HDL—A molecule with a multi-faceted role in coronary artery disease

Coronary atherosclerosis and periodontitis have similarities in their clinical presentation

Background

Periodontitis (PE) and coronary heart disease (CHD) possess multiple mechanisms for a putative association. This case-control study compared the periodontal status among CHD subjects to controls without CHD, while also investigating atheroma invasion by known periodontal pathogens.

Methods

161 subjects participated in this study were divided into three CHD groups: No CHD, chronic CHD, acute CHD. Additional analysis involved grouping subjects according to number of atheromas: no atheroma, 1-4 atheromas, 5-18 atheromas. Data were collected from medical records, periodontal examinations, and questionnaires that included demographic, behavioral, and oral health variables. Angiographic catheterizations were analyzed according to the number of atheroma lesions, lesion size, lesion location, and atheroma lesion stability. Lipoprotein profile, inflammatory markers and cells were analyzed. The microbiological branch added 30 individuals who had their atheroma lesion and subgingival plaque analyzed using polymerase chain reaction probes against the 16 s region, red complex and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans' DNA.

Results

Subjects with CHD had high levels of systemic inflammatory markers and low levels of high-density lipoproteins compared to subjects without CHD. Subjects without CHD and clear coronaries had a prevalence of mild CAL, while individuals with more atheroma lesions had advanced CAL and more active PE. Subjects with more advanced CAL were 4 times more likely to have CHD compared to subjects with less, which is comparable to smoking. Only 4 subjects had the screened pathogens detected in atheroma, although these subjects also have the screened pathogens in subgingival plaque. However, 80% of atheromas had bacteria.

Conclusions

CHD and PE showed similarities in progression while active PE led to more atheroma lesions that also tended to be larger in size.

Dynamic Resistance Exercise Alters Blood ApoA-I Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Metabolic Syndrome Markers in Elderly Women

Combined endurance and dynamic-resistance exercise has important anti-inflammatory effects, altering vascular endothelial function, and helping to prevent and treat aging-related metabolic syndrome (MS). We studied changes in 40 elderly women aged ≥ 65 years (control group (no MS), n = 20, mean age: 68.23 ± 2.56 years; MS group, n = 19, mean age: 71.42 ± 5.87 years; one left). The exercise program comprised dynamic-resistance training using elastic bands, three times weekly, for six months. We analyzed body composition, blood pressure, physical fitness, and MS-related blood variables including ApoA-I, antioxidant factors, and inflammatory markers. After the program, the MS group showed significant reductions in waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, blood insulin, and HOMA-IR, and a significant increase in HSP70 (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant increases in ApoA-I levels, ApoA-I/HDL-C ratio, SOD2, IL-4, and IL-5 levels (p < 0.05). Active-resistance training-induced changes in ApoA-I were significantly positively correlated with changes in HDL-C and HSP70, and significantly negatively correlated with changes in triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and TNF-α (p < 0.05). Active-resistance training qualitatively altered HDL, mostly by altering ApoA-I levels, relieving vascular inflammation, and improving antioxidant function. This provides evidence that dynamic-resistance exercise can improve physical fitness and MS risk factors in elderly women.

Nonrespiratory sites of influenza-associated disease: mechanisms and experimental systems for continued study

The productive replication of human influenza viruses is almost exclusively restricted to cells in the respiratory tract. However, a key aspect of the host response to viral infection is the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that are not similarly tissue restricted. As such, circulating inflammatory mediators, as well as the resulting activated immune cells, can induce damage throughout the body, particularly in individuals with underlying conditions. As a result, more holistic experimental approaches are required to fully understand the pathogenesis and scope of influenza virus-induced disease. This review summarizes what is known about some of the most well-appreciated nonrespiratory tract sites of influenza virus-induced disease, including neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, muscular and fetal developmental phenotypes. In the context of this discussion, we describe the in vivo experimental systems currently being used to study nonrespiratory symptoms. Finally, we highlight important future questions and potential models that can be used for a more complete understanding of influenza virus-induced disease.

