CD36 inhibitors reduce postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and protect against diabetic dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis

CD36 is recognized as a lipid and fatty acid receptor and plays an important role in the metabolic syndrome and associated cardiac events. The pleiotropic activity and the multiple molecular associations of this scavenger receptor with membrane associated molecules in different cells and tissues have however questioned its potential as a therapeutic target. The present study shows that it is possible to identify low molecular weight chemicals that can block the CD36 binding and uptake functions. These inhibitors were able to reduce arterial lipid deposition, fatty acid intestinal transit, plasma concentration of triglycerides and glucose, to improve insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance and to reduce the plasma concentration of HbAc1 in different and independent rodent models. Correlation between the anti-CD36 activity of these inhibitors and the known pathophysiological activity of this scavenger receptor in the development of atherosclerosis and diabetes were observed at pharmacological doses. Thus, CD36 might represent an attractive therapeutic target.     

CD36与脂类味觉感受

CD36是一种脂类结合蛋白,在大鼠和小鼠的舌上皮细胞中均被发现,与长链脂肪酸（LCFA）具有高度亲和力,是啮齿类动物感受脂类的重要因子之一。研究表明这种蛋白质受体在口腔的脂类感受中起着至关重要的作用。CD36位于啮齿类口腔味蕾部分神经感受细胞的顶端部分,任轮廓状乳头中有特别高的表达,在叶状乳头中有少量表达,而在菌状乳头中几乎没有表达。     

CD36 is a receptor for oxidized high density lipoprotein: implications for the development of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic plaques result from the excessive deposition of cholesterol esters derived from lipoproteins and lipoprotein fragments. Tissue macrophage within the intimal space of major arterial vessels have been shown to play an important role in this process. We demonstrate in a transfection system using two human cell lines that the macrophage scavenger receptor CD36 selectively elicited lipid uptake from Cu(2+)-oxidized high density lipoprotein (HDL) but not from native HDL or low density lipoprotein (LDL). The uptake of oxHDL displayed morphological and biochemical similarities with the CD36-dependent uptake of oxidized LDL. CD36-mediated uptake of oxidized HDL by macrophage may therefore contribute to atheroma formation.     

Structural, functional, and antigenic differences between bovine heart endothelial CD36 and human platelet CD36.

Endothelial cell CD36 (glycoprotein IV) has been purified from bovine heart tissue by detergent partitioning and immunoaffinity chromatography. Bovine CD36 differs from human CD36 in its apparent mass (85 versus 88 kDa), primary structure, and immunological cross-reactivity. Of the 18 N-terminal residues identified, 17 conformed to the human CD36 sequence. Mouse monoclonal antibodies E-1 and 8A6 defined bovine- and human-specific epitopes, respectively. Because human CD36 has been identified as a receptor for erythrocytes infected with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, we examined the ability of bovine CD36 to bind infected erythrocytes. Bovine CD36, unlike human CD36, did not bind infected erythrocytes, suggesting that human CD36-specific structural features are responsible for recognition of the infected erythrocyte ligand.     

Rosiglitazone but not losartan prevents Nrf-2 dependent CD36 gene expression up-regulation in an in vivo atherosclerosis model

Background

Thiazolidinediones exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative roles and attenuate atherosclerosis by mechanisms partially independent of their metabolizing actions. High doses of angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT₁R) blocker losartan (LST) seem to promote fat cell formation by preserving PPARγ activity.

Methods

C57BL/6J diet-induced atherosclerotic susceptible mice randomly received a normal or a high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet and were treated with rosiglitazone (RG), LST or a vehicle for 12 weeks.

Results

HFHC was associated with increased PPARγ gene expression without an over regulation of PPARγ responsive genes, whereas RG and LST treatments were found to maintain PPARγ activity without resulting in increased PPARγ gene expression. A better anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile in mice treated with RG regarding LST was observed in spite of a similar PPARγ preserved activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that animals under HFHC diet treated with RG showed a significant nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2)-dependent down-regulation of the expression of the CD36 gene.

Conclusion

The PPARγ agonist RG exerts antioxidant properties that significantly reduced Nrf-2-dependent CD-36 up-regulation in mice under HFHC diet. Because LST treatment was also associated with a preserved PPARγ activity, our data suggests that these RG antioxidant effects are partially independent of its PPARγ metabolizing properties.     

