Turnover of 125I-VLDL and 131I-LDL apolipoprotein B in rabbits fed diets containing casein or soy protein

Rabbits fed low-fat, cholesterol-free, semi-purified diets containing casein developed a marked hypercholesterolemia compared to rabbits fed a similar diet containing soy protein (plasma cholesterol 281 +/- 31 vs. 86 +/- 9 mg/dl; P less than 0.05). Turnover studies (three per dietary group) were carried out in which homologous 125I-labeled VLDL and 131I-labeled LDL were injected simultaneously into casein- (n = 8) or soy protein- (n = 9) fed rabbits. ApoB-specific activities were determined in VLDL, IDL and LDL isolated from the pooled plasma of two or three rabbits per dietary group. The production rate of VLDL apoB (1.20 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.09 +/- 0.1 mg/h per kg) was similar for the two dietary groups. The fractional catabolic rate of VLDL apoB was lower for the casein group (0.15 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.01.h-1; 0.05 less than P less than 0.10). Although the pool size of VLDL apoB was higher in the casein group (8 +/- 2 vs. 5 +/- 0.3 mg/kg), this value did not reach statistical significance. For LDL apoB, the increased pool size in casein-fed rabbits (30 +/- 5 vs. 5 +/- 1 mg/kg; P less than 0.01) was associated with a decreased fractional catabolic rate (0.03 +/- 0.005 vs. 0.08 +/- 0.008.h-1; P less than 0.01) and a 2-fold increase in the production rate of LDL apoB (1 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.4 +/- 0.06 mg/kg per h; 0.05 less than P less than 0.10) compared to rabbits fed soy protein. Analysis of precursor-product relationships between the various lipoprotein fractions showed that casein-fed rabbits synthesized a higher proportion of LDL apoB (95% +/- 2 vs. 67% +/- 2; P less than 0.001) independent of VLDL catabolism. These results support the concept that the hypercholesterolemia in casein-fed rabbits is associated with impaired LDL removal consistent with a down-regulation of LDL receptors. These changes do not occur when the casein is replaced by soy protein.     

Metabolism of rabbit plasma-derived factor VII in relation to prothrombin in rabbits

In the human circulation, factor VII is present in relatively low plasma concentration (0.01 microM) and has been reported to have a short half-life (t(1/2); 6 h). In contrast, prothrombin is present in a relatively high plasma concentration (2 microM) and has a relatively long catabolic half-life (t(1/2) = approximately 2-3 days). This report examines the metabolic characteristics of purified rabbit plasma factor VII and prothrombin, radiolabeled with (125)I and (131)I, respectively, in healthy young rabbits. From the plasma clearance curves of protein-bound radioactivities, fractional catabolic rates and compartmental distributions were calculated using a three-compartment model. Turnover of factor VII within the intravascular space (2.95 days) exceeded that of prothrombin (1.9 days). However, the whole body fractional catabolic rate of factor VII (0.34 days(-1); catabolic t(1/2) = 2.04 days) was significantly slower than that of prothrombin (0.53 days(-1); t(1/2) = 1.31 days). Furthermore, the fractional distributions of factor VII in the intravascular (0.14) and extravascular compartments (0.76) differed from those of prothrombin (0.29 and 0.53). Absolute quantities of factor VII and prothrombin catabolized by a 3-kg rabbit amounted to 0.18 and 24.0 mg/day, respectively (molar ratio of prothrombin to factor VII = 100). The molar ratio of catabolism was compared with the release rates of factor VII and prothrombin from rabbit livers perfused ex vivo. After correction for uptake of factor VII and prothrombin by the liver, the molar ratio of released prothrombin to factor VII in the perfusate was approximately 293:1 over a 0.25- to 3-h interval. These results indicate that, compared with prothrombin, factor VII in the healthy rabbit circulates as a relatively long-lived protein. This behavior does not reflect that reported for factor VII in the human circulation.     

