Dietary myristic acid modifies the HDL-cholesterol concentration and liver scavenger receptor BI expression in the hamster

The Protective Effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. Extracts Against Obesity and Inflammation by Regulating Free Fatty Acids Metabolism in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disorder characterized by the excess accumulation of fat in the hepatocytes. It is commonly associated with severe obesity and inflammation. Free fatty acids (FFAs) are the key to regulate lipid metabolism and immune response in hepatocyte cells. This study examined the effects of AEN (alcohol extract of nutmeg, the seed of Myristica fragrans Houtt.) on the inhibition of lipid synthesis and inflammation in vitro and in vivo and on high-fat diet-induced obesity in NAFLD mice. Our results showed that AEN treatment could downregulate the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes fatty acid synthase (FASN) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and lower the lipid content of cells. AEN also inhibited FFAs-mediated inflammation-related cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) expression in cells. In a mouse model, AEN reduced the bodyweight of obese mice and improved NAFLD without affecting food intake. Further analysis revealed that AEN significantly reduced inflammation level, cholesterol and lipid accumulation, blood glucose, and other liver function indexes in mice fed with a high-fat diet. In conclusion, AEN inhibited the aggravation of obesity and inflammation by downregulating lipid-gene expression in the liver to ameliorate NAFLD.

Combined effects of ambient particulate matter exposure and a high-fat diet on oxidative stress and steatohepatitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Chronic exposure to ambient particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 (PM2.5) induces oxidative injury and liver pathogenesis. The present study assessed the effect and mechanism of long-term, real-world airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure on oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis in the context of a standard chow diet (STD) and a high-fat diet (HFD); the study further explored whether a combination of PM exposure and HFD treatment exacerbates the adverse effects in mice.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice fed with STD or HFD (41.26% kcal fat) were exposed to PM or filtered air (FA) for 5 months. Lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and liver pathogenesis were evaluated. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to determine gene expression and molecular signal transduction in liver.

RESULTS

Chronic airborne PM exposure impaired oxidative homeostasis, caused inflammation and induced hepatic steatosis in mice. Further investigation found that exposure to real-world PM increased the expression of hepatic Nrf2 and Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzyme gene. The increased protein expression of the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the liver were also observed in PM-exposed groups. Furthermore, the combination of PM exposure and HFD treatment caused a synergistic effect on the changes of lipid accumulation oxidative stress, inflammation in the mouse liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Through in vivo study, we reveal that the combination of real-world ambient PM exposure and HFD treatment aggravates hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, inflammation and oxidative stress. PM exposure may accelerate the progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating SREBP-1c/FAS regulatory axis.

Resveratrol and caloric restriction prevent hepatic steatosis by regulating SIRT1-autophagy pathway and alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress in high-fat diet-fed rats

BACKGROUND

Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol (a natural polyphenol) and caloric restriction activate Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and induce autophagy. Furthermore, autophagy is induced by the SIRT1-FoxO signaling pathway and was recently shown to be a critical protective mechanism against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. We aimed to compare the effects of resveratrol and caloric restriction on hepatic lipid metabolism and elucidate the mechanism by which resveratrol supplementation and caloric restriction alleviate hepatosteatosis by examining the molecular interplay between SIRT1 and autophagy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eight-week-old male Wistar rats (40) were divided into four groups: the STD group, which was fed a standard chow diet; the HFD group, which was fed a high-fat diet; HFD-RES group, which was fed a high-fat diet plus resveratrol (200 mg/kg.bw); and the HFD-CR group, which was fed a high-fat diet in portions containing 70% of the mean intake of the HFD group rats. The groups were maintained for 18 weeks. Metabolic parameters, Oil Red O and hematoxylin-eosin staining of the liver, and the mRNA and protein expression of SIRT1, autophagy markers and endoplasmic reticulum(ER) stress-associated genes in the liver were assessed after the 18-week treatment. We found that resveratrol (200 mg/kg bw) and caloric restriction (30%) partially prevented hepatic steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning, increased the expression of SIRT1 and autophagy markers while decreasing ER stress markers in the liver and alleviated lipid metabolism disorder. Moreover, caloric restriction provided superior protection against HFD-induced hepatic fatty accumulation compared with resveratrol and the effects were associated with decreased total energy intake and body weight.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the SIRT1-autophagy pathway and decreased ER stress are universally required for the protective effects of moderate caloric restriction (30%) and resveratrol (a pharmacological SIRT1 activator) supplementation against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis.

Environmentally Relevant Dose of Bisphenol A Does Not Affect Lipid Metabolism and Has No Synergetic or Antagonistic Effects on Genistein's Beneficial Roles on Lipid Metabolism

Both bisphenol A (BPA, an endocrine disrupting chemicals) and genistein (a phytoestrogen mainly derived from leguminosae) are able to bind to estrogen receptors, but they are considered to have different effects on metabolic syndrome, surprisingly. We here investigate the effects of an environmentally relevant dose of BPA alone and the combined effects with genistein on lipid metabolism in rats. Eight groups of adult male Wistar rats, fed with either standard chow diet or high-fat diet, were treated with BPA (50μg/kg/day), genistein (10mg/kg/day), and BPA plus genistein for 35 weeks, respectively. Metabolic parameters in serum and liver were determined; the hematoxylin/eosin and oil Red O staining were used to observe liver histologically; gene expressions related to hepatic lipid metabolism were analyzed by Real-time PCR; protein expressions of PPARγ, PPARα and LC3 in liver were analyzed by western blotting. No difference of body weight gain, total energy intake, liver weight/body weight or body fat percentage in both STD- and HFD-fed sub-groups was observed after treatment with BPA, genistein, or BPA plus genistein (P>0.05). Genistein alleviated lipid metabolism disorder and decreased the mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ (P<0.05), and increased the protein expression of LC3II (P<0.05) in liver of HFD-fed rats. However, BPA treatment had no effect on lipid metabolism in rats alone (P>0.05) or combined with genistein. Our findings suggest that long-term environmentally relevant dose of BPA did not affect lipid metabolism, and had no synergetic or antagonistic roles on genistein’s beneficial function on hepatic lipid metabolism.

Myristic acid is associated to low plasma HDL cholesterol levels in a Mediterranean population and increases HDL catabolism by enhancing HDL particles trapping to cell surface proteoglycans in a liver hepatoma cell model

BACKGROUND

HDL-C plasma levels are modulated by dietary fatty acid (FA), but studies investigating dietary supplementation in FA gave contrasting results. Saturated FA increased HDL-C levels only in some studies. Mono-unsaturated FA exerted a slight effect while poly-unsaturated FA mostly increased plasma HDL-C.

