Attenuation of atherogenic apo B-48-dependent hyperlipidemia and high density lipoprotein remodeling induced by vitamin C and E combination and their beneficial effect on lethal ischemic heart disease in mice

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent and its underlying pathogenesis involves dyslipidemia including pro-atherogenic high density lipoprotein (HDL) remodeling. Vitamins C and E have been proposed as atheroprotective agents for cardiovascular disease management. However, their effects and benefits on high density lipoprotein function and remodeling are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the role of vitamin C and E on non HDL lipoproteins as well as HDL function and remodeling, along with their effects on inflammation/ oxidation biomarkers and atherosclerosis in atherogenic diet-fed SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mice were pre-treated for 5 weeks before and during atherogenic diet feeding with vitamin C and E added to water and diet, respectively. Compared to a control group, combined vitamin C and E administration reduced serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by decreasing apo B-48-containing lipoproteins, remodeled HDL particles by reducing phospholipid as well as increasing PON1 and apo D content, and diminished PLTP activity and levels. Vitamin supplementation improved HDL antioxidant function and lowered serum TNF-α levels. Vitamin C and E combination attenuated atherogenesis and increased lifespan in atherogenic diet-fed SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin C and E administration showed significant lipid metabolism regulating effects, including HDL remodeling and decreased levels of apoB-containing lipoproteins, in mice. In addition, this vitamin supplementation generated a cardioprotective effect in a murine model of severe and lethal atherosclerotic ischemic heart disease.

Caffeine is responsible for the bloodglucose-lowering effects of green tea and Puer tea extractsin BALB/c mice / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to determine the effects of Puer tea and green tea on blood glucose level. Male BALB/c mice were administered green tea extract (GTE) or Puer tea extract (PTE), either intragastrically or in their drinking water. The major components of these teas are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and caffeine, respectively. Blood glucose measurement results showed that mice fed intragastrically or mice that drank GTE, PTE or caffeine showed significantly lower blood glucose levels compared to the control group. However, EGCG exhibited no influence on the blood glucose levels. When caffeine was eliminated from the GTE and PTE, the effect on the blood glucose levels was abolished, but the effect was recovered when caffeine was re-introduced into the extracts. Evaluation of hematological and biochemical indices at the time of the greatest caffeine-induced decrease in blood glucose levels showed that the effect of caffeine was specific. Microarray analyses were performed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and mature adipocytes treated with 0.1 mg · mL(-1) caffeine to identify factors that might be involved in the mechanisms underlying these effects. The results showed that few genes were changed after caffeine treatment in adipocytes, and of them only phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) may be ralated to blood glucose. In conclusion, this study indicates that caffeine may be the key constituent of tea that decreases blood glucose levels, and it may be used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Role of phospholipid transfer protein in cigarette smoke-induced apoptosis of RLE-6TN cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced apoptosis of rat alveolar type II cells (RLE-6TN) in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Rat alveolar epithelial cell line RLE-6TN were transfected with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting PLTP prior to exposure to different concentrations of CSE for 24 or 48 h. The morphological changes of the apoptotic cells were observed by fluorescence microscopy with Hochest staining, and the cell apoptosis rate was measured with flow cytometry. The expression level of PLTP and caspase-3 activity in the cells were examined with Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Exposure to CSE significantly increased the cell apoptosis rate from (1.68∓0.098)% to (18.663∓0.964)% (P<0.001). Hoechst staining revealed distinct apoptotic changes in CSE-treated cells, which showed increased PLTP expression and caspase-3 activity. PLTP knockdown with the specific siRNA partly suppressed the SCE-induced enhancement of caspase-3 activity in the cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PLTP may play a role in CSE-induced apoptosis of rat alveolar cells in vitro.</p>

