Mechanisms of cholesterol metabolism imbalance in a PA-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cell model / 中国药科大学学报

@#Liver cholesterol metabolism disorder plays an important role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).In order to reveal the molecular mechanism of cholesterol homeostasis imbalance induced by saturated fatty acids, HepG2 cells were stimulated with palmitic acid (PA).Lipids accumulation was analyzed by Oil Red O staining, intracellular triglyceride and cholesterol quantification.The level of genes and proteins related to cholesterol homeostasis was measured by RT-qPCR and western blotting.Additionally, intracellular bile acids and mitochondrial oxysterols were detected by LC-MS/MS.The results demonstrated that intracellular lipids such as TG and TC were significantly increased in the model with PA stimulation.Although no significant difference was detected in genes related to cholesterol synthesis and uptake, the protein expression of ABCG5 and LXRα were significantly down-regulated, indicating a decrease in cholesterol efflux.Meanwhile, the gene expression of STARD1 and CYP7B1, which are responsible for bile acid alternative synthesis, were markedly enhanced, along with a significant increase of cholesterol and 27-OHC in mitochondria and CDCA in cells.These results suggested that PA overload may disrupt cholesterol homeostasis by inhibiting cholesterol efflux and promoting bile acids synthesis.

The role of LXRs in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease: a review / 预防医学

Abstract@#Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ). Liver X receptors (LXRs), a member of the nuclear receptor transcription factor superfamily, are widely expressed in brain, which may be involved in the development and progression of AD. Based on the international and national publications pertaining to the association between LXRs and AD from 2010 to 2022, this review summarizes the advances on the involvement of LXRs in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism, inflammatory response and synapse formation in the pathogenesis of AD was reviewed, so as to provide insights into the prevention and treatment of AD.

Effects of cholesterol metabolism on prostate cancer progression / 现代泌尿外科杂志

Cholesterol metabolism is vital for the progression of prostate cancer (PCa), especially in the occurrence and development. Statins can affect the progression of PCa by reducing cholesterol. This paper will review how cholesterol metabolism affects the progression of PCa.

Effects of Shenqi Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction （参芪瓜蒌薤白半夏汤） on PPARγ， Bile Acids， and Blood Lipids in Mouse Models of Atherosclerosis / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shenqi Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction （参芪瓜蒌薤白半夏汤， SGXBD） in the treatment of atherosclerosis. MethodsThirty Apolipoprotein E gene knockout （ApoE-/-） mice were randomly divided into five groups： model group， rosuvastatin group， low-， moderate-， and high-dose SGXBD， with six mice in each group. They were fed a high-fat diet to prepare for atherosclerosis model. Another six C57BL/6J wild-type mice were set as the blank group. After modeling， the low-， moderate-， and high-dose SGXBD groups were gavaged with 6.46， 12.92， and 25.84 g/（kg·d） of SGXBD， respectively. The rosuvastatin group was given 1.55 mg/（kg·d） of rosuvastatin tablets by gavage. The blank group and model group were given 0.5 ml saline by gavage. After four weeks， the total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） in the serum of each group were detected， as well as TC and TG in the liver. The serum bile acid level was detected by enzyme cycling colorimetry. The mRNA and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ）， sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 （SREBP2）， 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase （HMGCR）， and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase （CYP7A1） in the liver were detected by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed significant increases in serum TG， TC， and LDL-C levels， and significant decreases in HDL-C and bile acid levels； the levels of TG and TC in the liver， as well as the expression of SREBP2 and HMGCR proteins and mRNA in the liver significantly increased， while the expression of PPARγ and CYP7A1 proteins and mRNA significantly decreased （all P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the rosuvastatin group and high-dose SGXBD group showed significant decreases in serum TG， TC， and LDL-C levels and liver TG and TC levels， and significant increases in bile acid levels； the expression of PPARγ and CYP7A1 proteins and mRNA increased， while the expression of SREBP2 and HMGCR proteins and mRNA decreased； the low-dose SGXBD group showed significant decreases in serum TC and LDL-C levels and liver TC level （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the rosuvastatin group， the low-dose SGXBD group had a significantly higher liver TC level， while the high-dose SGXBD group had a significantly lower liver TC level， CYP7A1 mRNA level， and PPARγ protein expression level， and a significantly higher SREBP2 protein expression level （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the low- and moderate-dose groups， the high-dose SGXBD group had significantly lower serum TG and liver TC levels （P＜0.05）. ConclusionSGXBD may improve blood lipid levels and exhibit anti-atherosclerotic effects by regulating the protein level of PPARγ and simultaneously affecting the synthesis of liver cholesterol and the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids.

