Generation in Human Plasma of Misfolded, Aggregation-Prone Electronegative Low Density Lipoprotein

Human plasma contains small amounts of a low density lipoprotein in which apoprotein is misfolded. Originally identified and isolated by means of anion-exchange chromatography, this component was subsequently described as electronegative low density lipoprotein (LDL)(−), with increased concentrations associated with elevated cardiovascular disease risk. It has been recognized recently as the trigger of LDL amyloidogenesis, which produces aggregates similar to subendothelial droplets observed in vivo in early atherogenesis. Although LDL(−) has been produced in vitro through various manipulations, the mechanisms involved in its generation in vivo remain obscure. By using a more physiological model, we demonstrate spontaneous, sustained and noticeable production of LDL(−) during incubation of unprocessed human plasma at 37°C. In addition to a higher fraction of amyloidogenic LDL(−), LDL purified from incubated plasma contains an increased level of lysophospholipids and free fatty acids; analysis of LDL lipids packing shows their loosening. As a result, during plasma incubation, lipid destabilization and protein misfolding take place, and aggregation-prone particles are generated. All these phenomena can be prevented by inhibiting calcium-dependent secretory phospholipases A2. Our plasma incubation model, without removal of reaction products, effectively shows a lipid-protein interplay in LDL, where lipid destabilization after lipolysis threatens the apoprotein's structure, which misfolds and becomes aggregation-prone.     

Aggregated Electronegative Low Density Lipoprotein in Human Plasma Shows a High Tendency toward Phospholipolysis and Particle Fusion

Aggregation and fusion of lipoproteins trigger subendothelial retention of cholesterol, promoting atherosclerosis. The tendency of a lipoprotein to form fused particles is considered to be related to its atherogenic potential. We aimed to isolate and characterize aggregated and nonaggregated subfractions of LDL from human plasma, paying special attention to particle fusion mechanisms. Aggregated LDL was almost exclusively found in electronegative LDL (LDL(−)), a minor modified LDL subfraction, but not in native LDL (LDL(+)). The main difference between aggregated (agLDL(−)) and nonaggregated LDL(−) (nagLDL(−)) was a 6-fold increased phospholipase C-like activity in agLDL(−). agLDL(−) promoted the aggregation of LDL(+) and nagLDL(−). Lipoprotein fusion induced by α-chymotrypsin proteolysis was monitored by NMR and visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Particle fusion kinetics was much faster in agLDL(−) than in nagLDL(−) or LDL(+). NMR and chromatographic analysis revealed a rapid and massive phospholipid degradation in agLDL(−) but not in nagLDL(−) or LDL(+). Choline-containing phospholipids were extensively degraded, and ceramide, diacylglycerol, monoacylglycerol, and phosphorylcholine were the main products generated, suggesting the involvement of phospholipase C-like activity. The properties of agLDL(−) suggest that this subfraction plays a major role in atherogenesis by triggering lipoprotein fusion and cholesterol accumulation in the arterial wall.     

C反应蛋白、低密度脂蛋白、尿微量白蛋白与冠心病病变程度关系的探讨

炎症在冠心病的发生、发展中起着重要作用,C反应蛋白作为炎症敏感指标是心血管的一个危险标志物;低密度脂蛋白水平升高是冠心病的一个危险因子;尿微量白蛋白作为早期肾损害的独立指标,综合三者或许可从不同方面对冠心病的发生或预后有一定的预测价值.     

直接法测定低密度脂蛋白胆固醇

为了提高血脂检验技术,探讨直接法测定低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C),选用市售的两种直接测定LDL-C的试剂盒进行方法学的实验评价,结果表明：直接法具有简便、快速、准确和适合自动分析等特点.两种试剂盒的测定结果都能满足建立分析方法要求的目标,不精密度＜４％,两法显著相关r=0.994, y=1.0572x－0.1052, S_y/x=0.1913,且各种方法学检验结果相近,使用者可结合实际选作常规测定之用.     

