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Li C, Tian J, Liu N, Song D, Steer CJ, Han Q, Song G. MicroRNA-206 as a potential cholesterol-lowering drug is superior to statins in mice. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100576. [PMID: 38866328 PMCID: PMC11292365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia is frequently intertwined with hepatosteatosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia. This study is designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of miR-206 in contrast to statins in the context of managing hypercholesterolemia in mice. We previously showed that miR-206 is a potent inhibitor of de novo lipogenesis (DNL), cholesterol synthesis, and gluconeogenesis in mice. Given that these processes occur within hepatocytes, we employed a mini-circle (MC) system to deliver miR-206 specifically to hepatocytes (designated as MC-miR-206). A single intravenous injection of MC-miR-206 maintained high levels of miR-206 in the liver for at least two weeks, thereby maintaining suppression of hepatic DNL, cholesterol synthesis, and gluconeogenesis. MC-miR-206 significantly reduced DNA damage, endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress, and hepatic toxicity. Therapeutically, both MC-miR-206 and statins significantly reduced total serum cholesterol and triglycerides as well as LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol in mice maintained on the normal chow and high-fat high-cholesterol diet. MC-miR-206 reduced liver weight, hepatic triglycerides and cholesterol, and blood glucose, while statins slightly increased hepatic cholesterol and blood glucose and failed to affect levels of liver weight and hepatic triglycerides. Mechanistically, miR-206 alleviated hypercholesterolemia by inhibiting hepatic cholesterol synthesis, while statins increased HMGCR activity, hepatic cholesterol synthesis, and fecal-neutral steroid excretion. MiR-206 facilitates the regression of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, and hepatosteatosis. MiR-206 outperforms statins by reducing hyperglycemia, hepatic cholesterol levels, and hepatic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City, China; The First College of Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City, China
| | - Ningning Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David Song
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Clifford J Steer
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Qinghua Han
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City, China.
| | - Guisheng Song
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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2
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Ganzetti GS, Parolini C. Microarray analysis identifies human apoA-I Milano and apoA-II as determinants of the liver gene expression related to lipid and energy metabolism. Exp Cell Res 2023; 433:113826. [PMID: 37858836 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The phenotype of individuals carrying the apolipoprotein A-IMilano (apoA-IM), the mutant form of human apoA-I (apoA-I), is characterized by very low concentrations of HDL and apoA-I, and hypertriglyceridemia. Paradoxically, these subjects are not found to be at increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease compared to controls. Besides, various in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that apoA-IM possesses greater anti-atherosclerotic activity compared to apoA-I. The molecular mechanisms explaining the apoA-IM carrier's phenotype and the apoA-IM higher efficacy are still not fully elucidated. To investigate such mechanisms, we crossed previously generated apoA-I (A-I k-in) or apoA-IM knock-in mice (A-IM k-in) with transgenic mice expressing human apoA-II but lacking murine apoA-I (hA-II) to generate hA-II/A-I k-in, and hA-II/A-IM k-in, respectively. These genetically modified mice completely reproduced the apoA-IM carrier's phenotype, including hypoalphalipoproteinemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Furthermore, by using the microarray methodology, we investigated the intrinsic differences in hepatic gene expression among these k-in mouse lines. The expression of 871, 1,018, 1129 and 764 genes was significantly altered between 1) hA-II/A-I and hA-II/A-IM k-in; 2) A-IM and hA-II/A-IM k-in; 3) A-I and A-IM; 4) A-I and hA-II/A-I k-in liver samples, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis highlighted that the hepatic expression of two genes, Elovl6 and Gatm, related to fatty acid/lipid and energy metabolism, respectively, is influenced by the presence of the apoA-IM natural variant and/or apoA-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia S Ganzetti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Cinzia Parolini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy.