Effect of "Natural Polypill", Xuezhikang on Serum Cholesterol Metabolism Markers in Early Menopausal Women with Hypercholesterolemia / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the effect of Xuezhikang on the markers of the serum lipid levels of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia, and preliminarily explore its lipid-lowering mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia were enrolled from December, 2014 to May, 2016 from Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, who were randomly allocated to receive Xuezhikang (1200 mg/d, orally) or atorvastatin (10 mg/d, orally) according to a random number table. Serum levels of some related biomarkers, including cholesterol synthesis markers (squalene, dihydrocholesterol, dehydrocholesterol, and lathosterol), and absorption markers (campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol) as well as safety indices were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention.@*RESULTS@#Eight weeks after treatment, both Xuezhikang and atorvastatin significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density cholesterol compared to baseline (all P<0.01). Xuezhikang significantly reduced the levels of squalene, dehydrocholesterol and lathosterol compared to baseline (all P<0.01), but atorvastatin only significantly reduced the level of squalene (P<0.01), compared to baseline. All cholesterol absorption markers showed no significant differences before and after treatment (P>0.05), however, a more obvious downward trend was shown in the Xuezhikang group. In addition, all the safety indices showed no significant differences between the two groups. Although the creatinekinase level in the Xuezhikang group was significantly higher, it remained within the safe range.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Xuezhikang may have more comprehensive effects on the markers of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism in early menopausal women with hypercholesterolemia through ergosterol and flavonoids in its "natural polypill."

Research progress on the regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 中华临床营养杂志

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide nowadays. Given the very complex pathogenesis, there are yet no effective pharmacological agents for the treatment of NAFLD. Accumulating evidence has shown that cholesterol metabolism dysregulation, resulting in excess cholesterol accumulation in the liver and subsequent hepatic inflammation and injury, is one of the most important causes for the occurrence and development of NAFLD. This suggests the application of cholesterol metabolism- targeting therapeutic strategy in NAFLD. This review firstly summarized the pathogenesis of NAFLD, then focused on the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and underlying mechanisms through which excess hepatic cholesterol contributed to NAFLD, and reviewed the research progress on cholesterol-lowering agents aimed at maintaining the cholesterol homeostasis to treat NAFLD, which would provide insights for novel strategies to treat NAFLD in both preclinical studies and clinical settings.

Effect and Mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang on Lipid Deposition in Liver of ApoE-/- AS Mice by Affecting Long Noncoding RNA-HC/miR-130b and to Regulate Cholesterol Metabolism / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang in improving liver lipid deposition in ApoE^-/- atherosclerotic （AS） mice by affecting long noncoding RNA-HC （Lnc-HC）/microRNA-130b （miR-130b） in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. Method:Totolly 10 C57BL/6J mice were selected as normal controls， and 30 healthy ApoE^-/- mice fed with high fat diet for 12 weeks were then randomly divided into the model group， Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang group（19.12 g·kg^-1·d^-1） and simvastatin group（2.275 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， with gavage administration for 4 weeks. The serum lipid level of mice was detected by automatic biochemistry analyzer， and the histopathological changes of liver cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect expression of long noncoding RNA-HC， and miR-130b. Real-time PCR and Western blot assay were used to detect gene and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPAR<italic>γ</italic>）， liver X receptor （LXR）， ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 （ABCA1）， ATP-binding cassette transporters G1 （ABCG1）， ATP-binding cassette transporters G5 （ABCG5）， and ATP-binding cassette transporters G8 （ABCG8）. Result:Compared with the normal control group， the mice in the model group showed abnormal blood lipids， larger liver cells， obvious fat vacuoles， significantly increased expression of Lnc-HC， miR-130b in liver， and significantly decreased gene and protein expression of PPAR<italic>γ</italic>， LXR， ABCA1， ABCG1， ABCG5， and ABCG8 in mice liver （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the abnormal blood lipid levels of the mice in the Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang group and the simvastatin group were improved， and the number of fatty vacuoles of liver cells was significantly reduced， the expression of liver Lnc-HC， miR-130b in Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang group decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the gene and protein levels of liver PPAR<italic>γ</italic>， ABCA1， ABCG1， ABCG5， ABCG8 in mice of the Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang group and the simvastatin group showed an upward trend. Among them， the gene and protein expression of LXR protein in the liver of the Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang group was significantly up-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang may improve the lipid deposition in the liver of ApoE^-/-AS mice by affecting Lnc-HC/miR-130b to regulate the cholesterol metabolism process mediated by PPAR<italic>γ</italic>， thus playing a role in preventing and treating AS.

