Formation of C21 bile acids from plant sterols in the rat

Urinary Biomarkers of Whole Grain Wheat Intake Identified by Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics Approaches

Mounting evidence suggests that whole grain (WG) intake plays an important role in chronic disease prevention. However, numerous human studies have failed to produce clear-cut conclusions on this topic. Here, a combination of non-targeted and targeted metabolomics approaches, together with kinetic studies, was used to investigate biomarkers of WG wheat intake and further explore the diet-disease associations. Via these integrated approaches, forty-one compounds were identified as the most discriminating endogenous metabolites after WG versus refined grain (RG) wheat bread consumption. The corresponding biological assessment of these endogenous changes suggests that, in contrast to RG consumption, WG wheat consumption may facilitate antioxidant defense systems and moderate the risk factors of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other chronic diseases. A panel of urinary markers consisting of seven alkylresorcinol metabolites and five benzoxazinoid derivatives as specific biomarkers, as well as five phenolic acid derivatives, was also established to cover multiple time points and longer time periods for correctly and objectively monitoring WG wheat intake. Through these findings, we have established a comprehensive biomarker pool to better assess WG wheat consumption, and to monitor the endogenous changes that are linked to health effects of WG wheat consumption.

Differential regulation of bile acid and cholesterol metabolism by the farnesoid X receptor in Ldlr -/- mice versus hamsters

Modulating bile acid synthesis has long been considered a good strategy by which to improve cholesterol homeostasis in humans. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), the key regulator of bile acid synthesis, was, therefore, identified as an interesting target for drug discovery. We compared the effect of four, structurally unrelated, synthetic FXR agonists in two fat-fed rodent species and observed that the three most potent and selective agonists decreased plasma cholesterol in LDL receptor-deficient (Ldlr (-/-)) mice, but none did so in hamsters. Detailed investigation revealed increases in the expression of small heterodimer partner (Shp) in their livers and of intestinal fibroblast growth factor 15 or 19 (Fgf15/19) in mice only. Cyp7a1 expression and fecal bile acid (BA) excretion were strongly reduced in mice and hamsters by all four FXR agonists, whereas bile acid pool sizes were reduced in both species by all but the X-Ceptor compound in hamsters. In Ldlr (-/-) mice, the predominant bile acid changed from cholate to the more hydrophilic β-muricholate due to a strong repression of Cyp8b1 and increase in Cyp3a11 expression. However, FXR agonists caused only minor changes in the expression of Cyp8b1 and in bile acid profiles in hamsters. In summary, FXR agonist-induced decreases in bile acid pool size and lipophilicity and in cholesterol absorption and synthesis could explain the decreased plasma cholesterol in Ldlr (-/-) mice. In hamsters, FXR agonists reduced bile acid pool size to a smaller extent with minor changes in bile acid profile and reductions in sterol absorption, and consequently, plasma cholesterol was unchanged.

Phytosterol feeding causes toxicity in ABCG5/G8 knockout mice

Plant sterols, or phytosterols, are very similar in structure to cholesterol and are abundant in typical diets. The reason for poor absorption of plant sterols by the body is still unknown. Mutations in the ABC transporters G5 and G8 are known to cause an accumulation of plant sterols in blood and tissues (sitosterolemia). To determine the significance of phytosterol exclusion from the body, we fed wild-type and ABCG5/G8 knockout mice a diet enriched with plant sterols. The high-phytosterol diet was extremely toxic to the ABCG5/G8 knockout mice but had no adverse effects on wild-type mice. ABCG5/G8 knockout mice died prematurely and developed a phenotype that included high levels of plant sterols in many tissues, liver abnormalities, and severe cardiac lesions. This study is the first to report such toxic effects of phytosterol accumulation in ABCG5/G8 knockout mice. We believe these new data support the conclusion that plant sterols are excluded from the body because they are toxic when present at high levels.

[New delta8(14)-ketosterols with an oxygenated side chain]

New analogues of 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-one (15-ketosterol) with modified 17-chains [(22S,23S,24S)- and (22R,23R,24S)-3beta-hydroxy-24-methyl-22,23-oxido-5alpha-cholest-8(14)-en-15-ones and (22RS,23xi,24S)-24-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-3beta,22,23-triol-15-one] were synthesized from (22E,24S)-3beta-acetoxy-24-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-8(14),22-dien-15-one. The chiralities of their 22 and 23 centers were determined by NMR spectroscopy. The isomeric 22,23-epoxides effectively inhibited cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatoma Hep G2 cells (IC50 0.9 +/- 0.2 and 0.7 +/- 0.2 microM, respectively), and their activities significantly exceeded those of 15-ketosterol (IC50 4.0 +/- 0.5 microM), (22E,24S)-3beta-hydroxy-24-methyl-5alpha-cholesta-8(14),22-dien-15-one (IC50 3.1 +/- 0.4 microM), and the 3beta,22,23-triol synthesized (IC50 6.0 +/- 1.0 microM). The English version of the paper: Russian Journal of Bioorganic Chemistry, 2005, vol. 31, no. 3; see also http://www.maik.ru.