Clusterin, paraoxonase 1, and myeloperoxidase alterations induce high-density lipoproteins dysfunction and contribute to peripheral artery disease; aggravation by type 2 diabetes mellitus

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disorder affecting arteries of the lower limbs, the major risk factors including dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to identify alterations of the proteins in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) associated with HDL dysfunction in PAD patients. HDL₂ and HDL₃ were isolated from plasma of PAD patients with/without DM (PAD-DM/PAD) and healthy subjects (N). Apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI), ApoAII, ApoCIII, clusterin (CLU), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and ceruloplasmin (CP) were measured in HDL₂ /HDL₃ and plasma. Oxidation and glycation of the analyzed proteins were assessed as malondialdehyde-protein adducts (MDA) and advanced glycation end-products (AGE), respectively. The anti-inflammatory effect of HDL₃ was estimated as its potential to reduce monocyte adhesion to tumor necrosis factor α-activated endothelial cells. We show that in PAD patients compared to N subjects: (i) HDL₂ presented increased levels of MDA-PON1, AGE-PON1, AGE-ApoAI, ApoAII, ApoCIII, and CP levels, and decreased PON1 levels; (ii) HDL₃ had increased levels of MDA- and AGE-CLU and -ApoAI, MDA-PON1, ApoCIII, CLU, MPO, CP, and reduced PON1 levels. All these alterations were exacerbated by DM. These changes were more pronounced in HDL₃ , which had reduced anti-inflammatory potential in PAD and became pro-inflammatory in PAD-DM. In PAD patients' plasma, CLU levels and MPO specific activity increased, while PON1 specific activity decreased. In conclusion, HDL function is altered in PAD patients due to multiple modifications of associated proteins that are aggravated by DM. Plasma CLU, MPO, and PON1 could constitute indicators of HDL dysfunction and contribute to risk stratification in PAD patients.

Angiogenin Levels and Their Association with Cardiometabolic Indices Following Vitamin D Status Correction in Saudi Adults

Simple Summary

Angiogenin (ANG) is a small 123 amino acid protein which in normal growth is associated with formation of new blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis; however, the abnormal levels of this protein in blood has been associated with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D deficiency and elevated levels of blood lipids have also been associated with many diseases including cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the investigators tried to evaluate the relationship between the circulating levels of ANG, vitamin D, and lipids. The model used was vitamin D supplementation of deficient Saudi adults in order to find the effect of vitamin D correction on circulating levels of ANG and blood lipids. With vitamin D supplementation, modest but non-significant elevation in ANG was observed, as well as significant increase in apolipoproteins CIII and E and significant decrease in apo B. In addition, the correlation between circulating levels of ANG and apolipoproteins especially apo E observed in this study are interesting and should be investigated more as both are linked with neurologic disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Abstract

Angiogenin (ANG), a multifunctional protein known to induce blood vessel formation, is a potential biomarker for cardiovascular diseases; however, whether it is affected by vitamin D supplementation is not known. This interventional study in vitamin D-deficient Saudi adults was designed to investigate it. A total of 100 vitamin D-deficient Saudi adults aged 30–50 years were randomly selected to undergo 6-month vitamin D supplementation. Circulating levels of fasting glucose, lipids, vitamin D, apolipoproteins (AI, AII, B, CI, CII, CIII, E, and H), and ANG were measured using commercially available assays at baseline and after six months. Overall, vitamin D levels increased significantly post intervention. With this, levels of apo-CIII and apo-E significantly increased (p-values of 0.001 and 0.009, respectively) with a significant parallel decrease in apo-B (p = 0.003). ANG levels were significantly positively associated with most apolipoproteins and inversely correlated with HDL-cholesterol. Post intervention, the changes in ANG levels were positively correlated with apo-E (r = 0.32; p < 0.01 in all subjects and r = 0.40; p < 0.05 in males). Vitamin D supplementation may modestly affect ANG levels. The association observed between ANG and apo-E is worthy of further investigation since both biomarkers have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders.

