-6 is potentiated by dexamethasone. These findings identify a novel molecular mechanism of negative gene regulation by PPAR alpha and reveal the direct implication of PPAR alpha in the modulation of the inflammatory gene response in the liver.

Circadian and glucocorticoid regulation of Rev-erbalpha expression in liver.

Rev-erbalpha [NR1D1], a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is an orphan receptor that constitutively represses gene transcription. Rev-erbalpha has been shown to play a role in myocyte differentiation and to be induced during adipogenesis. Furthermore, Rev-erbalpha is a regulator of lipoprotein metabolism. It was recently shown that Rev-erbalpha messenger RNA (mRNA) levels oscillate diurnally in rat liver. Here, we report that the circadian rhythm of Rev-erbalpha in liver is maintained in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Because glucocorticoids have been shown to regulate other transcription factors with circadian expression, it was furthermore examined whether hepatic Rev-erbalpha expression is also regulated by glucocorticoids. Treatment of rats with dexamethasone resulted in a decrease of Rev-erbalpha mRNA levels by 70% after 6 h. Furthermore, dexamethasone decreased Rev-erbalpha expression in rat primary hepatocytes in a dose-dependent fashion. This effect was mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor because simultaneous addition of the glucocorticoid antagonist RU486 prevented the decrease in Rev-erbalpha mRNA levels by dexamethasone. Protein synthesis inhibition with cycloheximide markedly induced Rev-erbalpha mRNA levels; however, this induction was reduced by dexamethasone supplementation in both rat and human primary hepatocytes. Treatment with actinomycin D blocked the repression of Rev-erbalpha expression by dexamethasone in rat hepatocytes, suggesting that glucocorticoids regulate Rev-erbalpha expression at the transcriptional level. Transient transfection experiments further indicated that Rev-erbalpha promoter activity is repressed by dexamethasone in the presence of cotransfected glucocorticoid receptor. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Rev-erbalpha expression is under the control of both the circadian clock and glucocorticoids in the liver.

Fibrates increase human REV-ERBalpha expression in liver via a novel peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor response element.

Fibrates are widely used hypolipidemic drugs that act by modulating the expression of genes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Whereas the activation of gene transcription by fibrates occurs via the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) interacting with response elements consisting of a direct repeat of the AGGTCA motif spaced by one nucleotide (DR1), the mechanisms of negative gene regulation by fibrates and PPARalpha are largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that fibrates induce the expression of the nuclear receptor Rev-erbalpha, a negative regulator of gene transcription. Fibrates increase Rev-erbalpha mRNA levels both in primary human hepatocytes and in HepG2 hepatoblastoma cells. In HepG2 cells, fibrates furthermore induce Rev-erbalpha protein synthesis rates. Transfection studies with reporter constructs driven by the human Rev-erbalpha promoter revealed that fibrates induce Rev-erbalpha expression at the transcriptional level via PPARalpha. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments identified a PPAR response element that coincides with the previously identified Rev-erbalpha negative autoregulatory Rev-DR2 element. Electromobility shift assay experiments indicated that PPARalpha binds as heterodimer with 9-cis-retinoic acid receptor to a subset of DR2 elements 5' flanked by an A/T-rich sequence such as in the Rev-DR2. PPARalpha and Rev-erbalpha bind with similar affinities to the Rev-DR2 site. In conclusion, these data demonstrate human Rev-erbalpha as a PPARalpha target gene and identify a subset of DR2 sites as novel PPARalpha response elements. Finally, the PPARalpha and Rev-erbalpha signaling pathways cross-talk through competition for binding to those response elements.

Developmental and pharmacological regulation of apolipoprotein C-II gene expression. Comparison with apo C-I and apo C-III gene regulation.

