Secretion of triacylglycerol-poor VLDL particles from McA-RH7777 cells expressing human hepatic lipase

Hepatic lipase (HL) plays a role in the catabolism of apolipoprotein (apo)B-containing lipoproteins through its lipolytic and ligand-binding properties. We describe a potential intracellular role of HL in the assembly and secretion of VLDL. Transient or stable expression of HL in McA-RH7777 cells resulted in decreased (by 40%) incorporation of [(3)H]glycerol into cell-associated and secreted triacylglycerol (TAG) relative to control cells. However, incorporation of [(35)S]methionine/cysteine into cell and medium apoB-100 was not decreased by HL expression. The decreased (3)H-TAG synthesis/secretion in HL expressing cells was not attributable to decreased expression of genes involved in lipogenesis. Fractionation of medium revealed that the decreased [(3)H]TAG from HL expressing cells was mainly attributable to decreased VLDL. Expression of catalytically-inactive HL (HL(SG)) (Ser-145 at the catalytic site was substituted with Gly) in the cells also resulted in decreased secretion of VLDL-[(3)H]TAG. Examination of lumenal contents of microsomes showed a 40% decrease in [(3)H]TAG associated with lumenal lipid droplets in HL or HL(SG) expressing cells as compared with control. The microsomal membrane-associated [(3)H]TAG was decreased by 50% in HL expressing cells but not in HL(SG) expressing cells. Thus, expression of HL, irrespective of its lipolytic function, impairs formation of VLDL precursor [(3)H]TAG in the form of lumenal lipid droplets. These results suggest that HL expression in McA-RH7777 cells result in secretion of [(3)H]TAG-poor VLDL.     

Ferrylmyoglobin impairs secretion of VLDL triacylglycerols from stored intracellular pools: involvement of lipid peroxidation

Ferrylmyoglobin (ferrylMb) may play a major role in vivo under certain pathological conditions. Preliminary experiments showed that ferrylmyoglobin induced a mild oxidative stress in rat hepatocytes, mainly reflected by early lipid peroxidation. One of the major functions of hepatocytes is the synthesis, secretion and distribution of lipids to other cells. The aim of this work was to examine whether ferrylMb affected the synthesis and secretion of triacylglycerols (TAG), and the possible involvement of lipid peroxidation on these effects. The heme protein completely impaired VLDL secretion, affecting both the lipid and apoB components of the lipoprotein particle. The incorporation of [(3)H]-oleate into newly synthesized diacylglycerol and TAG was not altered by ferrylMb. The co-treatment of cells with alpha-tocopherol prevented lipid peroxidation and concomitantly reverted VLDL TAG secretion to control values. Importantly, although ferrylMb dramatically blocked prelabeled TAG secretion, newly synthesized TAG secretion was not impaired. These data indicate that lipid peroxidation elicited by ferrylMb modulates the VLDL TAG secretion process, specifically affecting the stored intracellular TAG mobilization, rather than de novo synthesis. Apart from its potential role in vivo, ferrylmyoglobin constitutes a useful model for studying the interactions between lipid peroxidation and the specific TAG pool dependence for VLDL secretion.     

The activity of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein is essential for accumulation of triglyceride within microsomes in McA-RH7777 cells. A unified model for the assembly of very low density lipoproteins.

