The controversy over the use of cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors: is there some light at the end of the tunnel?

BACKGROUND: According to epidemiological studies, there is no clear relationship between the plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) concentration and the development of atherosclerosis in human populations. Although some studies suggest that increased CETP activity relates to undesirable profiles of plasma lipoproteins, promoting an anti-atherogenic plasma lipoprotein profile by drugs that inhibit CETP has not succeeded in preventing atherosclerosis in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review describes 28 investigations in human populations dealing with plasma CETP, 11 in mice that express human CETP and seven in animals (six in rabbits and one in mice) in which plasma CETP activity was inhibited by drugs. RESULTS: Present review shows that models in mice expressing human CETP are not illuminating because they report increase as well reduction of atherosclerosis. However, investigations in rabbits and mice that develop severe hypercholesterolaemia clearly indicate that impairment of the plasma CETP activity elicits protection against the development of atherosclerosis; in all of these experiments are attained substantial reductions of the atherogenic lipoproteins, namely, plasma apoB containing lipoproteins. CONCLUSION: These models are strong indicators that the benefit in preventing atherosclerosis should be earned in cases of hyperlipidemia by CETP inhibitors.

Metabolism of plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein parameters are related to a higher degree of insulin sensitivity in high HDL-C healthy normal weight subjects.

BACKGROUND: We have searched if plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration interferes simultaneously with whole-body cholesterol metabolism and insulin sensitivity in normal weight healthy adult subjects. METHODS: We have measured the activities of several plasma components that are critically influenced by insulin and that control lipoprotein metabolism in subjects with low and high HDL-C concentrations. These parameters included cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), post-heparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), pre-beta-1HDL, and plasma sterol markers of cholesterol synthesis and intestinal absorption. RESULTS: In the high-HDL-C group, we found lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, insulin, HOMA-IR index, activities of LCAT and HL compared with the low HDL-C group; additionally, we found higher activity of LPL and pre-beta-1HDL concentration in the high-HDL-C group. There were no differences in the plasma CETP and PLTP activities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that in healthy hyperalphalipoproteinemia subjects, several parameters that control the metabolism of plasma cholesterol and lipoproteins are related to a higher degree of insulin sensitivity.

Do clinical and experimental investigations support an antiatherogenic role for dietary phytosterols/stanols?

The plasma cholesterol-reducing effect of phytosterols (PS) has been recognized in several studies, but the usefulness of PS in preventing coronary heart disease remains controversial, as some investigations claim that the high PS concentrations found in plasma and specific tissues are related to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. It has also been demonstrated that PS may induce inflammation and reduce cholesterol efflux from macrophages, conditions that are directly implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. As to arterial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, some studies have concluded that plasma PS concentrations are unrelated or only weakly related or that PS intake or plasma PS concentrations are harmful. Thus, in light of the National Cholesterol Education Program-ATPIII report, it is necessary to evaluate the relevance of their findings. To this end, we have evaluated the studies conducted on cells, animal models, and humans regarding the influence of PS on the development of atherosclerosis.

Intake of trans fatty acids causes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and reduces adipose tissue fat content.

We investigated the effects of dietary trans fatty acids, PUFA, and SFA on body and liver fat content, liver histology, and mRNA of enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism. LDL receptor knockout weaning male mice were fed for 16 wk with diets containing 40% energy as either trans fatty acids (TRANS), PUFA, or SFA. Afterwards, subcutaneous and epididymal fat were weighed and histological markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were assessed according to the Histological Scoring System for NAFLD. PPARalpha, PPARgamma, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT-1), and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Food intake was similar in the 3 groups, although mice fed the TRANS diet gained less weight than those receiving the PUFA diet. Compared with the PUFA- and SFA-fed mice, TRANS-fed mice had greater plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations, less epididymal and subcutaneous fat, larger livers with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-like lesions, and greater liver TC and TG concentrations. Macrosteatosis in TRANS-fed mice was associated with a higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)) index and upregulated mRNA related to hepatic fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c and PPARgamma) and to downregulated MTP mRNA. Diet consumption did not alter hepatic mRNA related to fatty acid oxidation (PPARalpha and CPT-1). In conclusion, compared with PUFA- and SFA-fed mice, TRANS-fed mice had less adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance characterized by greater HOMA(IR) index, and NASH-like lesions due to greater hepatic lipogenesis. These results demonstrate the role of trans fatty acid intake on the development of key features of metabolic syndrome.