Effect of Shuangyu Tiaozhi Decoction on HNF1α/PCSK9/LDLR Signaling Pathway in Liver of Hypercholesterolemic Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1<italic>α</italic> （HNF1<italic>α</italic>）， proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 （PCSK9） and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLR） in hypercholesterolemia rat liver， and investigate the mechanism of Shuangyu Tiaozhi Decoction regulating cholesterol metabolism and attenuating hypercholesterolemia. Method:After providing a high-fat diet for 4 weeks， 40 SD rats were selected， 8 of which were randomly selected as normal group and fed a normal diet， and the remaining 32 rats were fed a high-fat diet. The rats successfully established as hypercholesterolemic model， were randomized into 4 groups： model group， low dose of Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction group （7.8 g·kg^-1）， high dose of Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction group （15.6 g·kg^-1）， and simvastatin group （4 mg·kg^-1）， with 8 rats in each group. The drugs were continuously given for 8 weeks. Serum total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） were measured. The pathomorphological changes in liver were observed by hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. The immunohistochemistry was used to detect PCSK9 and LDLR expression in liver. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HNF1<italic>α</italic>， PCSK9 and LDLR were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. Result:Compared with normal group， the TC， TG， LDL-C levels in model group were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the morphology showed obvious liver steatosis. The mRNA and protein expression of HNF1<italic>α</italic> and PCSK9 were increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， the mRNA and protein expression of LDLR was decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with model group， the serum TC， TG， LDL-C levels were significantly lowered in the Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction high-dose group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the serum TC， LDL-C levels were significantly lowered in the Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction low-dose group and simvastatin group （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while no significant effect was observed on the serum HDL-C levels in each treatment group. The liver steatosis decreased in each treatment group. The mRNA and protein expression of HNF1<italic>α</italic> was obviously decreased in each treatment group （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the mRNA and protein expression of PCSK9 was obviously decreased in Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction low and high-dose groups （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the mRNA expression of PCSK9 was significantly increased in the simvastatin group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the protein expression showed a downward trend. The LDLR mRNA levels were significantly increased in each treatment group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the LDLR protein expression was significantly increased in Shuangyu Tiaozhi high-dose group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and showed an upward trend in Shuangyu Tiaozhi low-dose group and simvastatin group. Results of immunohistochemistry showed PCSK9 expression was weakly positive， the expression of LDLR was strongly positive in each treatment group. The therapeutic effect of Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction high-dose group was more remarkable than simvastatin group， while there was no obvious difference between the Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction low-dose group and simvastatin group. Conclusion:Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction may reduce the blood lipid levels through HNF1<italic>α</italic>/PCSK9/LDLR signaling pathway， play an active role on regulating cholesterol metabolism and alleviating high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Progress in the regulation of energy metabolic homeostasis by the SWI/SNF complex subunit Baf60a / 生物工程学报

Metabolic syndrome is a global chronic epidemic. Its pathogenesis is determined by genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetic modification is reported to regulate gene expression without altering its nucleotide sequences. In recent years, epigenetic modification is sensitively responded to environmental signals, further affecting the gene expression and signaling transduction. Among these regulators, chromatin remodeling SWI/SNF (SWItch/Sucrose non fermentable, SWI/SNF) complex subunit Baf60a plays an important role in maintaining energy homeostasis in mammals. In this paper, we described the pathophysiological roles of Baf60a in maintaining the balance of energy metabolism, including lipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, urea metabolism, as well as their rhythmicity. Therefore, in-depth understanding of Baf60a-orchestrated transcriptional network of energy metabolism will provide potential therapeutic targets and reliable theoretical supports for the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid transfer 4 (StarD4) promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and its mechanism / 生物医学工程学杂志