Previously, based on distinct requirement of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and kinetics of triglyceride (TG) utilization, we concluded that assembly of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) containing B48 or B100 was achieved through different paths (Wang, Y. , McLeod, R. S., and Yao, Z. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 12272-12278). To test if the apparent dual mechanisms were accounted for by apolipoprotein B (apoB) length, we studied VLDL assembly using transfected cells expressing various apoB forms (e.g. B64, B72, B80, and B100). For each apoB, enlargement of lipoprotein to form VLDL via bulk TG incorporation was induced by exogenous oleate, which could be blocked by MTP inhibitor BMS-197636 treatment. While particle enlargement was readily demonstrable by density ultracentrifugation for B64- and B72-VLDL, it was not obvious for B80- and B100-VLDL unless the VLDL was further resolved by cumulative rate flotation into VLDL(1) (S(f) > 100) and VLDL(2) (S(f) 20-100). BMS-197636 diminished B100 secretion in a dose-dependent manner (0.05-0.5 microM) and also blocked the particle enlargement from small to large B100-lipoproteins. These results yield a unified model that can accommodate VLDL assembly with all apoB forms, which invalidates our previous conclusion. To gain a better understanding of the MTP action, we examined the effect of BMS-197636 on lipid and apoB synthesis during VLDL assembly. While BMS-197636 (0.2 microM) entirely abolished B100-VLDL(1) assembly/secretion, it did not affect B100 translation or translocation across the microsomal membrane, nor did it affect TG synthesis and cell TG mass. However, BMS-197636 drastically decreased accumulation of [(3)H]glycerol-labeled TG and TG mass within microsomal lumen. The decreased TG accumulation was not a result of impaired B100-VLDL assembly, because in cells treated with brefeldin A (0.2 microgram/ml), the assembly of B100-VLDL was blocked yet lumenal TG accumulation was normal. Thus, MTP plays a role in facilitating accumulation of TG within microsomes, a prerequisite for the post-translational assembly of TG-enriched VLDL.     

Suppression of cytosolic triacylglycerol recruitment for very low density lipoprotein assembly by inactivation of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein results in a delayed removal of apoB-48 and apoB-100 from microsomal and Golgi membranes of primary rat hepatocytes.

Cellular apoB in primary rat hepatocyte cultures was pulse-labeled with [(35)S]methionine for 1 h. Cells were then chased with excess unlabeled methionine for periods of up to 16 h in the presence or absence of BMS-200150, an inhibitor of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). The secretion of apoB-48-VLDL was more sensitive to MTP inhibition than was apoB-100-VLDL. Inhibition of MTP had no inhibitory effect on the secretion of denser particles (apoB-48 HDL and apoB-100 HDL). BMS-200150 delayed the net removal of newly synthesized apoB-48 and apoB-100 from the microsomal and Golgi membranes, but not from the corresponding lumenal compartments. Only minor proportions of the microsomal lumen apoB-48 and apoB-100 (12-16% and 17-19%, respectively) were present as VLDL irrespective of whether MTP was inactivated or not. The HDL fraction contained most of the lumenal apoB-48 (67-73%) and a somewhat smaller proportion of apoB-100 (44-47%). The remainder of the lumenal apoB was associated with the IDL/LDL fraction. These proportions were unaffected by MTP inactivation. Excess labeled apoB which accumulated in the membranes in the presence of BMS-200150 was degraded. Inhibition of MTP prevented the removal of pre-synthesized triacylglycerol (TAG) from the hepatocytes as apoB-VLDL. Under these conditions intracellular TAG accumulated mainly in the cell cytosol, but also, to a lesser extent, in the microsomal membranes. The results suggest that inactivation of MTP inhibits a pathway of VLDL assembly which does not involve the bulk lumenal compartments of the microsomes. Suppression of this pathway ultimately prevents the net transfer of cytosolic TAG into mature apoB-VLDL.     

Selective binding of phorbol esters and diacylglycerol by individual C1 domains of the PKD family

The movement of VLDL [very-LDL (low-density lipoprotein)] from the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) to the Golgi is required for its eventual secretion from hepatocytes and represents a potential target in controlling elevated concentrations of its metabolite LDL, the major determinant of atherosclerosis. To study this process, an in vitro ER-budding assay was developed to examine the generation of the VTV (VLDL transport vesicle) and PTV (protein transport vesicles) using ER isolated from [(14)C]TAG (triacylglycerol) and [(3)H]protein-labelled primary rat hepatocytes. VTVs do not contain albumin, as determined by immunoblots. VTVs were distributed in light-density fractions, whereas PTVs were mainly in the mid-portion of the sucrose gradient. Electron microscopy revealed that VTVs were larger ( approximately 100-120 nm) in size than PTVs ( approximately 55-70 nm). ER from 0.4 mM OA (oleic acid)-treated hepatocytes budded VTVs of a lighter density as compared with VTVs budded from ER of 0.1 mM or 0.004 mM OA-treated hepatocytes. The generation of VTVs from rat hepatic ER required cytosol, ATP, Sar1 (a GTPase) and incubation at 37 degrees C. Proteinase K treatment did not degrade the VTV cargo protein, apoB100 (apolipoprotein 100), indicating that VTVs were sealed. Immunoblots showed that VTV concentrated apoB100, Sar1 and rSec22b, and excluded albumin and calnexin. VTVs were shown to fuse with cis-Golgi and delivered their cargo to the Golgi lumen, as determined by in vitro fusion, and acquired endoglycosidase H resistance. These results suggest that a new ER-derived transport vesicle (VTV) has been identified and characterized which transports nascent VLDL from the hepatic ER to the Golgi.     