In vivo apoprotein catabolism of high density lipoproteins in copper-deficient, hypercholesterolemic rats

High density lipoprotein (HDL) apoprotein catabolism was examined in male Sprague-Dawley rats deficient in dietary copper. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into two groups: copper-adequate (control, 5 mg of copper/kg diet) and copper-deficient (0.6 mg of copper/kg diet). After 5 weeks, animals were administered a tracer dose of iodinated HDL protein previously isolated from donor rats that were subjected to the same dietary treatments as the test animals. Copper-deficient rats exhibited a 54% increase in plasma volume and a 26% increase in HDL protein concentration above controls. Consequently, the intravascular pool of total HDL protein was increased 2-fold. The fractional catabolic rate of total HDL protein was similar between groups. However, because of the increased intravascular HDL pool in copper-deficient animals, the absolute catabolic rate was greater (640 +/- 49 micrograms/hr vs 316 +/- 12 micrograms/hr in controls). Tissue uptake of total HDL protein in copper-deficient rats tended to be greater in the kidneys, spleen, and testes compared with controls; the heart exhibited a significant 2.3-fold increase. In contrast, the catabolic rate of HDL protein in the liver and adrenal gland were not different between treatment groups. That an obligatory increase in HDL protein uptake was not observed in the liver and adrenal gland (organs which are sensitive to and can further metabolize cholesterol) suggests that these organs may be regulated, possibly contributing to the observed hypercholesterolemia in this model. These data imply that total HDL apoprotein catabolism is increased in response to the increased intravascular pool of HDL in copper-deficient rats.     

Effect of coconut oil on plasma apo A-I levels in WHHL and NZW rabbits

Age-matched Watanabe (WHHL) and New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were fed a coconut oil-enriched diet (14%, w/w) for 2 weeks. Lipid and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I levels in plasma and lipoprotein fractions were monitored. Within 3 days after the start of the coconut oil diet, plasma apo A-I and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-apo A-I levels increased 3-fold in the WHHL rabbits. A smaller but significant increase (63%) in apo A-I and HDL-apo A-I levels was also observed in the NZW rabbits. HDL cholesterol levels also increased from 16 +/- 3 mg/dl during a regular diet to 46 +/- 16 mg/dl (288%) during the coconut oil diet in the WHHL rabbits and from 37 +/- 7 mg/dl to 69 +/- 19 mg/dl (186%), respectively, in the NZW rabbits. Apo A-I and HDL cholesterol levels fell sharply to the original levels soon after switching back to a regular diet (within 3 days for WHHL rabbits and within 5 days for NZW rabbits). The fractional catabolic rate calculated from 125I-HDL kinetic studies indicated that the turnover rate for HDL was significantly slower in WHHL rabbits fed the coconut oil diet than the control diet (0.018 +/- 0.004 h-1 vs. 0.027 +/- 0.007 h-1, P less than 0.01). No changes were found in the NZW rabbits fed either diet. Trilaurin, the main component of the coconut oil (46.9%) supplemented diet (6.5%, w/w), was also used in this study. The effect of trilaurin on plasma apo A-I and HDL-cholesterol levels is discussed.     

Role of insulin in regulation of high density lipoprotein metabolism

The effect of alloxan-induced insulin deficiency on high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism was studied in rabbits. Rabbits with alloxan-induced diabetes had significantly higher (P less than 0.001, mean +/- SEM) plasma concentrations of glucose (541 +/- 13 vs. 130 +/- 2 mg/dl), triglyceride (2851 +/- 332 vs. 101 +/- 10 mg/dl), and total plasma cholesterol (228 +/- 55 vs. 42 +/- 4 mg/dl) than did normal control rabbits. However, diabetic rabbits had lower plasma HDL-cholesterol (7.2 +/- 1 vs. 51.3 +/- 1.3 mg/dl, P less than 0.001) and HDL apoA-I (38.3 +/- 6.0 vs. 87.2 +/- 4.3 mg/dl, P less than 0.001) concentrations. HDL kinetics were compared in diabetic and normal rabbits, using either 125I-labeled HDL or HDL labeled with 125I-labeled apoA-I, and it was demonstrated that HDL fractional catabolic rate (FCR) was slower and residence time was longer in the diabetic rabbits when either tracer was used. The slow FCR and the low apoA-I pool size led to reduced apoA-I/HDL synthetic rate in diabetic rabbits (0.97 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.34 +/- 0.07 mg per kg per hr). Thus, the reduced plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations seen in rabbits with alloxan-induced insulin deficiency was associated with a lower total apoA-I/HDL synthetic rate. Since insulin treatment restored to normal all of the changes in plasma lipoprotein concentration and kinetics seen in diabetic rabbits, it is unlikely that the phenomena observed were secondary to a nonspecific toxic effect of alloxan. These data strongly support the view that insulin plays an important role in regulation of HDL metabolism.     

