军事飞行员血浆脂蛋白与同型半胱氨酸水平及其相关性分析

目的:分析某部军事飞行员血浆脂蛋白和同型半胱氨酸水平及其相关性。方法:比较某部军事飞行员与地勤人员总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDLC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDLC)、载脂蛋白A1(apoA1)、载脂蛋白B(apoB)、同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)血清水平,并分析Hcy与TC、TG、HDLC、LDLC、apoA1、apoB等的相关性。结果:多元线性回归分析飞行员组的Hcy与HDLC值正相关(t=2.42,Sig=0.017),与apoA1值负相关(t=-2.49,Sig=0.014);飞行员与地勤人员的LDLC、apoB、apoA1水平差异有统计学意义(P0.05);高Hcy飞行员组的HDLC、apoB、apoB/apoA1比正常Hcy飞行员组显著增高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:军事飞行员常规体检增加Hcy、apoA1、apoB及其比值检测,对异常结果分析后进行早期干预和治疗,这对飞行员的健康维护和保障飞行安全具有现实意义。     

In vitro interactions of phenformin with serum lipoproteins and consequences thereof.

Turbidity developed when phenformin was added to human serum; this turbidity increased in a sigmoidal fashion with rising concentrations of phenformin (5–50 nmole/1). Centrifugation produced clearing of the solution, with collection of particulate matter on the surface of the sera.Extraction of control, and phenformin-treated sera with petroleum ether for 15 min. revealed that cholesterol and triglyceride were responsible for the turbidity. Different sera produced different turbidities with a given concentration of phenformin. No significant simple correlation existed between turbidity and serum cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels. The turbidities, produced by the addition of a constant concentration of phenformin to a series of diluted serum samples, were linearly related to the amount of serum present.The turbidities acquired by purified very-low density (VLDL), low-density (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions with phenformin were additive, and the turbidity of phenformin-treated serum was accounted for by these lipoprotein fractions. Serum free of lipoproteins did not become turbid when exposed to phenformin. Phenformin added to serum which had previously been delipidated, failed to produce turbidity. The turbidity produced by phenformin was reversible, because it could easily be cleared by dialysis.No significant differences in quantitative immunochemical reactivities were observed when control serum was compared with the subnatant of phenformin-treated serum, as determined by single radial immunodiffusion with LDL antibodies.These in vitro observations may be related to the in vivo hypolipidemic action of phenformin on hyperlipidemic subjects.     

Soybean amplifies the hypohomocysteinemic effect of betaine and improves its hypercholesterolemic effect

Abstract

We examined whether soybean (SB) and soy protein isolate (SPI) can prevent the betaine-induced elevation of plasma cholesterol as well as maintain the betaine-induced reduction of plasma Hcy concentration. Rats were fed casein-, SB-, or SPI-based diet with or without betaine; SPI-based diet with betaine containing soybean fiber (SF) or soy lecithin (SL) or the combination of SF and SL. Plasma Hcy concentration was decreased by feeding betaine to rats fed the casein-, SB-, and SPI-based diets. Betaine-induced elevation of plasma cholesterol was decreased by feeding the SB-based diet compared with the casein-based diet, but was not decreased by feeding the SPI-based diet. In rats fed the SPI-based diet, the increased concentration of plasma cholesterol by betaine feeding was not prevented by independent addition of SL or SF, but was prevented by a combination of SL and SF, and was associated with increased fecal excretion of bile acids.     

