The structures of the asparagine-linked sugar chains of human apolipoprotein B-100

The Role of Halogenative Stress in Atherogenic Modification of Low-Density Lipoproteins

This review discusses formation of reactive halogen species (RHS) catalyzed by myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme mostly present in leukocytes. An imbalance between the RHS production and body's ability to remove or neutralize them leads to the development of halogenative stress. RHS reactions with proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and antioxidants in the content of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) of the human blood are described. MPO binds site-specifically to the LDL surface and modifies LDL properties and structural organization, which leads to the LDL conversion into proatherogenic forms captured by monocytes/macrophages, which causes accumulation of cholesterol and its esters in these cells and their transformation into foam cells, the basis of atherosclerotic plaques. The review describes the biomarkers of MPO enzymatic activity and halogenative stress, as well as the involvement of the latter in the development of atherosclerosis.

Analysis of Apolipoprotein B Protein of Circulating Multiple-Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein

Modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the main source of lipid accumulation in the arterial wall affected by atherosclerosis. We aimed to compare the properties of apolipoprotein B (apoB) from native and modified LDL. Modified (desialylated) LDL and native LDL were extracted from blood of atherosclerotic patients. We characterized apoB structure of LDL particles in total LDL preparation, circulating modified LDL (cmLDL), and native LDL. Intact cmLDL had a twofold lower content of free amino groups than native LDL. Delipidated apoB from cmLDL also had a lower content of free amino groups. The rates of tryptic hydrolysis and elastase digestion of cmLDL were twofold higher in comparison to native LDL. Therefore, cmLDL from atherosclerotic patients had altered apoB properties. Our observations strengthen the hypothesis of multiple modification of LDL in the bloodstream and underscore the importance of desialylated LDL as a possible marker of atherosclerosis.

Carbohydrate composition of circulating multiple-modified low-density lipoprotein

Atherogenic modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, as modified LDL, but not native LDL, induces pronounced accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in the arterial wall. It is likely that LDL particles undergo multiple modifications in human plasma: desialylation, changes in size and density, acquisition of negative electric charge, oxidation, and complex formation. In a total LDL preparation isolated from pooled plasma of patients with coronary atherosclerosis and from healthy subjects, two subfractions of LDL could be identified: desialylated LDL bound by a lectin affinity column and normally sialylated (native) LDL that passed through the column. The desialylated LDL subfraction therefore represents circulating modified LDL. In this work, we performed a careful analysis of LDL particles to reveal changes in the composition of glycoconjugates associated with proteins and lipids. Protein fraction of LDL from atherosclerotic patients contained similar amounts of glucosamine, galactose, and mannose, but a 1.6-fold lower level of sialic acid as compared to healthy donors. Lipid-bound glycoconjugates of total LDL from patients with coronary atherosclerosis contained 1.5-2-fold less neutral monosaccharides than total LDL from healthy donors. Patient-derived LDL also contained significantly less sialic acid. Our results demonstrate that carbohydrate composition of LDL from atherosclerotic patients was altered in comparison to healthy controls. In particular, prominent decrease in the sialic acid content was observed. This strengthens the hypothesis of multiple modification of LDL particles in the bloodstream and underscores the clinical importance of desialylated LDL as a possible marker of atherosclerosis progression.

Lipid composition of circulating multiple-modified low density lipoprotein

Atherogenic modified low- density lipoprotein (LDL) induces pronounced accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in the arterial wall, while native LDL seems to lack such capability. Therefore, modified LDL appears to be a major causative agent in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Possible modifications of LDL particles include changes in size and density, desialylation, oxidation and acquisition of negative charge. Total LDL isolated from pooled plasma of patients with coronary atherosclerosis, as well as from healthy subjects contains two distinct subfractions: normally sialylated LDL and desialylated LDL, which can be isolated by binding to a lectin affinity column. We called the desialylated LDL subfraction circulating modified LDL (cmLDL). In this study, we focused on lipid composition of LDL particles, analysing the total LDL preparation and two LDL subfractions: cmLDL and native LDL. The composition of LDL was studied using thin-layer chromatography. We found that cmLDL subfraction had decreased levels of free and esterified cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids (except for lysophosphatidylcholine) and sphingomyelin in comparison to native LDL. On the other hand, levels of mono-, and diglycerides, lysophosphatidylcholine and free fatty acids were higher in cmLDL than in native LDL. Our study demonstrated that lipid composition of cmLDL from atherosclerotic patients was altered in comparison to healthy subjects. In particular, phospholipid content was decreased, and free fatty acids levels were increased in cmLDL. This strengthens the hypothesis of multiple modification of LDL particles in the bloodstream and underscores the clinical importance of desialylated LDL as a possible marker of atherosclerosis progression.

GlycA: A Composite Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Biomarker of Systemic Inflammation

BACKGROUND

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of serum obtained under quantitative conditions for lipoprotein particle analyses contain additional signals that could potentially serve as useful clinical biomarkers. One of these signals that we named GlycA originates from a subset of glycan N-acetylglucosamine residues on enzymatically glycosylated acute-phase proteins. We hypothesized that the amplitude of the GlycA signal might provide a unique and convenient measure of systemic inflammation.

METHODS

We developed a spectral deconvolution algorithm to quantify GlycA signal amplitudes from automated NMR LipoProfile® test spectra and assessed analytic precision and biological variability. Spectra of acute-phase glycoproteins and serum fractions were analyzed to probe the origins of the GlycA signal. GlycA concentrations obtained from archived NMR LipoProfile spectra of baseline plasma from 5537 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were used to assess associations with demographic and laboratory parameters including measures of inflammation.

