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Puthanveetil P, Kong X, Bräse S, Voros G, Peer WA. Transcriptome analysis of two structurally related flavonoids; Apigenin and Chrysin revealed hypocholesterolemic and ketogenic effects in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 893:173804. [PMID: 33347826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is no known single therapeutic drug for treating hypercholesterolemia that comes with negligible systemic side effects. In the current study, using next generation RNA sequencing approach in mouse embryonic fibroblasts we discovered that two structurally related flavonoid compounds. Apigenin and Chrysin exhibited moderate blocking ability of multiple transcripts that regulate rate limiting enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. The observed decrease in cholesterol biosynthesis pathway correlated well with an increase in transcripts involved in generation and trafficking of ketone bodies as evident by the upregulation of Bdh1 and Slc16a6 transcripts. The hypocholesterolemic potential of Apigenin and Chrysin at higher concentrations along with their ability to generate ketogenic substrate especially during embryonic stage is useful or detrimental for embryonic health is not clear and still debatable. Our study will serve as a steppingstone to further the investigation in whole animal studies and also in translating this knowledge to human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanth Puthanveetil
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA.
| | - Xiaoli Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Stefan Bräse
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems (IBCS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann von Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Gabor Voros
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Catholic University Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Wendy Ann Peer
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, MD, USA.
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Delvecchio M, Rapone B, Simonetti S, Fecarotta S, De Carlo G, Favoino E, Loverro MT, Romano AMI, Taurino F, Di Naro E, Gnoni A. Dietary cholesterol supplementation and inhibitory factor 1 serum levels in two dizygotic Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome twins: a case report. Ital J Pediatr 2020; 46:161. [PMID: 33115520 PMCID: PMC7594264 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-020-00924-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the defect in the 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase. This defect leads to the deficiency of cholesterol biosynthesis with accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol. Inhibitory factor 1 (IF1) is a well-known mitochondrial protein. Recently, it has been discovered in the human serum where it is reported to be involved in the HDL-cholesterol intake. Here we report the IF1 presence in the serum of two paediatric SLOS dizygotic twins treated with dietary cholesterol supplementation. CASE PRESENTATION The patients showed a typical phenotype. They started dietary supplementation with cholesterol when 2 months old. The cholesterol intake was periodically titrated on the basis of weight increase and the twin 1 required a larger supplementation than the twin 2 during the follow-up. When 6.4-year-old, they underwent IF1 assay that was 7-fold increased in twin 2 compared to twin 1 (93.0 pg/ml vs 13.0 pg/ml, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We report, for the first time, the presence of circulating IF1 in the serum of SLOS patients, showing different levels among them. Our findings confirm that IF1 could be a novel research target in cholesterol-related disorders and also in SLOS, and could contribute to the general debate on IF1 as a new modulator of cholesterol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Delvecchio
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Genetics and Diabetology, Giovanni XXIII Children's Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Biagio Rapone
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Simonetta Simonetti
- Regional Centre for Neonatal Screening, Children Hospital "Giovanni XXIII", Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Fecarotta
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Graziana De Carlo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Elvira Favoino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Loverro
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Isdraele Romano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Taurino
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Di Naro
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Gnoni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
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Fracassi A, Marangoni M, Rosso P, Pallottini V, Fioramonti M, Siteni S, Segatto M. Statins and the Brain: More than Lipid Lowering Agents? Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:59-83. [PMID: 28676012 PMCID: PMC6341496 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170703101816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins represent a class of medications widely prescribed to efficiently treat dyslipidemia. These drugs inhibit 3-βhydroxy 3β-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), the rate-limiting enzyme of mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Besides cholesterol, MVA pathway leads to the production of several other compounds, which are essential in the regulation of a plethora of biological activities, including in the central nervous system. For these reasons, statins are able to induce pleiotropic actions, and acquire increased interest as potential and novel modulators in brain processes, especially during pathological conditions. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to summarize and examine the current knowledge about pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of statins in the brain. In addition, effects of statin on brain diseases are discussed providing the most up-to-date information. METHODS Relevant scientific information was identified from PubMed database using the following keywords: statins and brain, central nervous system, neurological diseases, neurodegeneration, brain tumors, mood, stroke. RESULTS 315 scientific articles were selected and analyzed for the writing of this review article. Several papers highlighted that statin treatment is effective in preventing or ameliorating the symptomatology of a number of brain pathologies. However, other studies failed to demonstrate a neuroprotective effect. CONCLUSION Even though considerable research studies suggest pivotal functional outcomes induced by statin therapy, additional investigation is required to better determine the pharmacological effectiveness of statins in the brain, and support their clinical use in the management of different neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Segatto
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University, viale del Policlinico 155, 00186 Rome, Italy; E-mail:
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A placebo-controlled trial of simvastatin therapy in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Genet Med 2016; 19:297-305. [PMID: 27513191 PMCID: PMC5303568 DOI: 10.1038/gim.2016.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a multiple malformation/cognitive impairment syndrome characterized by the accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC), a precursor sterol of cholesterol. Simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain-barrier, has been proposed for treatment of SLOS based on in vitro and in vivo studies suggesting that simvastatin increases expression of hypomorphic DHCR7 alleles. Methods Safety and efficacy of simvastatin therapy in 23 mild to typical SLOS patients was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The cross-over trial consisted of two 12 month treatment phases separated by a 2 month wash-out period. Results No safety issues were identified in this study. Plasma dehydrocholesterol levels decreased significantly 8.9 ± 8.4% on placebo to 6.1 ± 5.5% on simvastatin (p<0.005) and we observed a trend toward decreased cerebral spinal fluid dehydrocholesterol levels. A significant improvement (p=0.017, paired t-test) was observed in the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-C Irritability when subjects were on simvastatin. Conclusions This paper reports the first randomized, placebo-controlled trial designed to test the safety and efficacy of simvastatin therapy in SLOS. Simvastatin appears to be relatively safe in SLOS patients, improves the serum dehydrocholesterol/total sterol ratio, and significantly improves irritability symptoms in mild to classical SLOS patients.
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Domizio S, Pallotta R, Romanelli A, Puglielli C, Pollice R, Casacchia M, Conte E, Domizio R, Sabatino G. A Case of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome, Defect of Cholesterol Biosynthesis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2016; 19:439-42. [PMID: 16831310 DOI: 10.1177/039463200601900220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a child with Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. The pregnancy was complicated by prenatal growth retardation. The baby was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Chieti when she was five months old. She showed postnatal growth retardation, trouble sucking and swallowing, microcefaly and multiple major and minor malformations, including characteristic facial features and 2–3 syndactyly of the toes. We found correlations between multiple congenital malformations, failure to thrive and low plasmatic cholesterol measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Domizio
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University G. D'Annunzio, Ospedale Policlinico, Via dei Vestini 5, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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A Pilot Study of the Association of Markers of Cholesterol Synthesis with Disturbed Sleep in Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2016; 37:424-30. [PMID: 27244299 PMCID: PMC4890614 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000000317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by cholesterol synthesis impairment. A host of physical, developmental, and behavioral presentations are associated with SLOS, many of which have been related with disorder severity. Sleep disturbance is commonly reported in SLOS. This study is the first to examine the association between sleep disturbance and biomarkers of cholesterol synthesis defect. METHOD Twenty youth with SLOS participated. Biomarkers of cholesterol synthesis were obtained, including plasma sterols (i.e., 7-dehydrocholesterol, 8-dehydrocholesterol, and cholesterol), mevalonic acid, and 24-S hydroxycholsterol. A ratio of plasma cholesterol precursors to cholesterol levels was used as a measure of biochemical severity. Parents reported their children's sleep problems using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire. RESULTS Most markers of cholesterol synthesis disruption were associated with overall sleep disturbance. Biochemical severity of SLOS was also associated with specific sleep problems (e.g., decreased sleep duration and increased sleep onset delay) and was identified as a significant predictor of these factors. CONCLUSION This study is the first to demonstrate associative relationships between cholesterol levels and sleep disturbance in youth with SLOS. These results add to the current understanding of how cholesterol levels may contribute to the behavioral phenotype of SLOS. These findings may inform future studies related to the role cholesterol synthesis defects play in the behavioral phenotype of SLOS and, subsequently, modalities of intervention for behavioral symptoms.