AIMS

This study presents two aims: i) to investigate the relationship between HDL-C levels and plasma FA composition in a Sicilian population following a "Mediterranean diet", ii) to investigate if FA that resulted correlated with plasma HDL-C levels in the population study and/or very abundant in the plasma were able to affect HDL catabolism in an "in vitro" model of cultured hepatoma cells (HepG2).

RESULTS

plasma HDL-C levels in the population correlated negatively with myristic acid (C14:0, β = -0.24, p < 0.01), oleic acid (C18:1n9, β = -0.22, p < 0.01) and cis-11-Eicosenoic (C20:1n9, β = -0.19, p = 0.01) and positively with palmitoleic acid (C16:1, β = +0.19, p = 0.03). HepG2 cells were conditioned with FA before evaluating HDL binding kinetics, and only C14:0 increased HDL binding by a non-saturable pathway. After removal of heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG) by heparinases HDL binding dropped by 29% only in C14:0 conditioned cells (p < 0.05). C14:0 showed also the highest internalization of HDL-derived cholesteryl esters (CE, +32% p = 0.01 vs. non-conditioned cells).

CONCLUSIONS

C14:0 was correlated with decreased plasma HDL-C levels in a Mediterranean population. C14:0 might reduce HDL-C levels by increasing HDL trapping to cell surface HSPG and CE stripping from bound HDL. Other mechanisms are to be investigated to explain the effects of other FA on HDL metabolism.

Functional and Biochemical Characterization of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Particles Produced in a Humanized Liver Mouse Model

Lipoprotein components are crucial factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) assembly and entry. As hepatoma cells producing cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) particles are impaired in some aspects of lipoprotein metabolism, it is of upmost interest to biochemically and functionally characterize the in vivo produced viral particles, particularly regarding how lipoprotein components modulate HCV entry by lipid transfer receptors such as scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI). Sera from HCVcc-infected liver humanized FRG mice were separated by density gradients. Viral subpopulations, termed HCVfrg particles, were characterized for their physical properties, apolipoprotein association, and infectivity. We demonstrate that, in contrast to the widely spread distribution of apolipoproteins across the different HCVcc subpopulations, the most infectious HCVfrg particles are highly enriched in apoE, suggesting that such apolipoprotein enrichment plays a role for entry of in vivo derived infectious particles likely via usage of apolipoprotein receptors. Consistent with this salient feature, we further reveal previously undefined functionalities of SR-BI in promoting entry of in vivo produced HCV. First, unlike HCVcc, SR-BI is a particularly limiting factor for entry of HCVfrg subpopulations of very low density. Second, HCVfrg entry involves SR-BI lipid transfer activity but not its capacity to bind to the viral glycoprotein E2. In conclusion, we demonstrate that composition and biophysical properties of the different subpopulations of in vivo produced HCVfrg particles modulate their levels of infectivity and receptor usage, hereby featuring divergences with in vitro produced HCVcc particles and highlighting the powerfulness of this in vivo model for the functional study of the interplay between HCV and liver components.

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI): a versatile receptor with multiple functions and actions

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), is a physiologically relevant HDL receptor that mediates selective uptake of lipoprotein (HDL)-derived cholesteryl ester (CE) in vitro and in vivo. Mammalian SR-BI is a 509-amino acid, ~82 kDa glycoprotein that contains N- and C-terminal cytoplasmic domains, two-transmembrane domains, as well as a large extracellular domain containing 5-6 cysteine residues and multiple sites for N-linked glycosylation. The size and structural characteristics of SR-BI, however, vary considerably among lower vertebrates and insects. Recently, significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the posttranscriptional/posttranslational regulation of SR-BI in a tissue specific manner. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current body of knowledge about the events and molecules connected with the posttranscriptional/posttranslational regulation of SR-BI and to update the molecular and functional characteristics of the insect SR-BI orthologs.

High-fat diet aggravates glucose homeostasis disorder caused by chronic exposure to bisphenol A

Epidemiological findings on the association between bisphenol A (BPA, 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane) exposure and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are paradoxical. In animal studies, BPA has been shown to disrupt pancreatic function and blood glucose homeostasis even at a reference 'safe' level during perinatal period. In this study, we explored the effects of long-term paternal exposure to a 'safe' level of BPA on parents themselves and their offspring. Adult male genitor rats fed with either standard chow diet (STD) or high-fat diet (HFD) were treated respectively with either vehicle or BPA (50 μg/kg per day) for 35 weeks. The male rats treated with vehicle or BPA for 21 weeks were then used as sires, and the adult female rats were fed with STD during the gestation and lactation. Offspring rats were weaned on postnatal day 21 and fed with STD in later life. Metabolic parameters were recorded on the adult male rats and their adult offspring. BPA exposure disrupted glucose homeostasis and pancreatic function, and HFD aggravated these adverse effects. However, BPA exposure did not alter body weight, body fat percentage, or serum lipid. In addition, the paternal BPA exposure did not cause adverse reproductive consequence or metabolic disorder in the adult offspring. Our findings indicate that chronic exposure to a predicted 'safe' dose of BPA contributes to glucose metabolic disorders, and that HFD aggravates these adverse effects in paternal rats.

In rat hepatocytes, myristic acid occurs through lipogenesis, palmitic acid shortening and lauric acid elongation

The origin of myristic acid in mammalian cells and the regulation of its endogenous cellular low concentration are not known. Another intriguing question is the potential metabolic properties of endogenous myristic acid as compared with exogenous myristic acid. In the present paper, we hypothesised and demonstrated that, in liver cells, in addition to the usual fatty acid synthase (FAS) pathway that produces predominantly palmitic acid and minor amounts of myristic acid, part of endogenous cellular myristic acid also comes from a shortening of palmitic acid, likely by peroxisomal β-oxidation and from lauric acid by elongation. From a nutritional point of view, C16:0 is universally found in natural fats and its shortening to myristic acid could contribute to a non-negligible source of this fatty acid (FA) in the organism. Then, we measured the distribution of endogenously synthesised myristic acid in lipid species and compared it with that of exogenous myristic acid. Our results do not support the hypothesis of different metabolic fates of endogenous and exogenous myristic acid and suggest that whatever the origin of myristic acid, its cellular concentration and lipid distribution are highly regulated.