RESULTS

Major acute-phase protein contributors to the serum GlycA signal are α1-acid glycoprotein, haptoglobin, α1-antitrypsin, α1-antichymotrypsin, and transferrin. GlycA concentrations were correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (r = 0.56), fibrinogen (r = 0.46), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (r = 0.35) (all P < 0.0001). Analytic imprecision was low (intra- and interassay CVs 1.9% and 2.6%, respectively) and intraindividual variability, assessed weekly for 5 weeks in 23 healthy volunteers, was 4.3%, lower than for hsCRP (29.2%), cholesterol (5.7%), and triglycerides (18.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

GlycA is a unique inflammatory biomarker with analytic and clinical attributes that may complement or provide advantages over existing clinical markers of systemic inflammation.

The Relationship Between Lipid Peroxidation and LDL Desialylation in Experimental Atherosclerosis

ABSTRACT High serum total cholesterol concentration has been strongly connected with atherosclerosis in numerous studies. Being the main carrier of cholesterol in blood, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is also the principal lipoprotein causing atherosclerosis. Sialic acids are a family of amino sugars that are commonly found as terminal oligosaccharide residues on glycoproteins and are sialylated on their apolipoprotein and glycolipid constituents. In several studies, it was demonstrated that LDL has a 2.5- to 5-fold lower content of sialic acid in patients with coronary artery disease compared with healthy subjects. The role of oxidatively modified LDL in the pathogenesis has been well documented. These studies have focused on modifications in the lipid and protein parts of LDL. But recently, desialylated LDL and its relation with the oxidation mechanisms have received attention in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). From these points, we have performed atheroma plaques in an experimental atherosclerosis model with rabbits and examined the LDL and plasma sialic acid and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels in the same model. We also have determined serum sialidase enzyme activities relevant with these parameters. LDL sialic acid levels were significantly decreased in the progression of the atherosclerosis (by the 30th, 60th, and 90th days). LDL and plasma TBARS levels and plasma sialidase enzyme activities were significantly elevated by the same time periods. In conclusion, serum sialidase enzyme may play an important role in the desialylation mechanism, and reactive oxygen substance (ROS) may affect this reaction.

Core fucosylation is required for midline patterning during zebrafish development

Complex carbohydrates represent one of the most polymorphic classes of macromolecules, but their functions during embryonic development remain poorly defined. Herein, we show that knockdown of FucT8, the fucosyltransferase responsible for adding an α1,6 fucosyl residue to the core region of N-linked oligosaccharides, results in defective midline patterning during zebrafish development. Reduced FucT8 expression leads to mild cyclopia, small forebrains, U-shaped somites, among other midline patterning defects. One of the principal FucT8 substrates was identified as Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the major scaffold protein that is responsible for assembly and secretion of lipoprotein particles in vertebrates. In Drosophila, lipoprotein particles are thought to facilitate cell signaling by serving as a transport vehicle for lipid-modified cell signaling proteins, such as hedgehog. In this regard, knockdown of ApoB expression in zebrafish embryos leads to similar midline patterning defects as those seen in FucT8 morphant embryos. Furthermore, preliminary studies suggest that ApoB facilitates Sonic hedgehog signaling during zebrafish development, analogous to the function of lipoprotein particles during hedgehog signaling in Drosophila.

Recent progress in understanding protein and lipid factors affecting hepatic VLDL assembly and secretion

Excess lipid induced metabolic disorders are one of the major existing challenges for the society. Among many different causes of lipid disorders, overproduction and compromised catabolism of triacylglycerol-rich very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) have become increasingly prevalent leading to hyperlipidemia worldwide. This review provides the latest understanding in different aspects of VLDL assembly process, including structure-function relationships within apoB, mutations in APOB causing hypobetalipoproteinemia, significance of modulating microsomal triglyceride-transfer protein activity in VLDL assembly, alterations of VLDL assembly by different fatty acid species, and hepatic proteins involved in vesicular trafficking, and cytosolic lipid droplet metabolism that contribute to VLDL assembly. The role of lipoprotein receptors and exchangeable apolipoproteins that promote or diminish VLDL assembly and secretion is discussed. New understanding on dysregulated insulin signaling as a consequence of excessive triacylglycerol-rich VLDL in the plasma is also presented. It is hoped that a comprehensive view of protein and lipid factors that contribute to molecular and cellular events associated with VLDL assembly and secretion will assist in the identification of pharmaceutical targets to reduce disease complications related to hyperlipidemia.

Identification of N-glycan serum markers associated with hepatocellular carcinoma from mass spectrometry data

Glycocylation represents the most complex and widespread post-translational modifications in human proteins. The variation of glycosylation is closely related to oncogenic transformation. Therefore, profiling of glycans detached from proteins is a promising strategy to identify biomarkers for cancer detection. This study identified candidate glycan biomarkers associated with hepatocellular carcinoma by mass spectrometry. Specifically, mass spectrometry data were analyzed with a peak selection procedure which incorporates multiple random sampling strategies with recursive feature selection based on support vector machines. Ten peak sets were obtained from different combinations of samples. Seven peaks were shared by each of the 10 peaksets, in which 7-12 peaks were selected, indicating 58-100% of peaks were shared by the 10 peaksets. Support vector machines and hierarchical clustering method were used to evaluate the performance of the peaksets. The predictive performance of the seven peaks was further evaluated by using 19 newly generated MALDI-TOF spectra. Glycan structures for four glycans of the seven peaks were determined. Literature search indicated that the structures of the four glycans could be found in some cancer-related glycoproteins. The method of this study is significant in deriving consistent, accurate, and biological significant glycan marker candidates for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis.

Deglycosylation of apo B-containing lipoproteins increase their ability to aggregate and to promote intracellular cholesterol accumulation in vitro

Sub-fractions of all apo B-100 containing lipoproteins (low density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins and intermediate density lipoproteins) with reduced contents of sialic acid were found in vivo in human blood. These lipoproteins were inclined to spontaneously form aggregates and were able to stimulate accumulation of cholesterol in cells cultured from human aortic intima. In vitro treatment of apo B-containing lipoproteins with 2,6- and 2,3-specific sialidases, alpha-mannosidase, endoglycosidases F1 or F2 or peptide-N-glycanase F also stimulated aggregation and increased the ability of these particles to potentiate cholesterol accumulation in cells of the intact human aortic intima. So, deglycosylation of various apo B-containing lipoproteins possibly occurs in the blood, decreases their resistance to aggregation and increases the ability of these particles to stimulate accumulation of cholesterol in human aortic intima cells, thereby increasing their atherogenic potential.