Inhibition of phosphatidylcholine synthesis via the phosphatidylethanolamine methylation pathway impairs incorporation of bulk lipids into VLDL in cultured rat hepatocytes

Inhibition of phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis via the phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) methylation pathway was shown to decrease the secretion of VLDL from primary rat hepatocytes (Nishimaki-Mogami et al. 1996. BIOCHIM: Biophys. Acta. 1304: 21-31). To understand further the role of PE methylation, we determined the effect of bezafibrate, an inhibitor of PE methylation, on VLDL assembly within the microsomal lumen. Bezafibrate was shown to decrease VLDL (triacylglycerol) secretion only when cellular PE methylation was active in the presence of methionine. Pulse-chase experiments showed that bezafibrate treatment did not impair the movement of [(35)S]apolipoprotein (apo)B-48 from microsomal membranes into the lumen. However, bezafibrate treatment resulted in reduced VLDL-[(35)S]apoB-48 and increased [(35)S]apoB-48-containing particles in the HDL density range (HDL-[(35)S]apoB-48) within the lumen. Inhibition of PE methylation by bezafibrate or 3-deazaadenosine after the completion of HDL-[(35)S]apoB-48 assembly effectively decreased VLDL-[(35)S]apoB-48 secretion with a concomitant increase in HDL-[(35)S]apoB-48 secretion. These findings suggest that inhibition of PC synthesis via the PE methylation pathway impairs the stage of bulk triacylglycerol incorporation during the assembly of VLDL.     

Glucocorticoids and cyclic AMP selectively increase hepatic lipin-1 expression, and insulin acts antagonistically

Glucocorticoids (GCs) increase hepatic phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP1) activity. This is important in enhancing the liver's capacity for storing fatty acids as triacylglycerols (TAGs) that can be used subsequently for beta-oxidation or VLDL secretion. PAP1 catalyzes the conversion of phosphatidate to diacylglycerol, a key substrate for TAG and phospholipid biosynthesis. PAP1 enzymes in liver include lipin-1A and -1B (alternatively spliced isoforms) and two distinct gene products, lipin-2 and lipin-3. We determined the mechanisms by which the composite PAP1 activity is regulated using rat and mouse hepatocytes. Levels of lipin-1A and -1B mRNA were increased by dexamethasone (dex; a synthetic GC), and this resulted in increased lipin-1 synthesis, protein levels, and PAP1 activity. The stimulatory effect of dex on lipin-1 expression was enhanced by glucagon or cAMP and antagonized by insulin. Lipin-2 and lipin-3 mRNA were not increased by dex/cAMP, indicating that increased PAP1 activity is attributable specifically to enhanced lipin-1 expression. This work provides the first evidence for the differential regulation of lipin activities. Selective lipin-1 expression explains the GC and cAMP effects on increased hepatic PAP1 activity, which occurs in hepatic steatosis during starvation, diabetes, stress, and ethanol consumption.     