Apolipoprotein C-III isoforms: kinetics and relative implication in lipid metabolism

Apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) production rate (PR) is strongly correlated with plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. ApoC-III exists in three different isoforms, according to the sialylation degree of the protein. We investigated the kinetics and respective role of each apoC-III isoform in modulating intravascular lipid/lipoprotein metabolism. ApoC-III kinetics were measured in a sample of 18 healthy men [mean age (+/-SD) 42.1 +/- 9.5 years, body mass index 29.8 +/- 4.6 kg/m2] using a primed-constant infusion of l-(5,5,5-D3) leucine for 12 h. Mono-sialylated and di-sialylated apoC-III (apo-CIII1 and apoC-III2) exhibited similar PRs (means +/- SD, 1.22 +/- 0.49 mg/kg/day vs. 1.15 +/- 0.59 mg/kg/day, respectively) and similar fractional catabolic rates (FCRs) (0.51 +/- 0.13 pool/day vs. 0.61 +/- 0.24 pool/day, respectively). Nonsialylated apoC-III (apoC-III0) had an 80% lower PR (0.25 +/- 0.12 mg/kg/day) and a 60% lower FCR (0.21 +/- 0.07 pool/day) (P < 0.0001 for comparison with CIII1 and CIII2 isoforms). The PRs of apoC-III1 and apoC-III2 were more strongly correlated with plasma TG levels (r > 0.8, P < 0.0001) than was apoC-III0 PR (r = 0.54, P < 0.05). Finally, the PR of apoC-III2 was strongly correlated with the proportion of LDL <255 A (r = 0.72, P = 0.002). These results suggest that all apoC-III isoforms, especially the predominant CIII1 and CIII2 isoforms, contribute to hypertriglyceridemia and that apoC-III2 may play a significant role in the expression of the small, dense LDL phenotype.     

Effects of fish oil on VLDL triglyceride kinetics in humans

Dietary n-3 fatty acids (FAs) found in fish oils markedly lower plasma triglyceride (TG) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in both normal and hypertriglyceridemic subjects. The present study examined the mechanism of this effect. Ten subjects with widely different plasma triglyceride levels (82 to 1002 mg/dl) were fed metabolically controlled diets containing 20% fat. The control diet contained a blend of cocoa butter and peanut oil (P/S = 0.8). The test diet contained fish oil (P/S = 1.1) and provided 10-17 g of n-3 FAs per day (depending on calorie intake). After 3 to 5 weeks of each diet, the kinetics of VLDL-TG were determined over a 48-h period after the injection of [3H]glycerol. The fish oil diet reduced the VLDL-TG synthetic rate from 23 +/- 14.3 (mean +/- SD) to 12.6 +/- 7.5 mg/h per kg ideal weight (P less than 0.005) and increased the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) for VLDL-TG from 0.23 +/- 0.12 to 0.38 +/- 0.16 h -1 (P less than 0.005). At the same time, there was a 66% reduction of plasma triglyceride levels, resulting largely from a 78% decrease in VLDL-TG levels (398 +/- 317 to 87 +/- 77 mg/dl; P less than 0.005). There was a strong correlation (r = 0.83; P less than 0.01) between the change in synthetic rates and pool sizes, but there was no correlation (r = 0.24; NS) between changes in FCRs and pool sizes. The VLDL cholesterol: triglyceride ratio increased during the n-3 diet suggesting that smaller VLDL particles were present. These particles would be expected to leave the VLDL fraction more rapidly than larger particles producing a higher FCR. We conclude that the hypotriglyceridemic effect of fish oil appears to be caused primarily by an inhibition of very low density lipoprotein-triglyceride synthesis, but an additional, independent effect upon VLDL catabolism cannot be ruled out.     