Site-specific glycosylation analysis of human apolipoprotein B100 using LC/ESI MS/MS

Human apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) has 19 potential N-glycosylation sites, and 16 asparagine residues were reported to be occupied by high-mannose type, hybrid type, and monoantennary and biantennary complex type oligosaccharides. In the present study, a site-specific glycosylation analysis of apoB100 was carried out using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI MS/MS). ApoB100 was reduced, carboxymethylated, and then digested by trypsin or chymotrypsin. The complex mixture of peptides and glycopeptides was subjected to LC/ESI MS/MS, where product ion spectra of the molecular ions were acquired data-dependently. The glycopeptide ions were extracted and confirmed by the presence of carbohydrate-specific fragment ions, such as m/z 204 (HexNAc) and 366 (HexHexNAc), in the product ion spectra. The peptide moiety of glycopeptide was determined by the presence of the b- and y-series ions derived from its amino acid sequence in the product ion spectrum, and the oligosaccharide moiety was deduced from the calculated molecular mass of the oligosaccharide. The heterogeneity of carbohydrate structures at 17 glycosylation sites was determined using this methodology. Our data showed that Asn2212, not previously identified as a site of glycosylation, could be glycosylated. It was also revealed that Asn158, 1341, 1350, 3309, and 3331 were occupied by high-mannose type oligosaccharides, and Asn 956, 1496, 2212, 2752, 2955, 3074, 3197, 3438, 3868, 4210, and 4404 were predominantly occupied by mono- or disialylated oligosaccharides. Asn3384, the nearest N-glycosylation site to the LDL-receptor binding site (amino acids 3359-3369), was occupied by a variety of oligosaccharides, including high-mannose, hybrid, and complex types. These results are useful for understanding the structure of LDL particles and oligosaccharide function in LDL-receptor ligand binding.

The hepatitis B virus X protein inhibits secretion of apolipoprotein B by enhancing the expression of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III

The X protein of hepatitis B virus (HBx) plays a major role on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Apolipoprotein B (apoB) in the liver is an important glycoprotein for transportation of very low density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins. Although lipid accumulation in the liver is known as one of the factors for the HCC, the relationship between HBx and apoB during the HCC development is poorly understood. To better understand the biological significance of HBx in HCC, liver Chang cells that specifically express HBx were established and characterized. In this study we demonstrate that overexpression of HBx significantly up-regulates the expression of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:beta-d-mannoside-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-III (GnT-III), an enzyme that functions as a bisecting-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) transferase in apoB, and increases GnT-III promoter activity in a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay. GnT-III expression levels of HBx-transfected cells appeared to be higher than that of hepatocarcinoma cells as well as GnT-III-transfected cells, indicating that HBx may has a strong GnT-III promotor-enhancing activity. Intracellular levels of apoBs, which contained the increased bisecting GlcNAc, were accumulated in HBx-transfected liver cells. These cells as well as GnT-III-transfected liver cells revealed the inhibition of apoB secretion and the increased accumulation of intracellular triglyceride and cholesterol compared with vector-transfected cells. Moreover, overexpression of GnT-III and HBx in liver cells was shown to down-regulate the transcriptional level of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, which regulates the assembly and secretion of apoB. Therefore, our study strongly suggested that the HBx increase in intracellular accumulation of aberrantly glycosylated apoB resulted in inhibition of secretion of apoB as well as intracellular lipid accumulation by elevating the expression of GnT-III.

The N-linked oligosaccharides at the amino terminus of human apoB are important for the assembly and secretion of VLDL

We determined the role of N-linked glycosylation of apolipoprotein B (apoB) in the assembly and secretion of lipoproteins using transfected rat hepatoma McA-RH7777 cells expressing human apoB-17, apoB-37, and apoB-50, three apoB variants with different ability to recruit neutral lipids. Substituting Asn residue with Gln at the single glycosylation site within apoB-17 (N(158)) decreased its secretion efficiency to a level equivalent to that of wild-type apoB-17 treated with tunicamycin, but had little effect on its synthesis or intracellular distribution. When selective N-to-Q substitution was introduced at one or more of the five N-linked glycosylation sites within apoB-37 (N(158), N(956), N(1341), N(1350), and N(1496)), secretion efficiency of apoB-37 from transiently transfected cells was variably affected. When all five N-linked glycosylation sites were mutated within apoB-37, the secretion efficiency and association with lipoproteins were decreased by >50% as compared with wild-type apoB-37. Similarly, mutant apoB-50 with all of its N-linked glycosylation sites mutagenized showed decreased secretion efficiency and decreased lipoprotein association in both d < 1.02 and d > 1.02 g/ml fractions. The inability of mutant apoB-37 and apoB-50 to associate with very low-density lipoproteins was attributable to impaired assembly and was not due to the limitation of lipid availability. The decreased secretion of mutant apoB-17 and apoB-37 was not accompanied by accumulation within the cells, suggesting that the proportion of mutant apoB not secreted was rapidly degraded. However unlike apoB-17 or apoB-37, accumulation of mutant apoB-50 was observed within the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi compartments. These data imply that the N-glycans at the amino terminus of apoB play an important role in the assembly and secretion of lipoproteins containing the carboxyl terminally truncated apoB.