LOX-1与动脉粥样硬化

氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxidizedlow-densitylipoprotein,Ox-LDL)是修饰脂蛋白中的一种,其与动脉粥样硬化的发生发展密切相关。1997年,Sawamura等在牛主动脉内皮细胞上发现了Ox-LDL的一种新型受体,即植物凝集素样氧化型低密度脂蛋白受体-1(lectin-likeoxidizedlowdensitylipoproteinreceptor-1,LOX-1),其在结构和功能上不同于其他类型的巨噬细胞清道夫受体。该文介绍LOX-1在近几年来的一些研究新进展,及其与动脉粥样硬化发病机制间的相互关系。     

Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein and Inflammation in Gout Patients

To analyze the levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and inflammatory cytokines in the plasma of gout patients. The levels of ox-LDL, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured in the plasma of 41 gout patients [28 in acute phase episode, 13 in intermittent phase (IP)], and in 40 healthy controls. The relationship between ox-LDL and inflammation was also explored by measuring the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in the plasma. The plasma levels of ox-LDL, hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased in patients with gout in the acute phase compared to those in the IP group and healthy controls (P < 0.05), but the levels of TGF-β were significantly lower in the acute phase group than in the IP group and healthy controls (P < 0.01). The levels of ox-LDL in the gout patients in the IP were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that the levels of ox-LDL were positively correlated with hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α (r = 0.343, r = 0.386, r = 0.659, P < 0.01, respectively), but negatively correlated with TGF-β levels in patients in the acute phase (r = ?0.240, P < 0.05). The levels of ox-LDL in gout patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. The changes in ox-LDL levels may be associated with enhanced inflammation in gout patients.     

极低密度脂蛋白受体研究进展

极低密度脂蛋白受体 (VLDL R)属于低密度脂蛋白受体 (LDL R)超家族 ,结构上与LDL R极为相似 ,而在结合特性、组织分布及生理功能上存在较大的差异 .近年来的研究表明 ,VLDL R配体结合域中的重复序列参与配体的结合 ,并已初步确定受体N端的 4个重复序列中含有与配体结合的重要位点 ;在哺乳动物体内 ,VLDL R主要分布于脂代谢活跃的组织细胞 ,如 :心肌、骨骼肌和脂肪组织等 ,表明其与脂质尤其是甘油三酯的代谢密切相关 ;动脉粥样硬化 (AS)的病变斑块组织中该受体的表达量很高 ,推测VLDL R参与了AS的病变过程 ;在不同的细胞内 ,VLDL R及其亚型的表达并不一致 ,并发现与各种生理、病理变化相关 ,已经发现多种转录因子参与VLDL R表达的调控 ;基因敲除研究也不断揭示VLDL R新的功能意义 ,特别是发现了VLDL R在脑的发育过程中的重要信号作用 ,这些研究已使人们对VLDL R有了新的更全面的认识     

Glucose-Modified Low Density Lipoprotein Enhances Human Monocyte Chemotaxis

In diabetes mellitus the progression of atherosclerosis is accelerated. The interaction of glucose with athero-genic lipoproteins may be relevant to the mechanisms responsible for this vascular damage. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of glucose-modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) on human monocyte chemotaxis and to investigate the roles of oxidation and glycation in the generation of chemotactic LDL. Cu(II)-mediated LDL oxidation was potentiated by glucose in a dose-dependent manner and increased its chemotactic activity. Incubation with glucose alone, under conditions where very little oxidation was observed, also increased the chemotactic property of LDL. Neither diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DETAPAC) nor aminoguanidine, which both inhibited LDL oxidation, completely inhibited the chemotactic activity of glycated oxidised LDL. The results suggest that both oxidation and glycation contribute to increased chemotactic activity.     

Seasonal Variation in Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation and Antioxidant Status

Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins is atherogenic and that antioxidants may play a role in protection of LDL against oxidation. Several studies have reported a seasonal fluctuation in antioxidant levels, but to date nothing is known about seasonal fluctuations in parameters of oxidizability. We collected blood from 10 volunteers at four different periods over one year (February, May, September and December), and measured the amount of plasma lip ids, plasma antioxidants, lipid and fatty acid composition of the LDL particle, LDL antioxidant content, LDL particle size and oxidation parameters (lag time and propagation rate). No seasonal fluctuation for lag time and propagation rate of copper ion-induced LDL oxidation was found. Small seasonal fluctuations were observed for some determinants of LDL oxidation, e.g. plasma and LDL vitamin E and LDL particle size, and for plasma lipids, plasma and LDL lutein and LDL p-carotene. Fatty acid composition of LDL did not change during the year. The main determinant of oxidation susceptibility was the fatty acid composition of LDL. We conclude that LDL oxidation parameters do not change over the year.     

Practical Approaches to Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation: Whys, Wherefores and Pitfalls

The purpose of this review is to bring together the different approaches for studying the oxidation of low density lipoproteins and try to identify some critical factors which will permit greater comparability between laboratories. These issues are discussed both in terms of the variety of exogenous mediators of oxidation applied (transition metal ions, haem proteins, azo initiators, peroxynitrite, cells etc.) and their raisons d'etre, as well as the methodologies (formation of conjugated dienes, hydroperoxides, decomposition products of lipid peroxidation, altered surface charge, macrophage uptake) applicable to the different stages of the oxidation and the factors underlying their accurate execution and interpretation.     