血浆同型半胱氨酸水平升高与动脉粥样硬化

心血管疾病已成为当今全球性致残与致死的最重要原因之一。目前确定的冠心病的危险因素主要包括高龄、血脂异常、高血压、糖尿病、吸烟、肥胖症。大量的临床试验及流行病学研究已经证实血浆同型半胱氨酸水平升高是心血管疾病的一个独立的危险因素。健康人的血浆同型半胱氨酸水平为5～10μmol／L。血浆同型半胱氨酸水平严重升高的主要原因是胱硫醚-β-合成酶(cystathionine-β-synthase,CBS)基因的缺陷。CBS基因缺陷的纯合体可导致血浆同型半胱氨酸水平升高至100～500μmol／L。血浆同型半胱氨酸水平严重升高的病人通常伴随神经系统异常、早发性的动脉粥样硬化。叶酸、维生素B6和B12治疗能降低血浆同型半胱氨酸的水平并改善血管内皮功能、减少经皮冠状动脉腔内成形术(percutaneou stransluminal coronary angioplasty,PTCA)术后并发症。迄今为止,血浆同型半胱氨酸水平升高引起心血管疾病的发病机制并未完全明了,目前认为主要与以下几个方面有关：(1)内皮细胞损伤及功能障碍。我们实验室在CBS基因敲除的小鼠模型上证实血浆同型半胱氨酸水平升高能抑制eNOS的活性,导致主动脉内皮功能的障碍。我们还在细胞模型上证实了同型半胱氨酸能显著抑制内皮细胞的增殖。(2)KH固醇和甘油三脂生物合成代谢异常。我们实验室在apoE、CBS双基因敲除的小鼠模型上证实血浆同型半胱氨酸水平升高能改变肝脏的脂肪代谢,增加巨噬细胞对修饰LDL的摄取,从而导致胆固醇脂和甘油三脂在血管壁的堆积,促进主动脉粥样斑块的形成。(3)刺激血管平滑肌细胞增殖。此外还发现同型半胱氨酸能激活蛋白激酶C信号途径,促进胶原蛋白的合成,抑制弹性蛋白和胶原蛋白的交联。(4)激活血栓形成。(5)激活单核细胞。目前认为同型半胱氦酸主要通过以下几个化学机制致病;(1)自氧化产生活性氧。同型半胱氨酸在自氧化的过程中能产生大量的活性氧,从而引起血液中脂蛋白和细胞膜脂质的过氧化损伤,并进一步引起内皮功能的障碍。(2)在腺苷的参与下形成SAH,一种甲基转移抑制剂,导致细胞内的低甲基化。(3)与一氧化氮结合形成亚硝酰物。(4)参与蛋白质的合成。总之,我们和其他实验室的研究结果均表明同型半胱氨酸不仅与动脉粥样硬化相关,而且具有致病效应。尽管补充叶酸、维生素B6和B12等治疗能降低血浆同型半胱氨酸的水平,但是否能降低心血管疾病的风险仍有待于大量的动物研究及临床试验。     

Adiponectin deficiency suppresses ABCA1 expression and ApoA-I synthesis in the liver

Plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels are inversely correlated with the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. HDL is mainly assembled in the liver through the ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABCA1) pathway. In humans, plasma HDL-cholesterol levels are positively correlated with plasma adiponectin (APN) concentrations. Recently, we reported that APN enhanced apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) secretion and ABCA1 expression in HepG2 cells. In the present study, we investigated HDL assembly in APN-knockout (KO) mice. The apoA-I protein levels in plasma and liver were reduced in APN-KO mice compared with wild-type-mice. The ABCA1 expression in liver was also decreased in APN-KO mice. APN deficiency might cause the impaired HDL assembly by decreasing ABCA1 expression and apoA-I synthesis in the liver.     

微粒体甘油三脂转运蛋白MTP的结构和功能研究概况

微粒体甘油三酯转运蛋白MTP(microsomal triglyceride transfer protein,MTP)首先是从牛的肝细胞微粒体碎片中分离获得的,其作用是加速甘油三脂(triglyceride,TG)、胆固醇(cholesteryl ester,CE)和磷脂酰胆碱(phosphatidylcholine,PC)的转运和细胞或亚细胞膜的生物合成。它后来在肝细胞和小肠的微粒体膜中发现[1],由于它的位置及其转运TG可以推测与血浆脂蛋白中极低密度脂蛋白(very low density lipoprotein,VLDL)和乳糜微粒(chylomicrons,CM)的组装过程有关。     

PPAR gamma agonist normalizes glomerular filtration rate, tissue levels of homocysteine, and attenuates endothelial-myocyte uncoupling in alloxan induced diabetic mice