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3
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Colombo A, Franchi E, Bonacina F, Chiara M, Arnaboldi F, Donetti E, Ambrogi F, Oleari R, Lettieri A, Horner D, Scanziani E, Norata GD, Chiesa G. Lack of ApoA-I in ApoEKO Mice Causes Skin Xanthomas, Worsening of Inflammation, and Increased Coronary Atherosclerosis in the Absence of Hyperlipidemia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:839-856. [PMID: 35587694 PMCID: PMC9205301 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.317790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and its major protein component, apoA-I (apolipoprotein A-I), play a unique role in cholesterol homeostasis and immunity. ApoA-I deficiency in hyperlipidemic, atheroprone mice was shown to drive cholesterol accumulation and inflammatory cell activation/proliferation. The present study was aimed at investigating the impact of apoA-I deficiency on lipid deposition and local/systemic inflammation in normolipidemic conditions. Methods: ApoE deficient mice, apoE/apoA-I double deficient (DKO) mice, DKO mice overexpressing human apoA-I, and C57Bl/6J control mice were fed normal laboratory diet until 30 weeks of age. Plasma lipids were quantified, atherosclerosis development at the aortic sinus and coronary arteries was measured, skin ultrastructure was evaluated by electron microscopy. Blood and lymphoid organs were characterized through histological, immunocytofluorimetric, and whole transcriptome analyses. Results: DKO were characterized by almost complete HDL deficiency and by plasma total cholesterol levels comparable to control mice. Only DKO showed xanthoma formation and severe inflammation in the skin-draining lymph nodes, whose transcriptome analysis revealed a dramatic impairment in energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation pathways. An increased presence of CD4+ T effector memory cells was detected in blood, spleen, and skin-draining lymph nodes of DKO. A worsening of atherosclerosis at the aortic sinus and coronary arteries was also observed in DKO versus apoE deficient. Human apoA-I overexpression in the DKO background was able to rescue the skin phenotype and halt atherosclerosis development. Conclusions: HDL deficiency, in the absence of hyperlipidemia, is associated with severe alterations of skin morphology, aortic and coronary atherosclerosis, local and systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Elsa Franchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiara
- Department of Biosciences (M.C., D.H.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy (M.C., D.H.)
| | - Francesca Arnaboldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (F. Arnaboldi, E.D.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Donetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (F. Arnaboldi, E.D.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Ambrogi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (F. Ambrogi), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - David Horner
- Department of Biosciences (M.C., D.H.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy (M.C., D.H.)
| | - Eugenio Scanziani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (E.S.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Mouse and Animal Pathology Laboratory (MAPLab), Fondazione UniMi, Milan, Italy (E.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.,Centro per lo Studio dell'Aterosclerosi, Bassini Hospital, Cinisello B, Milan, Italy (G.D.N.)
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., E.F., F.B., R.O., A.L., G.D.N., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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Manzini S, Busnelli M, Colombo A, Franchi E, Grossano P, Chiesa G. reString: an open-source Python software to perform automatic functional enrichment retrieval, results aggregation and data visualization. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23458. [PMID: 34873191 PMCID: PMC8648753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional enrichment analysis is an analytical method to extract biological insights from gene expression data, popularized by the ever-growing application of high-throughput techniques. Typically, expression profiles are generated for hundreds to thousands of genes/proteins from samples belonging to two experimental groups, and after ad-hoc statistical tests, researchers are left with lists of statistically significant entities, possibly lacking any unifying biological theme. Functional enrichment tackles the problem of putting overall gene expression changes into a broader biological context, based on pre-existing knowledge bases of reference: database collections of known expression regulation, relationships and molecular interactions. STRING is among the most popular tools, providing both protein-protein interaction networks and functional enrichment analysis for any given set of identifiers. For complex experimental designs, manually retrieving, interpreting, analyzing and abridging functional enrichment results is a daunting task, usually performed by hand by the average wet-biology researcher. We have developed reString, a cross-platform software that seamlessly retrieves from STRING functional enrichments from multiple user-supplied gene sets, with just a few clicks, without any need for specific bioinformatics skills. Further, it aggregates all findings into human-readable table summaries, with built-in features to easily produce user-customizable publication-grade clustermaps and bubble plots. Herein, we outline a complete reString protocol, showcasing its features on a real use-case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elsa Franchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Grossano
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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5
