Hepatic Mttp deletion reverses gallstone susceptibility in L-Fabp knockout mice

Previous studies demonstrated that L-Fabp KO mice are more susceptible to lithogenic diet (LD)-induced gallstones because of altered hepatic cholesterol metabolism and increased canalicular cholesterol secretion. Other studies demonstrated that liver-specific deletion of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (Mttp-LKO) reduced LD-induced gallstone formation by increasing biliary phospholipid secretion. Here we show that mice with combined deletion (i.e., DKO mice) are protected from LD-induced gallstone formation. Following 2 weeks of LD feeding, 73% of WT and 100% of L-Fabp KO mice developed gallstones versus 18% of Mttp-LKO and 23% of DKO mice. This phenotype was recapitulated in both WT and L-Fabp KO mice treated with an Mttp antisense oligonucleotide (M-ASO). Biliary cholesterol secretion was increased in LD-fed L-Fabp KO mice and decreased in DKO mice. However, phospholipid secretion was unchanged in LD-fed Mttp-LKO and DKO mice as well as in M-ASO-treated mice. Expression of the canalicular export pump ABCG5/G8 was reduced in LD-fed DKO mice and in M-ASO-treated L-Fabp KO mice. We conclude that liver-specific Mttp deletion not only eliminates apical lipoprotein secretion from hepatocytes but also attenuates canalicular cholesterol secretion, which in turn decreases LD-induced gallstone susceptibility.     

Time-restricted feeding prevents high-fat and high-cholesterol diet-induced obesity but fails to ameliorate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

One of the leading risk factors for atherosclerosis is obesity, which is commonly caused by a nutrient-rich Western-style diet, sedentary behaviors, and shift work. Time-restricted (TR) feeding and intermittent fasting are both known to prevent overweight and adiposity, improve glucose tolerance, and decrease plasma cholesterol in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Here we examined the overall effects of TR feeding of a Western diet (fat, 40.5 Kcal%; cholesterol, 0.21 g%) using 8-week-old Apoe^−/− mice. Mice were assigned into three groups: (1) an ad libitum (AL) group fed an AL Western diet, (2) a TR group with restricted access to a Western diet (15 h/day, 12:00 to 3:00 Zeitgeber time [ZT]); and (3) an Ex/TR group fed a TR Western diet and subjected to physical exercise at 12:00 ZT. Mice in the AL group gained body weight rapidly during the 14-week observation period. With TR feeding, excessive weight gain, liver adiposity, visceral fat, and brown adipose tissue volume were effectively suppressed. Although TR feeding failed to decrease Oil Red O-stained aortic plaques in Apoe^−/− mice, physical exercise significantly decreased them. Neither TR feeding with exercise nor that without exercise decreased the mean area under the curve of the plasma cholesterol level or the fasting plasma glucose. Collectively, TR feeding of a Western diet prevented the development of obesity but failed to ameliorate atherosclerosis in Apoe^−/− mice.     

An Apolipoprotein A-I Mimetic Peptide Designed with a Reductionist Approach Stimulates Reverse Cholesterol Transport and Reduces Atherosclerosis in Mice

Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) mimetic peptides are considered a promising novel therapeutic approach to prevent and/or treat atherosclerosis. An apoA-I mimetic peptide ELK-2A2K2E was designed with a reductionist approach and has shown exceptional activity in supporting cholesterol efflux but modest anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in vitro. In this study we compared these in vitro properties with the capacity of this peptide to modify rates of reverse cholesterol transport and development of atherosclerosis in mouse models. The peptide enhanced the rate of reverse cholesterol transport in C57BL/6 mice and reduced atherosclerosis in Apoe^−/− mice receiving a high fat diet. The peptide modestly reduced the size of the plaques in aortic arch, but was highly active in reducing vascular inflammation and oxidation. Administration of the peptide to Apoe^−/− mice on a high fat diet reduced the levels of total, high density lipoprotein and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. It increased the proportion of smaller HDL particles in plasma at the expense of larger HDL particles, and increased the capacity of the plasma to support cholesterol efflux. Thus, ELK-2A2K2E peptide reduced atherosclerosis in Apoe^−/− mice, however, the functional activity profile after chronic in vivo administration was different from that found in acute in vitro studies.     