CRISPR/dCas9 Transcriptional Activation of Endogenous Apolipoprotein AI and Paraoxonase 1 in Enterocytes Alleviates Endothelial Cell Dysfunction

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases with high prevalence worldwide. A promising therapeutic strategy to reverse atherosclerotic process is to improve the athero-protective potential of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Since the small intestine is a source of HDL, we aimed to activate transcription of the endogenous HDL major proteins, apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1), in enterocytes, and to evaluate their potential to correct the pro-inflammatory status of endothelial cells (EC). Caco-2 enterocytes were transfected with CRISPR activation plasmids targeting ApoAI or PON1, and their gene and protein expression were measured in cells and conditioned medium (CM). ATP binding cassette A1 and G8 transporters (ABCA1, ABCG8), scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI), and transcription regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), liver X receptors (LXRs), and sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) were assessed. Anti-inflammatory effects of CM from transfected enterocytes were estimated through its ability to inhibit tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) activation of EC. Transcriptional activation of ApoAI or PON1 in enterocytes induces: (i) increase of their gene and protein expression, and secretion in CM; (ii) stimulation of ABCA1/G8 and SR-BI; (iii) upregulation of PPARγ, LXRs, and SIRT1. CM from transfected enterocytes attenuated the TNFα-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress in EC, by decreasing TNF receptor 1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and p22phox. In conclusion, transcriptional activation of endogenous ApoAI or PON1 in enterocytes by CRISPR/dCas9 system is a realistic approach to stimulate biogenesis and function of major HDL proteins which can regulate cholesterol efflux transporters and reduce the inflammatory stress in activated EC.

The influence of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL subfractions on insulin secretion and cholesterol efflux in pancreatic derived β-cells

BACKGROUND

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered a complex plasma-circulating particle with subfractions that vary in function, size, and chemical composition. We sought to test the effects of HDL, and HDL subfractions on insulin secretion and cholesterol efflux in the β-cell line MIN-6.

METHODS

We used total HDL and HDL subfractions 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 3c, isolated from human plasma, to test insulin secretion under different glucose concentrations as well as insulin content and cholesterol efflux in the insulinoma MIN-6 cell line.

RESULTS

Incubation of MIN-6 cells with low glucose and total HDL increased insulin release two-fold. Meanwhile, when high glucose and HDL were used, insulin release increased more than five times. HDL subfractions 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 3c elicited higher insulin secretion and cholesterol efflux than their respective controls, at both low and high glucose concentrations. The insulin content of the MIN-6 cells incubated with low glucose and any of the five HDL subclasses had a modest reduction compared with their controls. However, there were no statistically significant differences between each HDL subfraction on their capacity of eliciting insulin secretion, insulin content, or cholesterol efflux.

CONCLUSIONS

HDL can trigger insulin secretion under low, normal, and high glucose conditions. We found that all HDL subfractions exhibit very similar capacity to increase insulin secretion and cholesterol efflux. This is the first report demonstrating that HDL subfractions act both as insulin secretagogues (under low glucose) and insulin secretion enhancers (under high glucose) in the MIN-6 cell line.

NUPR1 protects liver from lipotoxic injury by improving the endoplasmic reticulum stress response

Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and related syndromes affect one-third of the adult population in industrialized and developing countries. Lifestyle and caloric oversupply are the main causes of such array of disorders, but the molecular mechanisms underlying their etiology remain elusive. Nuclear Protein 1 (NUPR1) expression increases upon cell injury in all organs including liver. Recently, we reported NUPR1 actively participates in the activation of the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). The UPR typically maintains protein homeostasis, but downstream mediators of the pathway regulate metabolic functions including lipid metabolism. As increases in UPR and NUPR1 in obesity and liver disease have been well documented, the goal of this study was to investigate the roles of NUPR1 in this context. To establish whether NUPR1 is involved in these liver conditions we used patient-derived liver biopsies and in vitro and in vivo NUPR1 loss of functions models. First, we analyzed NUPR1 expression in a cohort of morbidly obese patients (MOPs), with simple fatty liver (NAFL) or more severe steatohepatitis (NASH). Next, we explored the metabolic roles of NUPR1 in wild-type (Nupr1+/+ ) or Nupr1 knockout mice (Nupr1-/- ) fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks. Immunohistochemical and mRNA analysis revealed NUPR1 expression is inversely correlated to hepatic steatosis progression. Mechanistically, we found NUPR1 participates in the activation of PPAR-α signaling via UPR. As PPAR-α signaling is controlled by UPR, collectively, these findings suggest a novel function for NUPR1 in protecting liver from metabolic distress by controlling lipid homeostasis, possibly through the UPR.

Human cholesteryl ester transfer protein lacks lipopolysaccharide transfer activity, but worsens inflammation and sepsis outcomes in mice

Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs or endotoxins) can bind most proteins of the lipid transfer/LPS-binding protein (LT/LBP) family in host organisms. The LPS-bound LT/LBP proteins then trigger either an LPS-induced proinflammatory cascade or LPS binding to lipoproteins that are involved in endotoxin inactivation and detoxification. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is an LT/LBP member, but its impact on LPS metabolism and sepsis outcome is unclear. Here, we performed fluorescent LPS transfer assays to assess the ability of CETP to bind and transfer LPS. The effects of intravenous (iv) infusion of purified LPS or polymicrobial infection (cecal ligation and puncture [CLP]) were compared in transgenic mice expressing human CETP and wild-type mice naturally having no CETP activity. CETP displayed no LPS transfer activity in vitro, but it tended to reduce biliary excretion of LPS in vivo. The CETP expression in mice was associated with significantly lower basal plasma lipid levels and with higher mortality rates in both models of endotoxemia and sepsis. Furthermore, CETPTg plasma modified cytokine production of macrophages in vitro. In conclusion, despite having no direct LPS binding and transfer property, human CETP worsens sepsis outcomes in mice by altering the protective effects of plasma lipoproteins against endotoxemia, inflammation, and infection.

Lower than average HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in Lithuanian population

Background

The aim of our study was to evaluate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) efflux capacity in healthy controls and patients with severe dyslipidemia. Evaluation of HDL function may be beneficial for better understanding of cardiovascular diseases, as well as for taking actions to minimize residual cardiovascular risk.

Methods

During 2016–2017 a total of 93 participants – 48 (51.6%) women and 45 (48.4%) men – were included in this cross-sectional study. Data of 45 (48.4%) participants with severe dyslipidemia (SD) and 48 (51.6%) controls without dyslipidemia was used for statistical analysis. Total lipid panel, concentration of lipoprotein (a) and apolipoproteins were measured, data about cardiovascular risk factors were collected and detailed evaluation of HDL-C quality was performed for all patients.

Results

Increased HDL-C concentration was associated with higher ApoA1 (r = 0.866 in controls, r = 0.63 in SD group), ApoA2 (r = 0.41 in controls, r = 0.418 in SD group) and LDL-C concentrations (r = − 0.412 in SD group), lower ApoE (r = − 0.314 in SD group) and TG concentrations (r = − 0.38 in controls, r = − 0.608 in SD group), lower ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (r = − 0.567 in control group), below average HDL-C efflux capacity (r = − 0.335 in SD group), lower BMI (r = − 0.327 in controls, r = − 0.531 in SD group) and abdominal circumference (r = − 0.309 in women with SD). Below-average HDL-C efflux capacity was found in 67.7% (N = 63) of participants. It was more often found among patients with normal weight or BMI 30–31 kg/m2. HDL-C efflux capacity was inversely associated with HDL-C concentration (r = − 0.228).

Conclusion

Abnormal HDL function may be associated with residual cardiovascular risk in Lithuanian population.