Effect of alcohol on lipids and lipoproteins in relation to atherosclerosis

Several studies indicate that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a low prevalence of coronary heart disease. An increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is associated with alcohol intake and appears to account for approximately half of alcohol's cardioprotective effect. In addition to changes in the concentration and composition of lipoproteins, alcohol consumption may alter the activities of plasma proteins and enzymes involved in lipoprotein metabolism: cholesteryl ester transfer protein, phospholipid transfer protein, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, lipoprotein lipase, hepatic lipase, paraoxonase-1 and phospholipases. Alcohol intake also results in modifications of lipoprotein particles: low sialic acid content in apolipoprotein components of lipoprotein particles (e.g., HDL apo E and apo J) and acetaldehyde modification of apolipoproteins. In addition, "abnormal" lipids, phosphatidylethanol, and fatty acid ethyl esters formed in the presence of ethanol are associated with lipoproteins in plasma. The effects of lipoproteins on the vascular wall cells (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and monocyte/macrophages) may be modulated by ethanol and the alterations further enhanced by modified lipids. The present review discusses the effects of alcohol on lipoproteins in cholesterol transport, as well as the novel effects of lipoproteins on vascular wall cells.

Apolipoprotein B48 glycosylation in abetalipoproteinemia and Anderson's disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Abetalipoproteinemia and Anderson's disease are hereditary lipid malabsorption syndromes. In abetalipoproteinemia, lipoprotein assembly is defective because of mutations in the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein. Here, we evaluated the intracellular transport of apolipoprotein B48 to localize the defect in Anderson's disease.

METHODS

Asparagine-linked oligosaccharide processing of apolipoprotein B48 in normal and affected individuals was determined by the endoglycosidase H and F sensitivities of the protein after metabolic labeling of intestinal explants in organ culture. Cell ultrastructure was evaluated with electron microscopy.

RESULTS

In Anderson's disease as in normal individuals, there was a time-dependent transformation of high mannose endoglycosidase H-sensitive oligosaccharides, of endoplasmic reticulum origin, to complex endoglycosidase H-resistant oligosaccharides, added in the Golgi network. In contrast, despite the translocation of apolipoprotein B48 into the endoplasmic reticulum in patients with abetalipoproteinemia and in biopsies treated with Brefeldin A, which blocks anterograde transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi network, there was no transformation of endoglycosidase H-sensitive oligosaccharides.

CONCLUSIONS

In abetalipoproteinemia and Anderson's disease, apolipoprotein B48 is completely translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum, but only in Anderson's disease is the protein transported to the Golgi apparatus. This suggests that Anderson's disease is caused by a post-Golgi cargo-specific secretion defect.

Characterization of human apolipoprotein B100 oligosaccharides in LDL subfractions derived from normal and hyperlipidemic plasma: deficiency of alpha-N-acetylneuraminyllactosyl-ceramide in light and small dense LDL particles

The carbohydrate composition of apolipoprotein (apo) B100, particularly its degree of sialylation, may contribute to the atherogenic properties of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We analyzed LDL apoB100 glycans derived from normolipidemic, hypercholesterolemic, and hypertriglyceridemic diabetic subjects. Using exoglycosidase carbohydrate sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to analyze fluorescently labeled oligosaccharides, we report evidence for several carbohydrates not previously identified on apoB100, including truncated complex biantennary N-glycans and hybrid N-glycans. The distribution and diversity of the apoB100 glycans isolated from all individuals was highly conserved. The N-glycan composition of apoB100 derived from five LDL subpopulations (LDL1, d = 1.018-1.023; LDL2, d = 1.023-1.030; LDL3, d = 1.030-1.040; LDL4, d = 1.040-1.051; LDL5, d = 1.051-1.065 g/ml) did not vary in normolipidemic or hypercholesterolemic subjects. Furthermore, we found no evidence for "desialylated" apoB100 glycans in any of the samples analyzed. Analysis of the most abundant LDL ganglioside, alpha-N-acetylneuraminyllactosyl-ceramide, revealed a deficiency in small dense LDL and in the most buoyant subpopulation. These data provide a novel explanation for the apparent deficiency of sialic acid in small dense LDL and indicate that the global apoB100 N-glycan composition is invariable in the patient groups studied.

Measurement of asialylated LDL in the blood of patients with coronary artery disease by antibody-lectin sandwich assay

Elevated concentrations of asialylated LDL (asialo-LDL) have been reported in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This may stimulate lipid accumulation in arterial intima cells and promote atherosclerosis. To investigate asialo-LDL as a potential risk-factor for coronary atherogenesis, we developed an antibody-lectin sandwich assay to measure levels in serum from CAD patients and age-matched control subjects. LDL was captured with an anti-apolipoprotein (apo) B antibody and asialylated oligosaccharides measured using the biotinylated D-galactose (D-gal) binding lectin, Ricinus communis agglutinin 120 (RCA120), and a streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase conjugate. For the control and atherosclerotic subjects, median [interquartile range (IQR)] values for total concentrations of asialo-LDL were 240 mg,L (180-310 mg/L) and 220 mg/L (186-390 mg/L), respectively (P = 0.82). When expressed as a percentage of serum apo B-100, median (IQR) values were 18% (16-23%) and 19% (15-29%), respectively (P = 0.78). These results suggest asialo-LDL has little value as a risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis.

Role of the macrophage galactose lectin in the uptake of desialylated LDL

Desialylated low density lipoprotein (LDL) is rapidly taken up and accumulated by both peripheral blood monocytes and cells isolated from human arterial intima consisting predominantly of smooth muscle cells. It is shown that thioglycollate (TG)-elicited mouse macrophages and mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) show increased expression of a membrane-bound, galactose-specific lectin that could be responsible for this uptake. In LPS-stimulated macrophages accumulation of desialylated LDL is increased ca. 2.6-fold. Accumulation of acetylated LDL in the same cells is reduced, suggesting that the galactose-specific lectin might be responsible for the uptake of desialylated LDL. Transfection of cells with the mouse macrophage Gal/GalNAc-specific lectin (MMGL) increased their capacity to take up asialofetuin (ASF) and, to a smaller extent, desialylated LDL. The uptake of desialylated LDL was small, most likely due to the high k(d) of MMGL for biantennary oligosaccharides as found on LDL, and low concentration of LDL achieved in tissue culture experiments. The data suggest that the expression of galactose-specific lectins can be elevated under inflammatory conditions, and that these receptors could contribute to foam cell formation under conditions of high desialylated LDL concentration, as might be found in arterial intima.