Fish oil fatty acids impair VLDL assembly and/or secretion by cultured rat hepatocytes

We determined the effect of the two major fish oil fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on VLDL assembly and secretion by cultured rat hepatocytes. The incorporation of [3H]glycerol into total triglyceride (cell plus media) was stimulated eight-fold when hepatocytes were incubated for 2 h with 1 mM EPA, DHA, or oleic acid (OA), suggesting that fish oil fatty acids stimulate hepatic triglyceride synthesis to an extent similar to OA. In contrast, mass quantitation of secreted triglyceride showed impaired triglyceride secretion with EPA and DHA compared to OA. During a 42-h time course, cells stimulated with EPA and DHA progressively accumulated triglyceride compared to cells stimulated with OA. To determine whether fish oil fatty acids impair very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, cells were labeled with [35S]methionine and the secretion of de novo synthesized apoB was measured. Compared to OA, EPA and DHA significantly impaired the secretion of both molecular weight forms of apoB. The cellular content of apoB was not altered by any of the fatty acids. The concordant decrease in the secretion of both triglyceride and apoB suggests that fish oil fatty acids impair VLDL assembly and/or secretion.     

Regulation of apoprotein synthesis and secretion in the human hepatoma Hep G2. The effect of exogenous lipoprotein

The regulation of lipoprotein assembly and secretion at a molecular level is incompletely understood. To begin to identify the determinants of apoprotein synthesis and distribution among lipoprotein classes, we have examined the effects of chylomicron remnants which deliver triglyceride and cholesterol, and beta very low density lipoprotein (beta VLDL), which deliver primarily cholesterol, on apolipoprotein synthesis and secretion by the human hepatoma Hep G2. Hep G2 cells were incubated with remnants or beta VLDL for 24 h, the medium was changed and the cells then incubated with [35S]methionine. The secreted lipoproteins were separated by gradient ultracentrifugation and the radiolabeled apoproteins were isolated by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and counted. Remnants caused a 14-fold, and beta VLDL a 7-fold, increase in VLDL apoprotein (apo) secretion; the apoB/apoE ratio in this class was unchanged. Preincubation with either of the lipoproteins also stimulated low density lipoprotein apoB secretion. Preincubation with beta VLDL, but not with remnants, significantly increased apoE and apoA-I secreted in high density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, the apoE/apoA-I ratio precipitated from the HDL of beta VLDL-treated cells by anti-apoE was 2.2-fold higher than that precipitated by anti-apoA-I. There was no difference in the ratios precipitated from control HDL. This was due to the secretion of a lipoprotein, subsequently isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography, that contained predominantly apoE. When Hep G2 cells were preincubated with oleic acid alone, total apoprotein secretion was not altered. However, cholesterol-rich liposomes stimulated secretion of newly synthesized apoE, but not apoB, while apoA-I secretion was variably affected. Cholesterol-poor liposomes had no effect. Thus, lipid supply is a determinant of apoprotein synthesis and secretion, and cholesterol may be of particular importance in initiating apoprotein synthesis.     

Identification of protein disulfide isomerase 1 as a key isomerase for disulfide bond formation in apolipoprotein B100

Apolipoprotein (apo) B is an obligatory component of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and its cotranslational and posttranslational modifications are important in VLDL synthesis, secretion, and hepatic lipid homeostasis. ApoB100 contains 25 cysteine residues and eight disulfide bonds. Although these disulfide bonds were suggested to be important in maintaining apoB100 function, neither the specific oxidoreductase involved nor the direct role of these disulfide bonds in apoB100-lipidation is known. Here we used RNA knockdown to evaluate both MTP-dependent and -independent roles of PDI1 in apoB100 synthesis and lipidation in McA-RH7777 cells. Pdi1 knockdown did not elicit any discernible detrimental effect under normal, unstressed conditions. However, it decreased apoB100 synthesis with attenuated MTP activity, delayed apoB100 oxidative folding, and reduced apoB100 lipidation, leading to defective VLDL secretion. The oxidative folding–impaired apoB100 was secreted mainly associated with LDL instead of VLDL particles from PDI1-deficient cells, a phenotype that was fully rescued by overexpression of wild-type but not a catalytically inactive PDI1 that fully restored MTP activity. Further, we demonstrate that PDI1 directly interacts with apoB100 via its redox-active CXXC motifs and assists in the oxidative folding of apoB100. Taken together, these findings reveal an unsuspected, yet key role for PDI1 in oxidative folding of apoB100 and VLDL assembly.     

Inhibition of ACAT by avasimibe decreases both VLDL and LDL apolipoprotein B production in miniature pigs.