Partial ileal bypass reduces the production rate of low density lipoproteins in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits

Partial ileal bypass surgery in homozygous Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits resulted in a decrease of low density lipoproteins (LDL)-cholesterol from 14.2 +/- 2.4 to 7.0 +/- 1.2 mmol/l. To investigate the effect of partial ileal bypass on receptor-mediated and receptor-independent LDL catabolism, turnover studies were performed of radiolabeled native LDL and chemically modified LDL (methyl-LDL) in WHHL rabbits after partial ileal bypass, in WHHL control rabbits, and in New Zealand White ("normal") rabbits. The plasma LDL pool in WHHL control rabbits was increased 10-fold. The receptor-mediated LDL clearance was essentially zero in WHHL rabbits, both in controls and after ileal bypass surgery; the fractional catabolic rates for total LDL were equal in both WHHL groups and were also similar to that for methyl-LDL in the normal rabbits. Seventy percent of the total LDL clearance in the normal rabbits occurred via the LDL receptor pathway. In the animals with a partial ileal bypass, the plasma LDL-protein pool was appreciably lower than in WHHL controls (41.6 +/- 5.7 vs 73.4 +/- 9.9 mg/kg, P less than 0.02). The absolute catabolic rate was almost 50% lower in the PIB group (21.4 +/- 2.0 vs 40.0 +/- 7.5 mg X kg-1 X day-1, P less than 0.02). These results indicate that the decrease of LDL after partial ileal bypass surgery in WHHL rabbits is the result of a reduced production rate of LDL.     

Quantification of the hepatic contribution to the catabolism of high density lipoproteins in rats.

Isolated rat livers were perfused for four hours in a recirculating system containing washed rat erythrocytes. Biologically screened radioiodinated rat high density lipoproteins (1.090 < d < 1.21 g/ml) were added to the perfusate with different amounts of whole serum to supply unlabeled rat high density lipoproteins. The protein moiety of the lipoprotein contained more than 95% of the radioiodine. The fraction of apolipoprotein mass degraded during the perfusion was quantified by the linear increment of non-protein-bound radioiodine in the perfusate, corrected for the increment observed during recirculation of the perfusate in the absence of a liver. The small amount of (131)I secreted into bile was added to calculate the fractional catabolic rate. The fractional catabolic rate ranged from 0.22 to 0.63% per hour in 12 experiments and was inversely related to the size of the perfusate pool of high density apolipoprotein. The absolute catabolic rate of high density apolipoprotein (fractional catabolic rate x pool size) in three livers in which the concentration of rat HDL in the perfusate approximated that in intact rats was 69.5 +/- 10.4 micro g hr(-1) (mean +/- SD). The rate of disappearance of cholesteryl esters of rat high density lipoproteins (labeled biologically by injecting donor rats with [5-(3)H]mevalonic acid) from the liver perfusate did not exceed that of the apoprotein component. These rates were compared with catabolic rates for rat high density lipoproteins in intact rats. Fractional catabolic rate in vivo, obtained by multicompartmental analysis of the disappearance curve of (131)I-high density apolipoprotein from blood plasma, was 11.9 +/- 1.3% hr(-1) (mean +/- SD). Total catabolic rate in vivo (fractional catabolic rate x intravascular pool of high density apolipoprotein) was 986 +/- 145 micro g hr(-1) (mean +/- SD). The results suggest that only a small fraction of high density lipoproteins in blood plasma of rats is degraded directly by the liver.-Sigurdsson, G., S-P. Noel, and R. J. Havel. Quantification of the hepatic contribution to the catabolism of high density lipoproteins in rats.     

Aortic accumulation and plasma clearance of beta-VLDL and HDL: effects of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia in rabbits