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor; however, in diabetes, the role of tissue Hcy leading to cardiac dysfunction is unclear.Aims: To determine whether tissue Hcy caused endothelial-myocyte uncoupling and ventricular dysfunction in diabetes.Methods: Diabetes was created in C57BL/6J male mice by injecting 65 mg/kg alloxan. To reverse diabetic complications, ciglitazone (CZ) was administered in the drinking water. Plasma glucose, Hcy, left ventricular (LV) tissue levels of Hcy and nitric oxide (NO) were measured. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by inulin-FITC. Endothelial-myocyte coupling was measured in cardiac rings. In vivo diastolic relaxation and LV diameters were measured by a Millar catheter in LV and by M-mode echocardiography, respectively.Results: Plasma glucose, GFR and LV tissue Hcy were increased in diabetic mice and were normalized after CZ treatment; whereas, elevated plasma Hcy level remained unchanged with or without CZ treatment. NO levels in the LV were found inversely related to tissue Hcy levels. Attenuated endothelial-myocyte function in diabetic mice was ameliorated by CZ treatment. Cardiac relaxation, the ratio of LV wall thickness to LV diameter was decreased in diabetes, and normalized after CZ treatment.Conclusion: CZ normalized LV tissue levels of Hcy and ameliorated endothelial-myocyte coupling; therefore, specifically suggest the association of LV tissue Hcy levels with impair endothelial-myocyte function in diabetes.     

Association of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cardiovascular risk factors and prognosis in angina pectoris

Background

Collateral circulation can protect and preserve the myocardium against episodes of ischemia and reduce cardiovascular events. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an angiogenic regulator promoting angiogenesis. We compared the association of plasma levels of BDNF and C-reactive protein, an established marker, and risk factors of cardiovascular dysfunction and prognosis in patients with angina pectoris.

Methods

We enrolled 885 patients with angina pectoris. Plasma BDNF and CRP were measured by ELISA. Patients were prospectively followed for a median of 48 months (interquartile range 37–59 months), and information on further coronary events and mortality was collected.

Results

Multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease were independent determinants of low plasma BDNF level in patients with angina pectoris. Plasma BDNF was inversely associated with levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, presence of diabetes mellitus, fibrinogen level, male sex and age and positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and platelet count. During follow-up, 15.2% of patients experienced a major coronary event (MCE), and 10.5% died. The plasma BDNF level was an independent predictor of 4-year MCE (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.25 with 95% confidence interval 1.10–1.41, P < 0.01 for each unit increase in the natural logarithm of the BDNF level) and of 4-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.47, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Multiple cardiovascular risk factors are associated with plasma BDNF level in patients with angina pectoris, and low plasma BDNF may be associated with future coronary events and mortality in these patients.     

Abnormal lipid metabolism in cystathionine beta-synthase-deficient mice, an animal model for hyperhomocysteinemia

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) is a consequence of impaired methionine/cysteine metabolism and is caused by deficiency of vitamins and/or enzymes such as cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS). Although HHCY is an important and independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases that are commonly associated with hepatic steatosis, the mechanism by which homocysteine promotes the development of fatty liver is poorly understood. CBS-deficient (CBS(-/-)) mice were previously generated by targeted deletion of the Cbs gene and exhibit pathological features similar to HHCY patients, including endothelial dysfunction and hepatic steatosis. Here we show abnormal lipid metabolism in CBS(-/-) mice. Triglyceride and nonesterified fatty acid levels were markedly elevated in CBS(-/-) mouse liver and serum. The activity of thiolase, a key enzyme in beta-oxidation of fatty acids, was significantly impaired in CBS(-/-) mouse liver. Hepatic apolipoprotein B100 levels were decreased, whereas serum apolipoprotein B100 and very low density lipoprotein levels were elevated in CBS(-/-) mice. Serum levels of cholesterol/phospholipid in high density lipoprotein fractions but not of total cholesterol/phospholipid were decreased, and the activity of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase was severely impaired in CBS(-/-) mice. Abnormal high density lipoprotein particles with higher mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis were observed in serum obtained from CBS(-/-) mice. Moreover, serum cholesterol/triglyceride distribution in lipoprotein fractions was altered in CBS(-/-) mice. These results suggest that hepatic steatosis in CBS(-/-) mice is caused by or associated with abnormal lipid metabolism.     