Mapping and Congenic Dissection of Genetic Loci Contributing to Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia in Mice

Background

Patients with dyslipidemia have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and diabetic patients often have dyslipidemia. Potential genetic connections of fasting plasma glucose with plasma lipid profile were evaluated using hyperlipidemic mice.

Methods

225 male F₂ mice were generated from BALB/cJ (BALB) and SM/J(SM) Apoe-deficient (Apoe^−/−) mice and fed a Western diet for 5 weeks. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels of F₂ mice were measured before and after 5 weeks of Western diet and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed using data collected from these two time points. 144 SNP(single nucleotide polymorphism) markers across the entire genome were typed.

Results

One major QTL (logarithm of odds ratio (LOD): 6.46) peaked at 12.7 cM on chromosome 9,Bglu16, and 3 suggestive QTLs on chromosomes 15, 18 and X were identified for fasting glucose, and over 10 loci identified for lipid traits. Bglu16 was adjacent to a major QTL, Hdlq17, for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (LOD: 6.31, peak: 19.1 cM). A congenic strain with a donor chromosomal region harboring Bglu16 and Hdlq17 on the Apoe^−/− background showed elevations in plasma glucose and HDL levels. Fasting glucose levels were significantly correlated with non-HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, especially on the Western diet, but only marginally correlated with HDL levels in F₂ mice.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated a correlative relationship between fasting glucose and plasma lipids in a segregating F₂ population under hyperlipidemic conditions, and this correlation is partially due to genetic linkage between the two disorders.     

microRNA-30c reduces plasma cholesterol in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic and type 2 diabetic mouse models

High plasma cholesterol levels are found in several metabolic disorders and their reductions are advocated to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. A way to lower plasma lipids is to curtail lipoprotein production; however, this is associated with steatosis. We previously showed that microRNA (miR)-30c lowers diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in C57BL/6J and Apoe^−/− mice. Here, we tested the effect of miR-30c on plasma lipids, transaminases, and hepatic lipids in different mouse models. Hepatic delivery of miR-30c to chow-fed leptin-deficient (ob/ob) and leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) hypercholesterolemic and hyperglycemic mice reduced cholesterol in total plasma and VLDL/LDL by ∼28% and ∼25%, respectively, without affecting triglyceride and glucose levels. And these mice had lower plasma transaminases and creatine kinase activities than controls. Moreover, miR-30c significantly lowered plasma cholesterol and atherosclerosis in Western diet-fed Ldlr^−/− mice with no effect on plasma triglyceride, glucose, and transaminases. In these studies, hepatic lipids were similar in control and miR-30c-injected mice. Mechanistic studies showed that miR-30c reduced hepatic microsomal triglyceride transfer protein activity and lipid synthesis. Thus miR-30c reduced plasma cholesterol in several diet-induced and diabetic hypercholesterolemic mice. We speculate that miR-30c may be beneficial in lowering plasma cholesterol in different metabolic disorders independent of the origin of hypercholesterolemia.     

Hypoxanthine induces cholesterol accumulation and incites atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice and cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during purine metabolism is associated with xanthine oxidase and uric acid. However, the direct effect of hypoxanthine on ROS generation and atherosclerosis has not been evaluated. Smoking and heavy drinking are associated with elevated levels of hypoxanthine. In this study, we investigated the role of hypoxanthine on cholesterol synthesis and atherosclerosis development, particularly in apolipoprotein E (APOE)‐deficient mice. The effect of hypoxanthine on the regulation of cholesterol synthesis and atherosclerosis were evaluated in Apoe knockout (KO) mice and cultured HepG2 cells. Hypoxanthine markedly increased serum cholesterol levels and the atherosclerotic plaque area in Apoe KO mice. In HepG2 cells, hypoxanthine increased intracellular ROS production. Hypoxanthine increased cholesterol accumulation and decreased APOE and ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, H₂O₂ also increased cholesterol accumulation and decreased APOE and ABCA1 expression. This effect was partially reversible by treatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine and allopurinol. Hypoxanthine and APOE knockdown using APOE‐siRNA synergistically induced cholesterol accumulation and reduced APOE and ABCA1 expression. Hypoxanthine induces cholesterol accumulation in hepatic cells through alterations in enzymes that control lipid transport and induces atherosclerosis in APOE‐deficient cells and mice. These effects are partially mediated through ROS produced in response to hypoxanthine.     