Cholesterol metabolism in mice models of genetic hypercholesterolemia.

Monogenic familial hypercholesterolemia is characterized by impaired cellular uptake of apolipoprotein B containing lipoproteins. However, its consequences on whole-body cholesterol metabolism are unclear. We investigated cholesterol metabolism in wild-type mice (control) and in knockout (KO) mice for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR-KO) and for apolipoprotein E (apoE-KO) containing the genetic basis of the C57BL/6J mice, under a cholesterol-free diet. Cholesterol and "non-cholesterol" sterols (cholestanol, desmosterol, and lathosterol) were measured in plasma, tissues, as well as in feces as cholesterol and its bacterial modified products (neutral sterols) using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and bile acids were measured by an enzymatic method. Compared to controls, LDLR-KO mice have elevated plasma and whole-body cholesterol concentrations, but total fecal sterols are not modified, characterizing unaltered body cholesterol synthesis together with impaired body cholesterol excretion. ApoE-KO mice presented the highest concentrations of plasma cholesterol, whole-body cholesterol, cholestanol, total fecal sterols, and cholestanol, compatible with high cholesterol synthesis rate; the latter seems attributed to elevated body desmosterol (Bloch cholesterol synthesis pathway). Nonetheless, whole-body lathosterol (Kandutsch-Russel cholesterol synthesis pathway) decreased in both KO models, likely explaining the diminished fecal bile acids. We have demonstrated for the first time quantitative changes of cholesterol metabolism in experimental mouse models that explain differences between LDLR-KO and apoE-KO mice. These findings contribute to elucidate the metabolism of cholesterol in human hypercholesterolemia of genetic origin.

HDL atheroprotection by aerobic exercise training in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: In this study we analyzed the role played by aerobic exercise training in the plasma lipoprotein profile, prebeta 1-HDL concentration, and in the in vitro HDL3 ability to remove cholesterol from macrophages and inhibit LDL oxidation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and control subjects, in the fasting and postprandial states. METHODS: Healthy controls (HTC, N = 11; 1 M/10 F) and subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT, N = 11; 3M/8F) were engaged in a 4-month aerobic training program, and compared with a group of sedentary subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMS, N = 10; 4 M/6 F). All groups were submitted to an oral fat load test to analyze all parameters, both at the beginning of the investigation protocol (basal) and at the end of the study period (final). RESULTS: Exercising did not modify body weight, BMI, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin, or HOMA-IR, but it reduced the waist circumference. The HDL3 composition did not change, and its ability to remove cell cholesterol was unaltered by aerobic training. In DMT but not in HTC, aerobic training improved 15% the HDL3 protective effect against LDL maximal oxidation rate in the fasting state, and reduced 24% the plasma prebeta 1-HDL concentration in the postprandial state, suggesting an enhanced prebeta 1-HDL conversion into larger, more mature HDL particles. In this regard, regular aerobic exercise enriched HDL2 with TG in the fasting and postprandial states in HTC and in the fasting phase in DMT. CONCLUSION: Our results show that aerobic exercise training in diabetes mellitus improves the HDL efficiency against LDL oxidation and favors HDL maturation. These findings were independent of changes in insulin resistance and of the rise of plasma HDL cholesterol concentration.

CETP expression enhances liver HDL-cholesteryl ester uptake but does not alter VLDL and biliary lipid secretion.

The aim of this work was to study how CETP expression affects whole body cholesterol homeostasis. Thus, tissue uptake and plasma removal rates of labeled HDL-cholesteryl ester (CE), VLDL secretion rates, and biliary lipid secretion and fecal bile acid content were compared between human CETP transgenic (Tg) and non-transgenic (nTg) mice fed with a standard diet. CETP Tg mice exhibited increased HDL-CE plasma fractional catabolic rate and uptake by the liver, adrenals, adipose tissue and spleen. HDL fractions from both CETP Tg and from nTg mice were removed faster from the plasma of CETP expressing than from nTg mice, suggesting a direct role of CETP in accelerating tissue CE uptake. However, neither hepatic output of VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides nor biliary lipid and fecal bile acid excretion were changed in CETP Tg compared to nTg mice. CETP Tg mice also showed enhanced hepatic cholesterol content. Steady state cholesterol homeostasis was probably preserved through the downregulation of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and LDL receptor expression. In conclusion, although CETP expression facilitates cholesteryl ester tissue uptake, it does not alter biliary lipid and fecal bile acid excretion, the mandatory final step of the reverse cholesterol transport.