Significance of PLSCR1 in Matrine Induced Differentiation of ATRA Resistant APL Cells / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression of phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) in matrine (MAT) induced differentiation of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells, and to explore its correlation to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signal pathway.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>NB4 (an APL cell line sensitive to ATRA) and NB4-R1 (a resistant strain of ATRA) were observed as subjects in this study. Effects of combined treatment of 0.1 mmol/L MAT and 1 [mol/L ATRA on the differentiation of two cell lines were detected using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test and flow cytometry (CD11b). Expressions of PML/RARot and PLSCR1 protein/gene were detected using Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay. Meanwhile, H89, PKA antagonist, was used to observe cell differentiation antigen and changes of aforesaid proteins and genes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MAT combined ATRA could significantly elevate positive rates of NBT and CD11 b in NB4-R1 cells, and significantly down-regulate the expression of PML/RARapha-fusion protein/gene (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). ATRA used alone could obviously enhance the expression of PLSCRI in NB4 cells at protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.01). But the expression of PLSCR1 was up-regulated in NB4-R1 cells, but with statistical.difference only at the protein level (P <0. 01). In combination of MAT, PLSCR1 protein expression was further elevated in the two cell lines (P < 0.01). Besides, there was statistical difference in mRNA expressions in NB4-R1 cells (P < 0.05). All these actions could be reversed by treatment of 10 micromol/L H89 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MAT combined ATRA could significantly induce the differentiation of NB4-R1 cells, and inhibit the expression of PML/RARalpha fusion gene/protein, which might be associated with up-regulating PLSCR1 expression.</p>

MsbA ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter of E. coli: Structure and possible flippase mechanism.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters utilize the energy present in cellular ATP to drive the translocation of structurally diverse set of solutes across the membrane barriers of eubacteria, archaebacteria and eukaryotes. In bacteria, these transporters are considered to be important virulence factors because they play role in nutrient uptake and in the secretion of toxins. The advances in structural determination and functional analysis of bacterial transporters have greatly increased our understanding of the mechanism of transport of these ABC transporters. Although progress in the field of structural biology has been made with the prokaryotic family members, it is likely that eukaryotic transporters will utilize the same mechanisms for translocation process. In this review, we summarize the function of the known MsbA ABC transporters in E. coli and mechanistic insights from structural and possible flippase mechanism studies.

Changes of erythrocyte deformability in rats acclimatized to hypoxia and its molemechanism / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the changes of erythrocyte deformability in rats acclimatized to hypoxia and its molemechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): normal control group, acute hypoxia group and hypoxia acclimatization group. Animals were exposed to hypoxia for 0, 1, 28 d, blooded from their hearts after anaesthetized, respectively. Erythrocyte deformability, membrane fluidity, cholesterin and total lipid, lipid components of erythrocyte membrane, erythrocyte membrane ATPase and the concentrations of Na+ and Ca2+ were measured respectively. The two-dimensional electrophoresis maps of the rats erythrocyte membrane protein were achieved. The different protein spots were founded by image master 2D elite and identified by mass spectrum.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) In acute hypoxia group, the deformability, membrane fluidity, the content of membrane cholesterin and total lipid were declined. The content of phosphatidylserines (PS), sphingomyelin (SM) in erythrocyte membrane lipids were increased, phosphatidylcholine (PC) reduced. The activity of ATP enzymes reduced and the concentration of Na+ and Ca2+ in erythrocyte increased. The two-dimensional electrophoresis maps of the rats erythrocyte membrane protein were achieved. Four of the seven protein spots selected increased and three of them showed no change. (2) In hypoxia acclimatization group, the deformability, membrane fluidity, the content of membrane cholesterin and total lipid were increased than those in acute hypoxia group, similar to normal group. The content of PS, SM in erythrocyte membrane lipids were reduced, PC increased. The activity of ATP enzymes induced and the concentration of Na+ and Ca2+ in erythrocyte increased after hypoxia acclimatization. Four of those protein spots mentioned increase and three declined after hypoxia acclimatization. They were respectively proved by mass spectrum to be alexin binding protein, aquaporin chip, membrane inhibitor reactive lysis, phospholipids scramblase, glucose transferase, aminophospholipid translocases, ATP-dependent floppase, the latter three proteins were associate with the overturning of erythrocyte membrane lipids.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acute hypoxia caused the corresponding damage of erythrocyte deformability, erythrocyte membrane fluidity, erythrocyte membrane proteins erythrocyte expression, the activity of membrane ATPase and the concentration of Na+ and Ca2+ in erythrocyte. The parameters above were improved after hypoxia acclimatization, so hypoxia acclimatization effected positively in the damage to erythrocyte due to acute hypoxia. The three membrane proteins might play important roles in the deformability improved by hypoxia acclimatization, which included phospholipids scramblase, aminophospholipid translocases and ATP-dependent floppase.</p>