Osbpl8 Deficiency in Mouse Causes an Elevation of High-Density Lipoproteins and Gender-Specific Alterations of Lipid Metabolism

OSBP-related protein 8 (ORP8) encoded by Osbpl8 is an endoplasmic reticulum sterol sensor implicated in cellular lipid metabolism. We generated an Osbpl8^−/− (KO) C57Bl/6 mouse strain. Wild-type and Osbpl8KO animals at the age of 13-weeks were fed for 5 weeks either chow or high-fat diet, and their plasma lipids/lipoproteins and hepatic lipids were analyzed. The chow-fed Osbpl8KO male mice showed a marked elevation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (+79%) and phospholipids (+35%), while only minor increase of apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) was detected. In chow-fed female KO mice a less prominent increase of HDL cholesterol (+27%) was observed, while on western diet the HDL increment was prominent in both genders. The HDL increase was accompanied by an elevated level of HDL-associated apolipoprotein E in male, but not female KO animals. No differences between genotypes were observed in lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) or hepatic lipase (HL) activity, or in the fractional catabolic rate of fluorescently labeled mouse HDL injected in chow-diet fed animals. The Osbpl8KO mice of both genders displayed reduced phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity, but only on chow diet. These findings are consistent with a model in which Osbpl8 deficiency results in altered biosynthesis of HDL. Consistent with this hypothesis, ORP8 depleted mouse hepatocytes secreted an increased amount of nascent HDL into the culture medium. In addition to the HDL phenotype, distinct gender-specific alterations in lipid metabolism were detected: Female KO animals on chow diet showed reduced lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and increased plasma triglycerides, while the male KO mice displayed elevated plasma cholesterol biosynthetic markers cholestenol, desmosterol, and lathosterol. Moreover, modest gender-specific alterations in the hepatic expression of lipid homeostatic genes were observed. In conclusion, we report the first viable OsbplKO mouse model, demonstrating a HDL elevating effect of Osbpl8 knock-out and additional gender- and/or diet-dependent impacts on lipid metabolism.     

Raised Soluble P-Selectin Moderately Accelerates Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression

Soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), a biomarker of inflammatory related pathologies including cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, also has pro-atherosclerotic effects including the ability to increase leukocyte recruitment and modulate thrombotic responses in vivo. The current study explores its role in progressing atherosclerotic plaque disease. Apoe ^−/− mice placed on a high fat diet (HFD) were given daily injections of recombinant dimeric murine P-selectin (22.5 µg/kg/day) for 8 or 16 weeks. Saline or sE-selectin injections were used as negative controls. In order to assess the role of sP-selectin on atherothrombosis an experimental plaque remodelling murine model, with sm22α-hDTR Apoe^−/− mice on a HFD in conjunction with delivery of diphtheria toxin to induce targeted vascular smooth muscle apoptosis, was used. These mice were similarly given daily injections of sP-selectin for 8 or 16 weeks. While plaque mass and aortic lipid content did not change with sP-selectin treatment in Apoe^−/− or SM22α-hDTR Apoe^−/− mice on HFD, increased plasma MCP-1 and a higher plaque CD45 content in Apoe ^−/− HFD mice was observed. As well, a significant shift towards a more unstable plaque phenotype in the SM22α-hDTR Apoe^−/− HFD mice, with increased macrophage accumulation and lower collagen content, leading to a lower plaque stability index, was observed. These results demonstrate that chronically raised sP-selectin favours progression of an unstable atherosclerotic plaque phenotype.     