Investigation of Lipid Peroxidation in Human Low Density Lipoprotein

Human plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) exposed to oxygen saturated buffer becomes depleted of alpha-tocopherol within 3 to 6 hours. Thereafter, lipid peroxidation commences as evidenced by the loss of 18:2 (67nmol/mg LDL) and 20:4 (12nmol/mg LDL) and the concomitant formation of 4-hydroxy-nonenal (0.28 nmol/mg LDL) and fluorescent compounds. The major fluorophor in apo B of oxidized LDL has an excitation maximum at 355 nm and an emission maximum at 430 nm. A fluorophor with the same spectral properties is produced in apo B, if LDL is incubated with 4-hydroxynonenal, whereas malonal-dehyde gives a fluorophor with excitation and emission maxima at 400/470nm. Three-dimensional fluorescence spcetroscopy proved to be an useful tool in analysing the complex fluorescence of apo B.     

兔主动脉平滑肌细胞低密度脂蛋白受体相关蛋白(LRP)的诱导表达调节

在兔主动脉平滑肌细胞 ( SMC)培养基中分别加入正常低密度脂蛋白 ( N- LDL)、氧化低密度脂蛋白 ( ox- LDL)、正常极低密度脂蛋白 ( N- VLDL)、氧化极低密度脂蛋白 ( ox- VLDL)和 β-极低密度脂蛋白 (β- VLDL )培养 2 4 h后 ,用定量 RT- PCR和配体结合实验检测平滑肌细胞 LRP的m RNA和蛋白质水平的表达 .结果表明 :五种脂蛋白均能在转录和翻译水平诱导兔主动脉平滑肌细胞的 LRP表达 ,尤以富含胆固醇的 N- LDL ,ox- LDL和β- VLDL的刺激作用更明显 .用胆固醇单独或与脂蛋白共同温育 SMC后 ,发现胆固醇本身可促进 SMC的 LRP蛋白水平的表达 ,脂蛋白与胆固醇的共同刺激作用更为显著 .结果提示 :上述五种脂蛋白对 SMC上 LRP的表达有上调作用 ,其机制可能主要是通过其中的胆固醇来实现的 .     

脂蛋白、载脂蛋白和脂蛋白受体与衰老

本文观察了新生儿(脐带血),青年(18—24岁),老年(55—65岁)各40例的血脂、脂蛋白、载脂蛋白和低密度脂蛋白LDL受体功能的变化。结果表明,新生儿的血脂,脂蛋白和载脂蛋白含量在各年龄组中最低(P<0.01),其LDL受体结合水平最高,(P<0.01)。血清TC,TG,LDL-C,apo B和CII随增龄上升,但LDL受体水平和HDL-C,apo AI,AII的增龄变化不明显。该结果指出,衰老对LDL受体的结合水平和HDL-C,apo AI,AII的影响似乎不大。另方面说明,TC,LDL-C和apo B浓度随增龄增加而不伴有相应的LDL受体结合水平及HDL-C,APO AI,AII浓度的上升,使老年期的脂蛋白代谢平衡被打破,因而促使高胆固醇血症和动脉粥样斑块的形成。     

巨噬细胞新型氧化低密度脂蛋白结合蛋白的研究

小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞（ＭＰＭ）膜上存在能结合氧化低密度脂蛋白（ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ）的Ａ类清道夫受体（ＳＲ－Ａ）,但用配体印迹技术研究制备ＭＰＭ膜蛋白,发现还存在一种新型ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ膜结合蛋白,其分子量低于ＳＲ－Ａ,为９２ｋＤ它不结合乙酰化低密度脂蛋白ａｃ－ＬＤＬ）,与配体的结合也不受还原剂的影响,但唾液酸酶处理则明显减弱其与ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ的结合,未标记ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ能竞争性抑制（＾１２５Ｉ）ｏｘ－ＬＤＬ与９２ｋ     

Antioxidant Activity of Ubiquinone-3 in Human Low Density Lipoprotein

The ability of ubiquinone-3, a short chain ubiquinone homologue, to prevent Cu²⁺ induced oxidation of human low density lipoprotein was investigated. The results are as follows: in the presence of ubiquinone-3 the extent of peroxidation, as determined by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, was only one third of that found in its absence; the quinone can also prevent the fragmentation of apolipo-protein B-100 and the increase of the net negative surface charge of the particle.