Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2(LRP2)is required for lipid export in the midgut of the migratory locust,Locusta migratoria

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2(LRP2)is a multifunctional endocytic receptor expressed in epithelial cells.In mammals,it acts as an endocytic receptor that mediates the cellular uptake of cholesterol-containing apolipoproteins to maintain lipid homeostasis.However,little is known about the role of LRP2 in lipid homeostasis in insects.In the present study,we investigated the function of LRP2 in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria(LmLRP2).The mRNA of LmLRP2 is widely distributed in various tissues,including integument,wing pads,foregut,midgut,hindgut,Malpighian tubules and fat body,and the amounts of LmLRP2 transcripts decreased gradually in the early stages and then increased in the late stages before ecdysis during the nymphal developmental stage.Fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that the LmLRP2 protein is mainly located in cellular membranes of the midgut and hindgut.Using RNAi to silence LmLRP2 caused molting defects in nymphs(more than 60%),and the neutral lipid was found to accumulate in the midgut and surface of the integument,but not in the fat body,of dsLmLRP2-treated nymphs.The results of a lipidomics analysis showed that the main components of lipids(diglyceride and triglyceride)were significantly increased in the midgut,but decreased in the fat body and hemolymph.Furthermore,the content of total triglyceride was significantly increased in the midgut,but markedly decreased in the fat body and hemolymph in dsLmLRP2-injected nymphs.Our results indicate that LmLRP2 is located in the cellular membranes of midgut cells,and is required for lipid export from the midgut to the hemolymphand fat body in locusts.

Role of PERK/eIF2α/CHOP Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway in Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Mediated Induction of Endothelial Apoptosis

Objective PERK/elF2/CHOP is a major signaling pathway mediating endoplasmic reticulum （ER） stress related with atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL （ox-LDL） also induces endothelial apoptosis and plays a vital role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The present study was conducted to explore the regulatory effect of ox-LDL on PERK/elF2a/CHOP signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cells. Methods The effects of ox-LDL on PERK and p-elF2a protein expression of primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVECs） were investigated by Western blot analysis. PERK gene silencing and selective elF2a phosphatase inhibitor, salubrinal were used to inhibit the process of ox-LDL induced endothelial cell apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, and CHOP mRNA level. Results Ox-LDL treatment significantly increased the expression of PERK, PERK-mediated inactivation of elF2a phosphorylation, and the expression of CHOP, as well as the caspase-3 activity and apoptosis. The effects of ox-LDL were markedly decreased by knocking down PERK with stable transduction of lentiviral shRNA or by selective elF2a phosphatase inhibitor, salubrinal. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that ox-LDL induces apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells mediated largely via the PERK/elF2a/CHOP ER-stress pathway. It adds new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis.

Association between Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein 5 Polymorphisms and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Han Chinese:a Case-control Study

Objective To investigate the association between low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 （LRPS） variants （rs12363572 and rs4930588） and type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） in Han Chinese. Methods A total of 1842 T2DM cases （507 newly diagnosed cases and 1335 previously diagnosed cases） and 7777 controls were included in this case-control study. PCR-RFLP was conducted to detect the genotype of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs）. Odds ratios （ORs） and 95% confidence intervals （95% CIs） were calculated to describe the strength of the association by logistic regression. Results In the study subjects, neither rs12363572 nor rs4930588 was significantly associated with T2DM, even after adjusting for relevant covariates. When stratified by body mass index （BMI）, the two SNPs were also not associated with T2DM. Among the 3 common haplotypes, only haplotype ~ was associated with reduced risk of T2DM （OR 0.820, 95% CI 0.732-0.919）. In addition, rs12363572 was associated with BMI （P〈0.001） and rs4930588 was associated with triglyceride levels （P=0.043） in 507 newly diagnosed T2DM cases but not in healthy controls. Conclusion No LRP5 variant was found to be associated with T2DM in Han Chinese, but haplotype TT was found to be associated with T2DM.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1:a novel potential therapeutic target for intracerebral hemorrhage

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1(OLR1)is upregulated in neurons and participates in hypertension-induced neuronal apoptosis.OLR1 deletion exerts protective effects on cerebral damage induced by hypertensive-induced stroke.Therefore,OLR1 is likely involved in the progress of intracerebral hemorrhage.In this study,we examined the potential role of OLR1 in intracerebral hemorrhage using a rat model.OLR1 small interfering RNA(10μL;50 pmol/μL)was injected into the right basal ganglia to knock down OLR1.Twenty-four hours later,0.5 U collagenase type VII was injected to induce intracerebral hemorrhage.We found that knockdown of OLR1 attenuated neurological behavior impairment in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage and reduced hematoma,neuron loss,inflammatory reaction,and oxidative stress in rat brain tissue.We also found that silencing of OLR1 suppressed ferroptosis induced by intracerebral hemorrhage and the p38 signaling pathway.Therefore,silencing OLR1 exhibits protective effects against secondary injury of intracerebral hemorrhage.These findings suggest that OLR1 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for intracerebral hemorrhage.