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Chiara M, Colombo A, Fontana F, Oleari R, Potì F, Horner D, Bellosta S, Chiesa G. Aortic Gene Expression Profiles Show How ApoA-I Levels Modulate Inflammation, Lysosomal Activity, and Sphingolipid Metabolism in Murine Atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:651-667. [PMID: 33327742 PMCID: PMC7837693 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HDL (high-density lipoprotein) particles are known to possess several antiatherogenic properties that include the removal of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues, the maintenance of endothelial integrity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. ApoA-I overexpression in apoE-deficient (EKO) mice has been shown to increase HDL levels and to strongly reduce atherosclerosis development. The aim of the study was to investigate gene expression patterns associated with atherosclerosis development in the aorta of EKO mice and how HDL plasma levels relate to gene expression patterns at different stages of atherosclerosis development and with different dietary treatments. Approach and Results: Eight-week-old EKO mice, EKO mice overexpressing human apoA-I, and wild-type mice as controls were fed either normal laboratory or Western diet for 6 or 22 weeks. Cholesterol distribution among lipoproteins was evaluated, and atherosclerosis of the aorta was quantified. High-throughput sequencing technologies were used to analyze the transcriptome of the aorta of the 3 genotypes in each experimental condition. In addition to the well-known activation of inflammation and immune response, the impairment of sphingolipid metabolism, phagosome-lysosome system, and osteoclast differentiation emerged as relevant players in atherosclerosis development. The reduced atherosclerotic burden in the aorta of EKO mice expressing high levels of apoA-I was accompanied by a reduced activation of immune system markers, as well as reduced perturbation of lysosomal activity and a better regulation of the sphingolipid synthesis pathway. CONCLUSIONS ApoA-I modulates atherosclerosis development in the aorta of EKO mice affecting the expression of pathways additional to those associated with inflammation and immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Chiara
- Department of Biosciences (M.C., D.H.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy (M.C., D.H.)
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Oleari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery—Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, Italy (F.P.)
| | - David Horner
- Department of Biosciences (M.C., D.H.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Research Council, Bari, Italy (M.C., D.H.)
| | - Stefano Bellosta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (M.B., S.M., A.C., F.F., R.O., S.B., G.C.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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6
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Parolini C. Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Efficacy on inflammatory-based disorders. Life Sci 2020; 263:118591. [PMID: 33069735 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is a physiological response to injury, stimulating tissue repair and regeneration. However, the presence of peculiar individual conditions can negatively perturb the resolution phase eventually leading to a state of low-grade systemic chronic inflammation, characterized by tissue and organ damages and increased susceptibility to non-communicable disease. Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), mainly eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are able to influence many aspects of this process. Experiments performed in various animal models of obesity, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis have demonstrated that n-3 PUFAs can modulate the basic mechanisms as well as the disease progression. This review describes the available data from experimental studies to the clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Parolini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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7
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Jablaoui A, Bruneau A, Kriaa A, Philippe C, Arnaboldi F, Colombo A, Ferrari B, Ambrogi F, Maguin E, Rhimi M, Chiesa G, Gérard P. Fat-Shaped Microbiota Affects Lipid Metabolism, Liver Steatosis, and Intestinal Homeostasis in Mice Fed a Low-Protein Diet. Mol Nutr Food Res 2020; 64:e1900835. [PMID: 32579743 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201900835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Protein malnutrition is characterized by stunted growth, hepatic steatosis and a damaged gut mucosal architecture. Since high-fat shaped gut microbiota (HFM) has an increased ability in providing nutrients and energy from food to the host, the aim of this study is to determine whether such a microbiota could beneficially impact on the consequences of malnutrition. METHODS AND RESULTS The cecal content of specific pathogen free C57Bl/6J mice fed a high-fat diet or a low-protein diet is transplanted in two groups of germ-free C57Bl/6J recipient mice, which are subsequently fed a low-protein diet for 8 weeks. Body weight gain is comparable between the two groups of microbiota-recipient mice. The HFM led to a worsening of microvesicular steatosis and a decrease of plasma lipids compared to the low-protein shaped microbiota. In the small intestine of mice receiving the HFM, although significant histological differences are not observed, the expression of antimicrobial genes promoting oxidative stress and immune response at the ileal epithelium (Duox2, Duoxa2, Saa1, Ang4, Defa5) is increased. CONCLUSION The transplant of HFM in mice fed a low-protein diet represents a noxious stimulus for the ileal mucosa and impairs hepatic lipoprotein secretion, favoring the occurrence of hepatic microvesicular steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Amin Jablaoui
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Aurélia Bruneau
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Aïcha Kriaa
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Catherine Philippe
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Francesca Arnaboldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Alice Colombo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Benedetta Ferrari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Federico Ambrogi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Emmanuelle Maguin
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Moez Rhimi
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Philippe Gérard
- Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in the development of lipid-lowering therapies, clinical trials have shown that a significant residual risk of cardiovascular disease persists. Specifically, new drugs are needed for non-responding or statin-intolerant subjects or patients considered at very high risk for cardiovascular events even though are already on treatment with the best standard of care. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Besides, genetic and epidemiological studies and Mendelian randomization analyses have strengthened the linear correlation between the concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the incidence of cardiovascular events and highlighted various novel therapeutic targets. This review describes the novel strategies to reduce the levels of LDL-C, non-HDL-C, triglyceride, apolipoprotein B, and Lp(a), focusing on those developed using biotechnology-based strategies.