Significance of acidic sugar chains of apolipoprotein B-100 in cellular metabolism of low-density lipoproteins

We have elucidated the carbohydrate structures of the N-linked sugar chains of human and rabbit apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100), which is similar in composition to oligosaccharides (Arch Biochem Biophys 1989;273:197-205, Arteriosclerosis 1990; 10:386-93). We have also shown the negative correlation of the ratio of acidic sugar chains of apo B-100 to the serum cholesterol levels in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits (Atherosclerosis 1992;93:229-35). The acidity of sugar chains is determined by the existence of sialic acid residues at the terminal of oligosaccharides. In the present study we investigated N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100 from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who had moderate hypercholesterolemia (less than 400 mg/dL). There was no difference in the structure of their oligosaccharides and the ratio of acidic sugar chains of apo B-100 from CAD patients as compared with that from healthy individuals reported previously. To clarify the role of sialic acid residues in apo B-100 for lipoprotein metabolism, we studied cellular uptake of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) treated with sialidase (desialylated LDL). Desialylated LDLs were taken up and degraded to a 2-fold greater degree than control LDL by human monocyte-derived macrophages and stimulated cholesterol esterification in these cells. These results indicate that sialic acid residues of apo B- 100 play an important role in cellular uptake and degradation of LDL.

Sialic acid content of LDL and lipoprotein metabolism in combined hyperlipidemia and primary moderate hypercholesterolemia

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) with low sialic acid content has been shown to cause intracellular lipid accumulation and therefore is suggested to be atherogenic. We investigated the sialic acid content of total LDL and its subfractions, and their relations to lipoprotein kinetics in 22 subjects with primary moderate hypercholesterolemia (IIa) and in 21 subjects with combined hyperlipidemia (IIb) matched for age, sex, BMI and the frequency of coronary artery disease. Sialic acid to protein ratio decreased gradually from VLDL and IDL to light and dense LDL and HDL, but was high in very dense LDL probably due to presence of Lp(a). Sialic acid to apo B ratio was significantly lower in dense and very dense subfractions of IIb than IIa. The sialic acid/apo B ratios of dense and very dense LDL subfractions were interrelated and were negatively associated with their cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, and with the transport rate (TR) for dense LDL apo B. The only metabolic variable differing between the groups was the TR for dense LDL apo B, which was significantly higher in IIb vs. IIa. In addition, the TR for dense LDL apo B was positively associated with the esterification percentage of LDL cholesterol. In conclusion, low sialic acid content in dense and very dense LDL subfractions was associated with enhanced TR for LDL apo B and type IIb dyslipidemia.

Sialic acid content of LDL in coronary artery disease: no evidence of desialylation in subjects with coronary stenosis and increased levels in subjects with extensive atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction: relation between desialylation and in vitro peroxidation

We recently showed that sialic acid content of LDL was not a marker of early cardiovascular disease (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1995;15:334-339). Here, we investigated this parameter in patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD). We first examined 100 patients having undergone coronary angiography. The distribution of LDL sialic acid values was very similar in subjects with no coronary stenosis (31.3+/-3.7 nmol/mg LDL protein, mean+/-SD) and those with > or = 75% stenosis in at least one main coronary artery or > or = 50% stenosis in at least two main coronary arteries (32.1+/-5.5 nmol/mg LDL protein). In contrast, LDL sialic acid content was significantly increased in patients with both coronary stenosis and peripheral arterial atherosclerotic lesions compared with those with either no lesion or only one or the other type of lesion. We then examined LDL sialic acid content in 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction. LDL sialic acid content was significantly higher (35.9+/-3.2 nmol/mg LDL protein) than that in the CAD(-) control group. These data suggest that LDL sialic acid content increases with the extension of atherosclerosis and its progression to acute complications. To explain the discordance with Orekhov and coworkers (Atherosclerosis. 1991;86:153-161), who showed that LDL sialic acid content in patients with advanced CAD was lower than that in healthy subjects, we studied the time courses of sialic acid, TBARS, and vitamin E levels in LDL dialyzed in different experimental conditions. A continuous decrease in both sialic acid and vitamin E levels and an increase in TBARS levels were observed in LDL samples containing less than 1 mmol/L EDTA, the intensity and rapidity of which varied with the EDTA concentration in the buffer. Our data support the idea that desialylation may result from in vitro peroxidation of LDL.

All low density lipoprotein particles are partially desialylated in plasma

Desialylation has been proposed as a natural modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) increasing atherogenicity. The galactose (Gal)-specific lectin, Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA120), has been used to analyse LDL prepared by different methods and it was found that more than 96% of LDL binds to the lectin. The bound LDL could be eluted with Gal or Lactose (Lac), but not with sialic acid, mannose (Man), glucose (Glu) or sodium chloride, indicating that binding occurs via exposed Gal residues on the LDL particle. When freshly isolated whole plasma was loaded on an RCA120 column, apo B-containing lipoproteins (including LDL) were quantitatively bound, whereas other glycosylated serum proteins, like transferrin, were not. Thus desialylation of LDL is not a consequence of its isolation from plasma, or a general property of all serum proteins. Analysis of apolipoprotein B from LDL indicates that only monodesialylated oligosaccharide chains are present, consistent with the rapid clearance of particles having biantennary Gal residues exposed.