Cellular prion protein in human plasma–derived extracellular vesicles promotes neurite outgrowth via the NMDA receptor–LRP1 receptor system

Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) participate in cell–cell communication. Herein, we isolated EVs from human plasma and demonstrated that these EVs activate cell signaling and promote neurite outgrowth in PC-12 cells. Analysis of human plasma EVs purified by sequential ultracentrifugation using tandem mass spectrometry indicated the presence of multiple plasma proteins, including α₂-macroglobulin, which is reported to regulate PC-12 cell physiology. We therefore further purified EVs by molecular exclusion or phosphatidylserine affinity chromatography, which reduced plasma protein contamination. EVs subjected to these additional purification methods exhibited unchanged activity in PC-12 cells, even though α₂-macroglobulin was reduced to undetectable levels. Nonpathogenic cellular prion protein (PrP^C) was carried by human plasma EVs and essential for the effects of EVs on PC-12 cells, as EV-induced cell signaling and neurite outgrowth were blocked by the PrP^C-specific antibody, POM2. In addition, inhibitors of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDA-R) and low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein-1 (LRP1) blocked the effects of plasma EVs on PC-12 cells, as did silencing of Lrp1 or the gene encoding the GluN1 NMDA-R subunit (Grin1). These results implicate the NMDA-R–LRP1 complex as the receptor system responsible for mediating the effects of EV-associated PrP^C. Finally, EVs harvested from rat astrocytes carried PrP^C and replicated the effects of human plasma EVs on PC-12 cell signaling. We conclude that interaction of EV-associated PrP^C with the NMDA-R–LRP1 complex in target cells represents a novel mechanism by which EVs may participate in intercellular communication in the nervous system.     

Different Effects of Homocysteine and Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein on Methylation Status in the Promoter Region of the Estrogen Receptor α Gene

We investigated the effects of homocysteine (Hcy) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) on DNA methylation in the promoter region of the estrogen receptor α (ERos) gene,and its potentialmechanism in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.Cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of humans weretreated by Hcy and ox-LDL with different concentrations for different periods of time.The DNA methylationstatus was assayed by nested methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction,the lipids that accumulated inthe SMCs and foam cell formations were examined with Oil red O staining.The proliferation of SMCs wasassayed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method.The results showedthat ox-LDL in moderate concentrations (10-40 mg/L) induced de novo methylation in the promoter regionof the ERα gene of SMCs.However,high concentrations (50 mg/L) of ox-LDL,resulted in demethylation ofERα.The Hcy treatment resulted in de novo methylation in the promoter region of the ERα gene with aconcentration- and treating time-dependent manner,and a dose-dependent promoting effect on SMCproliferation.These data indicated that the two risk factors for atherosclerosis had the function of inducingde novo methylation in the promoter region of the ERα gene of SMCs. However,high concentrations (50rag/L) of ox-LDL induced demethylation,indicating that different risk factors of atherosclerosis with differentpotency might cause different aberrant methylation patterns in the promoter region of the ERα gene.Theatherogenic mechanism of Hcy might involve the hypermethylation of the ERα gene,leading to the proliferationof SMCs in atherosclerotic lesions.     

The plasma concentration of HDL-associated apoM is influenced by LDL receptor-mediated clearance of apoB-containing particles

ApoM is mainly associated with HDL. Nevertheless, we have consistently observed positive correlations of apoM with plasma LDL cholesterol in humans. Moreover, LDL receptor deficiency is associated with increased plasma apoM in mice. Here, we tested the idea that plasma apoM concentrations are affected by the rate of LDL receptor-mediated clearance of apoB-containing particles. We measured apoM in humans each carrying one of three different LDL receptor mutations (n = 9) or the apoB3500 mutation (n = 12). These carriers had increased plasma apoM (1.34 ± 0.13 μM, P = 0.003, and 1.23 ± 0.10 μM, P = 0.02, respectively) as compared with noncarriers (0.93 ± 0.04 μM). When we injected human apoM-containing HDL into Wt (n = 6) or LDL receptor-deficient mice (n = 6), the removal of HDL-associated human apoM was delayed in the LDL receptor-deficient mice. After 2 h, 54 ± 5% versus 90 ± 8% (P < 0.005) of the initial amounts of human apoM remained in the plasma of Wt and LDL receptor-deficient mice, respectively. Finally, we compared the turnover of radio-iodinated LDL and plasma apoM concentrations in 45 normocholesterolemic humans. There was a negative correlation between plasma apoM and the fractional catabolic rate of LDL (r = -0.38, P = 0.009). These data suggest that the plasma clearance of apoM, despite apoM primarily being associated with HDL, is influenced by LDL receptor-mediated clearance of apoB-containing particles.     