LOX-1 deletion and macrophage trafficking in atherosclerosis

Background

Atherosclerosis is associated with macrophage accumulation. LOX-1 has been shown to induce macrophage attachment, and its deletion (LOX-1 knockout, KO) reduces atherosclerosis in LDLr KO mice fed a high cholesterol diet. We examined differences in macrophage trafficking in age-matched wild type, LOX-1 KO, LDLr KO, and LDLr/LOX-1 double KO mice.

Methods

Sections of aortas of mice fed high cholesterol diet were collected at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 19 and analyzed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results

In the LDLr KO mice aorta, CD68 positivity (macrophage accumulation) increased over time up to 12 weeks, and then the accumulation fell modestly but significantly. The periaortal fat and adventitia showed more CD68 positivity than the media and intima. This pattern was also evident in the non-atherosclerotic areas. Importantly, LOX-1 KO and LDLr–LOX-1 double KO mice showed diminished CD68 positivity in comparison to wild type and LDLR KO mice, respectively. Further, macrophages from LOX-1 KO mice revealed a marked reduction in migration (vs. macrophages from wild type mice) in in vitro migration assay.

Conclusions

LOX-1 deletion translates into reduction in macrophage trafficking in the aorta of LDLr KO mice. Most of the macrophage trafficking appears in the subadventitial regions.     

LCAT deficiency in mice is associated with a diminished adrenal glucocorticoid function

In vitro studies have suggested that HDL and apoB-containing lipoproteins can provide cholesterol for synthesis of glucocorticoids. Here we assessed adrenal glucocorticoid function in LCAT knockout (KO) mice to determine the specific contribution of HDL-cholesteryl esters to adrenal glucocorticoid output in vivo. LCAT KO mice exhibit an 8-fold higher plasma free cholesterol-to-cholesteryl ester ratio (P < 0.001) and complete HDL-cholesteryl ester deficiency. ApoB-containing lipoprotein and associated triglyceride levels are increased in LCAT KO mice as compared with C57BL/6 control mice (44%; P < 0.05). Glucocorticoid-producing adrenocortical cells within the zona fasciculata in LCAT KO mice are devoid of neutral lipids. However, adrenal weights and basal corticosterone levels are not significantly changed in LCAT KO mice. In contrast, adrenals of LCAT KO mice show compensatory up-regulation of genes involved in cholesterol synthesis (HMG-CoA reductase; 516%; P < 0.001) and acquisition (LDL receptor; 385%; P < 0.001) and a marked 40–50% lower glucocorticoid response to adrenocorticotropic hormone exposure, endotoxemia, or fasting (P < 0.001 for all). In conclusion, our studies show that HDL-cholesteryl ester deficiency in LCAT KO mice is associated with a 40–50% lower adrenal glucocorticoid output. These findings further highlight the important novel role for HDL as cholesterol donor for the synthesis of glucocorticoids by the adrenals.     

Dietary fat saturation produces lipid modifications in peritoneal macrophages of mouse

We investigated the effects of a saturated fat diet on mice lipid metabolism in resident peritoneal macrophages. Male C57BL/6 mice were weaned at 21 days of age and assigned to either the experimental diet, containing coconut oil (COCO diet), or the control diet, containing soybean oil as fat source. Fat content of each diet was 15% (w/w). Mice were fed for 6 weeks until sacrifice. In plasma of mice fed the COCO diet, the concentration of triglyceride, total cholesterol, HLD- and (LDL+VLDL)-cholesterol, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) increased, without changes in phospholipid concentration, compared with the controls. In macrophages of COCO-fed mice, the concentration of total (TC), free and esterified cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid (P) and TBARS increased, while the TC/P ratio did not change. The phospholipid compositions showed an increase of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine + phosphadytilinositol, a decrease of phosphatidylethanolamine, and no change in phosphatidylglycerol. (3)H(2)O incorporation into triglyceride and phospholipid fractions of macrophages increased, while its incorporation into free cholesterol decreased. Incorporation of [(3)H]cholesterol into macrophages of COCO-fed mice and the fraction of [(3)H]cholesterol ester increased. COCO diet produced an increase in myrystic, palmitic and palmitoleic acids proportion, a decrease in linoleic and arachidonic acids and no changes in stearic and oleic acids, compared with the control. Also, a higher relative percentage of saturated fatty acid and a decrease in unsaturation index (p <0.001) were observed in macrophages of COCO-fed mice. These results indicate that the COCO-diet, high in saturated fatty acids, alters the lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition of macrophages and produces a significant degree of oxidative stress.     