Increased plasma triglyceride concentrations are often observed in metabolic disorders predisposing to coronary heart disease. Among the major determinants of plasma triglyceride metabolism are the apolipoproteins (apos) of the C class, C-I, C-II, and C-III. Whereas physiological concentrations of apo C-II are required for lipolysis of triglycerides by lipoprotein lipase (LPL), overexpression of all 3 C apolipoproteins leads to hypertriglyceridemia. In the present study, we investigated apo C-II gene regulation under conditions associated with profound changes in plasma triglyceride metabolism, ie, during postnatal development and after treatment with the triglyceride-lowering fibrate drugs, and compared its expression to that of apo C-I and apo C-III. Whereas the expression of both apo C-I and apo C-III is low in fetal liver, increases gradually after birth, and attains maximal levels after weaning, apo C-II gene expression is already detectable in the fetal liver, increases rapidly immediately after birth, and remains elevated throughout suckling. Thus, the increased ingestion of lipids during suckling is met by an earlier induction of apo C-II, the obligatory activator for LPL, compared with apo C-III and apo C-I, which antagonize triglyceride catabolism. Treatment of rats with fibrates decreased apo C-II gene expression in the liver, but not in the intestine, whereas apo C-I gene expression did not change. The decrease of liver apo C-II mRNA levels after fenofibrate occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner and was reversible but appeared less pronounced than the decrease of apo C-III mRNA. Apo C-II mRNA levels were not affected after treatment with BRL49653, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma-specific ligand, suggesting that fibrates act on apo C-II expression via PPARalpha. Addition of fenofibric acid to primary rat and human hepatocytes resulted in a decrease of apo C-II expression. In conclusion, fibrates decrease gene expression of apo C-II and apo C-III, but not apo C-I, in rat and human hepatocytes. This decrease of apo C-II and apo C-III gene expression, together with a lowered apo C-III to apo C-II ratio, should result in an improved clearance of triglyceride-rich remnant lipoproteins from plasma, without hampering triglyceride lipolysis by LPL.

Retinoids increase human apo C-III expression at the transcriptional level via the retinoid X receptor. Contribution to the hypertriglyceridemic action of retinoids.

Hypertriglyceridemia is a metabolic complication of retinoid therapy. In this study, we analyzed whether retinoids increase the expression of apo C-III, an antagonist of plasma triglyceride catabolism. In men, isotretinoin treatment (80 mg/d; 5 d) resulted in elevated plasma apo C-III, but not apo E concentrations. In human hepatoma HepG2 cells, retinoids increased apo C-III mRNA and protein production. Transient transfection experiments indicated that retinoids increase apo C-III expression at the transcriptional level. This increased apo C-III transcription is mediated by the retinoid X receptor (RXR), since LG1069 (4-[1-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,8, 8-pentamethyl-2-naphtalenyl)ethenyl]benzoic acid), a RXR-specific agonist, but not TTNPB ((E)- 4-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8, 8-tetramethyl-2-naphtalenyl)propenyl]benzoic acid), a retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-specific agonist, induced apo C-III mRNA in HepG2 cells and primary human hepatocytes. Mutagenesis experiments localized the retinoid responsiveness to a cis-element consisting of two imperfect AGGTCA sequences spaced by one oligonucleotide (DR-1), within the previously identified C3P footprint site. Cotransfection assays showed that RXR, but not RAR, activates apo C-III transcription through this element either as a homo- or as a heterodimer with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor. Thus, apo C-III is a target gene for retinoids acting via RXR. Increased apo C-III expression may contribute to the hypertriglyceridemia and atherogenic lipoprotein profile observed after retinoid therapy.

[Affinity of 3-beta-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5-alpha-cholest-8(14)-ene-15-one to oxysterol binding protein and its metabolism in HepG2 hepatoma cells]. / Srodstvo 3beta-(2-gidroksiétoksi)-5alpha-kholest-8(14)-en-15-ona k oksisterinsviazyvaiushchemu belku i ego metabolizm v kletkakh gepatomy HepG2.

beta-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, a synthetic inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis, was shown to exhibit a high affinity to oxysterol binding protein. This was proved by ultracentrifugation of the protein fraction from rabbit liver in the presence of the 3H-labeled inhibitor, 3 beta-(2-hydroxy-2-[3H]ethoxy)-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one, or by the substitution of the [3H]-25-hydroxycholesterol in its complex with the oxysterol binding protein. In human hepatoma Hep G2 cells, the inhibitor decreased activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase [ID50 (2.7 +/- 0.7) x 10(-5) M] and was transformed into 3 beta-[2-(9-Z-octadecenoyloxy)ethoxy]-5 alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one.