Low-sodium diet induces atherogenesis regardless of lowering blood pressure in hypertensive hyperlipidemic mice.

This study investigated the influence of sodium restriction and antihypertensive drugs on atherogenesis utilizing hypertensive (H) low-density lipoprotein-receptor knockout mice treated or not with losartan (Los) or hydralazine (Hyd) and fed low-sodium (LS) or normal-sodium (NS) chow. Despite reducing the blood pressure (BP) of H-LS mice, the LS diet caused arterial lipid infiltration due to increased plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG). Los and Hyd reduced the BP of H-LS mice, and Los effectively prevented arterial injury, likely by reducing plasma TG and nonesterified fatty acids. Aortic lipid infiltration was lower in Los-treated H-LS mice (H-LS+Los) than in normotensive (N)-LS and H-LS mice. Aortic angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor content was greater in H-NS than H-LS mice and in H-LS+Hyd than H-LS+Los mice. Carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) immunostaining was greater in H-LS than H-NS mice. CML and RAGE levels were lower in LS animals treated with antihypertensive drugs, and Hyd enhanced the AT1 receptor level. Hyd also increased the gene expression of F4/80 but not tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or cluster of differentiation 66. The novelty of the current study is that in a murine model of simultaneous hypertension and hyperlipidemia, the pleiotropic effect of chronic, severe sodium restriction elicited aortic damage even with reduced BP. These negative effects on the arterial wall were reduced by AT1 receptor antagonism, demonstrating the influence of angiotensin II in atherogenesis induced by a severely LS diet.

Aminoguanidine and metformin prevent the reduced rate of HDL-mediated cell cholesterol efflux induced by formation of advanced glycation end products.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanisms whereby advanced glycation end products (AGE) contribute to atherogenesis in diabetes mellitus are not fully understood. In this study we analyzed in vitro the influence of advanced glycated albumin (AGE-albumin) as well as the role of the AGE inhibitors--aminoguanidine (AMG) and metformin (MF)--on the cell cholesterol efflux. METHODS: HDL3 and albumin-mediated cholesterol efflux was measured in mouse peritoneal macrophages and in SR-BI transfected cells that had been treated along time with dicarbonyl sugars or AGE-albumin, both in the presence or in the absence of AMG and MF. 125I-HDL3 cell binding and 125I-AGE-albumin cell degradation were measured. Carboxymethyllysine (CML) formation and SR-BI expressions were determined by immunoblot. RESULTS: AGE-albumin efficiently trapped cell cholesterol but impaired the HDL-mediated cell cholesterol efflux by decreasing HDL binding to the cell surface and inducing intracellular glycoxidation, without interfering with the SR-BI expression. Cell treatment with dicarbonyl sugars also disrupted the HDL-mediated cell cholesterol efflux, but this was prevented by AMG and MF that reduced CML formation. CONCLUSIONS: By adversely impairing the HDL-mediated cell cholesterol removal rate, AGE-albumin and cell glycoxidation could facilitate the development of premature atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus (DM) and in other diseases associated with carbonyl and oxidative stress like in chronic uremia. Thus, drugs that prevent AGE formation may be useful to correct disturbances in cell cholesterol transport.

Diminished macrophage cholesterol removal rate by the altered HDL metabolism in the Nagase analbuminemic rat.