Combined serum paraoxonase knockout/apolipoprotein E knockout mice exhibit increased lipoprotein oxidation and atherosclerosis

Serum paraoxonase (PON1), present on high density lipoprotein, may inhibit low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and protect against atherosclerosis. We generated combined PON1 knockout (KO)/apolipoprotein E (apoE) KO and apoE KO control mice to compare atherogenesis and lipoprotein oxidation. Early lesions were examined in 3-month-old mice fed a chow diet, and advanced lesions were examined in 6-month-old mice fed a high fat diet. In both cases, the PON1 KO/apoE KO mice exhibited significantly more atherosclerosis (50-71% increase) than controls. We examined LDL oxidation and clearance in vivo by injecting human LDL into the mice and following its turnover. LDL clearance was faster in the double KO mice as compared with controls. There was a greater rate of accumulation of oxidized phospholipid epitopes and a greater accumulation of LDL-immunoglobulin complexes in the double KO mice than in controls. Furthermore, the amounts of three bioactive oxidized phospholipids were elevated in the endogenous intermediate density lipoprotein/LDL of double KO mice as compared with the controls. Finally, the expression of heme oxygenase-1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and oxidized LDL receptors were elevated in the livers of double KO mice as compared with the controls. These data demonstrate that PON1 deficiency promotes LDL oxidation and atherogenesis in apoE KO mice.     

Reduced VLDL clearance in Apoe−/−Npc1−/− mice is associated with increased Pcsk9 and Idol expression and decreased hepatic LDL-receptor levels

Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) promotes the transport of LDL receptor (LDL-R)-derived cholesterol from late endosomes/lysosomes to other cellular compartments. NPC1-deficient cells showed impaired regulation of liver_X receptor (LXR) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) target genes. We observed that Apoe^−/−Npc1^−/− mice displayed a marked increase in total plasma cholesterol mainly due to increased VLDL, reflecting decreased clearance. Although nuclear SREBP-2 and Ldlr mRNA levels were increased in Apoe^−/−Npc1^−/− liver, LDL-R protein levels were decreased in association with marked induction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) and inducible degrader of the LDL-R (Idol), both known to promote proteolytic degradation of LDL-R. While Pcsk9 is known to be an SREBP-2 target, marked upregulation of IDOL in Apoe^−/−Npc1^−/− liver was unexpected. However, several other LXR target genes also increased in Apoe^−/−Npc1^−/− liver, suggesting increased synthesis of endogenous LXR ligands secondary to activation of sterol biosynthesis. In conclusion, we demonstrate that NPC1 deficiency has a major impact on VLDL metabolism in Apoe^−/− mice through modulation of hepatic LDL-R protein levels. In contrast to modest induction of hepatic IDOL with synthetic LXR ligands, a striking upregulation of IDOL in Apoe^−/−Npc1^−/− mice could indicate a role of endogenous LXR ligands in regulation of hepatic IDOL.     

Spontaneously hyperlipidemic (SHL) mice: Japanese wild mice with apolipoprotein E deficiency

During inbreeding of Japanese wild mice (Mus musculus molossinus), we established a strain of mice with severe cutaneous xanthomatous lesions. Since those mice showed high plasma cholesterol values, we named them spontaneously hyperlipidemic (SHL) mice; total cholesterol values of these mice (even when fed on conventional low-fat diet) are unusually high throughout the life span. The xanthomatous lesions appear in palms and distal extremities of forelimbs as early as 4 weeks after birth, and continue to expand to chest, abdomen, and face until the mice die before 14 months of age. Histological examination of these lesions revealed cholesterol crystal deposits, an infiltration of foam cells or macrophages, while that of the vascular system revealed atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus. Immunoblot and Northern blot analyses failed to detect apolipoprotein E (APOE) expression in these animals. Consistent with these findings, Southern blot analysis found disruption of the Apoe gene in SHL mice. Phenotypes of SHL mice, however, were distinct from those of Apoe ^tm1Unc (hereafter Apoe ^−/− ) mice, whose Apoe gene was disrupted by homologous recombination; hypercholesterolemia and xanthoma were more severe in SHL mice than in Apoe ^−/− mice, while atherosclerosis was milder in SHL mice. These distinctions suggest that there are modifier genes for the phenotypes. Alternatively, other gene(s), besides the Apoe gene, may be mutated in SHL mice. In either case, comparative genetic and molecular dissection of SHL mice will provide a good opportunity to understand the genetic basis for hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Received: 2 October 1998 / Accepted: 2 December 1998     