Final report of the amended safety assessment of PEG-5, -10, -16, -25, -30, and -40 soy sterol

PEGs Soy Sterol are polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives of soybean oil sterols used in a variety of cosmetic formulations as surfactants and emulsifying agents, skin-conditioning agents, and cleansing and solubilizing agents. When the safety of these ingredients were first reviewed, the available data were insufficient to support safety. New data have since been received and the safety of these ingredients in cosmetics has been substantiated. Current concentration of use ranges from a low of 0.05% in makeup preparations to 2% in moisturizers and several other products. PEGs Soy Sterol are produced by the reaction of the soy sterol hydroxyl with ethylene oxide. In general, ethoxylated fatty acids can contain 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylation. The soy sterols include campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol. The distribution of sterols found in oils derived from common plants is similar, with beta-sitosterol comprising a major component. Impurities include sterol hydrocarbons and cholesterol (4% to 6%) and triterpine alcohols, keto-steroids, and other steroid-like substances (4% to 6%). No pesticide residues were detected. PEGS: Because PEGs are an underlying structure in PEGs Soy Sterols, the previous assessment of PEGs was considered. It is generally recognized that the PEG monomer, ethylene glycol, and certain of its monoalkyl ethers are reproductive and developmental toxins. Given the methods of manufacture of PEGs Soy Sterol, there is no likelihood of ethylene glycol or its alkyl ethers being present. Also, the soybean oil sterol ethers in this ingredient are chemically different from the ethylene glycol alkyl ethers of concern. PEGs are not carcinogenic, although sensitization and nephrotoxicity were observed in burn patients treated with a PEG-based cream. No evidence of systemic toxicity or sensitization was found in studies with intact skin. Plant Phytosterols: Intestinal absorption of ingested plant phytosterols is on the order of 5%, with 95% of the material entering the colon. Absorbed plant phytosterols are transported to the blood. Although there are some data suggesting that sulfates of beta-sitosterol can act as abortifacients in rats and rabbits, other studies of well-characterized plant phytosterols and phytosterol esters demonstrated no effect in an estrogen-binding study, a recombinant yeast assay for estrogen or estrogen-like activity, or a juvenile rat uterotrophic assay for estrogen or estrogen-like activity. In a two-generation reproduction study using rats, plant phytosterol esters in the diet had no effect on any parameter of reproduction or fertility. Subcutaneous injections of beta-sitosterol did reduce sperm concentrations and fertility in rats. Sitosterol inhibited tumor promoting activity of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in mice after initiation with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), and reduced the tumors produced by N-methylnitrosourea in rats. Phytosterols were not genotoxic in several bacterial, mammalian, and in vitro assay systems. Phytosterols decreased epithelial cell proliferation in the colon of mice and rats, and were cytotoxic for human epidermoid carcinoma of the nasopharynx. PEGs Soy Sterols: The acute oral LD50 in rats of PEG-5-25 Soy Sterol was >10 g/kg. The acute dermal LD50 of a liquid eyeliner containing 2%PEG-5 Soy Sterol was >2 g/kg in rabbits. PEG-5-25 Soy Sterol was not a primary irritant in rabbits when applied undiluted. Undiluted PEG-5 Soy Sterol did not cause sensitization in guinea pigs. PEGs Soy Sterol did not produce ocular toxicity in rabbits. PEG-5 Soy Sterol was negative in the Ames mutagenicity test, with or without metabolic activation. PEG-5 Soy Sterol, at concentrations up to 2%in formulation, did not cause dermal or ocular irritation, dermal sensitization, or photosensitization in clinical studies. Because of the possible presence of 1,4-dioxane reaction product and unreacted ethylene oxide residues, it was considered necessary to use appropriate procedures to remove these from PEGs Soy Sterol before blending them into cosmetic formulations. Based on the systemic toxicity and sensitization seen with PEGs applied to damaged skin, it was recommended that PEGs Soy Sterol should not be used in cosmetic products applied to damaged skin. Although no dermal absorption data were available, oral studies demonstrate that phytosterols and phytosterol esters are not significantly absorbed and do not result in significant systemic exposure. Some small amounts did appear in the ovaries, however. This raises a concern about the potential presence of free phytosterols and beta-Sitosterol, which could have antiestrogenic, antiprogestational, gonadotrophic, antigonadotrophic, and antiandrogenic effects in PEG sterols. These concerns are alleviated by the extensive data showing that well-defined phytosterols and phytosterol esters are not estrogenic and do not pose a hazard to reproduction. Likewise, the absence of impurities in plant phytosterols and phytosterol esters and extensive data demonstrating the absence of any genotoxicity in bacterial and mammalian systems mitigate against the possibility of any carcinogenic effect with those same well-characterized materials. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that the PEGs Soy Sterol are safe as used in cosmetic products.