Changes in cholesterol homeostasis modify the response of F1B hamsters to dietary very long chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Background

The plasma lipoprotein response of F1B Golden-Syrian hamsters fed diets high in very long chain (VLC) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is paradoxical to that observed in humans. This anomaly is attributed, in part, to low lipoprotein lipase activity and is dependent on cholesterol status. To further elucidate the mechanism(s) for these responses, hamsters were fed diets containing supplemental fish oil (VLC n-3 PUFA) or safflower oil (n-6 PUFA) (both 10% [w/w]) and either cholesterol-supplemented (0.1% cholesterol [w/w]) or cholesterol-depleted (0.01% cholesterol [w/w] and 10 days prior to killing fed 0.15% lovastatin+2% cholestyramine [w/w]).

Results

Cholesterol-supplemented hamsters fed fish oil, relative to safflower oil, had higher non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.001) which were associated with lower hepatic low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c and acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyl transferase-2 (ACAT) mRNA and protein (p < 0.05), and higher hepatic apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 and apo E protein levels. In contrast, cholesterol-depleted hamsters fed fish oil, relative to safflower oil, had lower non-HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.001) which were associated with lower hepatic SREBP-1c (p < 0.05) but not apo B-100, apo E or ACAT-2 mRNA or protein levels. Independent of cholesterol status, fish oil fed hamsters had lower HDL cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.001), which were associated with lower hepatic apoA-I protein levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These data suggest disturbing cholesterol homeostasis in F1B hamsters alters their response to dietary fatty acids, which is reflected in altered plasma lipoprotein patterns and regulation of genes associated with their metabolism.

Short chain saturated fatty acids decrease circulating cholesterol and increase tissue PUFA content in the rat

This study investigates the effect of various dietary saturated fatty acid (SFA) profiles on plasma lipid parameters and tissue fatty acid composition in rats. The experiment was designed to monitor polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels, while examining different amounts and types of SFA. Four isocaloric diets were prepared, containing 10-11 mol% of fatty acids (FA) as linoleic acid (LNA) and 2.5 mol% as α-linolenic acid (ALA), leading to an identical and well-balanced LNA/ALA ratio. The initial rapeseed oil/corn oil mixture providing ALA and LNA was enriched with olive oil to prepare the olive oil diet. The butterfat diet was supplemented with butterfat, containing short-chain SFA (C4:0-C10:0, 17 mol% of FA), lauric acid (C12:0, 3.2 mol%), myristic acid (C14:0, 10.5 mol%) and palmitic acid (C16:0, 14.5 mol%). The saturates diet was supplemented with trilaurin, trimyristin and tripalmitin to obtain the same level of lauric, myristic and palmitic acids as the butterfat diet, without the short-chain SFA. The trimyristin diet was enriched with trimyristin only. The results showed that the butterfat diet contributed to specific effects, compared to the olive oil diet and the saturates and trimyristin diets: a decrease in plasma total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, higher tissue storage of ALA and LNA, and a higher level of (n-3) highly unsaturated fatty acids in some tissues. This study supports the hypothesis that in diets with identical well-balanced LNA/ALA ratios, short chain SFA may decrease circulating cholesterol and increase tissue polyunsaturated fatty acid content in the rat.

Effect of seaweed and cholesterol-enriched diets on postprandial lipoproteinaemia in rats

High postprandial lipaemia increases cardiovascular risk. Algae consumption may affect postprandial lipoproteinaemia. The effects of dietary alga and cholesterol supplementation on postprandial lipaemia and lipoproteinaemia and arylesterase (AE) activity in growing male Wistar rats were tested in the present study. Six groups of ten rats were fed a casein-based diet for 3 weeks. Three of the diets contained 2.4 % cholesterol-raising agent (Chol), while the other three did not (NChol). Seven percentage of the control diets (NChol-C and Chol-C) consisted of a cellulose-wheat starch mix (35:65), while the Nori alga diets (NChol-N and Chol-N) and Konbu diets (NChol-K and Chol-K) contained 7 % of each respective freeze-dried alga. Postprandial plasma was obtained after a 3 h diet withdrawal. Supplementary cholesterol and alga type significantly affected (at least P < 0.05) the cholesterol, TAG, phospholipid and protein contents of the various lipoprotein fractions. AE enzyme activity increased (P < 0.05) in NChol rats given Nori and Konbu diets. NChol-K, but not NChol-N, rats displayed higher (P < 0.05) plasma cholesterol, TAG and phospholipid levels than NChol-C animals. NChol-K rats presented higher TAG, phospholipid, protein and lipoprotein mass values than their NChol-C counterparts. Inclusion of algae in Chol diets decreased (P < 0.001) the postprandial hypertriacylglycerolaemia. The Chol-N diet affected most lipoprotein fraction contents. Chol-N rats had lower postprandial cholesterolaemia and a better lipoprotein profile (fewer LDL and a tendency toward more HDL and fewer cholesterol-enriched VLDL) than Chol-K rats, suggesting that Nori is the alga of choice in dietary treatment of hypercholesterolaemia.

Hepatic lipid metabolism response to dietary fatty acids is differently modulated by PPARalpha in male and female mice

BACKGROUND

In human beings, women are at lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, and respond differently from men to dietary fatty acids.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate (i) the influence of gender on the response of lipid metabolism to dietary n-3 PUFA, and (ii) the contribution of PPARalpha to this response.

METHODS

Male and female mice, wild-type (WT) and PPARalpha-null (KO), were fed on diets rich in either saturated FA (SFA) or 18:3 n-3 (ALA). Lipid composition, mRNA levels and certain activities of key enzymes and major transcription factors were determined in the liver. WT mice were slightly affected by dietary FA. However, in WT female mice, but not in males, mRNA levels of PPARalpha-dependent genes (L-FABP, ACO) were higher in the mice fed on the ALA-rich diet. When compared to WT mice, KO female mice exhibited a decreased lipogenesis capacity (40% lower FAS, ACC, and SREBP-1c mRNA level), whereas KO males showed a decrease in peroxisomal beta-oxidation (activity and expression of ACO reduced by 20 and 40%, respectively). When compared to SFA-fed KO mice, steatosis was twice lower in KO mice fed on ALA, despite the absence of dietary effect on plasma TG, CPT1 and ACO activities, or ACC and FAS expression. Besides, in mice on the SFA diet, steatosis was alleviated in females, and CPT1 expression was up-regulated to a higher extent in females than in males (2.7- and 3.6-fold, respectively, as compared to the corresponding WT groups).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests estrogen to modulate the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolic pathway by dietary fatty acids. Besides, PPARalpha invalidation resulted in unexpected regulations by ALA of its known targets and was compensated partly in females, which was therefore less sensitive to the detrimental effects of a SFA-rich diet.