Dyslipoproteinemia of the Nagase analbuminemic rat (NAR) is characterized by elevated concentrations of VLDL and LDL attributed to increased rates of liver lipoprotein synthesis. Increased lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in NAR HDL has been attributed to high plasma LCAT activity. We show here that, as compared with Sprague-Dawley rats (SDR), NAR plasma triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL TAG, protein, total phospholipids (PL), LPC, and PS are increased. These alterations rendered the NAR HDL particle more susceptible to the activity of the enzyme hepatic lipoprotein lipase (HL), which otherwise was unaltered in our study. Fractional catabolic rates in blood of the autologous 125I-apoHDL (median and lower quartile values), were, respectively, 0.231 and 1.645 (n = 10) in NAR as compared with 0.140 and 0.109 (n = 10) in SDR (P = 0.012), corresponding to synthesis rates of HDL protein of 89.8 +/- 33.7 mg/d in NAR and 17.4 +/- 6.5 mg/d in SDR (P = 0.0122). Furthermore, Swiss mouse macrophage free-cholesterol (FC) efflux rates, measured as the percent [14C]-cholesterol efflux/6 h, were 8.2 +/- 2.3 (n = 9) in NAR HDL and 11.2 +/- 3.2 (n = 10) in SDR HDL (P = 0.03). Therefore, in NAR the modification of the HDL composition slows down the cell FC efflux rate, and together with the increased rate of plasma HDL metabolism influences the reverse cholesterol transport system.

Soy protein containing isoflavones favorably influences macrophage lipoprotein metabolism but not the development of atherosclerosis in CETP transgenic mice.

The possibility that soy protein containing isoflavones influences the development of experimental atherosclerosis has been investigated in ovariectomized mice heterozygous for the human CETP transgene and for the LDL-receptor null allele (LDLr(+/-) CETP(+/-)). After ovariectomy at 8 wk of age they were fed a fat/cholesterol-rich diet for 19 wk and divided into three experimental groups: dietary unmodified soy protein containing isoflavones (mg/g of diet), either at low-dose (Iso Low, 0.272, n = 25), or at high-dose (Iso High, 0.535, n = 28); and the atherogenic diet containing an isoflavone-depleted alcohol-washed soy protein as a control group (n = 28). Aortic root lipid-stained lesion area (mean microm2 x 10(3) +/- SD) did not differ among Iso Low (12.3 +/- 9.9), Iso High (7.4 +/- 6.4), and controls (10.7 +/- 12.8). Autoantibody titers against plasma oxidized LDL did not differ among the experimental groups. Using the control mice as the reference value (100%), in vitro mouse peritoneal macrophage uptake of labeled acetylated LDL-cholesterol was lower in the Iso High (68%) than in the Iso Low (85%) group. The in vitro percent removal by exogenous HDL of labeled unesterified cholesterol from macrophages previously enriched with human [4- 14C]-cholesteryl oleate acetylated LDL was enhanced in the Iso High group (50%). In spite of these in vitro potentially antiatherogenic actions, soy protein containing isoflavones did not modify the average size of lipid-stained area in the aortic root.

Smoking prevents the intravascular remodeling of high-density lipoprotein particles: implications for reverse cholesterol transport.

Smoking is a leading cause of atherosclerosis acting trough a wide spectrum of mechanisms, notably the increase of the proatherogenic effect of dyslipidemia. However, a severe atherosclerotic disease is frequently observed in smokers who do not present an overt dyslipidemia. In the present study, we sought to determine if abnormalities in lipid metabolism occur in normolipidemic smokers, focusing especially on the components of intravascular remodeling of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) For this purpose, we measured lipid transfer proteins and enzymes involved in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) system in 29 adults: 15 smokers and 14 controls. The blood samples were drawn in the fasting state, immediately after the smokers smoked 1 cigarette. The composition of HDL particles was analyzed after isolation of HDL fractions by microultracentrifugation. We observed that normolipidemic smokers present higher total plasma and HDL phospholipids (PL) (P < .05), 30% lower postheparin hepatic lipase (HL) activity (P < .01), and 40% lower phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity (P < .01), as compared with nonsmokers. The plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mass was 17% higher in smokers as compared with controls (P < .05), but the endogenous CETP activity corrected for plasma triglycerides (TG) was in fact 57% lower in smokers than in controls (P < .01). Lipid transfer inhibitor protein activity was also similar in both groups. In conclusion, the habit of smoking induces a severe impairment of many steps of the RCT system even in the absence of overt dyslipidemia. Such an adverse effect might favor the atherogenicity of smoking.