Ectopic expression of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III in transgenic hepatocytes disrupts apolipoprotein B secretion and induces aberrant cellular morphology with lipid storage

N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) produces "bisecting-GlcNAc" and regulates the branching of N-glycans. GnT-III activity is elevated during hepatocarcinogenesis, which is in contrast to the undetectable level found in normal hepatocytes. To determine the biological significance of GnT-III in hepatocytes, transgenic mice that specifically express GnT-III in the liver were established and characterized. The transgenic hepatocytes had a swollen oval-like morphology, with many lipid droplets. Apolipoprotein B, which contained increased level of bisecting-GlcNAc accumulated in the transgenic hepatocytes. In the transgenic serum, triglycerides, the beta- and pre-beta-lipoprotein fractions, and apolipoprotein B100 were significantly decreased, compared with levels in nontransgenic serum. These abnormal phenotypes were more prominent in the mice with more copies of the transgene and a resulting high GnT-III activity. We demonstrate that aberrant glycosylation, as the direct result of the formation of bisecting-GlcNAc, disrupts the function of apolipoprotein B, leading to the generation of fatty liver. This observation suggests a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of fatty liver.

Estrogen-stimulated transcytosis of desialylated ligands and alpha2 macroglobulin in rat liver

Previous studies have shown that treatment of rats with 17 alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE) causes the appearance in bile of intravenously injected, desialylated ligands, including asialofetuin and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Here we show that activated alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2-M*), but not insulin, transferrin or acetylated LDL, shows the same phenomenon. Alpha2-M* appearance in bile in EE-treated rats was inhibited by receptor associated protein, but not unlabelled asialofetuin, strongly implicating the alpha2-macroglobulin receptor (alpha2MR/LRP) receptor in this process. Asialofetuin, apolipoprotein B (ApoB) of LDL and alpha2-M* appeared undegraded in the bile of EE-treated but not control rats. When LDL was injected, not only was intact apolipoprotein B detected in bile, but the profile of cholesterol esters appearing in bile was characteristic of the injected human LDL rather than rat lipoproteins. After floatation of the bile on KBr gradients, intact Apo B and cholesterol esters characteristic of human LDL were found at the normal density of LDL suggesting that the majority of the lipoprotein particle remains intact. Stimulation of transcytosis was specific to estrogens, and was highest with 17alpha-ethynylestradiol. After subcutaneous injection of 0.05 mg/kg body weight of ethynylestradiol, sufficient to give a measurable increase in transcytosis, the plasma concentration of ethynylestradiol rose to 2.2 nM. Thus estrogen-stimulated transcytosis of desialylated ligands and alpha2-M* would be expected at physiological estrogen concentrations.

Desialylated LDL uptake in human and mouse macrophages can be mediated by a lectin receptor

We have compared the uptake of desialylated low density lipoprotein (LDL) with other modified forms of LDL in mouse peritoneal macrophages and PMA-activated human U937 monocytes. Neuraminidase-treated LDL (NT-LDL) caused significant cholesterol ester accumulation in both cell types, although the efficiency relative to loading with acetylated LDL (AcLDL) was markedly different, suggesting a very different complement of receptors in the cells. We therefore determined the effect of PMA-activation on lipoprotein receptor expression in U937 cells and found that while scavenger receptor concentration was elevated after PMA-activation, there was no significant change in the expression of the LDL receptor. Receptor specificity of NT-LDL uptake was examined by competition experiments using the degradation assay. This showed that 125I-labelled NT-LDL uptake in U937 cells could largely be accounted for by the persistent expression of the LDL receptor in these cells. In contrast, in mouse peritoneal macrophages where LDL receptor expression is very low, 125I-labelled NT-LDL degradation was also effectively competed by asialofetuin. Surprisingly, 125I-labelled NT-LDL degradation was also effectively competed by AcLDL. Measurement of sialic acid content of AcLDL showed that approximately 14% of the LDL sialic acid, equivalent to 2 to 3 residues per particle, was lost during acetylation of LDL with acetic anhydride. Thus competition between 125I-labelled NT-LDL and AcLDL could be due to lectin receptor binding rather than competition for scavenger receptor binding.

Relation of N-glycosylation of apolipoprotein B-100 to cellular metabolism of low density lipoprotein

We studied the functional role of N-linked sugar chains of apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 of low density lipoprotein (LDL) in cholesterol metabolism. The N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100 of LDL obtained from four homozygous Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits were liberated by hydrazinolysis, followed by NaB3H4 reduction and were fractionated by paper electrophoresis and column chromatography. They consisted of one neutral (N) and two acidic (A1, A2) fractions. The ratio of apo B-100 acidic fractions (A1+A2) varied among 4 WHHL rabbits. Serial measurements of serum cholesterol levels showed that they decreased with aging in each of 4 WHHL rabbits. We investigated the relation of the ratio of acidic sugar chains of apo B-100 to the serum cholesterol levels. Reciprocals of the serum cholesterol levels were significantly correlated with the ratio of acidic sugar chains of apo B-100 (r = 0.901, P < 0.001). To elucidate the role of N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100, we investigated cellular uptake of LDL in normal rabbit skin fibroblasts. The amounts of association, degradation and cholesteryl esterification of LDL with a lower ratio of acidic sugar chains at 37 degrees C were greater than those of LDL with a higher ratio of acidic sugar chains. These results suggest that N-glycosylation of apo B-100 may be related with serum cholesterol levels and N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100 may play an important role in cellular metabolism of LDL.