Hepatic Synaptotagmin 1 is involved in the remodelling of liver plasma- membrane lipid composition and gene expression in male Apoe-deficient mice consuming a Western diet

Background and aims.The molecular mechanisms by which the liver develops steatotic disease still remain unclear. Previous studies using nutritional and genetic models of hepatic steatosis in mice showed that liver synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) expression was associated with lipid droplet area. Hepatic Syt1 overexpression was used as a tool to explore its effect on hepatic and plasma lipids.Methods and resultsTo find out a cause-effect, hepatic mouse Syt1 mRNA was cloned into a vector driving hepatocyte-specific expression and administered by hydrodynamic injection to male Apoe-deficient mice fed on a Western diet, the latter as a model of rapid spontaneous steatosis development. Hepatic microsomal, large vesicle, lysosomal and plasma membrane fractions were enriched in SYT1 protein following gene overexpression. In these conditions, very low density lipoprotein esterified cholesterol increased. Likewise, the transgene caused an alteration in lipid droplet surface and a positive correlation between Syt1 expression and hepatic total cholesterol content. A lipidomic approach evidenced a decrease in lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine and triglycerides in isolated plasma membrane fraction. Expressions of genes involved in biosynthesis of bile acids, fatty acid metabolism, lipoprotein dynamics and vesicular transport were modified by the increased SYT1 expression.ConclusionsThese results indicate that this protein is involved in hepatic management of lipids and in the regulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism.     

Amelioration of Hyperglycemia with a Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Prevents Macrophage-Driven Atherosclerosis through Macrophage Foam Cell Formation Suppression in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Direct associations between hyperglycemia and atherosclerosis remain unclear. We investigated the association between the amelioration of glycemia by sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and macrophage-driven atherosclerosis in diabetic mice. We administered dapagliflozin or ipragliflozin (1.0 mg/kg/day) for 4-weeks to apolipoprotein E-null (Apoe ^−/−) mice, streptozotocin-induced diabetic Apoe ^−/− mice, and diabetic db/db mice. We then determined aortic atherosclerosis, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-induced foam cell formation, and related gene expression in exudate peritoneal macrophages. Dapagliflozin substantially decreased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glucose tolerance without affecting body weight, blood pressure, plasma insulin, and lipids in diabetic Apoe ^−/− mice. Aortic atherosclerotic lesions, atheromatous plaque size, and macrophage infiltration in the aortic root increased in diabetic Apoe ^−/− mice; dapagliflozin attenuated these changes by 33%, 27%, and 20%, respectively. Atherosclerotic lesions or foam cell formation highly correlated with HbA1c. Dapagliflozin did not affect atherosclerosis or plasma parameters in non-diabetic Apoe ^−/− mice. In db/db mice, foam cell formation increased by 4-fold compared with C57/BL6 mice, whereas ipragliflozin decreased it by 31%. Foam cell formation exhibited a strong correlation with HbA1c. Gene expression of lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 and acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 was upregulated, whereas that of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 was downregulated in the peritoneal macrophages of both types of diabetic mice. SGLT2i normalized these gene expressions. Our study is the first to demonstrate that SGLT2i exerts anti-atherogenic effects by pure glucose lowering independent of insulin action in diabetic mice through suppressing macrophage foam cell formation, suggesting that foam cell formation is highly sensitive to glycemia ex vivo.     