Long-term prognostic significance of homocysteine in middle-aged and elderly

Objective: We investigated the association among increased levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy), all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular events. Methods: Hcy was measured in 670 middle-aged and elderly subjects with no previous manifest cardiovascular disease. The follow-up period was 15 years. Results: Subjects with Hcy?≥?10.8?μmol/l (n?=?231) had a significant higher incidence of all-cause mortality (p?<?0.001) and CV events (p?<?0.001) compared with subjects with Hcy?<?10.8?μmol/l (n?=?439). However, there was no association on high levels of Hcy and VTE events or stroke. Conclusion: Increased levels of Hcy are associated with all-cause mortality and CV events.     

Oxidized lipoprotein lipids and atherosclerosis

Plasma lipoproteins contain variable amounts of lipid oxidation products (LOP), which are known to impair normal physiological functions and stimulate atherosclerotic processes. Recent evidence indicates that plasma lipoproteins are active carriers of LOP, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) directing transport toward peripheral tissues, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) being active in the reverse transport. It has been proposed that the lipoprotein-specific transport of LOP could play a role in atherosclerosis-related effects of LDL and HDL. This article gives an overview of the present knowledge of lipoprotein LOP transport and its association with the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Evidence of the significance of lipoprotein LOP transport comes mainly from studies of physiological oxidative stress and is supported by studies of the functionality apolipoprotein A-1 mimetic peptides. A large body of data has accumulated indicating that lipoprotein LOP transport is connected to the risk of atherosclerosis. While high levels of LOP carried by LDL are indicative of elevated risk, high LOP level in HDL appears to associate with protection. If confirmed, the proposed lipoprotein LOP transport function would affect conception of the etiology of atherosclerosis, but would not conflict current views of the pathophysiological mechanisms. It could open new perspectives, such as the dietary origin of LOP, and the protective function of HDL in clearance of LOP. Focusing on LOP could give additional tools especially for prevention and diagnosis, but would not radically change the management of atherosclerosis and CVD.     

5,10‐Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C polymorphisms: genotype frequency and association with homocysteine and folate levels in middle‐southern Italian adults.

Two genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene (C677T and A1298C) can influence the plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels, especially in the presence of an inadequate folate status. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequencies of C677T and of A1298C MTHFR polymorphisms and their correlation with Hcy and serum folate concentrations in a population of blood donors living in a region of middle‐southern Italy (the Molise Region). One hundred ninety seven blood donors were studied for total plasma Hcy, serum folate and C677T and A1298C MTHFR genotypes. The frequency of C677T genotypes was 20.8% (CC), 49.8% (CT) and 29.4% (TT); for the A1298C genotypes: 48.7% (AA), 43.7% (AC) and 7.6% (CC). Hcy and serum folate concentrations were significantly different among genotypes of the C677T polymorphism (CC versus CT versus TT: <0.0001 both for Hcy and folate), with Hcy values increasing, and serum folate decreasing, from CC to TT subjects. Regarding to A1298C polymorphism, the difference among genotypes (AA versus AC versus CC; p: 0.026 for Hcy and 0.014 for serum folate), showed an opposite trend for both parameters, with Hcy higher in the wild‐type and lower in the homozygotes and serum folate higher in CC than in AA subjects. In conclusion, we found a high frequency of MTHFR allele associated with high level of Hcy and low levels of folate in an Italian southern population. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LOX-1 pathway affects the extent of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) was originally identified as a receptor for oxidized low-density lipoprotein predominantly expressed in endothelial cells. LOX-1 expression can be induced in cardiomyocytes and that activation of LOX-1 is involved in apoptosis. To investigate possible roles of LOX-1 in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation for 1h followed by reperfusion for 2h. Immunohistochemistry revealed that expression of LOX-1 in cardiac myocytes was induced following ischemia-reperfusion but not ischemia alone. Administration of anti-LOX-1 monoclonal antibody resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in myocardial infarction size compared with that of normal IgG or saline (P<0.05). These findings suggest that activation of the LOX-1 pathway is involved in determining the extent of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and that inhibition of the LOX-1 pathway may provide a novel strategy for treatment of acute myocardial infarction in humans.     