Differentiation of intrahepatic membrane-bound and secretory apolipoprotein B by monoclonal antibodies: membrane-bound apolipoprotein B is more glycosylated

Most apolipoprotein B (apoB) in rat hepatocytes membrane is membrane-bound. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences existed between membrane-bound and plasma apolipoprotein B, which could be detected using monoclonal antibodies. Detergent-solubilized microsomal membrane-bound apoB was probed with two previously characterized monoclonal antibodies (LRB 200, LRB 220) and compared to a monospecific polyclonal antibody. LRB 200 (capable of binding 71% of plasma apoB) was able to recognize less than 20% of microsomal apoB compared to LRB 220 (a pan-apoB monoclonal antibody capable of binding 100% plasma apoB). To test the hypothesis that the immunologic difference detected by the monoclonal antibodies was due to increased glycosylation of the membrane-bound apolipoprotein B, plasma lipoproteins were incubated with neuraminidase. A progressive increase was found in antibody binding by LRB 200 but not by LRB 220 or the polyclonal antibodies. Inhibition of N-glycosylation by tunicamycin also increased the binding of monoclonal antibody LRB 200 to hepatocyte apoB. Inhibition of trimming of N-linked sugar by incubating hepatocytes with the inhibitors of glucosidase I and mannosidase I eliminated antibody binding by LRB 200 but not by LRB 220 or the polyclonal antibody. When N-linked sugars were removed by peptide: N-glycosidase F, antibody binding by monoclonal antibody LRB 200 was increased. Double-labeling experiments using 3H-mannose and 35S-methionine showed that cellular apoB contained twice the amount of mannose as medium apoB. These data suggest that membrane-bound apoB is more glycosylated than plasma lipoprotein apoB.

Apolipoprotein B and low-density lipoprotein structure: implications for biosynthesis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

ApoB100 is a very large glycoprotein essential for triglyceride transport in vertebrates. It plays functional roles in lipoprotein biosynthesis in liver and intestine, and is the ligand recognized by the LDL receptor during receptor-mediated endocytosis. ApoB100 is encoded by a single gene on chromosome 2, and the message undergoes a unique processing event to form apoB48 message in the human intestine, and, in some species, in liver as well. The primary sequence is relatively unique and appears unrelated to the sequences of other serum apolipoproteins, except for some possible homology with the receptor recognition sequence of apolipoprotein E. From its sequence, structure prediction shows the presence of both sheet and helix scattered along its length, but no transmembrane domains apart from the signal sequence. The multiple carbohydrate attachment sites have been identified, as well as the locations of most of its disulfides. ApoB is the single protein found on LDL. These lipoproteins are emulsion particles, containing a core of nonpolar cholesteryl ester and triglyceride oil, surrounded by an emulsifying agent, a monolayer of phospholipid, cholesterol, and a single molecule of apoB100. An emulsion particle model is developed to predict accurately the physical and compositional properties of an LDL of any given size. A variety of techniques have been employed to map apoB100 on the surface of the LDL, and all yield a model in which apoB surrounds the LDL like a belt. Moreover, it is concluded that apoB100 folds into a long, flexible structure with a cross-section of about 20 x 54 A2 and a length of about 585 A. This structure is embedded in the surface coat of the LDL and makes contact with the core. During lipoprotein biosynthesis in tissue culture, truncated fragments of apoB100 are secreted on lipoproteins. Here, it was found that the lipoprotein core circumference was directly proportional to the apoB fragment size. A cotranslational model has been porposed for the lipoprotein assembly, which includes these structural features, and it is concluded that in permanent hepatocyte cell lines, apoB size determines lipoprotein core circumference.

LDL sialic acid content in patients with coronary artery disease

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are considered to be the most atherogenic of lipoproteins. These LDL can be modified and oxidative modifications are now well known. In addition, other atherogenic modifications of LDL exist, such as desialylation. In the present study sialic acid content was determined in LDL preparations obtained from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD+) and compared with that of healthy subjects and patients without coronary heart disease (CAD-). The sialic acid concentration was found to be statistically lower (P < 0.05) in the LDL of CAD+ patients (11.6 +/- 2.7 micrograms/mg of protein) than in the LDL of controls (16.5 +/- 5.6 micrograms/mg of protein) or in the LDL of CAD- patients (15.3 +/- 3.8 micrograms/mg of protein). In subgroups of CAD+ patients divided according to the severity of the disease, no statistically significant difference was observed in LDL sialic acid content. This work confirms the presence of desialylated LDL in the sera of patients with atheroma.

Chemical modification of low-density lipoprotein enhances the number of binding sites for divalent cations

The EPR technique with paramagnetic Mn(II) ions has been used to probe the negatively charged sites on the surface of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL modified in five different ways exhibited increased binding capacity for divalent cations. Enhanced binding is caused by the increase in the number of 'strong' binding sites. The 'strong' sites have been identified to be the aspartic acid and/or glutamic acid carboxyl residues and the 'weak' sites are zwitter-ionic phospholipids. In native LDL the negative groups make 'bonds' with the positive lysyl residues, thus stabilizing the structure. Any deprotonation or modification of the lysine amino groups makes the LDL structure more loose and the amino acid carboxyl groups accessible to divalent cations.

Association of N-glycosylation of apolipoprotein B-100 with plasma cholesterol levels in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits

We have previously demonstrated the heterogeneity of N-linked sugar chains of apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit and fasting Japanese White rabbits (Arteriosclerosis, 10 (1990) 386-393). To investigate further the role of N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100 in lipid metabolism, we examined the correlation between the N-glycosylation of apo B-100 and serum cholesterol levels in WHHL rabbits. The N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100 were liberated by hydrazinolysis, followed by NaB3H4 reduction and were fractionated by paper electrophoresis and BioGel P-4 column chromatography. These were found to consist of one neutral (N) and two acidic fractions (A1 and A2). N contained a high mannose type oligosaccharide consisting of Man5.GlcNAc2 to Man9.GlcNAc2, while A1 and A2 contained monosialylated and disialylated complex type oligosaccharides, respectively. The molar ratio varied among the 5 WHHL rabbits. There was an inverse correlation between the ratio of acidic oligosaccharide fractions (A1 + A2) and serum cholesterol levels (r = -0.971, P less than 0.01) in the 5 WHHL rabbits. These results indicate that the N-glycosylation of apo B-100 is closely related to cholesterol metabolism in WHHL rabbits.