[Steryl cellosolves--regulators of cholesterol metabolism in isolated rabbit hepatocytes]. / Steriltsellozoly'vyv--reguliatory metabolizma kholesterina v izolirovannykh gepatotsitakh krolika.

Synthesis of 3 beta-(2-hydroxyethoxy)cholest-5-ene, 3 beta-(2-hydroxyethoxy)cholest-5-en-7-one, 3 beta-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-7 beta-hydroxycholest-5-ene, 3 beta-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-5 alpha, 6 alpha-epoxycholestane, and 3 beta-(2-hydroxyethoxy) -5 alpha, 6 beta-dihydroxycholestane was described. Substances obtained inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis in the rabbit hepatocyte cell culture with ID 50 from 5.5(+/-0.7) x 10(-8) to 1.3(+/-0.2) x 10(-5) M and also to a remarkable extent the cell protein biosynthesis.

Retinoids increase human apolipoprotein A-11 expression through activation of the retinoid X receptor but not the retinoic acid receptor.

Considering the link between plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and a protective effect against coronary artery disease as well as the suggested beneficial effects of retinoids on the production of the major HDL apolipoprotein (apo), apo A-I, the goal of this study was to analyze the influence of retinoids on the expression of apo A-II, the other major HDL protein. Retinoic acid (RA) derivatives have a direct effect on hepatic apo A-II production, since all-trans (at) RA induces apo A-II mRNA levels and apo A-II secretion in primary cultures of human hepatocytes. In the HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cell line, both at-RA and 9-cis RA as well as the retinoid X receptor (RXR)-specific agonist LGD 1069, but not the RA receptor (RAR) agonist ethyl-p-[(E)-2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl)-l-pro penyl]-benzoic acid (TTNPB), induce apo A-II mRNA levels. Transient-transfection experiments with a reporter construct driven by the human apo A-II gene promoter indicated that 9-cis RA and at-RA, as well as the RXR agonists LGD 1069 and LG 100268, induced apo A-II gene expression at the transcriptional level. Only minimal effects of the RAR agonist TTNPB were observed on the apo A-II promoter reporter construct. Unilateral deletions and site-directed mutagenesis identified the J site of the apo A-II promoter mediating the responsiveness to RA. This element contains two imperfect half-sites spaced by 1 oligonucleotide. Cotransfection assays in combination with the use of RXR or RAR agonists showed that RXR but not RAR transactivates the apo A-II promoter through this element. By contrast, RAR inhibits the inductive effects of RXR on the apo A-II J site in a dose-dependent fashion. Gel retardation assays demonstrated that RXR homodimers bind, although with a lower affinity than RAR-RXR heterodimers, to the AH-RXR response element. In conclusion, retinoids induce hepatic apo A-II production at the transcriptional level via the interaction of RXR with an element in the J site containing two imperfect half-sites spaced by 1 oligonucleotide, thereby demonstrating an important role of RXR in controlling human lipoprotein metabolism. Since the J site also confers responsiveness of the apo A-II gene to fibrates and fatty acids via the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-RXR heterodimers, this site can be considered a plurimetabolic response element.

[Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis in rabbit hepatocytes by 3-beta-(omega-hydroxyalkoxy)cholest-5-enes]. / Ingibirovanie biosinteza kholesterina v gepatotsitakh krolika 3beta-(omega-gidroksialkoksi)kholest-5-enami]

3 beta-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-, 3 beta-(4'-hydroxybutoxy)-, 3 beta-(6-hydroxyhexyloxy)-, 3 beta-(9-hydroxynonyloxy)-, and 3 beta-(2-hydroxy-2-[3H]ethoxy)cholest-5-enes were synthesized. By means of a spin probe, the influence of the synthesized compounds on the phase transition of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine were estimated. Time and dose dependences of the incorporation of 3 beta-(2-hydroxy-2-[3H]ethoxy)cholest-5-ene into rabbit hepatocytes (the primary culture) were studied. 3 beta-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)- and 3 beta-(4-hydroxybutoxy)cholest-5-enes were shown to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis from [14C]acetate in rabbit hepatocyte cultures upon a 24-hour preincubation.