Effects of Pitavastatin on Lipoprotein Subfractions and Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein in Patients with Atherosclerosis

It has been demonstrated that pitavastatin can significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein(LDL)cholesterol(LDL-C),but its impact on lipoprotein subfractions and oxidized low-density lipoprotein(oxLDL)has not been determined.The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of pitavastatin on subfractions of LDL and high-density lipoprotein(HDL)as well as oxLDL in untreated patients with coronary atherosclerosis(AS).Thirty-six subjects were enrolled in this study.O f them,18 patients with AS were administered pitavastatin 2 mg/day for 8 weeks and 18 healthy subjects without therapy served as controls.The plasma lipid profile,lipoprotein subfractions and circulating oxLDL were determined at baseline and 8 weeks respectively.The results showed that pitavastatin treatment indeed not only decreased LDL-C,total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG)and apolipoprotein B(ApoB)levels,and increased HDL cholesterol(HDL-C),but also reduced the cholesterol concentration of all of the LDL subfractions and the percentage of intermediate and small LDL subfractions.Meanwhile,pitavastatin could decrease plasma oxLDL levels.Furthermore,a more close correlation was found between oxLDL and LDL-C as well as LDL subfractions after pitavastatin treatment.We concluded that a moderate dose of pitavastatin therapy not only decreases LDL-C and oxLDL concentrations but also improves LDL subfractions in patients with AS.

A modified laser-induced choroidal neovascularization animal model with intravitreal oxidized low-density lipoprotein

AIM: To investigate whether intravitreal injection of oxidized low-density lipoprotein(OxLDL) can promote laserinduced choroidal neovascularization(CNV) formation in mice and the mechanism involved, thereby to develop a better animal model.METHODS: C57BL6/J mice were randomized into three groups. Immediately after CNV induction with 532 nm laser photocoagulation, 1.0 μL of OxLDL [100 μg/m L in phosphate-buffered saline(PBS)] was intravitreally injected, whereas PBS and the same volume low-density lipoprotein(LDL;100 μg/m L in PBS) were injected into the vitreous as controls. Angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) and Western blotting(WB) after 5 d, and CNV severity was analyzed by choroid flat mount and immunofluorescence staining after 1wk. In vitro, retinal pigment epithelial(RPE) cell line(ARPE19) were treated with OxLDL(LDL as control) for 8 h. Angiogenic and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured. A specific inhibitor of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1(LOX1) was used to evaluate the role of LOX1 in this process.RESULTS: At 7 d after intravitreal injection of 1 μL(100 μg/mL) OxLDL, T15-labeled OxLDL was mainly deposited around the CNV area, and the F4/80-labeled macrophages, the CD31-labeled vascular endothelial cells number and CNV area were increased. Meanwhile, WB and qR T-PCR results showed that vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), CC chemokine receptor 2(CCR2), interleukin-6(IL-6), IL-1β, and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9) expressions were increased, which was supported by in vitro experiments in RPE cells. LOX1 inhibitors significantly reduced expressions of inflammatory factors IL-1β and VEGF. CONCLUSION: A modified laser-induced CNV animal model is established with intravitreal injection of 1 μL(100 μg/mL) of OxLDL at 7 d, which at least partially through LOX1. This animal model can be used as a simple model for studying the role of OxLDL in age-related macular degeneration.

Effect of low-density lipoproteins, spermatozoa concentration and glycerol on functional and motility parameters of bull spermatozoa during storage at 4℃

An extender has been developed with low-density lipoproteins （LDLs） that eliminates the microbial risks associated with the use of whole egg yolk. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of substituting egg yolk with LDLs for use as an extender in sperm preservation at 4 ℃, as well as on spermatozoa motility, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, at two different concentrations （80×10^6 and 240× 10^6 sperm per ml） for 8 days and to evaluate glycerol toxicity in both extenders. A total of 12 ejaculates were collected from three bulls. Spermatozoa motility was examined using computer-assisted semen analysis. Plasma membrane integrity was determined using the hypo-osmotic swelling test and acrosome integrity with the fluorescein isothiocyanate-Pisum sativum agglutinin test. The semen was subsequently divided into four aliquots and diluted with Tris-egg yolk-glycerol （TEG）, Tris-egg yolk without glycerol （TE）, LDL with glycerol （LDL＋） and LDL without glycerol （LDL-）, at 80×10^6 and 240 ×10^6sperm per ml. This study showed that the LDL＋ and LDL- extenders were more effective at preserving spermatozoa motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity than TEG and TE （P〈0.05） during 8 days of incubation. After 3 days of incubation, a toxicity of glycerol was observed in TEG, whereas no significant difference was observed between LDL＋ and LDL-. We can therefore conclude that the LDL extender can be used to refrigerate semen at 4 ~C instead of TEG and TE at 80×10^6and 240×10^6 sperm per ml for elite bulls. This finding can be used to define a policy for the storage of high-quality bull semen.