Oncogene StarD4 had the function of promoting proliferation and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but its clinical value and molecular mechanism are unknown. This paper found that StarD4 was highly expressed in cancer tissues of TNBC patients, and higher expression level of StarD4 in TNBC patient resulted in poorer prognosis. Based on transcriptomics of MDA-MB-231 cell model, the results of bioinformatics analysis showed that down-regulated expression level of StarD4 led to overall downregulation of cholesterol-relative genes and significant enrichment of cancer mechanism and pathway. Further analysis and investigation verified that StarD4 might cross-promote the protein stability of receptor ITGA5 through the cholesterol pathway to enhance TNBC progression, which provides guidance for clinical application of TNBC diagnosis and treatment.

Ascorbate Effect of Lithium on Protein and Lipid Metabolism in Pigs

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a new anti-stress drug on protein and lipid metabolism in thecultivation and fattening of pigs. The experiment was carried out on 5 groups of pigs of Irish Landrace breed (4experimental and 1 control) with 10 heads in each in the period from 60 to 210 days of age. Animals of 1, 2, 3and 4 experimental groups daily during the entire period of rearing and fattening received lithium ascorbate inthe form of powder at a dose of 10, 5, 2 and 0.5 mg/kg of live weight, respectively. Weighing was carried outbefore the introduction of the drug, for the 4th month and before slaughter. Before setting the animals in theexperiment and on the 180th day of the experiment, blood samples were taken. Triacylglycerols, total protein andglobulins, and fractions of lipoproteins were determined in blood plasma. Acting on protein and lipid metabolism,lithium ascorbate activates the functions associated with the participation of α-, β - globulins in the transport oflipids, as well as in the performance of γ-globulins protective functions. Lithium ascorbate has a positive effecton lipid-cholesterol metabolism and, as a result, contributes to the increase in live weight and quality of meat.With the introduction of feed lithium ascorbate from the 60th day prior to slaughter at a dosage of 10, 5 and 2mg/kg of body weight, lithium ascorbate exhibits a pronounced adaptogenic and stress-protection properties,prevents the accumulation of lipoproteins of low and very low density and activates the production of high-densitylipoproteins. And in the control animals, it is is observed in the reverse reaction. The use of lithium ascorbateaffects protein synthesis. Given that γ-and β-globulins serve as raw materials for the production ofimmunoglobulins, it can be noted that the animals treated with lithium ascorbate had the best opportunities forhumoral specific protection for 180 days of experience, which contributes to the increase of nonspecific immunityand resistance. The revealed effects of lithium ascorbate indicate the prospects for the development of neweffective ways to increase stress resistance, nonspecific resistance and productivity of animals using drugs basedon organic lithium salts.

Effect of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway regulated by HMGCS1 on drug sensitivity of HL-60 cells / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To explore the mechanism of 3-hydroxymethyl-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (HMGCS1) on drug sensitivity of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) HL-60 cells. Methods: HL-60 cells were cultured. The negative control group and the HMGCS1 overexpressed group were constructed by infecting the negative control lentivirus and HMGCS1 lentivirus,and the untreated HL-60 cells were set as the blank control group. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the expression of HMGCS1 mRNA in the 3 groups,and to verify whether the cell lines of the HMGCS1 overexpressed group were successfully constructed. The effect of HMGCS1 on the expression of AKT and phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) in phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (PKB / AKT) signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting. CCK8 method was used to detect the effects of HMGCS1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor LY29400 on the activity of HL-60 cells. The effect of LY29400 on HMGCS1 expression was detected by qPCR and Western blotting. Results: Compared with the negative control group,the HMGCS1 mRNA expression was increased significantly in the HMGCS1 overexpressed group (P=0.000). Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the p-AKT protein level in the HMGCS1 overexpression group was significantly increased,while the AKT expression of the 3 groups was not significantly different. CCK8 method showed that compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,HMGCS1 could reduce the effect of adriamycin on cell viability in the HMGCS1 overexpressed group (P=0.003,P=0.006),while LY294002 could inhibit the effect produced by HMGCS1 (P=0.000). The intervention of LY294002 could reduce the expression levels of HMGCS1 and p-AKT protein and HMGCS1 mRNA (both P=0.000) in the negative control group and the blank control group. Conclusion: HMGCS1 can reduce the sensitivity of HL-60 cells to chemotherapy drug adriamycin,while PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002 can restore its sensitivity.