Fibrates increase human apolipoprotein A-II expression through activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor.

In view of the evidence linking plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels to a protective effect against coronary artery disease and the widespread use of fibrates in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, the goal of this study was to analyze the influence of fibrates on the expression of apolipoprotein (apo) A-II, a major protein constituent of HDL. Administration of fenofibrate (300 mg/d) to 16 patients with coronary artery disease resulted in a marked increase in plasma apo A-II concentrations (0.34 +/- 0.11 to 0.45 +/- 0.17 grams/liter; P < 0.01). This increase in plasma apo A-II was due to a direct effect on hepatic apo A-II production, since fenofibric acid induced apo A-II mRNA levels to 450 and 250% of control levels in primary cultures of human hepatocytes and in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells respectively. The induction in apo A-II mRNA levels was followed by an increase in apo A-II secretion in both cell culture systems. Transient transfection experiments of a reporter construct driven by the human apo A-II gene promoter indicated that fenofibrate induced apo A-II gene expression at the transcriptional level. Furthermore, several other peroxisome proliferators, such as the fibrate, Wy-14643, and the fatty acid, eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), also induced apo A-II gene transcription. Unilateral deletions and site-directed mutagenesis identified a sequence element located in the J-site of the apo A-II promoter mediating the responsiveness to fibrates and fatty acids. This element contains two imperfect half sites spaced by 1 oligonucleotide similar to a peroxisome proliferator responsive element (PPRE). Cotransfection assays showed that the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) transactivates the apo A-II promoter through this AII-PPRE. Gel retardation assays demonstrated that PPAR binds to the AII-PPRE with an affinity comparable to its binding affinity to the acyl coA oxidase (ACO)-PPRE. In conclusion, in humans fibrates increase plasma apo A-II concentrations by inducing hepatic apo A-II production. Apo A-II expression is regulated at the transcriptional level by fibrates and fatty acids via the interaction of PPAR with the AII-PPRE, thereby demonstrating the pivotal role of PPAR in controlling human lipoprotein metabolism.

Fibrates downregulate apolipoprotein C-III expression independent of induction of peroxisomal acyl coenzyme A oxidase. A potential mechanism for the hypolipidemic action of fibrates.

Epidemiological and transgenic animal studies have implicated apo C-III as a major determinant of plasma triglyceride metabolism. Since fibrates are very efficient in lowering triglycerides, it was investigated whether fibrates regulate apo C-III gene expression. Different fibrates lowered rat liver apo C-III mRNA levels up to 90% in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas intestinal apo C-III mRNA remained constant. This decrease in liver apo C-III mRNA was rapid (1 d) and reversible, since it was restored to control levels within 1 wk after cessation of treatment. In addition, fenofibrate treatment abolished the developmental rise of hepatic apo C-III mRNA observed during the suckling-weaning period. Administration of fibrates to rats induced liver and intestinal expression of the acyl CoA oxidase gene, the rate-limiting enzyme for peroxisomal beta-oxidation of fatty acids. In primary cultures of rat and human hepatocytes, fenofibric acid lowered apo C-III mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This reduction in apo C-III mRNA levels was accompanied by a decreased secretion of apo C-III in the culture medium of human hepatocytes. In rat hepatocytes fenofibric acid induced acyl CoA oxidase gene expression, whereas acyl CoA oxidase mRNA remained unchanged in human hepatocytes. Nuclear run-on and transient transfection experiments of a reporter construct driven by the human apo C-III gene promoter indicated that fibrates downregulate apo C-III gene expression at the transcriptional level. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that fibrates decrease rat and human liver apo C-III gene expression. In humans the mechanisms appears to be independent of the induction of peroxisomal enzymes. This downregulation of liver apo C-III gene expression by fibrates may contribute to the hypotriglyceridemic action of these drugs.

[The effect of ximedon on cholesterol metabolism and experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits]. / Vliianie ksimedona na metabolizm kholesterina i éksperimental'nyi ateroskleroz u krolikov.