[Food phytosterol ester efficiency on the plasma lipid reduction in moderate hypercholesterolemic subjects]. / Eficiência dos Esteres de Fitoesteróis Alimentares na Redução dos Lípides Plasmáticos em Hipercolesterolêmicos Moderados.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at relating the pattern of response to dietary plant sterol ester (PSE) treatment of plasma lipids concentrations and apo E polymorphisms. METHODS: Patients (20-60y old: 50 women; 10 men) with primary moderate hypercholesterolemia were fed margarine (20g/d), received no treatment (placebo), and were fed PSE (2.8g/d = 1.68 phytosterols), during 3 periods of 4 weeks each, in a crossover, double-blind study. DNA was extracted from white blood cells for the apo E polymorphisms. RESULTS: PSE treatment significantly lowered TC and LDL-C 10% and 12%, respectively, in relation to the baseline, and 6% and 8% in relation to the placebo phase, but HDL-C and TG levels were not modified. In regard to the apo E genotyping, no significant difference occurred between apo E 3/3 and apo E (3/4). CONCLUSION: Dietary plant sterol ester (PSE) treatment reduced cholesterolemia, and the reduction of LDL-C in absolute values was more pronounced when the initial LDL - C concentration were elevated.

Increased 27-hydroxycholesterol plasma level in men with low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol may circumvent their reduced cell cholesterol efflux rate.

BACKGROUND: HDL is considered the most important mechanism for the excretion of intracellular cholesterol. The liver is the only organ capable to metabolize cholesterol into bile acid. The enzymatic conversion of cholesterol to bile acid is dependent on the cytochrome P450 microsomal system which is also responsible for the generation of oxysterols. The latter's plasma concentrations may reflect the metabolic processes of specific tissues where they are generated. The objective of this study was to investigate in healthy individuals who differ according to their HDL levels the concentration of oxysterols and relate it to the HDL-dependent cell cholesterol efflux rate. METHODS: 24-Hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 27-hydroxycholesterol were determined in plasma by GLC/mass spectrometry in 107 healthy subjects with low HDL (HDL-C<1.03mmol/l) and high HDL cholesterol (HDL-C>1.55mmol/l). HDL-dependent in vitro cell cholesterol efflux rate was measured in 29 cases. RESULTS: No differences were found in plasma oxysterol concentrations between the Low HDL and High HDL groups. There was a significant negative correlation between HDL-C and 27-hydroxycholesterol. Plasma oxysterol concentrations were significantly lower in female than in male subjects. The Low HDL male group had higher 27-hydroxycholesterol than the High HDL male group. Cell cholesterol efflux rate was lower in Low HDL than in High HDL and related inversely with 27-hydroxycholesterol. CONCLUSION: As compared to High HDL, Low HDL men have increased 27-hydroxycholesterol plasma level that may circumvent their reduced cell cholesterol efflux rate.

Plasma 27-hydroxycholesterol/cholesterol ratio is increased in low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol healthy subjects.

UNLABELLED: Sterol 27-hydroxylase converts cholesterol to 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) which is widely distributed among tissues and is expressed at high levels in the vascular endothelium and macrophages. There is a continuous flow of this oxysterol from the tissues into the liver, where it is converted to bile acids. OBJECTIVE: Measure plasma concentrations of 27-OHC in subjects that differ according to their plasma HDL-C concentration. METHODS: Healthy men presenting low HDL-C (<1.03 mmol/L), n=18 or high HDL-C (>1.55 mmol/L), n=18, BMI<30 kg/m² were recruited after excluding secondary causes that might interfere with their plasma lipid concentrations such as smoking, heavy drinking and diabetes. Blood samples were drawn after a 12h fasting period for the measurement of 27-OHC by the combined GC/MS analysis utilizing deuterium-label internal standards. RESULTS: The plasma ratio 27-OHC/total cholesterol (median and range nmoL/mmoL) was 50.41 (27.47-116.00) in the High HDL-C subjects and 63.34 (36.46-91.18) in the Low HDL-C subjects (p=0.0258). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the production of 27-OHC by extrahepatic tissues and its transport to the liver may represent an alternative pathway for a deficient reverse cholesterol transport system when plasma HDL-C is low.

Impact of seasonality on the prevalence of dyslipidemia: a large population study.