Effects of Ursolic Acid on Cholesterol Metabolism in Hepatic Cells / 医药导报

Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of ursolic acid ( UA) on cholesterol metabolism in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and mouse hepatocyte AML-12. Methods HepG2 and AML-12 cells were treated with different concentrations of UA (0,10,20,40 μmol·L-1)for 24 h, then the mRNA and protein expression of cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and intracellular cholesterol level was detected by RT-PCR、Western blotting and enzymatic method, respectively. Results Compared with 0 μmol·L-1 UA, 20 μmol·L-1 and 40 μmol·L-1 UA significantly increased the expressions of CYP7A1 mRNA and protein(P<0. 05), and decreased intracellular cholesterol level in HepG2 and AML-12 cells (P<0. 05). Conclusion A certain concentration of UA can reduce the level of cholesterol in HepG2 and AML-12 cells. CYP7A1 may be involved in the regulation process.

Effect of puerarin on cholesterol influx and efflux in RAW264.7-treated foam cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM: To study the protective effect of puerarin on the atherosclerosis of RAW264.7-derived foam cells.METHODS: The model of foam cells was established by incubating the RAW264.7 cells with ox-LDL.The choles-terol uptake was evaluated by a DiI-ox-LDL binding assay.The ability of cholesterol efflux of the RAW264.7-derived foam cells was detected by cholesterol efflux assay.The protein levels of LC3II, P62, CD36, ABCA1, LAL and p-AMPK were determined by Western blot.RESULTS: Puerarin treatment reduced the cholesterol uptake capacity and enhanced the cho-lesterol efflux rate.The protein levels of LC3II, ABCA1 and LAL in puerarin group were higher than that in ox-LDL group, while the protein levels of P62 and CD36 were obviously decreased, and those in rapamycin treatment group had the same change as puerarin group.The protein levels of LC3II, ABCA1 and LAL were obviously decreased and the protein level of p-AMPK was increased after co-treated with 3-MA.CONCLUSION: Puerarin promotes LAL and ABCA1-mediated cho-lesterol efflux in ox-LDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages, which might enhance autophagy through AMPK-dependent path-way for cholesterol efflux regulation, and reduce the uptake of lipids by CD36 negative regulation.

Effects of disturbed liver growth and oxidative stress of high-fat diet-fed dams on cholesterol metabolism in offspring mice

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Changes in nutritional status during gestation and lactation have detrimental effects on offspring metabolism. Several animal studies have shown that maternal high-fat diet (HFD) can predispose the offspring to development of obesity and metabolic diseases, however the mechanisms underlying these transgenerational effects are poorly understood. Therefore, we examined the effect of maternal HFD consumption on metabolic phenotype and hepatic expression of involved genes in dams to determine whether any of these parameters were associated with the metabolic outcomes in the offspring. MATERIALS/METHODS: Female C57BL/6 mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD: 10% calories from fat) or a high-fat diet (HFD: 45% calories from fat) for three weeks before mating, and during pregnancy and lactation. Dams and their male offspring were studied at weaning. RESULTS: Dams fed an HFD had significantly higher body and adipose tissue weights and higher serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels than dams fed an LFD. Hepatic lipid levels and mRNA levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism, including LXRα, SREBP-2, FXR, LDLR, and ABCG8 were significantly changed by maternal HFD intake. Significantly lower total liver DNA and protein contents were observed in dams fed an HFD, implicating the disturbed liver adaptation in the pregnancy-related metabolic demand. HFD feeding also induced significant oxidative stress in serum and liver of dams. Offspring of dams fed an HFD had significantly higher serum cholesterol levels, which were negatively correlated with liver weights of dams and positively correlated with hepatic lipid peroxide levels in dams. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal HFD consumption induced metabolic dysfunction, including altered liver growth and oxidative stress in dams, which may contribute to the disturbed cholesterol homeostasis in the early life of male mice offspring.