An orally bioavailable acyl coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor, avasimibe (CI-1011), was used to test the hypothesis that inhibition of cholesterol esterification, in vivo, would reduce hepatic very low density (VLDL) apolipoprotein (apo) B secretion into plasma. ApoB kinetic studies were carried out in 10 control miniature pigs, and in 10 animals treated with avasimibe (10 mg/kg/d, n = 6; 25 mg/kg/d, n = 4). Pigs were fed a diet containing fat (34% of calories) and cholesterol (400 mg/d; 0.1%). Avasimibe decreased the plasma concentrations of total triglyceride, VLDL triglyceride, and VLDL cholesterol by 31;-40% 39-48%, and 31;-35%, respectively. Significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol (35%) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (51%) concentrations were observed only with high dose avasimibe. Autologous 131I-labeled VLDL, 125I-labeled LDL, and [3H]leucine were injected simultaneously into each pig and apoB kinetic data were analyzed using multicompartmental analysis (SAAM II). Avasimibe decreased the VLDL apoB pool size by 40;-43% and the hepatic secretion rate of VLDL apoB by 38;-41%, but did not alter its fractional catabolism. Avasimibe decreased the LDL apoB pool size by 13;-57%, largely due to a dose-dependent 25;-63% in the LDL apoB production rate. Hepatic LDL receptor mRNA abundances were unchanged, consistent with a marginal decrease in LDL apoB FCRs. Hepatic ACAT activity was decreased by 51% (P = 0.050) and 68% (P = 0.087) by low and high dose avasimibe, respectively. The decrease in total apoB secretion correlated with the decrease in hepatic ACAT activity (r = 0.495; P = 0.026).We conclude that inhibition of hepatic ACAT by avasimibe reduces both plasma VLDL and LDL apoB concentrations, primarily by decreasing apoB secretion.     

LPS and proinflammatory cytokines decrease lipin-1 in mouse adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Infection and inflammation affect adipose triglyceride metabolism, resulting in increased plasma free fatty acid (FFA) and VLDL levels during the acute-phase response. Lipin-1, a multifunctional protein, plays a critical role in adipose differentiation, mitochondrial oxidation, and triglyceride synthesis. Here, we examined whether LPS [a Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 activator], zymosan (a TLR-2 activator), and proinflammatory cytokines regulate lipin-1 in adipose tissue. LPS administration caused a marked decrease in the levels of lipin-1 mRNA and protein in adipose tissue. The decrease in lipin-1 mRNA levels occurred rapidly and lasted for at least 24 h. In contrast, lipin-2 and -3 mRNA levels did not change, suggesting specific repression of lipin-1. Zymosan similarly decreased lipin-1 mRNA without affecting lipin-2 or lipin-3 mRNA levels. To determine the pathways by which LPS repressed lipin-1, we examined the effect of proinflammatory cytokines on cultured adipocytes. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma, but not LPS or IL-6, caused a decrease in lipin-1 mRNA levels. Furthermore, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta administration also decreased mRNA levels of lipin-1 in adipose tissue in mice. Importantly, the LPS-induced decrease in lipin-1 mRNA levels was significantly but not totally blunted in TNF-alpha/IL-1 receptor-null mice compared with controls, suggesting key roles for TNF-alpha/IL-1beta and other cytokines in mediating LPS-induced repression of lipin-1. Together, our results demonstrate that expression of lipin-1, one of the essential triglyceride synthetic enzymes, was suppressed by LPS, zymosan, and proinflammatory cytokines in mouse adipose tissue and in cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which could contribute to a decrease in the utilization of FFA to synthesize triglycerides in adipose tissue, thus promoting the release of FFA into the circulation.     

Synthesis and GABA(A) receptor activity of 6-oxa-analogs of neurosteroids

The 6-oxasteroids 3alpha-hydroxy-6-oxa-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (3) and 3alpha-hydroxy-6-oxa-5beta-pregnan-20-one (4) were obtained from pregnenolone acetate via the corresponding (5alpha or 5beta) 3beta, 20beta-diacetoxy-6-oxa-pregnane. Both steroids showed ca. 100-fold reduced potency for modulating [(3)H]flunitrazepam, [(3)H]muscimol or [(35)S]TBPS binding to the GABA(A) receptor when compared to their natural carbon analogs 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (1) and 3alpha-hydroxy-5beta-pregnan-20-one (2).     