Assessment of lipid profile parameters has been considered a cornerstone in classifying individuals and populations at risk for cardiovascular disease. Recently, however, preliminary data have raised the possibility of seasonal variations in these parameters, which may cause under- or overestimation. Biological rhythms and seasonal variation of lipid profile was investigated in 227 359 consecutive individuals who underwent health checkups in primary care centers between 2008 and 2010. Plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >130 mg/dL was 8% more prevalent during winter than summer, with a larger difference among women and middle-aged adults (p < 0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <40 mg/dL and triglycerides (TG) >150 mg/dL were respectively 9% and 5% more prevalent during the summer (p < 0.001). Variation amplitude was 3.4 ± 0.3 mg/dL for HDL-C (p = 0.005), 7 ± 2 mg/dL for LDL-C (p = 0.047), and 12 ± 9 mg/dL for TG (p = 0.058). Based on a large population sample, this study confirms the existence of biological rhythms and seasonal variation in lipid profile. This finding must be particularly accounted for in cross-sectional analyses of relative risk, prevalence, or the rate of goal achievement for lipid parameters.

Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent atherosclerosis development in LDLr-KO mice, in spite of displaying a pro-inflammatory profile similar to trans fatty acids.

The development of atherosclerosis and the inflammatory response were investigated in LDLr-KO mice on three high-fat diets (40% energy as fat) for 16 weeks: trans (TRANS), saturated (SAFA) or ω-6 polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats. The following parameters were measured: plasma lipids, aortic root total cholesterol (TC), lesion area (Oil Red-O), ABCA1 content and macrophage infiltration (immunohistochemistry), collagen content (Picrosirius-red) and co-localization of ABCA1 and macrophage (confocal microscopy) besides the plasma inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) and the macrophage inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli (LPS). As expected, plasma TC and TG concentrations were lower on the PUFA diet than on TRANS or SAFA diets. Aortic intima macrophage infiltration, ABCA1 content, and lesion area on PUFA group were lower compared to TRANS and SAFA groups. Macrophages and ABCA1 markers did not co-localize in the atherosclerotic plaque, suggesting that different cell types were responsible for the ABCA1 expression in plaques. Compared to PUFA, TRANS and SAFA presented higher collagen content and necrotic cores in atherosclerotic plaques. In the artery wall, TC was lower on PUFA compared to TRANS group; free cholesterol was lower on PUFA compared to TRANS and SAFA; cholesteryl ester concentration did not vary amongst the groups. Plasma TNF-α concentration on PUFA and TRANS-fed mice was higher compared to SAFA. No difference was observed in IL-6 concentration amongst groups. Regarding the macrophage inflammatory response to LPS, TRANS and PUFA presented higher culture medium concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α as compared to SAFA. The PUFA group showed the lowest amount of the anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 compared to TRANS and SAFA groups. In conclusion, PUFA intake prevented atherogenesis, even in a pro-inflammatory condition.

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins and their antibodies: relationships with the reverse cholesterol transport and carotid atherosclerosis in adults without cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic predictors and the atherogenicity of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and the specific antibodies against oxLDL (oxLDL Ab) are unclear and controversial. METHODS: In 107 adults without atherosclerotic manifestations, we measured oxLDL and oxLDL Ab, and also the activities of CETP, PLTP, lipases and the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Comparisons were performed for the studied parameters between the lowest and the highest tertile of oxLDL and oxLDL Ab, and the relationships between studied variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Subjects with higher oxLDL Ab present reduced hepatic lipase activity and borderline increased cIMT. In the highest oxLDL tertile, besides the higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C and apoB100, we found reduced CETP activity and higher cIMT. A significant correlation between oxLDL Ab and cIMT, independent of oxLDL, and a borderline correlation between oxLDL and cIMT independent of oxLDL Ab were found. In the multivariate analysis, apoAI was a significant predictor of oxLDL Ab, in contrast to regulation of oxLDL by apoB100, PLTP and inverse of CETP. CONCLUSIONS: In adults without atherosclerotic disease, the metabolic regulation and carotid atherosclerosis of oxLDL Ab and oxLDL groups, characterized a dual trait in oxLDL Ab, as a contributor to carotid atherosclerosis, much less so than oxidized LDL, and with a modest atheroprotective role.