Physiological and pathological roles of a multi-ligand receptor CD36 in atherogenesis; insights from CD36-deficient patients

Oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) (Ox-LDL) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL is taken up by macrophages via scavenger receptors. CD36 is an 88 kDa glycoprotein expressed on platelets, monocyte-macrophages, microvascular endothelial cells, adipose tissue, skeletal muscles and heart. We found patients with CD36 deficiency and identified several mutations in the CD36 gene. We also reported that CD36-deficient macrophages showed a 50% reduction in the binding of Ox-LDL, suggesting that CD36 is one of the major receptors for Ox-LDL. CD36 was expressed on macrophages in the atherosclerotic lesions of human aorta and coronary arteries especially on foamed macrophages. The distribution of CD36 expression was slightly different from that of scavenger receptor class A types I and II. The expression of CD36 on macrophages was up-regulated by Ox-LDL and down-regulated by interferon gamma. Since CD36 is a transporter of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), CD36-deficient patients showed a defect in the uptake of an LCFA analog, BMIPP, by the heart. Furthermore, the secretion of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha from monocyte-derived macrophages induced by Ox-LDL was markedly reduced and the activation of NF-kappaB was attenuated in CD36-deficient subjects compared with controls, suggesting that CD36-mediated signaling is also impaired in CD36 deficiency.To elucidate the roles of CD36 in vivo, we characterized the clinical profile of CD36-deficient patients. Most of them were accompanied by hyperlipidemia (mainly hypertriglyceridemia), increased remnant lipoproteins and mild elevation of fasting plasma glucose level and blood pressure. Glucose clamp technique revealed mean whole body glucose uptake was reduced in CD36-deficient patients, indicating the presence of insulin resistance. The frequency of CD36 deficiency was higher in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) than in control subjects. Taken together, CD36 deficiency is accompanied by (1) hyperlipidemia and increased remnant lipoproteins, (2) impaired glucose metabolism based upon insulin resistance, and (3) mild hypertension, and comprises one of the genetic backgrounds of the metabolic syndrome, leading to the development of CHD.     

CD36 peptides enhance or inhibit CD36-thrombospondin binding. A two-step process of ligand-receptor interaction.

CD36 (glycoprotein IV or IIIB) is an integral plasma membrane protein of wide cellular distribution and functions as a receptor site for thrombospondin (TSP), an adhesive protein important in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. OKM5, a monoclonal anti-CD36 antibody, has been reported to block CD36 cell adhesive functions suggesting that the OKM5 epitope on CD36 is functionally important. A panel of 10 synthetic CD36 peptides was made. One peptide, P139-155, specifically inhibited the immunoadsorption of CD36 by OKM5, and P139-155 was directly immunoadsorbed by OKM5, indicating that CD36 sequence 139-155 represents part of the OKM5 epitope. TSP bound to immobilized P139-155 in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. Surprisingly, P139-155 significantly augmented, instead of inhibited, binding of CD36 to TSP. This peptide did not induce platelet aggregation but augmented ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation in platelet-rich plasma. Another CD36 peptide, P93-110, which had no effect on OKM5 immunoadsorption, blocked binding of CD36 to immobilized TSP and partially inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation. P93-110 by itself did not bind to TSP; however, in the presence of P139-155, there was a marked enhancement of P93-110 binding to TSP, with a stoichiometry consistent with the trimeric nature of TSP. The data suggest that CD36-TSP interaction is a two-step process; the sequence 139-155 region of CD36 binds first to TSP, triggering a change in TSP to reveal a second site, which binds the 93-110 region of CD36 with high affinity. CD36 peptides can be used as stimulators or inhibitors in cellular adhesive events involving TSP-CD36 interaction. Conformational changes leading to the exposure or activation of high affinity binding sites may occur in both the receptor and the ligand upon cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion.     

Effects of aldehydes on CD36 expression

Introduction: During the oil frying process lipid peroxidation compounds are formed. These products can modulate gene expression and alter cellular behaviour. The cellular uptake of oxidized LDL, a key step in the development of atherosclerosis, is mediated by the CD36 scavenger receptor, whose expression is down-regulated by α-tocopherol.

Objective: To determine the effects of water-soluble aldehydes, obtained from thermally oxidized sunflower oil on the expression of CD36 scavenger receptor in human monocytes (THP-1 cells). We also wanted to study the effects of α-tocopherol on CD36 expression in the presence of water-soluble aldehydes.