The active synthesis of phosphatidylcholine is required for very low density lipoprotein secretion from rat hepatocytes

Hepatocytes obtained from rats fed a choline-deficient diet for 3 days were cultured in a medium +/- choline (100 microM) or methionine (200 microM). We investigated how choline deficiency affected hepatic lipogenesis, apolipoprotein synthesis, and lipoprotein secretion. The mass of triacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine secreted was increased about 3-fold and 2-fold, respectively, by the addition of either choline or methionine to the cultured cells. Similarly, a 3-fold stimulation in the secretion of [3H]triacylglycerol and [3H]phosphatidylcholine derived from [3H]oleate was observed after the addition of choline or methionine. Fractionation of secreted lipoproteins by ultracentrifugation revealed that the reduced secretion of triacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine from choline-deficient cells was mainly due to impaired secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) (but not high density lipoproteins (HDL)). Fluorography of L-[4,5-3H]leucine-labeled lipoproteins showed a remarkable inhibition of VLDL secretion by choline deficiency. The addition of choline or methionine stimulated the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and increased the cellular phosphatidylcholine levels to that in normal cells. While there was little effect of choline on the synthesis and amount of cellular phosphatidylethanolamine, the addition of methionine diminished cellular phosphatidylethanolamine levels. Choline deficiency did not change the rate of incorporation of L-[4,5-3H]leucine into cellular VLDL apolipoproteins, nor the rate of disappearance of radioactivity from L-[4,5-3H]leucine-labeled cellular apoB, apoE, and apoC. These results suggest that hepatic secretion of VLDL, but not HDL, requires active phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. Secondly, the inhibitory effect of choline deficiency on VLDL secretion can be compensated by the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine.     

ApoB100 is required for increased VLDL-triglyceride secretion by microsomal triglyceride transfer protein in ob/ob mice

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (Mttp) is a key player in the assembly and secretion of hepatic very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Here we determined the effects of Mttp overexpression on hepatic triglyceride (TG) and VLDL secretion in leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice, specifically in relation to apolipoproteinB (apoB) isoforms. We crossed Apobec1(-/-) mice with congenic ob/ob mice to generate apoB100-only ob/ob mice (A-ob/ob). The obesity phenotype in both genotypes was similar, but A-ob/ob mice had greater hepatic TG content. Administration of recombinant adenovirus expressing murine Mttp cDNA (Ad-mMTP) increased hepatic Mttp content and activity and increased hepatic VLDL-TG secretion in A-ob/ob mice. However, despite equivalent overexpression of Mttp, there was no change in VLDL-TG secretion in ob/ob mice in a wild-type Apobec1 background. Metabolic labeling studies in primary hepatocytes from A-ob/ob mice demonstrated that Ad-mMTP increased triglyceride secretion without changing the synthesis and secretion of apoB100, suggesting greater incorporation of TG into existing VLDL particles rather than increased particle number. Ad-mMTP administration failed to increase hepatic VLDL secretion in lean Apobec1(-/-) mice or controls. By contrast, VLDL secretion increased and hepatic TG content decreased following Ad-mMTP administration to human APOB transgenic mice crossed into the Apobec1(-/-) line. These findings demonstrate that Ad-mMTP increases murine hepatic VLDL-TG secretion only in the apoB100 background, and even then only in situations with either increased hepatic TG accumulation or increased apoB100 expression.     