Genetic deletion or pharmacologic inhibition of the Nlrp3 inflammasome did not ameliorate experimental NASH

It has been postulated that inflammasomes, in particular the NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome, mediate the necroinflammation and fibrosis that characterize nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by engaging innate immune responses. We aimed to investigate the impact of genetic deletion or pharmacologic inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome on experimental steatohepatitis. Global Nlrp3 KO (expected to inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome) or Casp1 KO (expected to inhibit all inflammasomes) mice were compared to wild type controls after 6 months on a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC, 1% cholesterol) diet known to induce fibrosing steatohepatitis. Additionally, wildtype mice on a HFHC diet (0.75% or 0.5% cholesterol) for 6 months were either treated or not treated with an oral, pharmacologic inhibitor of Nlrp3 (MCC950) that was delivered in the drinking water (0.3 mg/ml). We found that genetic deletion or pharmacologic inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome did not ameliorate any of the histological components of fibrosing NASH in HFHC-fed mice. Collectively, these results do not support NLRP3 inhibition as a potential target for human NASH.     

Scavenger receptor CD36 mediates uptake of high density lipoproteins in mice and by cultured cells

The mechanisms of HDL-mediated cholesterol transport from peripheral tissues to the liver are incompletely defined. Here the function of scavenger receptor cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) for HDL uptake by the liver was investigated. CD36 knockout (KO) mice, which were the model, have a 37% increase (P = 0.008) of plasma HDL cholesterol compared with wild-type (WT) littermates. To explore the mechanism of this increase, HDL metabolism was investigated with HDL radiolabeled in the apolipoprotein (¹²⁵I) and cholesteryl ester (CE, [³H]) moiety. Liver uptake of [³H] and ¹²⁵I from HDL decreased in CD36 KO mice and the difference, i. e. hepatic selective CE uptake ([³H]¹²⁵I), declined (–33%, P = 0.0003) in CD36 KO compared with WT mice. Hepatic HDL holo-particle uptake (¹²⁵I) decreased (–29%, P = 0.0038) in CD36 KO mice. In vitro, uptake of ¹²⁵I-/[³H]HDL by primary liver cells from WT or CD36 KO mice revealed a diminished HDL uptake in CD36-deficient hepatocytes. Adenovirus-mediated expression of CD36 in cells induced an increase in selective CE uptake from HDL and a stimulation of holo-particle internalization. In conclusion, CD36 plays a role in HDL uptake in mice and by cultured cells. A physiologic function of CD36 in HDL metabolism in vivo is suggested.     

Ablating both Fabp1 and Scp2/Scpx (TKO) induces hepatic phospholipid and cholesterol accumulation in high fat-fed mice

Although singly ablating Fabp1 or Scp2/Scpx genes may exacerbate the impact of high fat diet (HFD) on whole body phenotype and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), concomitant upregulation of the non-ablated gene, preference for ad libitum fed HFD, and sex differences complicate interpretation. Therefore, these issues were addressed in male and female mice ablated in both genes (Fabp1/Scp2/Scpx null or TKO) and pair-fed HFD. Wild-type (WT) males gained more body weight as fat tissue mass (FTM) and exhibited higher hepatic lipid accumulation than WT females. The greater hepatic lipid accumulation in WT males was associated with higher hepatic expression of enzymes in glyceride synthesis, higher hepatic bile acids, and upregulation of transporters involved in hepatic reuptake of serum bile acids. While TKO had little effect on whole body phenotype and hepatic bile acid accumulation in either sex, TKO increased hepatic accumulation of lipids in both, specifically phospholipid and cholesteryl esters in males and females and free cholesterol in females. TKO-induced increases in glycerides were attributed not only to complete loss of FABP1, SCP2 and SCPx, but also in part to sex-dependent upregulation of hepatic lipogenic enzymes. These data with WT and TKO mice pair-fed HFD indicate that: i) Sex significantly impacted the ability of HFD to increase body weight, induce hepatic lipid accumulation and increase hepatic bile acids; and ii) TKO exacerbated the HFD ability to induce hepatic lipid accumulation, regardless of sex, but did not significantly alter whole body phenotype in either sex.