Sínquise cintilante ou colesterolosis bulbi de câmara anterior em paciente lactente / Synchisis scintillans or cholesterolosis bulbi of the anterior chamber in an infant patient

Este trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um caso de sínquise cintilante de câmara anterior em lactente sem causa elucidada. O paciente apresentou desvio no olhar desde o nascimento. Antecedentes pessoais e familiares sem anormalidades. Ao exame em OE: Esotropia constante, nistagmo horizontal, leucocoria e microftalmia, já em OD: sem anormalidades. Ultrassonografia (USG) em OE: redução do comprimento axial, retina aplicada e vítreo hiperecogênico. Aventaram-se hipóteses de persistência de vítreo primário hiperplásico, catarata congênita e retinoblastoma, e solicitou-se tomografia de crânio e cavidade orbitária (TC). Paciente retornou após 6 meses trazendo resultado da TC cuja única alteração evidenciada era OE com áreas hiperatenuantes e sem sinais de calcificação. Ao exame em OD: reflexo pupilar direto positivo e consensual negativo e em OE: hiperemia conjuntival, análise de reflexo pupilar, inviabilizada por presença de sínquises cintilantes de coloração ocre na câmara anterior, que não estava presente no exame inicial. Solicitou-se nova USG, evidenciando: ecos puntiformes na cavidade vítrea, sugerindo hemorragia, espessamento de hialoide posterior, retina aplicada e coroide com espessura aumentada. A sínquise cintilante ou “colesterolosis bulbi” é um processo degenerativo comumente secundário a trauma, inflamação ou hemorragia intraocular. Cursa com deposição de cristais de colesterol (provenientes do cristalino em degeneração ou do próprio vítreo) na cavidade vítrea, espaço sub-retiniano e, mais raramente, na câmara anterior. Sugerese que o fenômeno decorra de traumas, catarata de longa duração, hifema, glaucoma secundário ou descolamento de retina e mais raramente, de uveítes, neoplasias ou vasculopatias. Até o presente, não há relato na literatura de sínquise cintilante de câmara anterior envolvendo um lactente.

The propose of this article is presenting a case report of Synchisis scintillans of the anterior chamber in an infant patient without any elucidation. The patient’s initial complaint was “strabismus since birth”. There was not found any other personal or family abnormalities. On examination: OS: Esotropia maintained, horizontal nystagmus, microphthalmia and leukocoria. OD: no abnormalities. Ultrasonography (USG) OS: reduction of the axial length, retinal applied and hyperechoic vitreous. Raised hypotheses were persistence of hyperplastic primary vitreous, congenital cataract and retinoblastoma, and there was also requested cranial and orbital cavity tomography (TC). The patient returned after six months with TC showing as sole evidenced hyperattenuating areas without signs of calcification on OS. On examination: OD showing direct pupillary reflex positive and consensual pupillary reflex negative. OS: conjunctival hyperemia and analysis of pupillary reflex frustrated by the presence of sparkling colored ocher in the anterior chamber. We asked for a new USG, which showed: punctate echoes in the vitreous cavity, suggesting hemorrhage; thickening of the posterior hyaloids; choroid and retina were attached, both with increased thickness. The synchisis scintillans or “colesterolosis bulbi” is a degenerative process commonly secondary to trauma, inflammation or intraocular hemorrhage. Evolves with deposition of cholesterol crystals (from degeneration of the lens or vitreous itself) in the vitreous cavity, subretinal space and rarely, in the anterior chamber. There are evidences that the phenomenon could arise from severe trauma, long-term cataract, hyphema, glaucoma or retinal detachment and, even more rarely, uveitis, neoplasias or vascular disorders. Until this case, there was no report of Synchisis scintillans in the anterior chamber involving an infant.