Comparative Study on in Vitro Effects of Homocysteine Thiolactone and Homocysteine on HUVEC Cells: Evidence for a Stronger Proapoptotic and Proinflammative Homocysteine Thiolactone

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. However the underlying mechanisms responsible for endothelial cell injury with increased plasma concentration of homocysteine or homocysteine derivatives remains still incompletely elucidated. In this study, we investigated the ability of homocysteine (Hcy) and homocysteine thiolactone (HcyT) to induce cell death and IL-8 secretion in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Hcy and HcyT were both cytotoxic and capable of promoting cell death, as measured by caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation. ELISA assays clearly demonstrated that Hcy and HcyT strongly activated IL-8 release. Furthermore, our results showed that HcyT was much more efficient than Hcy in activating caspase-3 or in inducing IL-8 secretion. The use of antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E strongly but not completely reduced programmed cell death and chemokine release suggesting that other pathways different than reactive oxygen species are also involved. This study suggests that Homocysteine derivatives like HcyT might possess stronger cytotoxicity and pro-inflammatory properties and that Hcy derivatives levels should therefore be more taken into account during diagnostics.     

Surface study of apoB1694�C1880, a sequence that can anchor apoB to lipoproteins and make it nonexchangeable

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is a nonexchangeable apolipoprotein. During lipoprotein assembly, it recruits phospholipids and triacylglycerols (TAG) into TAG-rich lipoprotein particles. It remains bound to secreted lipoproteins during lipid metabolism in plasma. The β1 region (residues 827–1880) of apoB has a high amphipathic β strand (AβS) content and is proposed to be one region anchoring apoB to lipoproteins. The AβS-rich region between apoB37 and apoB41 (residues 1694–1880) was cloned, expressed, and purified. The interfacial properties were studied at the triolein/water (TO/W) and air/water (A/W) interfaces. ApoB[37–41] is surface-active and adsorbs to the TO/W interface. After adsorption the unbound apoB[37–41] was removed from the aqueous phase. Adsorbed apoB[37–41] did not desorb and could not be forced off by increasing the surface pressure up to 23 mN/m. ApoB[37–41] adsorbed on the TO/W interface was completely elastic when compressed and expanded by ±13% of its area. On an A/W interface, the apoB[37–41] monolayer became solid when compressed to 4 mN/m pressure indicating extended β-sheet formation. It could be reversibly compressed and expanded between low pressure and its collapse pressure (35 mN/m). Our studies confirm that the AβS structure of apoB[37–41] is a lipid-binding motif that can irreversibly anchor apoB to lipoproteins.     

Effect of homocysteinylation of low density lipoproteins on lipid peroxidation of human endothelial cells

Homocysteine-thiolactone (HcyT) is a toxic product whose synthesis is directly proportional to plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Previous studies demonstrated that the interaction between HcyT and low density lipoproteins (LDL) induces the formation of homocystamide-LDL adducts (Hcy-LDL). Structural and functional alterations of Hcy-LDL have been described and it has been suggested that homocysteinylation could increase atherogenicity of LDL. Oxidative damage of endothelial cells (EC) is considered to be a critical aspect of the atherosclerotic process. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the atherogenicity of homocysteinylated LDL, we studied the effect of interaction between Hcy-LDL and EC on cell oxidative damage, using human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) as experimental model. Homocysteinylation of LDL was carried out by incubation of LDL, isolated from plasma of healthy normolipemic subjects, with HcyT (10-100 microM). In our experimental conditions, homocysteinylation treatment was not accompanied by oxidative damage of LDL. No modifications of apoprotein structure and physico-chemical properties were observed in Hcy-LDL with respect to control LDL (c-LDL), as evaluated using the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan and the probe Laurdan incorporated in lipoproteins. Our results demonstrated that Hcy-LDL incubated at 37 degrees C for 3 h with HAEC, induced an oxidative damage on human EC with a significant increase of lipid hydroperoxides in cells incubated with Hcy-LDL with respect to cell incubated with c-LDL. The compositional changes were associated with a significant decrease viability in cells treated with Hcy-LDL. The relationship between the levels of -SH groups of LDL and the oxidative damage of HAEC has been demonstrated. These results suggest that Hcy-LDL exert a cytotoxic effect that is likely related to an increase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage of EC.