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Bonacina F, Soldati S, Barbieri SS, Amadio P, Sandrini L, Arnaboldi F, Donetti E, Laaksonen R, Paltrinieri S, Scanziani E, Chiesa G. Fenretinide treatment accelerates atherosclerosis development in apoE-deficient mice in spite of beneficial metabolic effects. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:328-345. [PMID: 31621898 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fenretinide, a synthetic retinoid derivative first investigated for cancer prevention and treatment, has been shown to ameliorate glucose tolerance, improve plasma lipid profile and reduce body fat mass. These effects, together with its ability to inhibit ceramide synthesis, suggest that fenretinide may have an anti-atherosclerotic action. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To this aim, nine-week-old apoE-knockout (EKO) female mice were fed for twelve weeks a Western diet, without (control) or with (0.1% w/w) fenretinide. As a reference, wild-type (WT) mice were treated similarly. Growth and metabolic parameters were monitored throughout the study. Atherosclerosis development was evaluated in the aorta and at the aortic sinus. Blood and lymphoid organs were further characterized with thorough cytological/histological and immunocytofluorimetric analyses. KEY RESULTS Fenretinide treatment significantly lowered body weight, glucose levels and plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. In the liver, fenretinide remarkably reduced hepatic glycogenosis and steatosis driven by the Western diet. Treated spleens were abnormally enlarged, with severe follicular atrophy and massive extramedullary haematopoiesis. Severe renal hemosiderin deposition was observed in treated EKO mice. Treatment resulted in a threefold increase of total leukocytes (WT and EKO) and raised the activated/resting monocyte ratio in EKO mice. Finally, atherosclerosis development was markedly increased at the aortic arch, thoracic and abdominal aorta of fenretinide-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We provide the first evidence that, despite beneficial metabolic effects, fenretinide treatment may enhance the development of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabina Soldati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Leonardo Sandrini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Arnaboldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Donetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Reijo Laaksonen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Scanziani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Mouse and Animal Pathology Laboratory (MAPLab), Fondazione UniMi, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Parolini C. A Compendium of the Biological Effects of Apolipoprotein A-IMilano. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 372:54-62. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.261719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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11
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Parolini C. Effects of Fish n-3 PUFAs on Intestinal Microbiota and Immune System. Mar Drugs 2019; 17:E374. [PMID: 31234533 PMCID: PMC6627897 DOI: 10.3390/md17060374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies over several decades have documented the beneficial actions of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are plentiful in fish oil, in different disease states. Mechanisms responsible for the efficacy of n-3 PUFAs include: (1) Reduction of triglyceride levels; (2) anti-arrhythmic and antithrombotic effects, and (3) resolution of inflammatory processes. The human microbiota project and subsequent studies using next-generation sequencing technology have highlighted that thousands of different microbial species are present in the human gut, and that there has been a significant variability of taxa in the microbiota composition among people. Several factors (gestational age, mode of delivery, diet, sanitation and antibiotic treatment) influence the bacterial community in the human gastrointestinal tract, and among these diet habits play a crucial role. The disturbances in the gut microbiota composition, i.e., gut dysbiosis, have been associated with diseases ranging from localized gastrointestinal disorders to neurologic, respiratory, metabolic, ocular, and cardiovascular illnesses. Many studies have been published about the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the gut microbiota/microbioma. On the contrary, PUFAs in the gut microbiota have been less well defined. However, experimental studies suggested that gut microbiota, n-3 PUFAs, and host immune cells work together to ensure the intestinal wall integrity. This review discussed current evidence concerning the links among gut microbiota, n-3 PUFAs intake, and human inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Parolini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy.