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Altered lipid subfraction profile and impaired antioxidant defense of high-density lipoprotein in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Pediatr Res 2015; 77:703-9. [PMID: 25668223 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2015.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a rare disease caused by biallelic mutation in the 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) reductase gene. High oxidizability of 7DHC and the appearance of small-sized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions indicate increased endogenous oxidative stress that is counterbalanced by natural antioxidant defense mechanisms including the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated paraoxonase-1 (PON1) enzyme. PON1 prevents lipoproteins from oxidative modifications; however, PON1 activity and the distribution of lipoprotein subfractions have not been studied in SLOS. METHODS 7DHC levels and PON1 arylesterase activities were measured spectrophotometrically in 11 SLOS patients and 10 healthy children. Lipoprotein subfractions were detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. RESULTS Compared to controls, there was a shift towards the small-dense LDL subfraction and the large HDL subfraction in SLOS. PON1 arylesterase activity was significantly decreased in SLOS patients and correlated negatively with the proportion of small-dense LDL subfraction and the proportion of large HDL subfraction. Significant positive correlations were detected between PON1 arylesterase activity and the ratios of intermediate and small HDL subfractions. CONCLUSIONS Decreased PON1 activity and the deleterious shift in the distribution of lipoprotein subfractions may contribute to the impaired antioxidant status observed in SLOS. Monitoring of serum PON1 arylesterase activity may be a complementary biomarker in SLOS.
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Freeman KA, Eagle R, Merkens LS, Sikora D, Pettit-Kekel K, Nguyen-Driver M, Steiner RD. Challenging behavior in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: initial test of biobehavioral influences. Cogn Behav Neurol 2013; 26:23-9. [PMID: 23538569 PMCID: PMC3684260 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0b013e31828bf6d5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study challenging behavior (destruction, aggression, self-injury, stereotypy) in children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) using a biobehavioral model that helps distinguish biological from socially mediated variables influencing the behavior. BACKGROUND SLOS is an autosomal-recessive syndrome of multiple malformations and intellectual disability resulting from a genetic error in cholesterol synthesis in all cells and tissues, including brain. The exact cause of the challenging behavior in SLOS is unclear, but defective brain cholesterol synthesis may contribute. Because the precise genetic and biochemical etiology of SLOS is known, this disorder is a good model for studying biological causes of challenging behavior. METHOD In a preliminary application of a biobehavioral model, we studied the association between cholesterol levels (as a biochemical indicator of disease severity) and behavior subtype ("biological" vs "learned") in 13 children with SLOS. Parents completed a questionnaire that categorized challenging behavior as influenced primarily by social or nonsocial (thus, presumably biological) factors. RESULTS The severity of the cholesterol synthesis defect correlated significantly with behavior subtype classification for 1 of 2 challenging behaviors. Greater severity of the cholesterol synthesis defect was associated with behavior being classified as primarily influenced by biological factors. CONCLUSION The interplay between challenging behavior and defective cholesterol synthesis in SLOS may help explain biological influences on the behavior. Our findings have implications for research on the effectiveness of behavioral and medical treatments for behavioral difficulties in SLOS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Freeman
- Division of Psychology, Institute on Development & Disability, Institute on Development & Disability, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland 97239, USA.