Associations Between Apolipoprotein A1, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, and Urinary Cytokine Levels in Elderly Males and Females

There exists a close relationship between cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. Apolipoprotein A1 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are widely used as cardiovascular risk markers but they also have anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate any associations between HDL levels and cytokine levels in urine. We randomly selected 90 urine samples from the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors Study (41 males and 49 females). The samples were analyzed with 2 multiplex assays, Multiplex Inflammation I and Cardiovascular II kits (Olink Bioscience, Uppsala, Sweden). We analyzed the correlations between 158 cytokines in urine with apolipoprotein A1, HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There were strong correlations for apolipoprotein A1 and HDL cholesterol with individual cytokines. After adjustment for multiplicity testing, there were 33 significant correlations between apolipoprotein A1 and cytokine levels and 14 of these were also significantly correlated with HDL cholesterol. The strongest associations were observed for IL-1α, SPON2, RAGE, PAR-1, TRAIL-R2, IL-4RA, TNFRSF11A, and SCF. A total of 28 out of 33 correlations were negative, indicating a negative relationship between apolipoprotein A1 and urinary cytokines. The study shows a negative correlation between apolipoprotein A1 and HDL cholesterol and urinary cytokine levels. The finding is in agreement with the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL.

Aerobic Training in Young Men Increases the Transfer of Cholesterol to High Density Lipoprotein In Vitro: Impact of High Density Lipoprotein Size

Exercise training not only improves the plasma lipid profile but also reduces risk of developing coronary heart disease. We investigate whether plasma lipids and high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism are affected by aerobic training and whether the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels at baseline influence exercise-induced changes in HDL. Seventy-one male sedentary volunteers were evaluated and allocated in two subgroups, according to the HLD-C levels (< or >40 mg/dL). Participants underwent an 18-week aerobic training period. Blood was sampled before and after training for biochemical analysis. Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, HDL diameter, and VO₂ peak were determined. Lipid transfers to HDL were determined in vitro by incubating plasma samples with a donor lipid artificial nanoemulsion. After the 18-week period of aerobic training, the VO₂ peak increased, while the mean body mass index (BMI) decreased. HDL-C concentration was higher after the training period, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-C did not change. The transfer of esterified cholesterol and phospholipids was greater after exercise training, but the triacylglycerol and unesterified cholesterol transfers were unchanged. The HDL particle diameter increased after aerobic training in all participants. When the participants were separated in low-HDL and normal-HDL groups, the postaerobic exercise increment in HDL-C was higher in the low-HDL group, while the transfer of esterified cholesterol was lower. In conclusion, aerobic exercise training increases the lipid transfers to HDL, as measured by an in vitro method, which possibly contributes to the classical elevation of the HDL-C associated with training.

The association of the S447X mutation in LPL with Coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the relationships between lipase gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We searched PubMed, Embase and ISI web of science databases for articles estimated the association of S447X polymorphism with CAD.

EVIDENCE SYNTESIS

Twelve-five articles were included in the meta-analysis. We found the G allele S447X polymorphism could reduce CAD risk by approximately 22% (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.71-0.84; fixed effects, I2=35.3%, P=0.07). Compared with non-carriers, individuals with two copies of the G allele had approximately 52% risks of CAD (OR=0.48, 95% CI: 0.29-0.68), and the individuals with GG and GC+GG had approximately 19% and 26% risks of CAD compared with those with CC genotype, respectively (GC versus CC: OR=0.81, 95% CI: 0.74-0.88; [GC+GG] versus CC: OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.68-0.80). The G allelic significantly decreased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) (OR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.57-0.92). We found significant relationship between the variant and AMD in all the genetic models (GG versus CC: OR=0.48, 95% CI: 0.18-0.79; GC versus CC: OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.57-0.94; [GG+GC] versus CC: OR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.64-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated G allelic could significantly decrease CAD and MI risk.