The effects produced by the two pyrimidine derivatives pyridinol carbamate (parmidine) and xymedon on cholesterol metabolism and experimental atherosclerosis were comparatively studied in rabbits. The rabbits were fed either a chow containing cholesterol (200 mg/kg body weight) or the same diet also containing xymedon (30 mg/kg body weight) or pyridinol carbamate (30 mg/kg body weight). Total plasma cholesterol showed 5.5- and 4.7-fold increases in the rabbits receiving only cholesterol or cholesterol + pyridinol carbamate, respectively, as compared with that in the animals on a standard laboratory chow. In the rabbits given cholesterol+xymedon, cholesterol levels were 24% less than that in the animals taking cholesterol alone. In these animals, the aortic atherosclerotic damage index (ADI) was equal to 24.1%, which was 1.8-fold less than that in the cholesterol-fed rabbits. In the rabbits given cholesterol+pyridinol carbamate, ADI was decreased by 1.7 times, but it did not differ from that in the hypocholesterolemic rabbits. At the same time xymidone and pyridinol carbamate reduced the hepatic levels of total and esterified cholesterol. To elucidate the mechanism of action of xymedon, it was studied for effects on cholesterol metabolism in cultured rabbit hepatocytes and murine macrophage J774. Xymedon did not alter the esterification and other parameters of cholesterol metabolism in the cultured hepatocytes. It is suggested that the hypocholesterolemic effect was realized at the level of intestinal rather than hepatic cholesterol metabolic changes. The investigations made on the murine macrophage J744 showed that xymedone reduced cholesterol esterification in macrophages, evidently by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase. The anti-atherosclerotic effect of xymedon seems to result from reductions in plasma cholesterol levels and cholesterol esterification in blood vascular cells.

[The effect of dimethyl-(imidazol-1-yl) methanesulfonic acid on experimental atherogenesis in rabbits]. / Vliianie dimetil-(imidazol-1-il) metansul'fonovoi kisloty na éksperimental'nyi aterogenez u krolikov.

The hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic activities of the new imidazole derivative dimethyl-(imidazole-1-yl) methanesulfonic acid (1273) were investigated in rabbits fed through a probe either cholesterol, 200 mg/kg body weight, suspended in sunflower seed oil or that supplemented by imidazole, 15 mg/kg body weight, or its derivative 1273, 30 mg/kg body weight. Total cholesterol showed an 8-fold increase in all rabbit groups as compared to that in the animals fed a routine laboratory chow. In the agent 1273-given animals, the aortic atherosclerotic lesion index (ALI) was 7.8%, which was 2.4 times lower that in hypercholesterolemic animals untreated with this agent or treated with imidazole. Concurrently with a decrease in the aortic ALI, the agent 1273 lowered the rabbit hepatic levels of free and esterified cholesterol. The experimental findings of cultured rabbit hepatocytes suggest that the agent 1273 reduces hepatic cholesterol levels by inhibiting the de novo cholesterol synthesis. In vitro studies on murine J774 macrophages have demonstrated that inhibition of cholesterol esterification in the vascular wall macrophages is one of the possible mechanisms responsible for the antiatherosclerotic activity of this derivative of imidazole.

[The effect of probucol and its new analog on cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism in rabbit cultured hepatocytes]. / Vliianie probukola i ego novogo analoga na metabolizm kholesterina i lipoproteidov v kul'tiviruemykh gepatotsitakh krolika.

The effects of the well-known hypolipidemic drug probucol and its new analog K5 on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism in cultured rabbit hepatocytes have been studied. Probucol (100 microM) inhibited by 24-28% the [2-14C]acetate incorporation into cholesterol. In contrast, the probucol analog K5 used at the same concentration did not affect the cholesterol synthesis but reduced by 44-55% the VLDL-apolipoprotein B (apo-B) secretion into the culture medium. Neither of the drugs influenced the [14C]leucine incorporation into cellular proteins. In addition, probucol (100 microM) stimulated by 29-64% the specific uptake of 125I-labelled LDL into the cells and increased the glycocholic and taurocholic acid synthesis by 29-93% and 45-77%, respectively, the total bile acid synthesis from [4-14C]cholesterol synthesis being increased by 25-36%. K5 had no appreciable effect on this process. The data obtained suggest that the enhanced specific uptake of LDL into hepatocytes as well as the slight inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and stimulation of cholesterol conversion into bile acids can, at least partly, account for the hypolipodemic effect of probucol. The observed reduction in the secretion of the hepatocyte apo-B containing lipoprotein by the probucol analog K5 suggests it to be a potentially hypolipodemic compound.