Study on the correlation between Chinese medical syndrome types and serum levels of PLTP and CETP in coronary heart disease patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the correlation between the serum levels of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and Chinese medical syndrome types of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients, thus probing a new pathway for the objectivity of CHD syndrome typing and developing therapeutic drugs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>201 patients with CHD confirmed by coronary angiography were selected. The comprehensive analysis database by the four examination methods was established using generally accepted standard for Chinese medical syndrome typing. Twenty healthy subjects were randomly recruited as the control group. Serum samples were separated from venous blood. The serum activities of PLTP and CETP were assayed by ELISA. The triglyceride (TG) content was determined using acetic acetone coloring method. Contents of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined using precipitation floating enzyme couplet method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum levels of PLTP, CETP, and TC of CHD patients of all Chinese medical syndrome types were significantly higher than those of the control group, showing statistical difference (P<0.05, P<0.01). Statistical difference existed in serum levels of TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C of all Chinese medical syndrome types when compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Statistical difference existed in serum levels of PLTP between the sthenia in superficiality groups of all Chinese medical syndrome types and the asthenia in origin groups of all Chinese medical syndrome types (P< 0.05). Statistical difference existed in serum levels of TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C between the sthenia in superficiality groups of all Chinese medical syndrome types and the asthenia in origin groups of all Chinese medical syndrome types (P<0.05, P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The serum PLTP levels of CHD patients of sthenia in superficiality significantly increased. Changes in serum lipids was more significant in CHD patients of the sthenia in superficiality syndrome than in those of the asthenia in origin syndrome.</p>

Transferências lipídicas para HDL em diabéticos tipo 2: associações com microalbuminúria, estatina e insulina / Transferencias lipídicas hacia HDL en diabéticos tipo 2: asociaciones con microalbuminuria, estatina y insulina / Lipid transfer to HDL in type-2 diabetic patients: associations with microalbuminuria, statin, and insulin

FUNDAMENTO: O diabete melito tipo 2 (DM2) é um fator de risco isolado para coronariopatia, principalmente quando associado à microalbuminúria (MA). Alterações estruturais e funcionais das lipoproteínas não são totalmente esclarecidas nesse contexto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a transferência de lípides para HDL (T) em pacientes DM2 e a associação com a presença da MA e com o tratamento com estatina ou insulina. MÉTODOS: Estudamos 33 pacientes com DM2 e 34 controles pareados para idade. Uma nanoemulsão lipídica artificial radiomarcada com ³H-Triglicéride (TG) e 14C-colesterol livre (CL) ou ³H-colesterol éster (CE) e 14C-fosfolípide (FL) foi incubada com plasma. A nanoemulsão e as lipoproteínas foram precipitadas, exceto a HDL, que teve sua radioatividade contada. RESULTADOS: A TFL ( por cento) foi maior no grupo com DM2 que no grupo-controle (25,2±3,2 e 19,7±3,2 respectivamente; p < 0,001), assim como a TCL ( por cento): 9,1±2,7 e 6,3±1,5 respectivamente; p < 0,001. O diagnóstico de MA não se associou a mudanças da propriedade de transferência. O uso da insulina associou-se à menor TFL ( por cento): 23,5±2,1 contra 26,1±3,3; p = 0,018. Já o uso da estatina associou-se à queda de todas - TCE ( por cento): 3,5±0,9; TFL ( por cento):23,8±2,0; TTG ( por cento): 3,9±0,8; TCL ( por cento):7,4±1,3 - quando comparado ao grupo que não usava estatina (TCE ( por cento):5,9±2,4; TFL ( por cento):26,9±3,6; TTG ( por cento):6,4±2,2; TCL ( por cento):11,1±2,6). CONCLUSÃO: O DM2 aumentou a transferência de lípides de superfície para HDL, enquanto o uso de estatina diminuiu todas as transferências de lípides. A presença de MA não se associou às alterações das transferências de lípides.