Association of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein with cholesterol metabolism / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein ( FABP4 ) is abundantly expressed in adipocytes and macrophages, and the physiologic function of this lipid chaperone is involved in the intracellular trafficking and targeting of fatty acids inside cell. Studies have shown that FABP4 plays a significant role in cholesterol metabolism. FABP4 can affect some key gene expression for cholesterol metabolism, thus regulate the metabolism, storage, and trafficking of cholesterol. As the development of FABP4 inhibitors, drugs targeting FABP4 are possible and can lead to a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and atherosclerosis.

Effect of Curcumin on Cholesterol Metabolism of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Cells / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Objective]To study the effect of curcumin on the cholesterol metabolism of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) cells model induced in vitro and its potential mechanism. [ Methods]The cellmodel of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) was established by oleic acid and treated with curcumin. The method of oil red O staining was used to observe accumulation of intracellular lipid while the intracellular content of TG, FC and TC was detected by enzymatic method. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of SR-BΙand HMGCR were detected with qPCR.[ Results] The NAFLD cellmodel was successful y established by culturing with 30 μg·mL-1 oleic acid. After curcumin intervention, TG, FC and intracellular lipid accumulation levels were significantly reduced in NAFLD cellmodel. Meanwhile, curcumin can reduce HMGCR mRNA expression and raise SR-BΙ mRNA expression. [Conclusion] Curcumin can decrease FC level in NAFLD cellmodel and the mechanism might be related with its capacity of restraining endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis and promoting foreign cholesterol transfer into the liver cells for metabolism.

Hypocholesterolemic metabolism of dietary red pericarp glutinous rice rich in phenolic compounds in mice fed a high cholesterol diet

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of red pericarp glutinous rice rich in polyphenols (Jakwangchalbyeo, red rice) on serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol and hepatic protein expression linked to synthesis and degradation of cholesterol in a hypercholesterolemic mice diet as compared with brown rice. MATERIALS/METHODS: C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5 each), which were fed different diets for a period of 12 weeks: American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93G diet, AIN-93G diet with 2% cholesterol, brown rice with 2% cholesterol, or red rice with 2% cholesterol. RESULT: Consumption of red rice resulted in a significant decrease in serum level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hepatic levels of triglyceride and total-cholesterol. Expression of acyl-coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase-2 (ACAT-2), sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), and 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase was decreased, while expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK ratio, cholesterol 7-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7a1), and sterol 12-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP8b1) was increased in mice fed red rice. Brown rice had similar effects on cholesterol metabolism, but the effect of red rice was significantly greater than that of brown rice. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggested that red rice had a hypocholesterolemic effect by lowering hepatic cholesterol synthesis through ACAT-2, HMG-CoA reductase, and SREBP-2, and by enhancing hepatic cholesterol degradation through CYP7a1 and CYP8b1 in mice fed a hypercholesterolemic diet.

Effect of combined mulberry leaf and fruit extract on liver and skin cholesterol transporters in high fat diet-induced obese mice

Obesity is an epidemic disease characterized by an increased inflammatory state and chronic oxidative stress with high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, obesity alters cholesterol metabolism with increases in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterols and triglycerides and decreases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterols. It has been shown that mulberry leaf and fruit ameliorated hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic conditions in obese and diabetic subjects. We hypothesized that supplementation with mulberry leaf combined with mulberry fruit (MLFE) ameliorate cholesterol transfer proteins accompanied by reduction of oxidative stress in the high fat diet induced obesity. Mice were fed control diet (CON) or high fat diet (HF) for 9 weeks. After obesity was induced, the mice were administered either the HF or the HF with combination of equal amount of mulberry leaf and fruit extract (MLFE) at 500mg/kg/day by gavage for 12 weeks. MLFE treatment ameliorated HF induced oxidative stress demonstrated by 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and modulated the expression of 2 key proteins involved in cholesterol transfer such as scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in the HF treated animals. This effect was mainly noted in liver tissue rather than in cutaneous tissue. Collectively, this study demonstrated that MLFE treatment has beneficial effects on the modulation of high fat diet-induced oxidative stress and on the regulation of cholesterol transporters. These results suggest that MLFE might be a beneficial substance for conventional therapies to treat obesity and its complications.