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Shimomura H, Hosoda K, Hirai Y. Interaction of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Cell Membrane with Non-Esterified Cholesterol and Other Steroids. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/ojmm.2013.31011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Detoxification of 7-dehydrocholesterol fatal to Helicobacter pylori is a novel role of cholesterol glucosylation. J Bacteriol 2012; 195:359-67. [PMID: 23144252 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01495-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucosylation of free cholesterol (FC) by Helicobacter pylori cells has various biological significances for the survival of this bacterium. H. pylori cells with glucosylated FC are capable of evading host immune systems, such as phagocytosis by macrophages and activation of antigen-specific T cells, and surviving in the gastric mucosal tissues for long periods. An additional role of cholesterol glucosylation in the survival of H. pylori which is distinct from the role of escaping the host immune system, however, has yet to be identified. This study demonstrated that 7-dehydrocholesterol (7dFC), an FC precursor, is a toxic compound fatal to H. pylori cells, but the cell membrane of H. pylori is capable of absorbing this toxic sterol via glucosylation. In contrast to the case with 7dFC, no toxicity to H. pylori cells was detected from the glucosylated 7dFC. In addition, cgt gene mutant H. pylori cells that cannot glucosylate cholesterols had higher susceptibility to the toxic action of 7dFC than wild-type H. pylori cells. These results indicate that the cgt gene product of H. pylori serves to detoxify the sterol fatal to this bacterium and to permit this toxic sterol as a cell membrane lipid component. In summary, this study defined a novel role of cholesterol glucosylation in H. pylori.
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Roullet JB, Merkens LS, Pappu AS, Jacobs MD, Winter R, Connor WE, Steiner RD. No evidence for mevalonate shunting in moderately affected children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. J Inherit Metab Dis 2012; 35:859-69. [PMID: 22391996 PMCID: PMC3404269 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-012-9453-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is caused by a genetic deficiency in 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) reductase (EC 1.3.1.21), the last enzyme of the cholesterol synthetic pathway. In SLOS, plasma cholesterol concentration is reduced and immediate precursor concentration (7-DHC) is elevated. Surprisingly, total sterol synthesis is reduced but HMG-CoA reductase activity, a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis is unaltered as judged by normal urinary excretion of mevalonic acid (MVA) (Pappu et al. J Lipid Res 43:1661-1669, 2002). These findings raise the possibility of increased diversion of MVA into the MVA shunt pathway away from sterol synthesis, by activation of the shunt pathway enzymes. To test this hypothesis, we measured the urinary excretion of 3-methylglutaconic acid (U-3MGC), a by-product of the shunt pathway, in 19 mildly to moderately severely affected SLOS subjects (ten males, nine females) receiving either a cholesterol-free or a high cholesterol diet, and in 20 age- and sex-matched controls. U-3MGC was similar in SLOS and controls, and was unaffected by dietary cholesterol intake. Further, no change in U-3MGC was observed in a subset of SLOS subjects (n = 9) receiving simvastatin. In contrast, U-MVA was reduced by cholesterol supplementation (~54%, p < 0.05) and by simvastatin (~50%, p < 0.04). There was no correlation between U-3MGC and either plasma sterol concentrations, urinary isoprenoids, or the subjects' clinical severity score. However U-3MGC was inversely correlated with age (p < 0.04) and body weight (p < 0.02), and higher in females than in males (~65%, p < 0.025). The data show that DHCR7 deficiency does not result in 3MGC accumulation in SLOS and suggest that the MVA shunt pathway is not activated in patients with the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Roullet
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, 707 S.W. Gaines St., Portland, OR 97239-2998, USA.