To assess the role of beta-VLDL in diet-induced atherogenesis, the in vivo metabolism and aortic accumulation of 125I-labeled beta-VLDL were investigated in cholesterol-fed rabbits and chow-fed controls. 125I-labeled HDL and 125I-labeled albumin were studied for comparison. The fractional catabolic rate of 125I-labeled beta-VLDL was reduced in cholesterol-fed rabbits (0.011 vs 0.139 hr-1), but due to the high endogenous pool, the total beta-VLDL flux was very high (13.1 vs less than 1.1 mg/kg per 24 hr). These results suggest that elevated levels of beta-VLDL during cholesterol feeding were due to an enhanced rate of synthesis, a finding confirmed in hypercholesterolemic rabbits subjected to plasmapheresis. Following acute reduction of plasma cholesterol by plasmapheresis, the quantitative increases in beta-VLDL cholesterol concentrations (210 to 364 mg/dl) over the subsequent 24 hr were in agreement with the rise calculated from the plasma clearance kinetics of 125I-labeled beta-VLDL (378 mg/dl per 24 hr). Aortic accumulation of beta-VLDL in hypercholesterolemic rabbits was increased greater than 15-fold over controls. Accumulation was predominantly in the intimal atheromatous lesions. The fractional catabolic rate of 125I-labeled HDL was increased during cholesterol feeding (0.037 vs 0.021 hr-1). A decreased rate of synthesis appeared to be responsible for the markedly depleted plasma HDL. HDL accumulation within the aorta was attenuated greater than 9-fold in cholesterol-fed rabbits compared to those fed normal chow. Plasma kinetics and aortic accumulation of 125I-labeled albumin were similar in hypercholesterolemic and control rabbits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Catabolism of the apoprotein of low density lipoproteins by the isolated perfused rat liver.

Isolated rat livers were perfused for 4 hours in a recirculating system containing washed rat erythrocytes. Biologically screened, radioiodinated low density lipoproteins (1.030 < d < 1.055 g/ml) were added to the perfusate with different amounts of whole serum to supply unlabeled rat low density lipoproteins. Apolipoprotein B contained 90% of the bound (131)I, other apolipoproteins contained 4%, and lipids contained the remainder. The fraction of apolipoprotein mass degraded during the perfusion was quantified by the linear increment of non-protein-bound radioiodine in the perfusate, corrected for the increment observed during recirculation of the perfusate in the absence of a liver. The fractional catabolic rate ranged from 0.3 to 1.7%/hr in seven experiments and was inversely related to the size of perfusate pool of low density apolipoprotein. The catabolic rate of low density apolipoprotein (fractional catabolic rate x pool size) in four livers, in which the concentration of rat low density lipoproteins was 50-100% of that present in intact rats, was 5.3 +/- 2.7 micro g hr(-1) (mean +/- SD). Similar results were obtained with human low density lipoproteins. These rates were compared with catabolic rates for the apoprotein of rat low density lipoproteins in intact animals. Fractional catabolic rate in vivo, obtained by multi-compartmental analysis of the disappearance curve of (131)I-labeled low density apolipoprotein from blood plasma, was 15.2 +/- 3.1% hr(-1) (mean +/- SD). Total catabolic rate in vivo (fractional catabolic rate x intravascular pool of low density apolipoprotein) was 76 +/- 14 micro g hr(-1) (mean +/- SD). The results suggest that only a small fraction of low density apolipoprotein mass in rats is degraded by the liver.     

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fat increases the fractional catabolic rate of medium-sized HDL particles in African green monkeys

We have previously described a novel pathway for the metabolism of HDL subfractions in which small [2 apolipoprotein (apoA-I) molecules per particle] HDL particles are converted in a unidirectional manner outside the plasma compartment to medium (3 apoA-I molecules per particle) or large (4 apoA-I molecules per particle) HDL particles, which are subsequently removed from the circulation by the liver (Colvin et al. 1999. J. Lipid Res. 40: 1782;-1792; Huggins et al. 2000. J. Lipid Res. 41: 384;-394). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the reduction in concentration of medium HDL in African green monkeys consuming n-3 polyunsaturated versus saturated fat diets resulted from decreased in vivo production or increased catabolism. Tracer small LpA-I (HDL containing only apoA-I) were isolated, without ultracentrifugation, by gel filtration and immunoaffinity chromatography and radiolabeled. After injection, the specific activity of apoA-I in small, medium, and large HDL was determined, and the kinetic data were analyzed using our previously published multicompartmental model for HDL subfraction metabolism. We found a significant reduction of apoA-I concentration in medium HDL in the animals fed n-3 polyunsaturated fat (31.2 +/- 0.7 mg/dl) compared with animals fed saturated fat (85.4 +/- 11.9 mg/dl; P = 0.002). The production rates of apoA-I in small, medium, and large HDL were similar in both diet groups; however, there was a significant increase in the fractional catabolic rate of apoA-I in medium HDL in the animals fed n-3 polyunsaturated fat (2.188 +/- 0.501 pools/day) compared with animals fed saturated fat (0.714 +/- 0.191 pools/day; P = 0.02).We conclude that n-3 polyunsaturated fat reduces HDL cholesterol concentration by increasing the fractional catabolic rate of medium-sized HDL particles in African green monkeys.     