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Parolini C, Adorni MP, Busnelli M, Manzini S, Cipollari E, Favari E, Lorenzon P, Ganzetti GS, Fingerle J, Bernini F, Chiesa G. Infusions of Large Synthetic HDL Containing Trimeric apoA-I Stabilize Atherosclerotic Plaques in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits. Can J Cardiol 2019; 35:1400-1408. [PMID: 31495683 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2019.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among strategies to reduce the remaining risk of cardiovascular disease, interest has focused on using infusions of synthetic high-density lipoprotein (sHDL). METHODS New Zealand rabbits underwent a perivascular injury at both carotids and were randomly allocated into 2 protocols: (1) a single-dose study, where rabbits were treated with a single infusion of sHDL containing a trimeric form of human apoA-I (TN-sHDL, 200 mg/kg) or with Placebo; (2) a multiple-dose study, where 4 groups of rabbits were treated 5 times with Placebo or TN-sHDL at different doses (8, 40, 100 mg/kg). Plaque changes were analysed in vivo by intravascular ultrasound. Blood was drawn from rabbits for biochemical analyses and cholesterol efflux capacity evaluation. RESULTS In both protocols, atheroma volume in the Placebo groups increased between the first and the second intravascular ultrasound evaluation. A stabilization or a slight regression was instead observed vs baseline in the TN-sHDL-treated groups (P < 0.005 vs Placebo after infusion). TN-sHDL treatment caused a sharp rise of plasma-free cholesterol levels and a significant increase of total cholesterol efflux capacity. Histologic analysis of carotid plaques showed a reduced macrophage accumulation in TN-sHDL-treated rabbits compared with Placebo (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that acute and subacute treatments with TN-sHDL are effective in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques in a rabbit model. This effect appears to be related to a reduced intraplaque accumulation of inflammatory cells. Besides recent failures in proving its efficacy, sHDL treatment remains a fascinating therapeutic option for the reduction of cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Parolini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elda Favari
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Lorenzon
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia S Ganzetti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Juergen Fingerle
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Franco Bernini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Multifaceted Effect of Rubus Occidentalis on Hyperglycemia and Hypercholesterolemia in Mice with Diet-Induced Metabolic Diseases. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10121846. [PMID: 30513715 PMCID: PMC6315456 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a combination of several metabolic disorders, including obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. A simultaneous occurrence is one of the most crucial features of metabolic syndrome; therefore, we selected an animal model in which this would be reflected. We fed C57BL/6N mice a high-fat diet for 23 weeks to develop metabolic syndrome and examined the efficacy of Rubus occidentalis (RO) for hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia. Oral administration of RO for 16 weeks improved hyperglycemia as indicated by significantly decreased fasting glucose levels and a glucose tolerance test. Improvements were also observed in hypercholesterolemia, in which significant decreases in serum total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1, and apolipoprotein B levels were observed. The time comparison of major biomarkers, observed at the initiation and termination of the experimental period, consistently supported the beneficial effects of RO on each metabolic phenotype. In addition, RO treatment attenuated the excessive fat accumulation in hepatic and adipose tissue by decreasing the size and number of lipid droplets. These results suggested that RO simultaneously exerted antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects in mice with diet-induced metabolic syndrome.
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14
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Sirtori CR, Chiesa G, Parolini C. Effects of Vegetable Proteins on Hypercholesterolemia and Gut Microbiota Modulation. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1249. [PMID: 30200592 PMCID: PMC6164761 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk assessment tools, i.e., validated risk prediction algorithms, to estimate the patient's 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) should be used to identify high-risk people for primary prevention. Current evidence confirms that appropriate monitoring and control of risk factors either reduces the likelihood of CVD or slows down its progression. It is thus crucial that all health professionals make appropriate use of all the available intervention strategies to control risk factors: from dietary improvement and adequate physical activity to the use of functional foods, food supplements, and drugs. The gut microbiota, which encompasses 1 × 1014 resident microorganisms, has been recently recognized as a contributing factor in the development of human disease. This review examines the effect of both some vegetable food components belong to the "protein food group" and the underexploited protein-rich hempseed on cholesterolemia and gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Centro Dislipidemie, A.S.S.T. Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 220162 Milano, Italy.