Effect of endurance training upon lipid metabolism in the liver of cachectic tumour-bearing rats

The syndrome of cancer cachexia is accompanied by several alterations in lipid metabolism, and the liver is markedly affected. Previous studies showed that moderate exercise training may prevent liver fat accumulation through diminished delivery of lipids to the liver, increased hepatic oxidation and increased incorporation of triacylglycerol (TAG) into very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Our aim was to examine the influence of moderate intensity training (8 weeks) upon TAG content, VLDL assembly and secretion, apolipoprotein B (apoB) and microsomal transfer protein (MTP) gene expression in the liver of cachectic tumour-bearing rats. Animals were randomly assigned to a sedentary control (SC), sedentary tumour-bearing (ST) or exercise-trained control (EC) or to an exercise trained tumour-bearing (ET) group. Trained rats ran on a treadmill (60% VO(2max)) for 60 min day(-1), 5 day week(-1), for 8 weeks. TAG content and the rate of VLDL secretion (followed for 3 h), as well as mRNA expression of apoB and MTP, and total cholesterol, VLDL-TAG, VLDL-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and tumour weight were evaluated. VLDL-cholesterol showed a decrease in ST (p < 0.05) in relation to SC. Serum TAG, VLDL-TAG and tissue TAG content were all increased in ST (p < 0.01), when compared with SC. ST showed a lower rate of VLDL secretion (p < 0.05) and reduced expression of apoB (p < 0.001) and MTP (p < 0.001), when compared with SC. These parameters were restored to control values (p < 0.05) when the animals were submitted to the exercise training protocol. Tumour weight decreased 10-fold after training (p < 0.001). It is possible to affirm, therefore, that endurance training promoted the re-establishment of lipid metabolism in cachectic tumour-bearing animals, especially in relation to VLDL secretion and assembly.     

Overexpression of human diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, acyl-coa:cholesterol acyltransferase 1, or acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 stimulates secretion of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in McA-RH7777 cells

The relative importance of each core lipid in the assembly and secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) has been of interest over the past decade. The isolation of genes encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferases (ACAT1 and ACAT2) provided the opportunity to investigate the effects of isolated increases in triglycerides (TG) or cholesteryl esters (CE) on apolipoprotein B (apoB) lipoprotein biogenesis. Overexpression of human DGAT1 in rat hepatoma McA-RH7777 cells resulted in increased synthesis, cellular accumulation, and secretion of TG. These effects were associated with decreased intracellular degradation and increased secretion of newly synthesized apoB as VLDL. Similarly, overexpression of human ACAT1 or ACAT2 in McA-RH7777 cells resulted in increased synthesis, cellular accumulation, and secretion of CE. This led to decreased intracellular degradation and increased secretion of VLDL apoB. Overexpression of ACAT2 had a significantly greater impact upon assembly and secretion of VLDL from liver cells than did overexpression of ACAT1. The addition of oleic acid (OA) to media resulted in a further increase in VLDL secretion from cells expressing DGAT1, ACAT1, or ACAT2. VLDL secreted from DGAT1-expressing cells incubated in OA had a higher TG:CE ratio than VLDL secreted from ACAT1- and ACAT2-expressing cells treated with OA. These studies indicate that increasing DGAT1, ACAT1, or ACAT2 expression in McA-RH7777 cells stimulates the assembly and secretion of VLDL from liver cells and that the core composition of the secreted VLDL reflects the enzymatic activity that is elevated.     

Short-term overexpression of DGAT1 or DGAT2 increases hepatic triglyceride but not VLDL triglyceride or apoB production

Increased triglyceride synthesis resulting from enhanced flux of fatty acids into liver is frequently associated with VLDL overproduction. This has led to the common belief that hepatic triglyceride synthesis can directly modulate VLDL production. We used adenoviral vectors containing either murine acyl-coenzyme A:diacylglycerol transferase 1 (DGAT1) or DGAT2 cDNA to determine the effect of a short-term increase in hepatic triglyceride synthesis on VLDL triglyceride and apolipoprotein B (apoB) production in female wild-type mice. Hepatic DGAT1 and DGAT2 overexpression resulted in 2.0-fold and 2.4-fold increases in the triglyceride content of liver, respectively. However, the increase in hepatic triglyceride content had no effect on the production rate of VLDL triglyceride or apoB in either case. Liver subfractionation showed that DGAT1 and DGAT2 overexpression significantly increased the content of triglyceride within the cytoplasmic lipid fraction, with no change in the triglyceride content of the microsomal membrane or microsomal VLDL. The increased cytoplasmic triglyceride content was observed in electron micrographs of liver sections from mice overexpressing DGAT1 or DGAT2. Overexpression of DGAT1 or DGAT2 resulted in enhanced [(3)H]glycerol tracer incorporation into triglyceride within cytoplasmic lipids. These results suggest that increasing the cytoplasmic triglyceride pool in hepatocytes does not directly influence VLDL triglyceride or apoB production. In the presence of adequate cytoplasmic lipid stores, factors other than triglyceride synthesis are rate-limiting for VLDL production.     