The effects of fucoidans from Laminaria japonica on AAPH mediated oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein

Five fucoidan fractions from Laminaria japonica with different sulfate content and molecular weight were prepared by anion-exchange chromatography and mild acid hydrolysis. Their antioxidant effects on azo radicals 2-2＇-Azobis （2-amidinopropane） dihydrochloride （AAPH） induced oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein （LDL） were evaluated by monitoring cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides （CHL-OOH） formation kinetics through reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography （RP-HPLC） analysis. Fucoidan F - C with a low molecular mass of 2 000 ～8 000 and a sulfate content of 24.3% had much stronger protective antioxidant effect than other four fucoidan fractions on the hydrophilic radical AAPH induced LDL oxidation. However, the highly sulfated fucoidan fraction L - B with a molecular mass of 20 000 was completely ineffective in protecting LDL from the AAPH induced oxidation. The results suggested that both molecular mass and sulfate content of fucoidan played very important roles in their effects on the AAPH induced LDL oxidation.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulates CD206 positive macrophages upregulating CD44 and CD133 expression in colorectal cancer with high-fat diet

BACKGROUND Oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL),which is abnormally increased in the serum of colorectal cancer(CRC)patients consuming a high-fat diet(HFD),may be one of the risk factors for the development of CRC.Ox-LDL exerts a regulatory effect on macrophages and may influence CRC through the tumor microenvironment.The role of ox-LDL in CRC remains unclear.AIM To investigate the role of ox-LDL through macrophages in HFD associated CRC.METHODS The expression of ox-LDL and CD206 was detected in colorectal tissues of CRC patients with hyperlipidemia and HFD-fed mice by immunofluorescence.We stimulated the macrophages with 20μg/mL ox-LDL and assessed the expression levels of CD206 and the cytokines by cell fluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.We further knocked down LOX-1,the surface receptor of ox-LDL,to confirm the function of ox-LDL in macrophages.Then,LoVo cells were co-cultured with the stimulated macrophages to analyze the CD44 and CD133 expression by western blot.RESULTS The expression of ox-LDL and the CD206 was significantly increased in the stroma of colorectal tissues of CRC patients with hyperlipidemia,and also upregulated in the HFD-fed mice.Moreover,an increased level of CD206 and decreased level of inducible nitric oxide synthase were observed in macrophages after ox-LDL continuous stimulation.Such effects were inhibited when the surface receptor LOX-1 was knocked down in macrophages.Ox-LDL could induce CD206+macrophages,which resulted in high expression of CD44 and CD133 in co-cultured LoVo cells.CONCLUSION Ox-LDL stimulates CD206+macrophages to upregulate CD44 and CD133 expression in HFD related CRC.

Adsorption/Desorption of Low-density Lipoprotein on a Heparinized Surface of Gold Sensors

Heparin has been considered to be a potentially useful ligand for low-density lipoprotein（LDL） detection and analysis in a clinical context.In order to construct an affinity surface for preferential adsorption of LDL,heparin-modified gold surface（GS-Hep） was fabricated by a self-assembling method and hydrophobic-modified gold surfaces（GS-Hydro） was used as a control.The morphologies of the modified gold surfaces were investigated by atomic force microscopy（AFM） and the quantity of heparin bound to gold surface was assayed by the toluidine blue（TB） colorimetric method.Water contact angles were determined to investigate wettability on GS-Hep and GS-Hydro.Surface plasmon resonance（SPR） technique was used subsequently to detect the selective binding of LDL with heparin.And the investigation on the effect of pH on LDL adsorption suggests that lower pH lead to higher quantities of LDL adsorption on GS-Hep.Compared with GS-Hydro,GS-Hep is selective for LDL from both single and binary protein solutions.Moreover,adsorbed LDL on GS-Hep could be washed off by injecting elution solution,such as NaCl solution,for the purpose of the regeneration of GS-Hep for further LDL adsorption.