High-Density Lipoprotein Reduction Differentially Modulates to Classical and Nonclassical Monocyte Subpopulations in Metabolic Syndrome Patients and in LPS-Stimulated Primary Human Monocytes In Vitro

The effect of metabolic syndrome on human monocyte subpopulations has not yet been studied. Our main goal was to examine monocyte subpopulations in metabolic syndrome patients, while also identifying the risk factors that could directly influence these cells. Eighty-six subjects were divided into metabolic syndrome patients and controls. Monocyte subpopulations were quantified by flow cytometry, and interleukin- (IL-) 1β secretion levels were measured by ELISA. Primary human monocytes were cultured in low or elevated concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The nonclassical monocyte (NCM) percentage was significantly increased in metabolic syndrome patients as compared to controls, whereas classical monocytes (CM) were reduced. Among all metabolic syndrome risk factors, HDL reduction exhibited the most important correlation with monocyte subpopulations and then was studied in vitro. Low HDL concentration reduced the CM percentage, whereas it increased the NCM percentage and IL-1β secretion in LPS-treated monocytes. The LPS effect was abolished when monocytes were cultured in elevated HDL concentrations. Concurring with in vitro results, IL-1β serum values significantly increased in metabolic syndrome patients with low HDL levels as compared to metabolic syndrome patients without HDL reduction. Our data demonstrate that HDL directly modulates monocyte subpopulations in metabolic syndrome.

Exercise and weight loss effects on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight men

Both exercise training and weight loss reduce cardiovascular risk, but the independent importance of the two strategies is unclear. We aimed to investigate independent and combined effects of exercise training and weight loss on lipoproteins and dyslipidemia in overweight sedentary men. Sixty individuals were randomized to 12 wk of endurance training (T), energy-reduced diet (D), training and energy increased diet (T-iD), or control (C). Equal energetic deficits (-600 kcal/day) were prescribed by exercise for T and caloric restriction for D. T-iD completed similar exercise but remained in energy balance due to the dietary replacement of calories expended during exercise. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (apo)B and A1, pre-β-HDL, and susceptibility of LDL-C to oxidation were measured. Body weight was reduced similarly between T (-5.9 ± 0.7 kg) and D (-5.2 ± 0.8 kg), whereas T-iD (-1.0 ± 0.5 kg) and C (0.1 ± 0.6 kg) remained weight stable. Plasma TC, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B were reduced in T compared with C ( P < 0.001 for both), but this was not observed for D ( P > 0.17). Changes in TC and LDL-C were associated with changes in body weight and body fat ( P < 0.01). In T-iD, increases in HDL-C and apolipoprotein A1 were observed ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, an exercise-induced decline in body weight reduces proatherogenic apoB-containing lipoproteins, whereas exercise compensated by energy intake increases the key component of reverse cholesterol transport, i.e., apoA1-containing HDL-C. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise has additive effects in lowering plasma lipoprotein particles to diet-induced weight loss in individuals with increased cardiovascular risk. In the present study, we investigated whether training per se would have beneficial cardiovascular effects. We found that 3 mo of exercise-induced weight loss reduced proatherogenic lipoproteins, whereas endurance training without weight loss improved factors involved in reverse cholesterol transport in a group of overweight sedentary men.

Dysfunctional high-density lipoproteins have distinct composition, diminished anti-inflammatory potential and discriminate acute coronary syndrome from stable coronary artery disease patients