Scavenger receptor class B type I protein as an independent predictor of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in subjects with hyperalphalipoproteinemia

CONTEXT

In mice, scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) receptor protein deficiency is associated with elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine the relationship between SR-BI protein and HDL-C levels in humans.

DESIGN

This was a prospective study of adults with hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Fasting blood was obtained for lipid and lipoprotein measurement, genomic DNA, and monocyte-derived macrophages. SR-BI protein levels were measured by Western blots, and SR-BI activity was measured by cholesteryl ester (CE) uptake of each donor's radiolabeled HDL with their monocyte-derived macrophages, or by degradation and specific cell association of dual-labeled HDL in vitro.

SETTING

The study was performed in a tertiary university teaching hospital.

RESULTS

The mean age was 57.2 +/- 10.9 yr (n = 65). SR-BI protein levels were inversely associated with HDL-C levels (P < 0.002), HDL particle size (P < 0.05), and positively associated with CE uptake (P < 0.004); there was no association with plasma apolipoprotein levels. SR-BI protein levels (P = 0.01) were independent predictors of HDL-C levels. Subjects who were carriers of the A allele for the rs4238001 (glycine to serine at position 2) polymorphism [single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)] had lower SR-BI protein levels (P = 0.01), whereas carriers of the C allele for the rs2278986 SNP also had lower SR-BI protein levels (P = 0.02). Body mass index (P = 0.05), rs4238001 (P = 0.01), and rs2278986 (P = 0.01) SNPs were independent predictors of SR-BI protein levels. In vitro studies of murine macrophages stably expressing the glycine to serine at position 2 SNP showed less degradation (P < 0.0004) and specific cell association (P < 0.0004) of [(125)I, (3)H]-CE-labeled HDL.

CONCLUSIONS

SR-BI protein has an independent effect on HDL-C levels in women with hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Two SNPs were significantly associated with lower SR-BI protein levels.

Reduced plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in hyperthyroid mice coincides with decreased hepatic adenosine 5'-triphosphate-binding cassette transporter 1 expression

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of severe hyperthyroidism on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Recently, it was shown in mice that increasing doses of T(3) up-regulate hepatic expression of scavenger receptor class B, type I, resulting in increased clearance of plasma HDL-C. Here, we show that severe hyperthyroidism in mice did not affect hepatic expression of scavenger receptor class B, type I, but reduced hepatic expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1, accompanied by a 40% reduction of HDL-C. The sterol content of bile, liver, and feces was markedly increased, accompanied by up-regulation of hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, and ATP-binding cassette transporter 5, which is known to promote biliary sterol secretion upon dimerization with ATP-binding cassette transporter 8. Both control and hyperthyroid mice exerted identical plasma clearance of iv injected [(3)H]HDL-C, supporting the view that severe hyperthyroidism does not affect HDL-C clearance but, rather, its formation via hepatic ATP-binding cassette transporter 1.

Saturated fatty acids: simple molecular structures with complex cellular functions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes recent findings on the biological functions of saturated fatty acids. Some of these findings suggest that saturated fatty acids may have important and specific regulatory roles in the cells. Until now these roles have largely been outweighed by the negative impact of dietary saturated fatty acids on atherosclerosis biomarkers. Elucidated biochemical mechanisms like protein acylation (N-myristoylation, S-palmitoylation) and putative physiological roles are described.

RECENT FINDINGS

The review will focus on the following topics: new aspects on the metabolism of saturated fatty acids; recent reports on the biochemical functions of saturated fatty acids; current investigations on the physiological roles (elucidated and putative) of saturated fatty acids; and a discussion of the nutritional dietary recommendations (amounts and types) of saturated fatty acids.

SUMMARY

Dietary saturated fatty acids are usually associated with negative consequences for human health. Experimental results on the relationship between doses, physiological effects, specificities and functions of individual saturated fatty acids are, however, conflicting. In this context, this review describes emerging recent evidence that some saturated fatty acids have important and specific biological roles. Such data are needed to allow a balanced view in terms of potential nutritional benefits of saturated fatty acids, and, if necessary, reassessment of the current nutritional dietary recommendations.

Moderate dietary intake of myristic and alpha-linolenic acids increases lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity in humans

Cholesterol removal from tissues into HDL depends on the activity of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT; E.C. 2.3.1.43) that is associated with lower cardiovascular diseases risk. HDL cholesterol concentration and LCAT activity can be modulated by dietary fatty acids. Original data with substrate models have shown a positive effect of myristic acid (MA) on the esterification rate of cholesterol. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of moderate intakes of MA associated with recommended intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) on LCAT activity in humans. Two experimental diets were tested for 3 months each. Diet 1-MA 1.2% of total energy (TE) and ALA 0.9% TE, diet 2-MA 1.8% and ALA 0.9% TE; a control diet (MA 1.2% and ALA 0.4% TE) was given 3 months before diet 1 and diet 2. The endogenous activity of LCAT was determined at completion of each diet. Compared with the control diet (13.2 +/- 3.1 micromol CE/(L x h)), LCAT activity increased significantly (P < 0.001) with diet 1 (24.2 +/- 3.6 micromol CE/(L x h)) and diet 2 (33.3 +/- 7.4 micromol CE/(L x h)); the increase observed with diet 2 was significantly (P < 0.001) greater than that due to diet 1. These results suggest that ALA (from rapeseed oil, mainly in sn-2 position) and MA (from dairy fat, mainly in sn-2 position) favor LCAT activity, by respective increases of 83 and 38%. When they are supplied together, a complementary effect was observed (average increase of 152%). Moreover, these observations were associated with a decrease of the ratio of total to HDL-cholesterol. In conclusion, our results suggest that moderate supply of MA (1.8% TE) associated with the recommended intake of ALA (0.9% TE) contributes to improve LCAT activity.