BACKGROUND: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an isolated risk factor for coronary artery disease, especially when associated with microalbuminuria (MA). Structural and functional changes in lipoproteins have not yet been fully elucidated in this context. OBJECTIVE: To assess lipid transfer (T) to HDL in type-2 diabetic patients and its association with microalbuminuria and treatment with statins or insulin. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and 34 age-matched control subjects were studied. A synthetic cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion radiolabeled with ³H- triglycerides (TG) and 14C-free cholesterol (FC) or ³H- cholesteryl ester (CE) and 14C-phospholipids (PL) was incubated with plasma. Both the nanoemulsion and lipoproteins were precipitated, except for HDL, which was counted for radioactivity. RESULTS: PLT ( percent) was higher in the T2DM group than in the control group (25.2 ± 3.2 and 19.7 ± 3.2 respectively; p < 0.001), as was free cholesterol ( percent FC): 9.1 ± 2.7 and 6.3 ± 1.5 respectively; p < 0.001. The diagnosis of microalbuminuria (MA) was not associated with changes in lipid transfers. Insulin therapy was associated with lower PLT rates: 23.5 ± 2.1 versus 26.1 ± 3.3; p = 0.018. Statin therapy, in turn, was associated with a drop in all lipid transfers - CET 3.5 ± 0.9; PLT: 23.8 ± 2.0; TGT: 3.9 ± 0.8; FCT: 7.4 ± 1.3 - as compared to the group that was not on statin therapy (CET: 5.9 ± 2.4; PLT: 26.9 ± 3.6; TGT: 6.4 ± 2.2; FCT: 11.1 ± 2.6). CONCLUSION:Type-2 diabetes mellitus increased lipid transfer to HDL particles, whereas statin therapy decreased all lipid transfers. The presence of MA was not associated with changes in lipid transfer.

FUNDAMENTO: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es un factor de riesgo aislado para coronariopatía, principalmente cuando asociado a la microalbuminuria (MA). Alteraciones estructurales y funcionales de las lipoproteínas no están totalmente aclaradas en ese contexto. OBJETIVO: Evaluar no sólo la transferencia de lípidos hacia HDL (T) en pacientes DM2, sino también la asociación tanto con la presencia de la MA como con el tratamiento con estatina o insulina. MÉTODOS: Estudiamos a 33 pacientes con DM2 y 34 controles pareados para edad. Se incubó con plasma una nanoemulsión lipídica artificial radiomarcada con ³H-Triglicérido (TG) y 14C-colesterol libre (CL) o ³H-colesterol esterificado (CE) y 14C-fosfolípido (FL). Se procedió a la precipitación de la nanoemulsión y de las lipoproteínas, con excepción de la HDL, que tuvo su radioactividad contada. RESULTADOS: El valor de TFL ( por ciento) resultó mayor en el grupo con DM2 en confrontación con el grupo-control (25,2±3,2 y 19,7±3,2 respectivamente; p < 0,001); la TCL ( por ciento), por su vez, obtuvo los siguientes resultados: 9,1±2,7 y 6,3±1,5 respectivamente; p < 0,001. El diagnóstico de MA no se asoció a cambios de la propiedad de transferencia. El uso de la insulina se asoció al menor valor de TFL ( por ciento): 23,5±2,1 vs 26,1±3,3; p = 0,018. Ya el uso de la estatina se asoció a la baja del valor de todas las lipoproteínas - TCE ( por ciento): 3,5±0,9; TFL ( por ciento):23,8±2,0; TTG ( por ciento): 3,9±0,8; TCL ( por ciento):7,4±1,3 - si comparado al grupo que no usaba estatina (TCE ( por ciento):5,9±2,4; TFL ( por ciento):26,9±3,6; TTG ( por ciento):6,4±2,2; TCL ( por ciento):11,1±2,6). CONCLUSIONES: El DM2 aumentó la transferencia de lípidos de superficie hacia HDL, mientras que el uso de estatina disminuyó todas las transferencias de lípidos. La presencia de MA no se asoció a las alteraciones de las transferencias de lípidos.

Phospholipid scramblase 1 / 生理学报

Phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) is a calcium-binding, multiply palmitoylated type II endofacial plasma membrane protein, while unpalmitoylated PLSCR1 protein can import into the nucleus, where it binds to genomic DNA. Although the original work showed that PLSCR1 contributes to the transbilayer movement of phospholipids, the following studies revealed that PLSCR1 expression can be induced by some cytokines such as interferon, epidermal growth factor, and also by leukemic cell differentiation-inducing agents such as all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PLSCR1 was also shown to interact with several protein kinases including c-Abl, c-Src, protein kinase Cdelta as well as some other proteins such as onzin, suggesting the roles of PLSCR1 in cell signaling. Indeed, the current evidence proposes that PLSCR1 contributes to cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and plays roles in the pathogenesis of cancers, especially leukemia.