Intensive lipid-lowering therapy,time to think beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Statins have been shown to be effective in reducing cardiovascular events.Their magnitude of benefits has been proportionate to the reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c).Intensive lipid-lowering therapies using ezetimibe and more recently proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 inhibitors have further improved clinical outcomes.Unselective application of these treatments is undesirable and unaffordable and,therefore,has been guided by LDL-c level.Nonetheless,the residual risk in the post-statin era is markedly heterogeneous,including thrombosis and inflammation risks.Moreover,the lipoprotein related risk is increasingly recognised to be related to other non-LDL-c markers such as Lp(a).Emerging data show that intensive lipid-lowering therapy produce larger absolute risk reduction in patients with polyvascular disease,post coronary artery bypass graft and diabetes.Notably,these clinical entities share similar phenotype of large burden of atherosclerotic plaques.Novel plaque imaging may aid decision making by identifying patients with propensity to develop lipid rich plagues at multi-vascular sites.Those patients may be suitable candidates for intensive lipid lowering treatment.

Hepatitis C virus G1b infection decreases the number of small low-density lipoprotein particles

AIM: To investigate how hepatitis C virus(HCV) G1 b infection influences the particle number of lipoproteins.METHODS: The numbers of lipoprotein particles in fasting sera from 173 Japanese subjects, 82 with active HCV G1 b infection(active HCV group) and 91 with cleared HCV infection(SVR group), were examined. Serum lipoprotein was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography into twenty fractions. The cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in each fraction were measured using Lipo SEARCH. The number of lipoprotein particles in each fraction was calculated using a newly developed algorithm, and the relationship between chronic HCV G1 b infection and the lipoprotein particle number was determined by multiple linear regression analysis.RESULTS: The median number of low-density lipoprotein(LDL) particles was significantly lower in the active HCV group [1182 nmol/L, interquartile range(IQR): 444 nmol/L] than in the SVR group(1363 nmol/L, IQR: 472 nmol/L, P < 0.001), as was that of highdensity lipoprotein(HDL) particles(14168 nmol/L vs 15054 nmol/L, IQR: 4114 nmol/L vs 3385 nmol/L, P = 0.042). The number of very low-density lipoprotein(VLDL) particles was similar between the two groups. Among the four LDL sub-fractions, the number of large LDL particles was similar between the two groups. However, the numbers of medium(median: 533.0 nmol/L, IQR: 214.7 nmol/L vs median: 633.5 nmol/L, IQR: 229.6 nmol/L, P < 0.001), small(median: 190.9 nmol/L, IQR: 152.4 nmol/L vs median: 263.2 nmol/L, IQR: 159.9 nmol/L; P < 0.001), and very small LDL particles(median: 103.5 nmol/L, IQR: 66.8 nmol/L vs median: 139.3 nmol/L, IQR: 67.3 nmol/L, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the active HCV group than in the SVR group, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated an association between HCV G1 b infection and the decreased numbers of medium, small, and very small LDL particles. However, active HCV infection did not affect the number of large LDL particles or any sub-fractions of VLDL and HDL particles.CONCLUSION: HCV G1 b infection decreases the numbers of medium, small, and very small LDL particles.

Hepatitis C virus clearance and less liver damage in patients with high cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and APOE ε4 allele

BACKGROUND Cholesterol is related to improvements in the rate of sustained virological response and a robust immune response against the hepatitis C virus(HCV).APOE gene polymorphisms regulate cholesterol levels modifying the course of the HCV infection.The relationship between cholesterol,APOE alleles,and the outcome of HCV infection has not been evaluated in the admixed population of Mexico.AIM To investigate the role of APOE-ε2,-ε3,and-ε4 alleles and the metabolic profile in the outcome of HCV infection.METHODS A total of 299 treatment-na?ve HCV patients were included in this retrospective study.Patients were stratified in chronic hepatitis C(CHC)(n=206)and spontaneous clearance(SC)(n=93).A clinical record was registered.Biochemical tests were assessed by dry chemistry assay.APOE genotypes were determined using a Real-Time polymerase chain reaction assay.RESULTS Total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c),triglycerides,and hypercholesterolemia were higher in SC than CHC patients as well as the frequency of the APOEε4 allele(12.4%vs 7.3%).SC patients were overweight(54.8%).Theε4 allele was associated with SC(OR=0.55,95%CI:0.31-0.98,P=0.042)and mild fibrosis(F1-F2)in CHC patients(OR 0.091,95%CI 0.01-0.75,P=0.020).LDL-c≥101.5 mg/dL(OR=0.20,95%CI:0.10-0.41,P<0.001)and BMI≥26.6 kg/m2(OR=0.37,95%CI:0.18-0.76,P<0.001)were associated with SC status;while ALT≥50.5 IU/L was negatively associated(OR=5.67,95%CI:2.69-11.97,P<0.001).CONCLUSION In SC patients,the APOEε4 allele and LDL-c conferred a protective effect in the course of the HCV infection in the context of excess body weight.