Lipid atherogenic risk markers can be more favourably influenced by thecis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoate isomer than a conjugated linoleic acid mixture or fish oil in hamsters

The aim of our present study was to compare the efficiency of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and fish oil in modulating atherogenic risk markers. Adult male hamsters were given a cholesterol-rich diet (0·6 g/kg) for 8 weeks; the diet was supplemented with 5 gcis-9,trans-11-CLA isomer/kg, 12 g CLA mixture (CLA-mix)/kg, 12 g fish oil/kg or 12 g fish oil + 12 g CLA-mix/kg. The plasma cholesterol status was improved only with thecis-9,trans-11-CLA (HDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol:LDL-cholesterol ratio,P<0·05), but was of borderline significance for CLA-mix (HDL-cholesterol:LDL-cholesterol ratio,P=0·06), with an increase (33–40 %) in the liver lipoprotein receptors (scavenger receptor-type I and LDL ApoB/E receptor) and HDL-binding protein 2 (P<0·05). A 100 % pigment gallstones incidence and a slight insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment index) were observed in the CLA-mix-fed hamsters (P=−0·031). In comparison, fish-oil feeding alone improved merely the scavenger receptor-type I and HDL-binding protein 2 liver status and faeces sterol output. For most of our present observations, the concomitant intake of fish oil and CLA-mix gave dominant effects that were exclusive and specific to one or the other oil. In conclusion, part of the beneficial effects of CLA in the present study can be ascribed to thecis-9,trans-11-isomer, and these did not generally overlap with those of fish oil. In addition, the CLA-mix effects are clearly affected by the marine (n-3) fatty acids.

Gender-related response of lipid metabolism to dietary fatty acids in the hamster

Gender and dietary fatty acids are involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, disturbances of which can lead to pathologies such as metabolic syndrome or CVD. Possible interactions between these factors were investigated in male and female hamsters fed diets rich in either saturated fatty acids (‘butter’ diet) or in α-linolenic acid (‘linseed oil’ diet). Gender effect predominated over the diet effect on cholesterol (CH) metabolism; compared to males, females exhibited lower concentrations of plasma total CH (−20%,P<0·001), LDL-CH (−40%,P<0·001) and HDL-CH (−16%,P<0·001), together with higher LDL receptor (+40%) and lower HDL receptor (−60%) hepatic content. Triacylglycerol (TG) metabolism was affected by diet above all: compared to animals fed the ‘butter’ diet, those fed the ‘linseed oil’ diet exhibited lower plasma (−23%,P=0·046) and liver TG (−20%,P=0·026) concentration which may result from both an increased β-oxidation (P<0·001), without any change in PPARα mRNA, and a decreased hepatic lipogenesis (P=0·023), without increased sterol response element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) mRNA. The response to diet was much more pronounced in males than in females, without gender effect on the transcription level of PPARα and SREBP1c. Finally, the ‘linseed oil’ diet decreased the insulin resistance index (−80%,P<0·001) with a more marked effect in males, in relation to their higher hepatic PPARγ expression (+90%,P=0·012). In conclusion, in our model, the response of either TG or CH to dietary fatty acids is modulated differently by gender. The possible relevance of these interactions to dietary practice should be taken into account in man.

Activation of the rat scavenger receptor class B type I gene by PPARalpha

Peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is activated by fibrate drugs which are known to protect against atherosclerosis. The present study examines the effects of PPARalpha on SR-BI expression. For this study, a rat SR-BI promoter-luciferase reporter gene construct was co-transfected into different cell lines with expression vectors that encode for PPARalpha+/-retinoic X receptor alpha (RXRalpha). PPARalpha/RXR increased the activity of the SR-BI promoter, an effect that was enhanced by clofibrate. Sequence analysis of the rat SR-BI promoter revealed the presence of a putative peroxisomal proliferator response element (PPRE) at bp -1,622. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that PPARalpha and RXRalpha are able to bind to the SR-BI PPRE motif. In addition, mutational analysis studies confirmed that this PPRE motif is responsible for the PPARalpha/RXRalpha-dependent activation of the rat SR-BI promoter in the cell lines examined.

Composition, structure and absorption of milk lipids: a source of energy, fat-soluble nutrients and bioactive molecules

Milkfat is a remarkable source of energy, fat-soluble nutrients and bioactive lipids for mammals. The composition and content of lipids in milkfat vary widely among mammalian species. Milkfat is not only a source of bioactive lipid components, it also serves as an important delivery medium for nutrients, including the fat-soluble vitamins. Bioactive lipids in milk include triacylglycerides, diacylglycerides, saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phospholipids. Beneficial activities of milk lipids include anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppression properties. The major mammalian milk that is consumed by humans as a food commodity is that from bovine whose milkfat composition is distinct due to their diet and the presence of a rumen. As a result of these factors bovine milkfat is lower in polyunsaturated fatty acids and higher in saturated fatty acids than human milk, and the consequences of these differences are still being researched. The physical properties of bovine milkfat that result from its composition including its plasticity, make it a highly desirable commodity (butter) and food ingredient. Among the 12 major milk fatty acids, only three (lauric, myristic, and palmitic) have been associated with raising total cholesterol levels in plasma, but their individual effects are variable-both towards raising low-density lipoproteins and raising the level of beneficial high-density lipoproteins. The cholesterol-modifying response of individuals to consuming saturated fats is also variable, and therefore the composition, functions and biological properties of milkfat will need to be re-evaluated as the food marketplace moves increasingly towards more personalized diets.

The natural concentration of the conjugated linoleic acid, cis-9,trans-11, in milk fat has antiatherogenic effects in hyperlipidemic hamsters

Milk fat is usually considered to be proatherogenic, although its fatty acid composition can vary, due mainly to farming conditions. No study has evaluated whether such variation can modify the atherogenic properties of dairy fat. Aortic lipid deposition and related risk factors were examined in Syrian hamsters fed diets for 12 wk containing 200 g/kg of 2 commercial milk fats [high content of saturated fatty acids (HSF) and low content of saturated fatty acids (LSF)] contrasting, respectively, in total saturated fatty acids (72 vs. 67 g/100 g), 18:1, trans (4.24 vs. 7.26 g/100g), and conjugated linoleic acid (mainly cis-9,trans-11 or rumenic acid; 0.39 vs. 2.59 g/100 g). Hamsters fed the LSF-diet had 25% less aortic cholesteryl-ester deposition than those fed the HSF-diet; this was accompanied by an improved plasma cholesterol profile (lower LDL cholesterol and LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio), a lower local inflammatory status (aortic gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2), and lower aortic gene expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (all P < 0.05). Supplementation of the LSF-diet with rumenic acid (up to 9 g/kg) amplified the antiatherogenic effect of the original LSF-diet compared with the HSF-diet, i.e., less aortic cholesterol loading, increased reverse cholesterol transport potential (higher plasma HDL cholesterol concentration and ATP-binding cassette, subfamily A, transporter 1 gene expression in aorta), and decreased LDL-peroxidability index and gene expression of proinflammatory IL-1beta in the aorta (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that the atherogenic potential of milk fat can be greatly reduced in products with a naturally high abundance of rumenic acid, and argue for increasing this fatty acid in milk.