Proteomic analyses of cervical cancer tissues by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of protein expressions by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in normal cervix and squamous cell carcinoma tissues in Korean women. METHODS: Normal cervix and squamous cell carcinoma tissues were solubilized with 2-DE buffer and the first dimension of PROTEAN IEF CELL, isoelectric focusing (IEF), was performed using pH3-10 linear IPG strips of 17 cm. And then running 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and sliver stain. Scanned image was analyzed using PDQuest 2-D softwareTM. Protein spot spectrum was identified by assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of fighting (MALDI-TOF) and the protein mass spectrum identifications were performed by searching protein databases of Swiss-prot/TrEMBL, Mascot and MS-FIT. RESULTS: We found 9 up-regulation proteins (Alpha enolase, Keratin 19 type I, Keratin 20 type I, Keratin 13 type I, beta-actin, Aflatoxin B1 aldehyde reductase 1, Annexin A2, Squamous cell carcinoma antigen 2, unknown), 7 down-reguation proteins (Annexin 1, Myosin regulatory light chain 2, 14-3-3 protein epsilon, Heat shock 27 kDa protein, Hypothetical protein (DKFZP434C1715), Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 13B, Smoth muscle protein 22-alpha) and 6 up and down-regulation proteins (Tropomyosin 1, Tropomyosin 2, Tropomyosin 3, Serine (or cysteine) proteinase inhibitor, Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha isoform, Src homology 3 domain-containing protein HIP-55) between normal cervix and squamous cell carcinoma cell tissues. CONCLUSION: 2-DE offers total protein expressions between normal cervix and squamous cell carcinoma cell tissues, and searching of differently expressed protein for the diagnostic markers of squamous cell carcinoma tissue.

Comparison of Protein Expression in Normal Myometrium and Uterine Leiomyoma Using Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis in Korean Women / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of protein expression by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in normal myometrium and uterine leiomyoma in Korean women. METHODS: Normal myometrium and uterine leiomyoma tissues were solubilized with 2-DE buffer and the first dimension of PROTEAN IEF CELL, isoelectric focusing (IEF), was performed using pH4-8 linear IPG strips of 17 cm. And then running 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE) and sliver stain. Scanned image analyzed using PDQuest 2-D softwareTM. Protein spot spectrum was identified by assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of fighting (MALDI-TOF) and the protein mass spectrums identification were performed by searching protein databases of Swiss-prot/TrEMBL, Mascot and MS-FIT. RESULTS: In this study, we found 17 up-regulated proteins (phosphate carrier protein, 60 kDa heat shock protein, acidic calcium-independent, glutathione transferase omega, chloride intracellular channel 4, Ras-related protein Rab-11B, phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha isoform, type II keratin subunit protein, Cofilin 2 isoform 1, transgelin, ATP carrier protein, alpha-catenin homolog, parkinson disease 2, apo-cellular retinoic acid binding protein II, osteoglycin preproprotein, proteasome activator subunit 1 isoform, Unnamed protein) and 7 down-regulated proteins (Serum amyloid P component, annexin IV, alpha 1 actin precursor, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member EDAR precursor, peroxiredoxin 2, translation elongation factor EF-Tu precursor) between myometrium and leiomyoma. CONCLUSION: 2-DE offer total protein expression between normal myometrium and uterine leiomyoma, and searching of differently expressed protein for the diagnostic markers of leiomyoma.

Membrane-associated cytoskeleton and transbilayer phospholipid asymmetry.

Earlier studies have suggested that the membrane-associated cytoskeleton (membrane skeleton) in erythrocytes plays a major role in maintaining the transmembrane phospholipid asymmetry. But recently, it has been proposed that an ATP-dependent aminophospholipid pump is the sole determinant of this asymmetry in these cells. A critical analysis of the published data along with some unpublished results from the author's laboratory, however, indicate that both membrane skeleton and ATP-dependent aminophospholipid pump are required for maintaining the membrane phospholipid asymmetry in native erythrocytes.