Sitosterolemia

Sitosterolemia was first described 28 years ago in two sisters. They had tendonxanthomas, normal plasma cholesterol levels, and elevated plant sterol levels. The high plant sterol levels were shown to be due to the increased absorption and delayed removal of plant sterols from the body. The increased absorption of plant sterols does not affect cholesterol absorption in these patients. However, cholesterol biosynthesis pathway is downregulated and turnover rates are reduced. Bile acid binding resins and ileal bypass surgery are effective treatments for sitosterolemic patients, whereas statins are ineffective. Sitosterolemia is inherited as a recessive trait. Recent studies have shown that mutations in ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes contribute to sitosterolemia. Most likely, ABCG5 and ABCG8 proteins function as obligate heterodimers and play a role in the absorption of plant sterol or control their rate of absorption.

Plasma non-cholesterol sterols

Increased levels of plasma sterols other than cholesterol can serve as markers for abnormalities in lipid metabolism associated with clinical disease. Premature atherosclerosis and xanthomatosis occur in two rare lipid storage diseases, Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) and sitosterolemia. In CTX, cholestanol is present in all tissues. In sitosterolemia, dietary campesterol and sitosterol accumulate in plasma and red blood cells. Plasma accumulation of oxo-sterols is associated with inhibition of bile acid synthesis and other abnormalities in plasma lipid metabolism. Inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis is associated with plasma appearance of precursor sterols. The increases in non-cholesterol sterols, while highly significant, represent only minor changes in plasma sterols, which require capillary gas-liquid chromatography and MS for effective detection, identification and quantification.

Rice bran oil and gamma-oryzanol in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinaemias and other conditions

Diet is the first (and sometimes the only) therapeutic approach to hyperlipoproteinaemias. Rice bran oil and its main components (unsaturated fatty acids, triterpene alcohols, phytosterols, tocotrienols, alpha-tocopherol) have demonstrated an ability to improve the plasma lipid pattern of rodents, rabbits, non-human primates and humans, reducing total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentration and increasing the high density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Other potential properties of rice bran oil and gamma-oryzanol, studied both in vitro and in animal models, include modulation of pituitary secretion, inhibition of gastric acid secretion, antioxidant action and inhibition of platelet aggregation. This paper reviews the available data on the pharmacology and toxicology of rice bran oil and its main components with particular attention to those studies relating to plasma lipid altering effects.

Absorption, excretion, and distribution of plant sterols after proximal gut resection and autotransplantation of porcine ileum

Contribution of different gut segments to plant sterol absorption, adaptation of plant sterol absorption after partial small bowel resection, and effects of gut transplantation (necessitates extrinsic autonomic denervation and lymphatic disruption) on plant sterol biodynamics are unclear. We studied the consequences of massive proximal small bowel resection and autotransplantation of the remaining ileum on the adaptive absorption and biodynamics of plant sterols. Dietary, fecal, biliary, hepatic and plasma plant sterols, fecal elimination and absorption of cholesterol, small bowel morphology, and intestinal transit were determined before (n = 5) and at 4, 8, and 14 wk after resection of the proximal 75% of the jejunoileum (n = 15) and autotransplantation of the remaining ileum (n = 15) or transection (n = 5). Proximal gut resection significantly reduced cholesterol absorption efficiency; percentage absorption and biliary secretion of plant sterols; plasma, biliary and hepatic campesterol-to-cholesterol proportions; and sitosterol proportions in plasma and bile. Autotransplantation of the remaining ileum further significantly decreased cholesterol absorption efficiency; percentage absorption and biliary secretion of campesterol; campesterol proportions in plasma, bile and liver; and plasma proportions of sitosterol while increasing fecal excretion of neutral and acidic steroids. Plasma proportions of the two plant sterols, but absorption of just campesterol, were gradually improved with increasing cholesterol absorption and villus height after proximal gut resection; the same result was observed to a lesser degree after ileal autotransplantation. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between percentage cholesterol and campesterol absorption and the plasma plant sterol proportions in both proximal resection groups, between campesterol absorption and ileal villus height in the resection group, and between campesterol absorption and intestinal transit time in the autotransplantation group. In conclusion, plasma campesterol and sitosterol closely reflect absorption of cholesterol and plant sterols from intact and autotransplanted ileum during adaptation to proximal gut resection. A loss of proximal gut absorptive surface impairs cholesterol and campesterol absorption more than sitosterol absorption, the latter being apparently less dependent on available jejunal villus surface area.