Receptor-dependent and receptor-independent degradation of low density lipoprotein in normal rabbits and in receptor-deficient mutant rabbits

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) catabolism was studied using WHHL rabbits, an inbred strain deficient in LDL receptor activity and, thus, an animal model for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. WHHL and normal rabbits were injected with [14C]sucrose-LDL and the tissue sites of LDL degradation were determined 24 h later. On degradation of [14C]sucrose-LDL, the [14C]sucrose ligand remains trapped within tissues as a cumulative measure of degradation. The fractional catabolic rate of [14C]sucrose-LDL in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits was reduced (0.024 +/- 0.010 versus 0.063 +/- 0.026 h-1) but, by virtue of the increased plasma pool, total LDL flux was increased (33.5 +/- 9.6 versus 10.6 +/- 4.4 mg of LDL protein/kg/day). Liver was the predominant site of catabolism in both WHHL and normal rabbits (52.7 +/- 6.9 and 56.6 +/- 6.2% of total degradation). About 90% of hepatic catabolism was attributable to parenchymal cells in both cases. Thus, Kupffer cells, a major component of the reticuloendothelial system, do not play a major role in LDL catabolism in WHHL rabbits. Despite receptor deficiency, the relative contribution of various tissues to overall LDL degradation was not greatly altered and the absolute rate of delivery of LDL to all tissues was increased with the exception of the adrenal. Thus, there was no evidence that the increased degradation occurred in any special subset of "scavenger" cells. Nevertheless, local scavenger cell uptake may be critically important, especially in atherogenesis. If it is assumed that receptor-independent degradation occurs at the same rate in the tissues of WHHL and normal rabbits and that catabolism in the absence of receptors is a linear function of concentration, then one can estimate the fraction of uptake in normal tissues mediated by receptors. The difference in the fraction of the plasma LDL pool cleared per unit of time in normal and WHHL rabbits would reflect the contribution of receptors to fractional clearance. By this calculation, receptor-mediated degradation in normal rabbits was 62% overall, 63% in liver, 92% in adrenal, and 83% in gut.     

Chenodeoxycholic acid normalizes elevated lipoprotein secretion and catabolism in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare inherited lipid storage disease caused by a defect in bile acid synthesis in which cholesterol and its product cholestanol are deposited in neurological and vascular tissue. Therapy with chenodeoxycholic acid but not with the 7 beta-epimeric ursodeoxycholic acid is usually successful. In an untreated patient, total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were found to be low (134 +/- 11 and 78 +/- 8 mg/dl, respectively). The production rate (PR) and fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of very low density (VLDL) apolipoprotein B (apoB) were, however, both markedly increased (34.7 mg/kg per day and 13.7 pools/day, respectively vs. 15.1 +/- 5.0 mg/kg per day and 6.2 +/- 3.8 pools/day in controls) while the PR and FCR of LDL apoB were moderately elevated (16.3 mg/kg per day and 0.65 pools/day, respectively vs. 12.9 +/- 1.2 mg/kg per day and 0.52 +/- 0.10 pools/day in controls). After 1 month of 750 mg/day of chenodeoxycholic acid, the FCR and PR of both VLDL and LDL apoB became normal while total plasma cholesterol increased significantly to 145 +/- 18 mg/dl. In a second patient who had been receiving 750 mg/day of chenodeoxycholic acid for 6 months lipoprotein kinetics were normal. These parameters did not change when the subject was switched to 750 mg/day ursodeoxycholic acid. We postulate that cholesterol biosynthesis in CTX is derepressed by a diminished hepatic pool of chenodeoxycholic acid and that the elevated secretion of apoB is a response to the increased rate of cholesterol production.     

Direct measurement of transferrin synthesis rates in man using the [14C]carbonate method

Transferrin synthesis was measured directly in man by the [¹⁴C]carbonate method. The mean fractional synthesis rate was 10.7% of the intravascular transferrin pool per day, equivalent to 10.6 mg transferrin/kg body wt/day.     