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Parolini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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15
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Busnelli M, Manzini S, Hilvo M, Parolini C, Ganzetti GS, Dellera F, Ekroos K, Jänis M, Escalante-Alcalde D, Sirtori CR, Laaksonen R, Chiesa G. Liver-specific deletion of the Plpp3 gene alters plasma lipid composition and worsens atherosclerosis in apoE -/- mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44503. [PMID: 28291223 PMCID: PMC5349609 DOI: 10.1038/srep44503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The PLPP3 gene encodes for a ubiquitous enzyme that dephosphorylates several lipid substrates. Genome-wide association studies identified PLPP3 as a gene that plays a role in coronary artery disease susceptibility. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Plpp3 deletion on atherosclerosis development in mice. Because the constitutive deletion of Plpp3 in mice is lethal, conditional Plpp3 hepatocyte-specific null mice were generated by crossing floxed Plpp3 mice with animals expressing Cre recombinase under control of the albumin promoter. The mice were crossed onto the athero-prone apoE-/- background to obtain Plpp3f/fapoE-/-Alb-Cre+ and Plpp3f/fapoE-/-Alb-Cre- offspring, the latter of which were used as controls. The mice were fed chow or a Western diet for 32 or 12 weeks, respectively. On the Western diet, Alb-Cre+ mice developed more atherosclerosis than Alb-Cre- mice, both at the aortic sinus and aorta. Lipidomic analysis showed that hepatic Plpp3 deletion significantly modified the levels of several plasma lipids involved in atherosclerosis, including lactosylceramides, lysophosphatidic acids, and lysophosphatidylinositols. In conclusion, Plpp3 ablation in mice worsened atherosclerosis development. Lipidomic analysis suggested that the hepatic Plpp3 deletion may promote atherosclerosis by increasing plasma levels of several low-abundant pro-atherogenic lipids, thus providing a molecular basis for the observed results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Cinzia Parolini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia S Ganzetti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Federica Dellera
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Minna Jänis
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Diana Escalante-Alcalde
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, División de Neurociencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cd. Mx. 04510, México
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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16
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Schonewille M, de Boer JF, Mele L, Wolters H, Bloks VW, Wolters JC, Kuivenhoven JA, Tietge UJF, Brufau G, Groen AK. Statins increase hepatic cholesterol synthesis and stimulate fecal cholesterol elimination in mice. J Lipid Res 2016; 57:1455-64. [PMID: 27313057 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m067488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins are competitive inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis. Statins reduce plasma cholesterol levels, but whether this is actually caused by inhibition of de novo cholesterol synthesis has not been clearly established. Using three different statins, we investigated the effects on cholesterol metabolism in mice in detail. Surprisingly, direct measurement of whole body cholesterol synthesis revealed that cholesterol synthesis was robustly increased in statin-treated mice. Measurement of organ-specific cholesterol synthesis demonstrated that the liver is predominantly responsible for the increase in cholesterol synthesis. Excess synthesized cholesterol did not accumulate in the plasma, as plasma cholesterol decreased. However, statin treatment led to an increase in cholesterol removal via the feces. Interestingly, enhanced cholesterol excretion in response to rosuvastatin and lovastatin treatment was mainly mediated via biliary cholesterol secretion, whereas atorvastatin mainly stimulated cholesterol removal via the transintestinal cholesterol excretion pathway. Moreover, we show that plasma cholesterol precursor levels do not reflect cholesterol synthesis rates during statin treatment in mice. In conclusion, cholesterol synthesis is paradoxically increased upon statin treatment in mice. However, statins potently stimulate the excretion of cholesterol from the body, which sheds new light on possible mechanisms underlying the cholesterol-lowering effects of statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Schonewille
- Department of Pediatrics University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Freark de Boer
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Molecular Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Mele
- Department of Pediatrics University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Wolters
- Department of Pediatrics University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent W Bloks
- Department of Pediatrics University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Justina C Wolters
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Molecular Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A Kuivenhoven
- Department of Pediatrics, Section Molecular Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe J F Tietge
- Department of Pediatrics University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gemma Brufau
- Department of Pediatrics University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert K Groen
- Department of Pediatrics University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Liver, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Amsterdam Diabetes Center, Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, The Netherlands
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17
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Beta2-adrenergic activity modulates vascular tone regulation in lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase knockout mice. Vascul Pharmacol 2015; 74:114-121. [PMID: 26254103 PMCID: PMC4675083 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency is associated with hypoalphalipoproteinemia, generally a predisposing factor for premature coronary heart disease. The evidence of accelerated atherosclerosis in LCAT-deficient subjects is however controversial. In this study, the effect of LCAT deficiency on vascular tone and endothelial function was investigated in LCAT knockout mice, which reproduce the human lipoprotein phenotype. Aortas from wild-type (Lcatwt) and LCAT knockout (LcatKO) mice exposed to noradrenaline showed reduced contractility in LcatKO mice (P < 0.005), whereas acetylcholine exposure showed a lower NO-dependent relaxation in LcatKO mice (P < 0.05). Quantitative PCR and Western blotting analyses suggested an adequate eNOS expression in LcatKO mouse aortas. Real-time PCR analysis indicated increased expression of β2-adrenergic receptors vs wild-type mice. Aorta stimulation with noradrenaline in the presence of propranolol, to abolish the β-mediated relaxation, showed the same contractile response in the two mouse lines. Furthermore, propranolol pretreatment of mouse aortas exposed to L-NAME prevented the difference in responses between Lcatwt and LcatKO mice. The results indicate that LCAT deficiency leads to increased β2-adrenergic relaxation and to a consequently decreased NO-mediated vasodilation that can be reversed to guarantee a correct vascular tone. The present study suggests that LCAT deficiency is not associated with an impaired vascular reactivity.