Materials and Methods: Sunflower oil was heated in a frying pan, at 180–200°C for 40?min, water-soluble aldehydes were isolated, and the content of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) was determined. THP-1 monocytes were cultured in RPMI medium during 24?h and incubated with increasing concentrations of the water-soluble aldehydes (ranging from 0.05 to 1?μM) and with or without 50?μM of α-tocopherol. In parallel, THP-1 cells were cultured with the same volume of an extract obtained from non-oxidized oil or distilled water. The CD36 expression at the cell surface was studied with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).

Results: Monocytes incubated in a medium containing water-soluble aldehydes, showed a dose dependent increase in the expression of the CD36 protein on the cell surface, compared to with the control groups. When the cells were treated simultaneously with 50?μM of α-tocopherol a significant reduction in the expression of the CD36 protein was observed.

Conclusion: Water-soluble aldehydes, extracted from thermally oxidized culinary oil, increase the expression of CD36. This effect is partially decreased by the presence of α-tocopherol.     

CD36: implications in cardiovascular disease

CD36 is a broadly expressed membrane glycoprotein that acts as a facilitator of fatty acid uptake, a signaling molecule, and a receptor for a wide range of ligands, including apoptotic cells, modified forms of low density lipoprotein, thrombospondins, fibrillar beta-amyloid, components of Gram positive bacterial walls and malaria infected erythrocytes. CD36 expression on macrophages, dendritic and endothelial cells, and in tissues including muscle, heart, and fat, suggest diverse roles, and indeed, this is truly a multi-functional receptor involved in both homeostatic and pathological conditions. Despite an impressive increase in our knowledge of CD36 functions, in depth understanding of the mechanistic aspects of this protein remains elusive. This review focuses on CD36 in cardiovascular disease-what we know, and what we have yet to learn.     

Effects of aldehydes on CD36 expression

INTRODUCTION: During the oil frying process lipid peroxidation compounds are formed. These products can modulate gene expression and alter cellular behaviour. The cellular uptake of oxidized LDL, a key step in the development of atherosclerosis, is mediated by the CD36 scavenger receptor, whose expression is down-regulated by alpha-tocopherol.OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of water-soluble aldehydes, obtained from thermally oxidized sunflower oil on the expression of CD36 scavenger receptor in human monocytes (THP-1 cells). We also wanted to study the effects of alpha-tocopherol on CD36 expression in the presence of water-soluble aldehydes.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sunflower oil was heated in a frying pan, at 180--200 degrees C for 40 min, water-soluble aldehydes were isolated, and the content of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) was determined. THP-1 monocytes were cultured in RPMI medium during 24 h and incubated with increasing concentrations of the water-soluble aldehydes (ranging from 0.05 to 1 microM) and with or without 50 microM of alpha-tocopherol. In parallel, THP-1 cells were cultured with the same volume of an extract obtained from non-oxidized oil or distilled water. The CD36 expression at the cell surface was studied with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).RESULTS: Monocytes incubated in a medium containing water-soluble aldehydes, showed a dose dependent increase in the expression of the CD36 protein on the cell surface, compared to with the control groups. When the cells were treated simultaneously with 50 microM of alpha-tocopherol a significant reduction in the expression of the CD36 protein was observed.CONCLUSION: Water-soluble aldehydes, extracted from thermally oxidized culinary oil, increase the expression of CD36. This effect is partially decreased by the presence of alpha-tocopherol.     