Bile acids reduce SR-BI expression in hepatocytes by a pathway involving FXR/RXR, SHP, and LRH-1

Hepatic SR-BI mediates uptake of circulating cholesterol into liver hepatocytes where a part of the cholesterol is metabolised to bile acids. In the hepatocytes, bile acids reduce their own synthesis by a negative feedback loop to prevent toxic high levels of bile acids. Bile acid-activated FXR/RXR represses expression of CYP7A1, the rate-limiting enzyme during bile acid synthesis, by inducing the expression of SHP, which inhibits LXR/RXR and LRH-1-transactivation of CYP7A1. The present paper presents data indicating that CDCA suppresses SR-BI expression by the same pathway. As previously reported, LRH-1 induces SR-BI promoter activity. Here we show that CDCA or over-expression of SHP inhibit this transactivation. No FXR-response element was identified in the bile acid-responsive region of the SR-BI promoter (-1200bp/-937bp). However, a binding site for LRH-1 was characterised and shown to specifically bind LRH-1. The present study shows that also the SR-BI-mediated supply of cholesterol, the substrate for bile acid synthesis, is feedback regulated by bile acids.

Comparative Effect of Fish Oil Feeding and Other Dietary Fatty Acids on Plasma Lipoproteins, Biliary Lipids, and Hepatic Expression of Proteins Involved in Reverse Cholesterol Transport in the Rat

BACKGROUND

While elevated plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels has been associated to a reduction in cardiovascular risk, dietary fish oils rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may protect against this disease. The protective effect of HDL is associated to its participation in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. On the other hand, omega-3 PUFAs decrease plasma HDL levels compared to other fatty acids, which may suggest an effect on reverse cholesterol transport.

AIM

In this work, the effect of dietary fish oil on the fatty acid composition of hepatic membranes, plasma lipoprotein cholesterol profile, biliary lipids, and the expression of proteins involved in reverse cholesterol transport, was compared to other dietary oils having a different degree of fatty acid unsaturation.

METHODS

Male rats were fed a semi synthetic diet containing fish oil (omega-3), sunflower oil (omega-6), olive oil (omega-9) or coconut oil (saturated). Hepatic membrane fatty acid composition, plasma cholesterol levels, lipoprotein cholesterol profile, biliary lipids, hepatic mRNA levels for lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase, hepatic lipase, apo E, and apo A-I, and hepatic protein levels of the scavenger receptor class B type I, caveolin-1, and the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 were analyzed. Plasma apo A-I and apo E protein levels were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Compared to the other diets, omega-3 PUFAs significantly changed omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid ratio of hepatic membranes, caused a reduction of plasma total and HDL cholesterol, and selectively increased biliary cholesterol secretion. No modification in the expression levels of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase, hepatic lipase, apo A-I and apo E mRNA was observed. Hepatic scavenger receptor class B type I, caveolin-1, and the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 protein levels were also not affected. Plasma apo A-I, but not apo E, was reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that dietary omega-3 PUFAs reduce plasma HDL cholesterol and increase biliary cholesterol without concomitant modifications in the expression of key genes and proteins involved in reverse cholesterol transport. These findings suggest that functional changes in the activity of these proteins as consequence of the incorporation of omega-3 PUFAs into hepatic membranes and plasma lipoproteins may underlie the effect of fish oil feeding on plasma and hepatic cholesterol metabolism in the rat.

High-throughput metabolic state analysis: the missing link in integrated functional genomics of yeasts

The lack of comparable metabolic state assays severely limits understanding the metabolic changes caused by genetic or environmental perturbations. The present study reports the application of a novel derivatization method for metabolome analysis of yeast, coupled to data-mining software that achieve comparable throughput, effort and cost compared with DNA arrays. Our sample workup method enables simultaneous metabolite measurements throughout central carbon metabolism and amino acid biosynthesis, using a standard GC-MS platform that was optimized for this purpose. As an implementation proof-of-concept, we assayed metabolite levels in two yeast strains and two different environmental conditions in the context of metabolic pathway reconstruction. We demonstrate that these differential metabolite level data distinguish among sample types, such as typical metabolic fingerprinting or footprinting. More importantly, we demonstrate that this differential metabolite level data provides insight into specific metabolic pathways and lays the groundwork for integrated transcription-metabolism studies of yeasts.

Linoleic acid increases lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) expression in human aortic endothelial cells

Results from in vitro studies suggest that selected fatty acids, and especially linoleic acid (LA), can elicit endothelial dysfunction (ED). Because LA is increased in all LDL subfractions in patients with type 2 diabetes, this alteration may contribute to ED associated with diabetes. Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) is the major endothelial receptor for oxidized LDL (oxLDL), and uptake of oxLDL through LOX-1 induces ED. To evaluate whether LA may contribute to the upregulation of endothelial LOX-1 in diabetes, we studied the effect of LA on LOX-1 expression in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Treatment of HAECs with LA increased, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, endothelial LOX-1 protein expression. Pretreatment of HAECs with antioxidants and inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, protein kinase C (PKC), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibited the stimulatory effect of LA on LOX-1 protein expression. Furthermore, in LA-treated HAECs, increased expression of classic PKC isoforms was observed. LA also led to a significant increase in LOX-1 gene expression and enhanced the binding of nuclear proteins extracted from HAECs to the NF-kappaB regulatory element of the LOX-1 gene promoter. Finally, LA enhanced, through LOX-1, oxLDL uptake by endothelial cells. Overall, these results demonstrate that LA enhances endothelial LOX-1 expression through oxidative stress-sensitive and PKC-dependent pathways. This effect seems to be exerted at the transcriptional level and to involve the activation of NF-kappaB. Upregulation of LOX-1 by LA may contribute to ED associated with type 2 diabetes.