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18
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Arnaboldi F, Busnelli M, Cornaghi L, Manzini S, Parolini C, Dellera F, Ganzetti GS, Sirtori CR, Donetti E, Chiesa G. High-density lipoprotein deficiency in genetically modified mice deeply affects skin morphology: A structural and ultrastructural study. Exp Cell Res 2015; 338:105-12. [PMID: 26241937 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous lipids, endogenously synthetized and transported by lipoproteins, play a pivotal role in maintaining skin barrier. An impairment of extracutaneous lipid trafficking leads to the development of xanthomas, mostly arising in hyperlipidemic patients, but also in subjects with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) deficiency. The aim of this work was to evaluate, in a genetically modified mouse model, lacking two protein components of HDL particles, apolipoprotein(apo)E and apoA-I, the effect of HDL deficiency on skin morphology. Control mice (C57BL/6), apoE deficient mice (EKO), apoA-I deficient mice (A-IKO) and apoA-I/apoE double knockout mice (A-IKO/EKO) were maintained on a low-fat/low-cholesterol diet up to 30 weeks of age. At sacrifice, skin biopsies were processed for light (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Whereas the skin of EKO, A-IKO, and C57BL/6 mice was comparable, LM analysis in A-IKO/EKO mice showed an increase in dermal thickness and the presence of foam cells and T lymphocytes in reticular dermis. TEM analysis revealed the accumulation of cholesterol clefts in the papillary dermis and of cholesterol crystals within foam cells. In conclusion, A-IKO/EKO mice represent an experimental model for investigating the cutaneous phenotype of human HDL deficiency, thus mimicking a condition in which human xanthomatous lesions can develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Arnaboldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Laboratory of Structural and Ultrastructural Morphology, Italy.
| | - Marco Busnelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology of Dyslipidemias and Atherosclerosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Cornaghi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Laboratory of Structural and Ultrastructural Morphology, Italy
| | - Stefano Manzini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology of Dyslipidemias and Atherosclerosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Parolini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology of Dyslipidemias and Atherosclerosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Dellera
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology of Dyslipidemias and Atherosclerosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Sara Ganzetti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology of Dyslipidemias and Atherosclerosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare Riccardo Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology of Dyslipidemias and Atherosclerosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Donetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Laboratory of Structural and Ultrastructural Morphology, Italy
| | - Giulia Chiesa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacology of Dyslipidemias and Atherosclerosis, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Shimizu T, Miura SI, Tanigawa H, Kuwano T, Zhang B, Uehara Y, Saku K. Rosuvastatin Activates ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1–Dependent Efflux Ex Vivo and Promotes Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Macrophage Cells in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2014; 34:2246-53. [DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.114.303715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Shimizu
- From the Departments of Cardiology (T.S., S.M., H.T., T.K., Y.U., K.S.), Molecular Cardiovascular Therapeutics (S.M., Y.U., K.S.), Biochemistry (B.Z.), and Advanced Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease (H.T., K.S.), Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shin-ichiro Miura
- From the Departments of Cardiology (T.S., S.M., H.T., T.K., Y.U., K.S.), Molecular Cardiovascular Therapeutics (S.M., Y.U., K.S.), Biochemistry (B.Z.), and Advanced Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease (H.T., K.S.), Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tanigawa
- From the Departments of Cardiology (T.S., S.M., H.T., T.K., Y.U., K.S.), Molecular Cardiovascular Therapeutics (S.M., Y.U., K.S.), Biochemistry (B.Z.), and Advanced Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease (H.T., K.S.), Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Kuwano