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Patel SB, Steiner RD. In Memoriam: William E. Connor (1921-2009). J Lipid Res 2010; 51:679-81. [DOI: 10.1194/jlr.e005900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Merkens LS, Jordan JM, Penfield JA, Lütjohann D, Connor WE, Steiner RD. Plasma plant sterol levels do not reflect cholesterol absorption in children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. J Pediatr 2009; 154:557-561.e1. [PMID: 19101685 PMCID: PMC3092779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2008.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2008] [Revised: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 10/31/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that there is a correlation between the ratio of plant sterols to cholesterol in plasma and dietary cholesterol absorption in children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), a cholesterol synthesis disorder. STUDY DESIGN We obtained measurements of cholesterol absorption with a direct radioisotope cholesterol absorption method during 9 visits of children with SLOS. We measured plasma sterols in 22 children with SLOS and 16 control children, and we measured dietary intake of cholesterol and sitosterol (n=11 SLOS). RESULTS The correlations of 2 plasma plant sterol ratios (sitosterol/cholesterol and campesterol/cholesterol) with direct cholesterol absorption measurement were poor (R= -0.33 and R= -0.25, respectively), significantly lower than the published correlation in adults (R=0.73; P< .02). CONCLUSIONS Although the ratios of plant sterols to cholesterol in plasma has been used as a surrogate for cholesterol absorption in adults and children, these ratios may not accurately reflect cholesterol absorption in children with SLOS. These ratios should not be used as a surrogate for cholesterol absorption in children without further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise S. Merkens
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Julia M. Jordan
- Oregon Clinical and Translation Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | - Dieter Lütjohann
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - William E. Connor
- Oregon Clinical and Translation Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Robert D. Steiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR,Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics and Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Jenkins KT, Merkens LS, Tubb MR, Myatt L, Davidson WS, Steiner RD, Woollett LA. Enhanced placental cholesterol efflux by fetal HDL in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. Mol Genet Metab 2008; 94:240-7. [PMID: 18346920 PMCID: PMC3037116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2008.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that maternal-derived cholesterol can be effluxed from trophoblasts to fetal HDL and plasma. We had the opportunity to study for the first time the ability of HDL and plasma from a fetus with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) to efflux cholesterol from trophoblasts. It was unclear whether cholesterol could be effluxed to fetuses with SLOS since lipoprotein levels are often very low. To answer this question, cord blood was collected from the placentas of an SLOS fetus and unaffected fetuses just after delivery. Plasma cholesterol concentrations were very low in the affected fetus; cholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol, and 8-dehydocholesterol concentrations were 14.1, 4.5, and 5.2 mg/dl, respectively. The HDL from the fetal SLOS effluxed approximately 50% more cholesterol from a trophoblast cell line, were smaller in size, and had a lower cholesterol to phospholipid ratio as compared to HDL from unaffected fetuses or adults. Plasma from the SLOS fetus effluxed cholesterol to a similar percentage as unaffected fetal plasma or adult plasma, possibly due to fewer HDL particles as demonstrated in previous SLOS patients. These novel data demonstrate that the cholesterol-deficient SLOS fetus is able to obtain cholesterol from trophoblasts at a time when cholesterol is playing a critical role in development, and has implications for design of treatments for cholesterol deficiency syndromes as well as understanding of prenatal cholesterol transport in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie T. Jenkins
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Genome Research Institute, University of Cincinnati Medical School, 2180 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237-0507, USA
| | - Louise S. Merkens
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Matthew R. Tubb
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Genome Research Institute, University of Cincinnati Medical School, 2180 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237-0507, USA
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Genome Research Institute, University of Cincinnati Medical School, 2180 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237-0507, USA
| | - W. Sean Davidson
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Genome Research Institute, University of Cincinnati Medical School, 2180 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237-0507, USA
| | - Robert D. Steiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Departments of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Laura A. Woollett
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Genome Research Institute, University of Cincinnati Medical School, 2180 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237-0507, USA