Bile acid and very low density lipoprotein production by cultured hepatocytes from hypo- or hyperresponsive rabbits fed cholesterol.

Two groups of rabbits, either hyperresponsive or hyporesponsive to dietary cholesterol, were selected after ten weeks of cholesterol feeding (0.2 g cholesterol/kg body weight per day). Bile acids and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) production were determined in primary hepatocyte cultures from control, hyper- and hyporesponsive rabbits. Free cholesterol and cholesteryl ester contents in hepatocytes of the hyperresponsive rabbits was significantly increased. In contrast, lipid composition in hepatocytes of the hyporesponders was similar to that of control cells. Cholic acid was the predominant bile acid in the culture medium of hepatocytes together with small amounts of chenodeoxycholic and deoxycholic acids. The rate of cholic acid production by hepatocytes in the hyporesponsive group was two times higher than that in the hyperresponsive group. Bile acid production by control hepatocytes was slightly higher than in the hyperresponsive group. In contrast, secretion of VLDL cholesteryl ester was significantly increased by hepatocytes of the hyperresponsive rabbits. Similar differences in bile acid production were found between hypo- and hyperresponsive rabbits selected after five days of cholesterol feeding and subsequent maintenance on a low cholesterol diet for a period of one month. The results suggest that the increased rate of bile acid production could contribute to the apparent resistance of hyporesponders to the atherogenic diet.

[The effect of new synthetic cholesterol derivatives on cholesterol metabolism in cultured rabbit hepatocytes]. / Vliianie novykh sinteticheskikh proizvodnykh kholesterina na metabolizm kholesterina v kul'tiviruemykh gepatotsitakh krolika.

The effects of three novel synthetic derivatives of cholesterol with ethoxy (I), aminoethoxy (II), azidoethoxy (III) and toluenesulfonyloxyethoxy (IV) groups in the 3 beta-hydroxy position of cholesterol on cholesterol synthesis as well as on apolipoprotein B and bile acid secretion in cultured rabbit hepatocytes have been studied. 3 beta-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-cholest-5-en (I) was used as a standard. It was found that the inhibiting effect of these compounds on cholesterol synthesis depends on their structure. Compound II (1 microgram/ml), which inhibited acetate incorporation into cholesterol by 30-50%, appeared to be the most effective among the other compounds tested. This derivative had no effect on the production of bile acids. Compound III was less effective, while compound IV had no effect on cholesterol synthesis. All the compounds under study reduced by 20-36% the secretion of the total apolipoprotein B as measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). None of the synthetic cholesterol derivatives influenced the leucine incorporation into the total protein fraction. The results obtained indicate that 3 beta-(2-aminoethoxy)cholest-5-en, the most effective compound among other cholesterol derivatives tested in the study, can serve as a basis for synthesizing novel cholesterol derivatives able to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in liver cells and to decrease the secretion of very low density lipoproteins in cultured rabbit hepatocytes.

[The inhibition of bile acid synthesis in cultured rabbit hepatocytes by bezafibrate]. / Ingibirovanie sinteza zhelchnykh kislot v kul'tiviruemykh gepatotsitakh krolika bezafibratom.

Primary culture of rabbit hepatocytes was used for study the influence of hypolipidemic drug bezafibrate on bile acid production. Bezafibrate inhibits bile acid synthesis from endogenous and exogenous (lipoprotein) cholesterol at concentration range 1-10 micrograms/ml. Such inhibitory action of bezafibrate on bile acid synthesis should be kept in mind while applying hypolipidemic treatment.