肝脏特异性CD36基因敲除小鼠的制备及鉴定

目的:运用Cre/Loxp重组酶系统构建肝脏特异性CD36基因敲除小鼠并进行鉴定和验证,为研究CD36的生物学功能奠定基础。方法:构建CD36打靶载体,电转转染胚胎干细胞,通过长链PCR筛选出正确同源重组的阳性克隆,阳性胚胎干细胞克隆经扩增后,注射入C57BL/6J小鼠的囊胚中,获得嵌合小鼠,再与Flp小鼠交配筛选获得Flox杂合子小鼠,该小鼠与引进的Alb-Cre小鼠交配,在F3代获得CD36fl/fl:Alb-Cre+基因型小鼠,即为肝脏特异性CD36敲除小鼠。采用PCR鉴定小鼠基因型,PCR、实时荧光定量PCR和Western blot验证小鼠肝脏CD36敲除效果,Western blot检测小鼠肾脏、脂肪和心肌组织CD36表达情况,HE染色观察小鼠肝脏形态学改变。结果:建立了CD36基因的Flox杂合子小鼠,与Alb-Cre小鼠交配后,在F3代筛选出CD36fl/fl:AlbCre-和CD36fl/fl:Alb-Cre+基因型小鼠,DNA水平证实CD36fl/fl:Alb-Cre+基因型小鼠肝脏CD36基因通过Cre/Loxp重组酶系统被敲除。与CD36fl/fl:Alb-Cre-基因型小鼠相比,CD36fl/fl:Alb-Cre+基因型小鼠肝脏CD36mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著降低,肾脏、脂肪和心肌组织CD36蛋白表达无差别,肝脏形态学特征无明显差异。结论:通过Cre/Loxp重组酶系统成功构建了肝脏特异性CD36基因敲除小鼠,为研究CD36在肝脏代谢和肝脏疾病中的功能提供了动物模型。     

CD36 null mice reveal a key role for CD36 in β-amyloid induced microglial activation

Microglia and macrophages are important antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the central nervous system (CNS). By virtue of their ability to express class II MHC antigens and costimulatory molecules such as CD40 and B7, microglia/macrophages promote Th1 cell activation and subsequent immune/inflammatory responses within the CNS. We have previously demonstrated that IFN-γ is the most potent inducer of CD40 expression on microglia. Our more recent studies have focused on the molecular basis of IFN-γ induced CD40 expression, and mechanisms by which this gene can be inhibited. The suppressive effects of IL-4 on CD40 expression will be discussed, as will the involvement of SH2 containing proteins called SOCS (for Suppressors Of Cytokine Signalling). Expression of CD40 by activated microglia/macrophages may contribute to the complex neuroimmunologic cascades that result in inflammation, demyelination and neuronal dysfunction. As such, understanding the mechanisms of inhibition of this molecule will be beneficial in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, HIV-1 associated dementia and Alzheimer's disease.     

Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites infect CD36-deficient mice

Sinnis, P. and Febbraio, M. 2001. Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites infect CD36-deficient mice. Experimental Parasitology100, 12-16.     

CD36 is important for adipocyte recruitment and affects lipolysis

Objective: The scavenger receptor CD36 facilitates the cellular uptake of long‐chain fatty acids. As CD36‐deficiency attenuates the development of high fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity, the role of CD36‐deficiency in preadipocyte recruitment and adipocyte function was set out to characterize. Design and Methods: Fat cell size and number were determined in gonadal, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue of CD36^?/? and WT mice after 6 weeks on HFD. Basal lipolysis and insulin‐inhibited lipolysis were investigated in gonadal adipose tissue. Results: CD36^?/? mice showed a reduction in adipocyte size in all fat pads. Gonadal adipose tissue also showed a lower total number of adipocytes because of a lower number of very small adipocytes (diameter <50 μm). This was accompanied by an increased pool of preadipocytes, which suggests that CD36‐deficiency reduces the capacity of preadipocytes to become adipocytes. Regarding lipolysis, in adipose tissue from CD36^?/? mice, cAMP levels were increased and both basal and 8‐bromo‐cAMP stimulated lipolysis were higher. However, insulin‐mediated inhibition of lipolysis was more potent in CD36^?/? mice. Conclusions: These results indicate that during fat depot expansion, CD36‐deficiency negatively affects preadipocyte recruitment and that in mature adipocytes, CD36‐deficiency is associated with increased basal lipolysis and insulin responsiveness.     

Molecular basis of human CD36 gene mutations

CD36 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the class B scavenger receptor family. The CD36 gene is located on chromosome 7 q11.2 and is encoded by 15 exons. Defective CD36 is a likely candidate gene for impaired fatty acid metabolism, glucose intolerance, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, Alzheimer disease, and modification of the clinical course of malaria. Contradictory data concerning the effects of antiatherosclerotic drugs on CD36 expression indicate that further investigation of the role of CD36 in the development of atherosclerosis may be important for the prevention and treatment of this disease. This review summarizes current knowledge of CD36 gene structure, splicing, and mutations and the molecular, metabolic, and clinical consequences of these phenomena.