Dietary phytosterols: a review of metabolism, benefits and side effects

Most animal and human studies show that phytosterols reduce serum/or plasma total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Phytosterols are structurally very similar to cholesterol except that they always contain some substitutions at the C24 position on the sterol side chain. Plasma phytosterol levels in mammalian tissue are normally very low due primarily to poor absorption from the intestine and faster excretion from liver compared to cholesterol. Phytosterols are able to be metabolized in the liver into C21 bile acids via liver other than normal C24 bile acids in mammals. It is generally assumed that cholesterol reduction results directly from inhibition of cholesterol absorption through displacement of cholesterol from micelles. Structure-specific effects of individual phytosterol constituents have recently been shown where saturated phytosterols are more efficient compared to unsaturated compounds in reducing cholesterol levels. In addition, phytosterols produce a wide spectrum of therapeutic effects in animals including anti-tumour properties. Phytosterols have been shown experimentally to inhibit colon cancer development. With regard to toxicity, no obvious side effects of phytosterol have been observed in studies to date, except in individual with phytosterolemia, an inherited lipid disorder. Further characterization of the influence of various phytosterol subcomponents on lipoprotein profiles in humans is required to maximize the usefulness of this non-pharmacological approach to reduction of atherosclerosis in the population.

Altered expression of unidirectional extrusion routes for methotrexate and cholate in an efflux variant of L1210 cells

The specificity and function of two unidirectional anion-efflux pumps in mouse L1210 cells were evaluated using a variant cell line selected for growth in the presence of cholate and bromosulfophthalein. Transport analysis revealed that cholate efflux in the variant L1210/C7 cell line had declined 8-fold, due to the loss of a bromosulfophthalein-sensitive efflux system, the major extrusion route for cholate in parental cells. Efflux measurements showed further that a bromosulfophthalein-sensitive efflux system for methotrexate was also absent in L1210/C7 cells. Total unidirectional efflux of methotrexate, however, was similar in the variant and parental cells, since the loss in the bromosulfophthalein-sensitive system was compensated by a rise in a second probenecid-sensitive route. The latter was identified from inhibitor studies to be the same system which acts as a minor efflux route for methotrexate in parental cells. These results support the hypothesis that L1210 cells contain a bromosulfophthalein-sensitive efflux system which mediates the unidirectional extrusion of either methotrexate or cholate, and a second probenecid-sensitive route which differs from the bromosulfophthalein-sensitive system in inhibitor specificity and also in its ability to transport methotrexate but not cholate.

Hepatic metabolism of 3-oxoandrost-4-ene-17 beta-carboxylic acid in the adult rat: formation of carboxyl-linked glucuronides both in vivo and in vitro

The hepatic metabolism of 3-oxoandrost-4-ene-17 beta-carboxylic acid (etienic acid), a probable acidic catabolite of deoxycorticosterone, was investigated using rats prepared with an external biliary fistula. Metabolic products were identified by GC-MS after hydrolysis with beta-glucuronidase and by proton nuclear magnetic resonance after chromatographic purification of protected glucuronides. About 80% of the injected dose was secreted into bile in 20 hours. Three fully reduced etianic acids (3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-, 3 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-, 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 beta-androstan-17 beta-carboxylic acids) were identified as were several of their di- and trihydroxylated congeners. Glucuronides of these reduced and/or hydroxylated metabolites constituted over half of the recovered dose, with carboxyl-linked glucuronides predominating over 3-hydroxyl-linked glucuronides. The mode of glucuronidation correlated well with the ability of liver microsomes to form the corresponding compounds in vitro from the set of four 3,5-diastereomeric etianic acids.

Incorporation of liposomal phytosterols into human cells in culture: a potential in vitro model for investigating pathological effects of phytosterolemia

A potential in vitro cell culture model was developed for studies concerning the pathological effect of phytosterolemia in which liposomal phytosterols were incorporated into human skin fibroblasts and hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells. After incubation with phytosterols, fibroblasts and HepG2 cells contained a significant amount (20-27%) of phytosterols (campesterol and beta-sitosterol). Phytosterol accumulation caused a significant reduction in the cholesterol content of cells. Labeled sitosterol and cholesterol showed similar uptake with lower esterification of sitosterol when compared to cholesterol. Labeled sitosterol incorporated into LDL was esterified to a greater extent than sitosterol added as straight liposome. About 23% of the labeled sitosterol was converted into acidic products and 5.6% was present as 5 alpha-stanols in HepG2 cells.