[Probucol and alpha-tocopherol stimulate the synthesis of bile acids in cultured rabbit hepatocytes]. / Probukol i alpha-tokoferol stimuliruiut sintez zhelchnykh kislot v kul'tiviruemykh gepatotsitakh krolika.

Primary cultures of rabbit hepatocytes were used to examine the effect of probucol and alpha-tocopherol on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism. After 24-hour preincubation of cells with 100 microM probucol, the cholesterol and cholesteryl ester content increased--by 30% and 50%, respectively. This was accompanied by decreasing incorporation of [14C]acetate into cholesterol (down to 25-35%). At the same time, alpha-tocopherol had no effect on cholesterol accumulation in hepatocytes, while cholesterol synthesis was stimulated by 30-50%. Addition of 100 microM probucol or alpha-tocopherol to a culture medium containing 10% fetal calf serum and [14C]cholesterol caused a significant (30-40%) stimulation of bile acid synthesis. Stimulation by probucol was dependent on the presence of exogenous plasma or HDL2 cholesterol, while alpha-tocopherol enhanced this process in a cholesterol-free medium. Stimulation (40%) of bile acid secretion by probucol in the presence of physiological concentrations of apo E-free HDL2 was found. Study of receptor-mediated uptake of HDL2 revealed that: (i) probucol stimulated apo E secretion; (ii) HDL2 isolated from a medium of probucol-treated cells contained 2-3 times more apo E than the particles preincubated with cells without the drug; (iii) apo E-enriched HDL2 particles were incorporated into cultured human skin fibroblasts 1.5-3.0 times more effectively than apo E depleted HDL2; (iv) monoclonal antibody against the LDL-receptor binding domain of apo E effectively (by 40%) inhibited the apo E-enriched HDL2 uptake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Effect of 5H-alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-3-beta-ol-15-one on cholesterol metabolism in cultured rabbit hepatocytes]. / Vliianie 5-H-alpha-kholest-8(14)-en-3-beta-ol-15-ona na metabolizm kholesterina v kul'tiviruemykh gepatotsitakh krolika.

The effects of 15-ketosterol on cholesterol metabolism in cultured rabbit hepatocytes were characterized by the following parameters: a) cholesterol synthesis, b) apo B and apo E secretion, c) bile acid synthesis. 15-Ketosterol used at therapeutic concentration (0.25 microM) reduced cholesterol synthesis (by 50%). Marked inhibition (by 70%) of apo B and apo E secretion was observed for this agent. Synthesis and secretion of the total [14C]-labeled protein remaining unchanged. 15-Ketosterol did not influence the bile acid synthesis in primary culture of rabbit hepatocytes. These results are suggestive of a new putative mechanism of hyperlipidemic action of 15-ketosterol by a simultaneous decrease of hepatic cholesterol synthesis and secretion of apo B-containing particles.

[The effect of natural and synthetic antioxidant polyhydroxynaphthoquinones on cholesterol metabolism in cultured rabbit hepatocytes]. / Vliianie prirodnykh i sinteticheskikh antioksidantov--poligidroksinaftakhinonov na metabolizm kholesterina v kul'tiviruemykh gepatotsitakh krolika.

Primary cultures of rabbit hepatocytes were used to examine the effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants--polyhydroxynaphthoquinones (PHNQ) and alpha-tocopherol on cholesterol and bile acid synthesis. Histochrome, one of the PHNQ, slightly decreased cholesterol synthesis at concentrations 10-100 microM, whereas alpha-tocopherol stimulated cholesterol synthesis. After administration of histochrome or alpha-tocopherol into culture medium a significant stimulation of bile acid synthesis in dose-dependent manner was observed. The increase of bile acid secretion by histochrome in the presence of physiological concentration of HDL2 was found as well. Since histochrome in contrast to alpha-tocopherol enhanced accumulation of [14C] cholesterol of HDL2 in the hepatocytes, it was concluded that histochrome stimulated bile acid synthesis as a result of increased input of HDL2 cholesterol into hepatocytes. These data suggest that histochrome may exhibit a hypocholesterolemic effect by stimulation of bile acid synthesis and inhibition of cholesterol synthesis.