Parameters of dietary selenium and vitamin E deficiency in growing rabbits.

4 x 5 growing female rabbits (New Zealand White) with an initial live weight of 610 +/- 62 g were fed a torula yeast based semisynthetic diet low in selenium (<0.03 mg/kg diet) and containing <2 mg alpha-tocopherol per kg (group I). Group II received a vitamin E supplementation of 150 mg alpha-tocopherylacetate per kg diet, whereas for group III 0.40 mg Se as Na-selenite and for group IV both supplements were added. Selenium status and parameters of tissue damage were analyzed after 10 weeks on experiment (live weight 2,355 +/- 145 g). Selenium depletion of the Se deficient rabbits (groups I and II) was indicated by a significantly lower plasma Se content (group I: 38.3 +/- 6.23 microg Se/mL plasma, group II: 42.6 +/- 9.77, group III: 149 +/- 33.4, group IV: 126 +/- 6.45) and a significantly lower liver Se content (group I: 89.4 +/- 18.2 microg/kg fresh matter, group II: 111 +/- 26.2) as compared to the Se supplemented groups III (983 +/- 204) and IV (926 +/- 73.9). After 5 weeks on the experimental diets differences in the development of plasma glutathione peroxidase were observed. As compared to the initial status group (45.2 +/- 4.50) pGPx activity in mU/mg protein was decreased in group I (19.1 +/- 7.08), remained almost stable in the vitamin E supplemented group II (46.3 +/- 11.2) whereas an elevated enzyme activity was measured in the Se supplemented groups III (62.4 +/- 23.9) and IV (106 +/- 19.9). In the rabbit organs investigated 10 weeks of Se deficiency caused a significant loss of Se dependent cellular glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx1) of 94% (liver), 80% (kidney), 50% (heart muscle) and 60% (musculus longissimus dorsi) in comparison to Se supplemented control animals. Damage of cellular lipids and proteins in the liver was due to either Se or vitamin E deficiency. However damage was most severe under conditions of a combined Se and vitamin E deficiency. It can be concluded that the activity of plasma glutathione peroxidase is a sensitive indicator of Se deficiency in rabbits. The loss of GPx1 activity indicates the selenium depletion in various rabbit organs. Both selenium and vitamin E are essential and highly efficient antioxidants which protect rabbits against lipid and protein oxidation.     

Metabolism and Distribution of I-labelled Albumin in the Pig

The biological behaviour of porcine (131)I-albumin has been investigated in 11 normal pigs, weight appr. 20 kg. Mean values obtained from the experiments are: Albumin degradation: 15.1 +/- 2.1 per cent/day (0.18 +/- 0.01 g/kg/day), extravascular: intravascular albumin ratio: 1.71 +/- 0.29. Fecal excretion of radio-activity ranged from 0.77-1.87 per cent of the dose (mean: 1.11 per cent) during the first 4 days of the experiment.The results are discussed with special reference to the r?le of the gastrointestinal tract in health and in various digestive disorders.     

Low-density lipoprotein catabolism in WHHL rabbits after partial ileal bypass surgery

The effect of partial ileal bypass surgery (PIB) on lipoprotein concentrations and compositions and on the catabolism of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was studied in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. After PIB, total serum cholesterol was 65% lower (6.22 +/- 1.58 vs. 17.24 +/- 3.22 mmol/l) and LDL cholesterol 81% lower (2.02 +/- 0.95 vs. 10.90 +/- 3.60 mmol/l) than in control WHHL rabbits; cholesteryl esters, expressed as percentage of mass, were 55% lower in the very-low and intermediate-density lipoprotein (VLDL + IDL) fractions, and 45% lower in LDL, whereas triacylglycerols were 89% higher in VLDL + IDL and 121% higher in LDL. The fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of LDL protein (apoLDL) from operated animals was 10% higher than that from controls in all animals (0.55 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.50 +/- 0.10 pools/day; P less than 0.01). The FCR of autologous apoLDL in PIB rabbits was 50% higher than that of autologous apoLDL in control rabbits (0.63 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.06 pools/day); this was not caused by induction of receptor-mediated clearance of LDL. The production rate of apoLDL after PIB in PIB rabbits was 50% lower compared to control apoLDL in controls (26.0 +/- 6.7 vs. 51.7 +/- 16.4 mg/kg per day). We conclude that PIB lowers LDL cholesterol in WHHL rabbits by a decreased production of LDL, by an increased non-specific clearance of LDL and by compositional changes, which lead to LDL particles containing less cholesterol.     