- Corresponding author. Fax: +1 513 558 1312. (L.A. Woollett)
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Isaacs JS, Zand DJ. Single-Gene Autosomal Recessive Disorders and Prader-Willi Syndrome: An Update for Food and Nutrition Professionals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 107:466-78. [PMID: 17324666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2006.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2005] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This review is an update for food and nutrition professionals about single-gene autosomal recessive disorders and Prader-Willi syndrome. These disorders highlight the application of new genetic tools for screening newborns for conditions managed by medical nutrition therapy. Early detection and dietary treatment have been crucial since the 1960s for patients diagnosed with phenylketonuria. The same concept of reducing the dietary substrate that accumulates in disease is applied today for some conditions difficult to diagnose a decade ago. More than 6,000 human single-gene disorders have been identified to date, including more than 100 protein-based metabolic disorders. Tandem mass spectrometry has facilitated newborn screening for more disorders at low cost and high speed. Presently, screening newborns for 29 disorders is recommended in the United States and many states are doubling or tripling the number of tests offered in their screening programs. Complex dietary therapies have evolved for rare disorders, such as fatty acid oxidation, urea cycle, organic acid metabolism, glycogen storage, and energy production. Diagnosis-specific therapy may challenge routine dietary recommendations, such as encouraging fatty and sugary foods or avoiding fruits and milk, and treatment options have spawned a market in special formulas and substitute foods; recommended references and Web sites are provided to assist food and nutrition professionals in navigating this territory. Single-gene autosomal recessive disorders have increased the need for, and created opportunities for, food and nutrition professionals, especially those who enjoy biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Sugarman Isaacs
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Children's National Medical Center, Compass Group USA Division, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
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Engelking LJ, Evers BM, Richardson JA, Goldstein JL, Brown MS, Liang G. Severe facial clefting in Insig-deficient mouse embryos caused by sterol accumulation and reversed by lovastatin. J Clin Invest 2006; 116:2356-65. [PMID: 16955138 PMCID: PMC1555642 DOI: 10.1172/jci28988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2006] [Accepted: 07/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Insig-1 and Insig-2 are regulatory proteins that restrict the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway by preventing proteolytic activation of SREBPs and by enhancing degradation of HMG-CoA reductase. Here, we created Insig-double-knockout (Insig-DKO) mice that are homozygous for null mutations in Insig-1 and Insig-2. After 18.5 days of development, 96% of Insig-DKO embryos had defects in midline facial development, ranging from cleft palate (52%) to complete cleft face (44%). Middle and inner ear structures were abnormal, but teeth and skeletons were normal. The animals were lethargic and runted; they died within 1 day of birth. The livers and heads of Insig-DKO embryos overproduced sterols, causing a marked buildup of sterol intermediates. Treatment of pregnant mice with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin reduced sterol synthesis in Insig-DKO embryos and reduced the pre-cholesterol intermediates. This treatment ameliorated the clefting syndrome so that 54% of Insig-DKO mice had normal faces, and only 7% had cleft faces. We conclude that buildup of pre-cholesterol sterol intermediates interferes with midline fusion of facial structures in mice. These findings have implications for the pathogenesis of the cleft palate component of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and other human malformation syndromes in which mutations in enzymes catalyzing steps in cholesterol biosynthesis produce a buildup of sterol intermediates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke J. Engelking
- Department of Molecular Genetics and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Bret M. Evers
- Department of Molecular Genetics and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - James A. Richardson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Joseph L. Goldstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Michael S. Brown
- Department of Molecular Genetics and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Guosheng Liang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and
Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Correa-Cerro LS, Wassif CA, Kratz L, Miller GF, Munasinghe JP, Grinberg A, Fliesler SJ, Porter FD. Development and characterization of a hypomorphic Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome mouse model and efficacy of simvastatin therapy. Hum Mol Genet 2006; 15:839-51. [PMID: 16446309 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddl003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a genetic syndrome caused by mutations in the 3beta-hydroxysterol Delta(7)-reductase gene (DHCR7). SLOS patients have decreased cholesterol and increased 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) levels. Dietary cholesterol supplementation improves systemic biochemical abnormalities; however, because of the blood-brain barrier, the central nervous system (CNS) is not treated. Simvastatin therapy has been proposed as a means to treat the CNS. Mice homozygous for a null disruption of Dhcr7, Dhcr7(Delta3-5/Delta3-5), die soon after birth, thus they cannot be used to study postnatal development or therapy. To circumvent this problem, we produced a hypomorphic SLOS mouse model by introducing a mutation corresponding to DHCR7(T93M). Both Dhcr7(T93M/T93M) and Dhcr7(Delta3-5/T93M) mice are viable. Phenotypic findings in Dhcr7(T93M/Delta3-5) mice include CNS ventricular dilatation and two to three syndactyly. Biochemically, both Dhcr7(T93M/T93M) and Dhcr7(T93M/Delta3-5) mice have elevated tissue 7-DHC levels; however, the biochemical defect improved with age. This has not been observed in human patients, and is due to elevated Dhcr7 expression in mouse tissues. Dietary cholesterol therapy improved sterol profiles in peripheral, but not CNS tissues. However, treatment of Dhcr7(T93M/Delta3-5) mice with simvastatin decreased 7-DHC levels in both peripheral and brain tissues. Expression of Dhcr7 increased in Dhcr7(T93M/Delta3-5) tissues after simvastatin therapy, consistent with the hypothesis that simvastatin therapy improves the biochemical phenotype by increasing the expression of a Dhcr7 allele with residual enzymatic activity. We conclude that simvastatin treatment is efficacious in improving the SLOS-associated sterol abnormality found in the brain, and thus has the potential to be an effective therapeutic intervention for behavioral and learning problems associated with SLOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina S Correa-Cerro
- Unit on Molecular Dysmorphology, Heritable Disorders Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Extensive research has not clearly established a link between egg consumption and risk for coronary heart disease. The effects of egg intake on plasma lipids and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) atherogenicity in healthy populations need to be addressed. RECENT FINDINGS The lack of connection between heart disease and egg intake could partially be explained by the fact that dietary cholesterol increases the concentrations of both circulating LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in those individuals who experience an increase in plasma cholesterol following egg consumption (hyperresponders). It is also important to note that 70% of the population experiences a mild increase or no alterations in plasma cholesterol concentrations when challenged with high amounts of dietary cholesterol (hyporesponders). Egg intake has been shown to promote the formation of large LDL, in addition to shifting individuals from the LDL pattern B to pattern A, which is less atherogenic. Eggs are also good sources of antioxidants known to protect the eye; therefore, increased plasma concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in individuals consuming eggs are also of interest, especially in those populations susceptible to developing macular degeneration and eye cataracts. SUMMARY For these reasons, dietary recommendations aimed at restricting egg consumption should not be generalized to include all individuals. We need to acknowledge that diverse healthy populations experience no risk in developing coronary heart disease by increasing their intake of cholesterol but, in contrast, they may have multiple beneficial effects by the inclusion of eggs in their regular diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luz Fernandez
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA.
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Abstract
Recent insights into the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. The Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal recessive multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation disorder caused by an inborn error of post-squalene cholesterol biosynthesis. Deficient cholesterol synthesis in SLOS is caused by inherited mutations of 3beta-hydroxysterol-Delta7 reductase gene (DHCR7). DHCR7 deficiency impairs both cholesterol and desmosterol production, resulting in elevated 7DHC/8DHC levels, typically decreased cholesterol levels and, importantly, developmental dysmorphology. The discovery of SLOS has led to new questions regarding the role of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in human development. To date, a total of 121 different mutations have been identified in over 250 patients with SLOS who represent a continuum of clinical severity. Two genetic mouse models have been generated which recapitulate some of the developmental abnormalities of SLOS and have been useful in elucidating the pathogenesis. This mini review summarizes the recent insights into SLOS genetics, pathophysiology and potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of SLOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Yu
- Corresponding authors: Hongwei Yu, Shailesh Patel, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West, Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA, Tel.: +1 414 456 6801; fax: +1 414 456 6210; e-mail: ,
| | - SB Patel
- Corresponding authors: Hongwei Yu, Shailesh Patel, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Medical College of Wisconsin, 9200 West, Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA, Tel.: +1 414 456 6801; fax: +1 414 456 6210; e-mail: ,
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira B Irons
- Mira B. Irons Genetics: Fegan 10, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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