- From the Departments of Cardiology (T.S., S.M., H.T., T.K., Y.U., K.S.), Molecular Cardiovascular Therapeutics (S.M., Y.U., K.S.), Biochemistry (B.Z.), and Advanced Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease (H.T., K.S.), Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Bo Zhang
- From the Departments of Cardiology (T.S., S.M., H.T., T.K., Y.U., K.S.), Molecular Cardiovascular Therapeutics (S.M., Y.U., K.S.), Biochemistry (B.Z.), and Advanced Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease (H.T., K.S.), Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinari Uehara
- From the Departments of Cardiology (T.S., S.M., H.T., T.K., Y.U., K.S.), Molecular Cardiovascular Therapeutics (S.M., Y.U., K.S.), Biochemistry (B.Z.), and Advanced Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease (H.T., K.S.), Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keijiro Saku
- From the Departments of Cardiology (T.S., S.M., H.T., T.K., Y.U., K.S.), Molecular Cardiovascular Therapeutics (S.M., Y.U., K.S.), Biochemistry (B.Z.), and Advanced Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease (H.T., K.S.), Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
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Abstract
Statins, inhibitors of the hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase enzyme, are molecules of fungal origin. By inhibiting a key step in the sterol biosynthetic pathway statins are powerful cholesterol lowering medications and have provided outstanding contributions to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Their detection in mycetes traces back to close to 40 years ago: there were, originally, widely opposing views on their therapeutic potential. From then on, intensive pharmaceutical development has led to the final availability in the clinic of seven statin molecules, characterized by differences in bioavailability, lipo/hydrophilicity, cytochrome P-450 mediated metabolism and cellular transport mechanisms. These differences are reflected in their relative power (mg LDL-cholesterol reduction per mg dose) and possibly in parenchymal or muscular toxicities. The impact of the antagonism of statins on a crucial step of intermediary metabolism leads, in fact, both to a reduction of cholesterol biosynthesis as well as to additional pharmacodynamic (so called "pleiotropic") effects. In the face of an extraordinary clinical success, the emergence of some side effects, e.g. raised incidence of diabetes and cataracts as well as frequent muscular side effects, have led to increasing concern by physicians. However, also in view of the present relatively low cost of these drugs, their impact on daily therapy of vascular patients is unlikely to change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare R Sirtori
- Center of Dyslipidemias, Niguarda Hospital, Italy; Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
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21
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Miao J, Haas JT, Manthena P, Wang Y, Zhao E, Vaitheesvaran B, Kurland IJ, Biddinger SB. Hepatic insulin receptor deficiency impairs the SREBP-2 response to feeding and statins. J Lipid Res 2014; 55:659-67. [PMID: 24516236 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m043711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver plays a central role in metabolism and mediating insulin action. To dissect the effects of insulin on the liver in vivo, we have studied liver insulin receptor knockout (LIRKO) mice. Because LIRKO livers lack insulin receptors, they are unable to respond to insulin. Surprisingly, the most profound derangement observed in LIRKO livers by microarray analysis is a suppression of the cholesterologenic genes. Sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-2 promotes cholesterologenic gene transcription, and is inhibited by intracellular cholesterol. LIRKO livers show a slight increase in hepatic cholesterol, a 40% decrease in Srebp-2, and a 50-90% decrease in the cholesterologenic genes at the mRNA and protein levels. In control mice, SREBP-2 and cholesterologenic gene expression are suppressed by fasting and restored by refeeding; in LIRKO mice, this response is abolished. Similarly, the ability of statins to induce Srebp-2 and the cholesterologenic genes is lost in LIRKO livers. In contrast, ezetimibe treatment robustly induces Srepb-2 and its targets in LIRKO livers, raising the possibility that insulin may regulate SREBP-2 indirectly, by altering the accumulation or distribution of cholesterol within the hepatocyte. Taken together, these data indicate that cholesterol synthesis is a key target of insulin action in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Miao
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA
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