Quantitative Significance of Plasma Albumin Metabolism in the Whole Body Protein Turnover in Rats

The amount of extra- and intravascular albumin was estimated in two groups of rats, i.e., those fed a 20% casein (20% protein) diet and a 3% casein (low protein or 3% protein) diet.

The fractional turnover rate of whole body plasma albumin was also measured in the two groups of rats, employing the constant infusion method of Waterlow et al. At the same time, the fractional turnover rate of the whole body protein was measured.

When the diet was changed from the 20% protein to the 3% protein diet, the amount of albumin mass in both extra- and intravascular spaces decreased significantly. During 7 days on the diet, the extra- and intravascular albumin mass per 100 g of body weight did not change significantly in the rats fed the 20% protein diet. On the other hand, rats fed the 3% protein diet lost almost 30% of the extra- and intravascular albumin per lOOg body weight.

The fractional turnover rates of whole body albumin were estimated to be 31.7 and 19.8%/day in the 20% protein and the 3% protein diet-fed rats, respectively. The fractional turnover rates of whole body protein were 16.1 and 10.6%/day in the 20% protein and the 3% protein diet-fed rats, respectively.

The leucine fluxes to albumin synthesis and whole body protein synthesis were calculated to be 5.9 and 83 μmol/hr, respectively, in the 20% protein diet-fed rats. The leucine fluxes in the 3% protein diet-fed rats were 2.5 and 54μmol/hr for the albumin synthesis and for the whole body protein synthesis, respectively.

These results demonstrate the quantitative significance of albumin metabolism in the whole body protein turnover in rats fed on two levels of protein intake.     

Identification and metabolic characteristics of an apolipoprotein C-II variant isolated from a hypertriglyceridemic subject

The very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apolipoproteins from a Type IV hypertriglyceridemic Caucasian subject (plasma TG: 645 mg/dl) and his brother (plasma TG: 328 mg/dl) were separated by isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis (IEF) and found to contain two isoforms of apoC-II, identified by immunoblot. These corresponded to normal apoC-II-1 (isoelectric point: pI 4.88) and a variant isoform (apoC-II-v, pI 4.74). The pI of C-II-v was not altered by neuraminidase treatment, indicating that it was not sialylated. The concentration of total immunoreactive C-II in VLDL was elevated (18 mg/dl vs normal; 5.0 +/- 2 mg/dl) but similar to that in other Type IV subjects. In VLDL, which contained 90% of the plasma immunoreactive apoC-II, the ratio (by IEF) of C-II-1:C-II-v was 2:1, whereas in high density lipoproteins (HDL) the ratio was 1:1. VLDL apoB turnover was measured after the pulse injection of 125I-labeled VLDL. VLDL apoB kinetic parameters for the proband and four Type IV subjects were similar: production rate, 28 mg/kg per day versus 30 mg/kg per day; fractional catabolic rate, 1.62.day-1 versus 1.96.day-1; and pool size, 17 mg/kg versus 18 mg/kg. The decline in VLDL triglyceride (TG) after the infusion of heparin (9,000 IU over 4 h) was also similar to that observed in Type IV subjects. In VLDL, the fractional catabolic rates of apoC-II-1 and C-II-v were similar (C-II-1: 0.31.day-1, C-II-v: 0.29.day-1) whereas in HDL, although similar to each other, the rates were greater than in VLDL (C-II-1: 0.48.day-1, C-II-v: 0.44.day-1). VLDL and HDL from the proband were normal in their ability to activate bovine skim milk lipase, compared to Type IV VLDL and HDL without C-II-v. Purified apoC-II-1 and apoC-II-v activated the milk lipase to a similar extent (at 1 microgram of C-II; C-II-1: 34 units/h, C-II-v: 35 units/h). Thus, apoC-II-v is a newly recognized isoform of apoC-II-1. It remains to be determined whether this mutation plays a role in the genesis of hypertriglyceridemia.