The human asialoglycoprotein receptor is a possible binding site for low-density lipoproteins and chylomicron remnants

Binding and internalization of chylomicron remnants from rat mesenteric lymph by HepG2 cells was inhibited by both excess remnants and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to the same extent. Ligand blots revealed binding of remnants and LDL to the LDL receptor. Measures regulating LDL receptor activity greatly influenced the binding of remnants: ethinyloestradiol, the hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor pravastatin and the absence of LDL all increased binding, whereas high cell density or the presence of LDL decreased binding. Also, asialofetuin, asialomucin, the neoglycoprotein galactosyl-albumin and an antibody against the asialoglycoprotein receptor all decreased substantially the binding of remnants. At high cell density, binding internalization and degradation of chylomicron remnants was inhibited by up to 70-80%, yet binding of LDL was inhibited by no more than 20-30%. In cross-competition studies, the binding of 125I-asialofetuin was efficiently competed for by asialofetuin itself or by the antibody, and also by LDL and remnants, yet remnants displayed an approx. 100-fold higher affinity than LDL. Likewise, remnants of human triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins and asialofetuin interfered with each others' binding to HepG2 cells or human liver membranes. It is concluded that the LDL receptor mediates the internalization of chylomicron remnants into hepatocytes depending on its activity, according to demand for cholesterol. Additionally, the asialoglycoprotein receptor may contribute to the endocytosis of LDL, but predominantly of chylomicron remnants.

Human small-intestinal apolipoprotein B-48 oligosaccharide chains

Hepatic apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 isolated from human plasma is known to contain N-linked oligosaccharides of high-mannose-type and complex-type structures. Sequencing data have revealed that apo B-48 of small-intestinal origin, which represents about 48% of apo B-100 polypeptide from the N-terminus, possesses six potential sites for N-linked oligosaccharides, of which five are likely to be glycosylated. The characterization of the carbohydrate moiety of apo B-48 is the focus of this study. Apo B-48 was labelled with L-[35S]methionine and D-[3H]glucosamine in organ culture of human small-intestinal explants. N-Glycanase treatment resulted in loss of radioactivity from D-[3H]glucosamine-labelled but not L-[35S]methionine-labelled apo B-48 secreted into the medium, and caused no distinct change in mobility of apo B-48 upon electrophoresis on 5% polyacrylamide gel. Analysis of monosaccharide content revealed the presence of 16.8, 17.8, 13.4, 3.4, 2.4 and 2.3 residues of N-acetylglucosamine, mannose, galactose, fucose, xylose and N-acetylgalactosamine respectively. Small-intestinal apo B-48 from human lymph chylomicrons bound to [14C]concanavalin A, and the binding could be inhibited with methyl alpha-D-mannoside. In addition, wheat-germ, peanut, Limulus, soya-bean and Ulex lectins bound apo B-48 specifically. To characterize the carbohydrate moiety further, N-linked oligosaccharides were released by N-Glycanase treatment and reduced with NaB3H4. Labelled oligosaccharides were separated on a concanavalin A-Sepharose column. The majority (78%) were biantennary complex-type structures, 16% were high-mannose type and 6% (not retained by the column) most probably represented higher-branched oligosaccharides. These results suggest the presence of one high-mannose-type and four biantennary complex-type oligosaccharides, as well as probable O-linked sugars in apo B-48. By the use of h.p.l.c., exoglycosidase treatments and ion-exchange chromatography, a mixture of high-mannose-type species with predominant Man8GlcNAc2 as well as monosialylated, desialylated and fucosylated forms of complex-type oligosaccharides were detected.

Heterogeneity of N-linked sugar chains of apolipoprotein B-100 in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic and fasting rabbits

We have elucidated the structures of N-linked sugar chains of human apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 (Arch Biochem Biophys 1989; 273:197-205). To investigate the role of the carbohydrate moieties of apolipoprotein B-100, we determined the structures of the N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100 purified from low density lipoprotein (LDL) of a Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit and compared them with those of fasting Japanese White rabbits. The N-linked oligosaccharides of apo B-100 were liberated by hydrozinolysis, followed by NaB3H4 reduction, and were fractionated by paper electrophoresis and Bio-Gel P-4 column chromatography. These consisted of one neutral fraction (N) and two acidic fractions (A1 and A2) in both WHHL and fasting rabbits. N contained high mannose type oligosaccharides consisting of Man5GlcNAc2 to Man9GlcNAc2. A1 and A2 contained monosialylated and disialylated biantennary complex type oligosaccharides, respectively. The molar ratios of N, A1, and A2 were 5:2:2 in the WHHL rabbit and 4:2:5 in fasting rabbits. The content of sialic acid residues in the WHHL rabbit was calculated to be 0.64 by taking the value of that in fasting rabbits as 1.0. These results show the heterogeneity of N-linked sugar chains of apo B-100 in WHHL and fasting rabbits and suggest the possibility that the characteristics of LDL in WHHL rabbits may be altered by making the surface charge more positive than in fasting rabbits.

Isolation of atherogenic modified (desialylated) low density lipoprotein from blood of atherosclerotic patients: separation from native lipoprotein by affinity chromatography

A part of low density lipoproteins (LDL) isolated from the blood of healthy subjects and patients with coronary atherosclerosis bind to a Sepharose-linked Ricinus communis agglutinin, a lectin that interacts specifically with galactose residues. Bound LDL can be replaced by galactose, but not other saccharide constituents of the LDL molecule (mannose, glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, sialic acid). Bound LDL subfraction has a 2-3-fold lower content of sialic acid as compared with unbound LDL. The blood content of desialylated LDL in atherosclerotic patients was about 3-fold higher (1.5- to 6-fold) than in healthy subjects. Desialylated LDL induced a 2- to 4-fold more intensive accumulation of total cholesterol in cultured human aortic intimal cells. Unbound LDL had no effect on intracellular deposition of lipids. It is suggested that the subfraction of desialylated LDL may be responsible for the atherogenicity of LDL isolated from blood of atherosclerotic patients.