Dietary fatty acids and cholesterol differentially modulate HDL cholesterol metabolism in Golden-Syrian hamsters

Dietary fatty acids alter HDL cholesterol concentrations, presumably through mechanisms related to reverse cholesterol transport. The effect of dietary fats (coconut oil, butter, traditional stick margarine, soybean oil, canola oil) differing in fatty acid profile on this antiatherogenic process was assessed with respect to plasma lipids; exogenous and endogenous lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activities; and LCAT, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and scavenger receptor B class-1 (SR-B1) mRNA abundance. Golden-Syrian hamsters were fed a nonpurified (6.25 g/100 g fat) diet containing an additional 10 g/100 g experimental fat and 0.1 g/100 g cholesterol for 6 wk. Canola and soybean oils significantly lowered serum HDL cholesterol concentrations relative to butter. Canola oil, relative to butter, resulted in higher exogenous LCAT activity, and both soybean and canola oils significantly increased hepatic apo A-I and SR-B1 mRNA abundance. Butter, relative to margarine, coconut and soybean oils, significantly increased serum non-HDL cholesterol concentrations. Endogenous and exogenous LCAT, CETP, and PLTP activities did not differ in hamsters fed margarine or saturated fat diets, despite lower hepatic LCAT, apo A-I, and SR-B1 mRNA abundance, suggesting that changes in available substrate and/or modification to the LCAT protein may have been involved in lipoprotein changes. These results suggest that lower HDL cholesterol concentrations, as a result of canola and soybean oil feeding, may not be detrimental due to increases in components involved in the reverse cholesterol transport process in these hamsters and may retard the progression of atherosclerosis.

Effects of dietary alpha linolenic acid on cholesterol metabolism in male and female hamsters of the LPN strain

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and estrogens are recognized as protective factors of atherosclerosis, however their interactions on cholesterol metabolism remain unclear. Male and female hamsters were fed for 9 weeks diets containing 12.5% lipids and rich in either alpha-linolenic acid ("linseed" diet) or saturated fatty acids ("butter" diet). Hamsters fed the "linseed" diet exhibited lower plasma concentrations of cholesterol (-29%), total LDL (-35%) and HDL (-17%), glucose (-20%), insulin (-40%) and of the LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio (-27%) than those fed the "butter" diet. In the liver, cholesterol content was 2.7-fold lower in response to the "linseed" diet, whereas the concentration of HDL receptor (SR-BI) and the activities of HMGCoA reductase and cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase were 30 to 50% higher than with the "butter" diet. By contrast, the LDL receptor concentration did not vary with the diet. Females exhibited higher concentration of LDL (+24%), lower concentration of plasma triglycerides (-34%), total VLDL (-46%) and VLDL-cholesterol (-37%) and of biliary phospholipids (-19%). Besides, there was also an interaction between gender and diet: in males fed the "butter" diet, plasma triglycerides and VLDL concentration, were 2 to 4 fold higher than in the other groups. These data suggest that gene and/or metabolic regulations by fatty acids could interact with that of sex hormones and explain why males are more sensitive to dietary fatty acids.

Reduction of dietary saturated fatty acids correlates with increased plasma lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity in humans

OBJECTIVE

Increased HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations have been associated with lower coronary heart disease risk. On the other hand, dietary fats are known to influence the fatty acid profile of plasma lipids, including phospholipids that are substrates of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), an important enzyme in HDL metabolism. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake and LCAT activity.

DESIGN

An interventional study was performed in a monk community of 25 men.

SETTING

A French monk community, South West of France.

SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS

The basal diet of the study cohort contained SFA in a proportion of 13.5% of their total energy intake (TEI). They were submitted to two experimental isocaloric diets containing either 8.4% of the TEI in SFA (diet A) or 11% (diet B), each lasting 5 weeks.

RESULTS

The elevation of SFA in diet B was mainly obtained by decreasing carbohydrates. The only significant difference among total fats between diets A and B was the myristic acid content (0.6 and 1.2% of TEI, respectively). The elevation in SFA in diet B resulted in a significant increase of HDL-C (P<0.04), while plasma apo A-I concentration and LCAT activity both decreased (P<0.02).

CONCLUSION

Altogether, these results are consistent with a negative effect of SFA on reverse cholesterol transport.

Effects of ileo-rectal anastomosis on cholesterol metabolism in pigs fed either casein or extruded soya beans

The importance of legume proteins in cholesterol metabolism has been recognised, but the hindgut contribution is still unclear. The present work was undertaken to address the role of the caecum-colon in cholesterol metabolism in intact (I) and ileo-rectal anastomosed (IRA) pigs fed with casein or extruded soyabean (ES) diets. Four groups of six growing pigs were assigned to the treatments (casein-I, casein-IRA, ES-I, ES-IRA) for 3 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol were not modified by surgery or diet. In the liver, the ES diet significantly depressed non-esterified, esterified and total cholesterol. The treatments did not affect hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase, cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase or sterol 27-hydroxylase activities. In the gallbladder bile of ES-fed pigs, total cholesterol was depressed while total bile acid concentration was increased. IRA and the ES diet markedly decreased the biliary bile acid microbial metabolites (namely hyodeoxycholic acid) and increased the primary bile acids (mainly hyocholic acid). The concentration of bile hydrophobic acids was decreased only by the ES diet. Faecal neutral sterol output was increased in ES-fed pigs, but the bile acid and the sum of neutral and acidic steroid outputs were not. Microbial transformation of neutral and acidic steroids was markedly reduced by IRA, especially in the ES-fed pigs. Thus, surgery and ES modulated the steroid profile but the caecum-colon did not seem to play a crucial role in determining cholesterolaemia in pigs.

Replacing 40% of dietary animal fat with vegetable oil is associated with lower HDL cholesterol and higher cholesterol ester transfer protein in cynomolgus monkeys fed sufficient linoleic acid