There is a stringent need to find means for risk stratification of coronary artery diseases (CAD) patients. We aimed at identifying alterations of plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDL) components and their validation as dysfunctional HDL that could discriminate between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable angina (SA) patients. HDL₂ and HDL₃ were isolated from CAD patients’ plasma and healthy subjects. ApolipoproteinAI (apoAI), apoAII, apoCIII, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), ceruloplasmin and paraoxonase1 (PON1) were assessed. The anti-inflammatory potential of HDL subfractions was tested by evaluating the secreted inflammatory molecules of tumor necrosis factor α-activated endothelial cells (EC) upon co-incubation with HDL₂ or HDL_3. We found in ACS versus SA patients: 40% increased MPO, MDA, apoCIII in HDL₂ and HDL₃, 35% augmented apoAII in HDL₂, and in HDL₃ increased ceruloplasmin, decreased apoAII (40%) and PON1 protein and activity (15% and 25%). Co-incubation of activated EC with HDL₂ or HDL₃ from CAD patients induced significantly increased levels of secreted inflammatory molecules, 15–20% more for ACS versus SA. In conclusion, the assessed panel of markers correlates with the reduced anti-inflammatory potential of HDL subfractions isolated from ACS and SA patients (mostly for HDL₃ from ACS) and can discriminate between these two groups of CAD patients.

The usefulness of advanced lipid and oxidative stress testing for diagnosis and management of low HDL-cholesterol phenotype: A case report

OBJECTIVE

Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level is a strong inverse predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Tangier disease, a consequence of mutations in the ATP binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) gene, is associated with very low HDL-C levels. Still, the relationship between Tangier disease and CVD is not always evident. The study investigates usefulness of lipoprotein subfractions, oxidative stress and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) status assessment for evaluation and management of patient with low HDL-C phenotype.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A 12-year-old boy was hospitalised due to hypertension. Laboratory evaluation revealed low HDL-C level, and subsequent molecular diagnostic confirmed Tangier disease. Lipoprotein subfractions were assessed by gradient-gel electrophoresis. Oxidative stress status was estimated by measuring total antioxidative status, total oxidative status, prooxidative-antioxidative balance, malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products levels. Activity of paraoxonase 1 in serum and its distribution within HDL subclasses was also determined (ten healthy boys aged 13.1±3.4years served as the reference group).

RESULTS

Analysis of oxidative stress status biomarkers revealed a state of prolonged prooxidants activity. In turn, serum PON1 activity was substantially reduced. The majority of PON1 activity was present on HDL 2 particles.

CONCLUSION

Impaired antioxidative potential of HDL may point toward hidden cardiovascular risk in isolated low HDL-phenotype.

Antiatherogenic Effect of Camellia japonica Fruit Extract in High Fat Diet-Fed Rats

Hypercholesterolemia is a well-known etiological factor for cardiovascular disease and a common symptom of most types of metabolic disorders. Camellia japonica is a traditional garden plant, and its flower and seed have been used as a base oil of traditional cosmetics in East Asia. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of C. japonica fruit extracts (CJF) in a high fat diet- (HFD-) induced hypercholesterolemic rat model. CJF was administered orally at three different doses: 100, 400, and 800 mg·kg⁻¹·day⁻¹ (CJF 100, 400, and 800, resp.). Our results showed that CJF possessed strong cholesterol-lowering potency as indicated by the decrease in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), accompanied by an increase in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Furthermore, CJF reduced serum lipid peroxidation by suppressing the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance. In addition, oil red O (ORO) staining of rat arteries showed decreased lipid-positive staining in the CJF-treated groups compared to the control HFD group. Taken together, these results suggest that CJF could be a potent herbal therapeutic option and source of a functional food for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and other diseases associated with hypercholesterolemia.

Male Hormonal Contraception: Where Are We Now?

Hormonal male contraception clinical trials began in the 1970s. The method is based on the use of exogenous testosterone alone or in combination with a progestin to suppress the endogenous production of testosterone and spermatogenesis. Studies using testosterone alone showed that the method was very effective with few adverse effects. Addition of a progestin increases the rate and extent of suppression of spermatogenesis. Common adverse effects include acne, injection site pain, mood change including depression, and changes in libido that are usually mild and rarely lead to discontinuation. Current development includes long-acting injectables and transdermal gels and novel androgens that may have both androgenic and progestational activities. Surveys showed that over 50 % of men will accept a new male method and female partners will trust their partner to take oral “male pills.” Partnership between government, nongovernment agencies, academia, and industry may generate adequate interest and collaboration to develop and market the first male hormonal contraception.