Effect of fish oil diet on hepatic lipid metabolism in nonhuman primates: lowering of secretion of hepatic triglyceride but not apoB

African green monkeys were fed diets containing either 11% (by weight) fish oil or lard for 2.5 yr. To test the hypothesis that fish oil decreases hepatic secretion of triglyceride (TG) and apoB, livers from these animals were perfused with a fatty acid mixture [85% (w/w) oleate containing [14C]oleate and 15% n-3 containing [3H]eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)] at a rate of 0.1 mumol fatty acid/min per g liver. Liver perfusate was sampled every 30 min during 4 h of recirculating perfusion. The concentration of triglyceride was similar for livers of animals of both groups and there was no difference between groups in the extent of incorporation of [3H]EPA or [14C]oleate into hepatic TG. While the secretion rate for the mass of TG was less in the fish oil-fed group (8.3 +/- 2.5 vs 18.3 +/- 4.4 mg/h per 100 g liver, P less than 0.05), the apoB secretion rate was similar (0.92 +/- 0.15 vs 1.01 +/- 0.13 mg/h per 100 g liver). Significantly less [3H]EPA was incorporated into secreted TG in the fish oil group (0.4 +/- 0.1 vs 1.0 +/- 0.1% infused dose/h; P less than 0.01). The rate of secretion of [14C]TG was similar for both groups (1.3 +/- 0.3 vs 1.4 +/- 0.1% infused dose/h for fish oil and lard groups, respectively). No significant diet-related differences in [3H]TG or [14C]TG fatty acid specific activity were observed for perfusate TG or hepatic TG. After perfusion, livers from fish oil-fed monkeys contained significantly more [3H]EPA in hepatic phospholipid than livers from lard-fed monkeys (19.5 +/- 1.8 vs 11.4 +/- 1.7% infused dose; P less than 0.01) although hepatic phospholipid mass concentrations were similar. The liver phospholipids of the fish oil group were enriched in n-3 fatty acid mass and were relatively depleted of oleate and linoleate. We conclude that although apoB secretion was unaffected, dietary fish oil significantly decreased hepatic TG secretion through relatively poor utilization of EPA for the synthesis of TG destined for secretion in VLDL; at the same time, increased incorporation of [3H]EPA into hepatic phospholipid accompanied the decreased incorporation into secreted TG and these events may be coupled.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Hepatic denervation impairs the assembly and secretion of VLDL-TAG

VLDL secretion is a regulated process that depends on the availability of lipids, apoB and MTP. Our aim was to investigate the effect of liver denervation upon the secretion of VLDL and the expression of proteins involved in this process. Denervation was achieved by applying a 85% phenol solution onto the portal tract, while control animals were treated with 9% NaCl. VLDL secretion was evaluated by the Tyloxapol method. The hepatic concentration of TAG and cholesterol, and the plasma concentration of TAG, cholesterol, VLDL-TAG, VLDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were measured, as well as mRNA expression of proteins involved in the process of VLDL assembly. Hepatic acinar distribution of MTP and apoB was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Denervation increased plasma concentration of cholesterol (125.3 +/- 10.1 vs. 67.1 +/- 4.9 mg dL(-1)) and VLDL-cholesterol (61.6 +/- 5.6 vs. 29.4 +/- 3.3 mg dL(-1)), but HDL-cholesterol was unchanged (45.5 +/- 6.1 vs. 36.9 +/- 3.9 mg dL(-1)). Secretion of VLDL-TAG (47.5 +/- 23.8 vs. 148.5 +/- 27.4 mg dL h(-1)) and mRNA expression of CPT I and apoB were reduced (p < 0.01) in the denervated animals. MTP and apoB acinar distribution was not altered in the denervated animals, but the intensity of the reaction was reduced in relation to controls.