This study was designed to evaluate whether replacing approximately 40 g/100 g dietary animal fat with vegetable oil would improve plasma lipids and lipoproteins when diets contained prudent levels of total saturated acid (SFA), monounsaturated acid (MUFA) and PUFA. Using a cross-over design, male Cynomolgus monkeys (n = 10) were fed purified diets containing a mixture of fats. For the diet based on animal fat (AF-diet), approximately 85 g/100 g of the total fat was derived from pork fat, and approximately 40 g/100 g of this was replaced with olive oil for the vegetable oil-based diet (VO-diet). Thus, the fat content of the VO diet comprised 50% pork fat and 35% olive oil. The remaining 15% of the total fat (for both diets) was safflower oil. Both diets provided approximately 30% of total energy (%en) from fat, <10%en SFA and approximately 6-7%en from PUFA. Monkeys were rotated through two 7-wk feeding periods, during which time plasma lipids and lipoproteins were evaluated. Compared with the AF diet, plasma total cholesterol (TC) concentrations tended to be lower ( approximately 10%) after monkeys consumed the VO diet (3.18 +/- 0.83 vs. 3.52 +/- 0.93 mmol/L, P = 0.099), and this was due entirely to a significant 12% reduction in HDL cholesterol (1.53 +/- 0.41 vs. 1.73 +/- 0.47, mmol/L, P = 0.0009). Although plasma lipoprotein compositional analyses revealed no significant differences in either lipoprotein composition or the estimated particle diameters, the measurement of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) using (3)H-cholesterol ester-labeled HDL revealed that the lower HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) when monkeys consumed the VO diet was associated with a 31% increase in transfer (P = 0.04). However, despite the changes in HDL-C, the TC/HDL-C ratio did not differ between monkeys after the two diet treatments. Regression analyses of data from these monkeys revealed a significant correlation between the dietary 16:0/18:2 ratio and plasma HDL-C. These data suggest that within the context of currently recommended prudent diets, it may be possible to manipulate HDL-C beneficially. Whether a similar effect would occur in humans warrants investigation.

Hepatic scavenger receptor class B, type I is stimulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha

Excessive cellular cholesterol is transported to the liver by a pathway called 'reverse cholesterol transport.' Scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI) mediates cholesterol uptake in the liver. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, known to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), have been reported to increase hepatic cholesterol uptake. We found in the present study that PPARgamma induces expression of SR-BI in rat hepatocytes, liver endothelial cells, and Kupffer cells. In contrast, PPARalpha increased SR-BI levels only in hepatocytes and liver endothelial cells. PPARgamma/RXR binds to a response element between -459 and -472 bp in the human SR-BI promoter. Furthermore, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) was found to enhance PPARgamma-mediated SR-BI transcription. Thiazolidinedione (TZD)-activated PPARgamma/RXR increased hepatic SR-BI levels, which may lead to increased hepatic cholesterol uptake and less accumulation of lipids in peripheral tissues. The present results are in agreement with previous reports, indicating that specific PPARgamma-agonists (such as TZDs) protect against atherosclerosis.

The role of the high-density lipoprotein receptor SR-BI in the lipid metabolism of endocrine and other tissues

Because cholesterol is a precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones, steroidogenic tissues have evolved multiple pathways to ensure adequate supplies of cholesterol. These include synthesis, storage as cholesteryl esters, and import from lipoproteins. In addition to endocytosis via members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor superfamily, steroidogenic cells acquire cholesterol from lipoproteins by selective lipid uptake. This pathway, which does not involve lysosomal degradation of the lipoprotein, is mediated by the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). SR-BI is highly expressed in steroidogenic cells, where its expression is regulated by various trophic hormones, as well as in the liver. Studies of genetically manipulated strains of mice have established that SR-BI plays a key role in regulating lipoprotein metabolism and cholesterol transport to steroidogenic tissues and to the liver for biliary secretion. In addition, analysis of SR-BI-deficient mice has shown that SR-BI expression is important for alpha-tocopherol and nitric oxide metabolism, as well as normal red blood cell maturation and female fertility. These mouse models have also revealed that SR-BI can protect against atherosclerosis. If SR-BI plays similar physiological and pathophysiological roles in humans, it may be an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular and reproductive diseases.

Dietary fats differentially modulate the expression of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, apoprotein-A1 and scavenger receptor b1 in rats

In the present study the effects of dietary fat with defined fatty acids on lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and apoA-1, the two components of HDL that play a major role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), were examined. In addition, the expression of scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1), the receptor involved in the uptake of HDL core lipids, was also determined under the same conditions in rats fed semisynthetic diets supplemented with triolein (TO), tripalmitin (TP) or menhaden oil (MO). Serum LCAT activity [ micro mol CE/(L.h)] was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in rats fed TO (33 +/- 4) compared with those fed TP (23 +/- 3) or MO (21 +/- 1). The levels of hepatic LCAT mRNA and hepatic SR-B1 receptor protein did not differ between rats fed TP and MO. The triolein diet, on the other hand, increased the induction of hepatic LCAT mRNA and hepatic SR-B1 receptor protein 1.5- to 2-fold. Serum HDL cholesterol concentrations differed among all groups and were 1.30 +/- 0.08, 1.17 +/- 0.10 and 0.91 +/- 0.06 mmol/L for TO-, TP- and MO-fed rats, respectively. Serum apoA-1 levels were significantly higher in TO-fed rats than in the other two groups. The data indicate that TO increases the secretion of HDL and its components (apoA-1 and LCAT), and stimulates the production of hepatic SR-B1 receptor protein. Overall, these results suggest that triolein may promote RCT and thus retard the development of atherosclerosis.

A CLA mixture prevents body triglyceride accumulation without affecting energy expenditure in Syrian hamsters

We examined the effects of feeding conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) to adult male hamsters on several components of energy metabolism and body composition. Hamsters (n = 54) were assigned for 6-8 wk to one of three diets: 1) a standard diet (in percentage energy: lipids, 33, carbohydrates, 49, and proteins, 18); 2) to the standard diet augmented with the 9c,11t-isomer of CLA to 1.6% of energy (R group); or 3) the standard diet augmented with the 9c,11t-isomer and the 10t,12c-CLA isomer to 3.2 (1.6 + 1.6) % of energy (CLA mix group). (15)N uniformly labeled milk-protein was included in the diet to measure the incorporation of dietary protein into liver and muscle. Basal metabolic rate, thermogenic response to feeding and energy expenditure during spontaneous activity or during an exercise at approximately 60% of VO(2max) were measured. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I), leptin, insulin and triiodothyronine concentrations, as well as the in vivo overall adiposity changes were also determined. After 6 wk, the whole-body triglyceride content determined in vivo by NMR was significantly higher in the R group than in the control and CLA mix groups. The CLA mix group differed from the others in the lack of body triglyceride accumulation between d 21 and d 45 of the study, and the appearance of a slight insulin-resistance (homeostatic model assessment index, P < 0.05). Paradoxically, the lack of effect on whole-body lipid oxidation was associated with a greater CPT-I-specific activity in tissues of both CLA-fed groups (P < 0.05). No other major effects of CLA feeding were detected. In conclusion, CLA supplementation in hamsters did not affect adipose weight or the components of energy expenditure despite a theoretically higher capacity of red muscle to oxidize lipids. Only a CLA mixture prevented whole-body triglyceride accumulation over time.