Comparison of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for the prediction of thin-cap fibroatheroma determined by intravascular optical coherence tomography

Background The correlation among the ratios of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C/HDL-C), total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(TC/HDL-C) and thin-cap fibroatheroma has not yet been established. Methods It was a single center, retrospective observational study. In total, we recruited 421 patients(82.4% men;mean age 65.73 ± 10.44 years) with one culprit vessel which determined by intravascular optical coherence tomography(OCT). The thinnest-capped fibroatheroma(TCFA) group was defined as lipid contents in > 2 quadrants, with the thinnest fibrous cap measuring less than 65 μm. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were carried out to explore the relationship between lipoprotein ratios, TCFA and other characteristics of plaque. To compare different ratios, the area under curve(AUC) of receiver-operating characteristic(ROC) curve was assessed. Results OCT was performed in 421 patients(TCFA group(n = 109), non-TCFA group(n = 312)). LDL-C/HDL-C in the TCFA group was significantly higher than in the non-TCFA group(2.95 ± 1.20 vs. 2.43 ± 0.92, P < 0.05), as was TC/LDL in TCFA and non-TCFA group(4.57 ± 1.58 vs. 4.04 ± 1.13, P < 0.05). Both LDL-C/HDL-C(OR: 1.002(1.002-1.003), P < 0.05) and TC/HDL-C(OR: 1.001(1.001-1.004), P < 0.05) were considered independent factors for the prediction of TCFA according to the logistic regression. Based on the AUC comparison, LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C had no significant difference statistically(LDL-C/HDL-C AUC: 0.63;TC/HDL-C AUC: 0.61;P = 0.10) for the prediction of TCFA. Conclusions LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C could be the independent factors for predicting the presence of TCFA, indicating coronary plaque vulnerability in CAD patients. Moreover, TC/HDL-C also showed a comparative performance for the prediction of TCFA as LDL-C/HDL-C.

Associations between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and haemorrhagic stroke

OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations between the blood concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and the clinical features of haemorrhagic stroke.METHODS This study analysed the data from patients with acute haemorrhagic stroke at a comprehensive stroke centre from 2013 to 2018.Patients were stratified into three groups according to their baseline LDL-C levels:<70,70 to<100 and≥100 mg/dL.We used multivariate logistic regression models to analyse the associations between LDL-C and the risks of having severe neurological deficits(National Institute Health Stroke Scale[NIHSS]scores≥15)and unfavourable outcomes(modified Rankin Scale[mRS]scores>2)at discharge.RESULTS Six-hundred and six patients were analysed.Their median age was 58 years.Among the patients,75(12%)patients had LDL-C levels<70 mg/dL,194(32%)patients had LDL-C levels between 70 to<100 mg/dL and the other 337(56%)patients had LDL-C levels≥100 mg/dL.Patients with higher LDL-C levels were less likely to suffer severe neurological deficits(LDL-C:70 to<100 vs.<70 mg/dL,adjusted odds ratio[OR]:0.29,95%CI:0.15–0.57;LDL-C:≥100 vs.<70 mg/dL,adjusted OR=0.27,95%CI:0.15–0.51)and to have unfavourable outcomes at discharge(LDL-C:70 to<100 vs.<70 mg/dL,adjusted OR=0.50,95%CI:0.29–0.87 and LDL-C:≥100 vs.<70 mg/dL,adjusted OR=0.46,95%CI:0.28–0.78).CONCLUSIONS An LDL-C level<70 mg/dL was independently associated with severe neurological deficits of haemorrhagic stroke and may increase the risks of unfavourable outcomes at discharge.

Selective Removal of Low-Density Lipoproteins from Blood by Induced Precipitation with AAS in Vitro(Ⅰ)

1 INTRODUCTION It’s evident that high level of cholesterol in blood is associated with the formation and devel-opment of familial hypercholestrolemia(FH)and atherosclerosis(AS).In general,choles-terol in blood is mainly combined with low-density lipoproteins(LDL),very low-densitylipoproteins(VLDL)and high density lipoproteins(HDL).About 60%-80% cholesterolexists in LDL and VLDL.LDL and VLDL have been recognized as the principal

C1q/TNF-related protein 5 promotes atherogenesis by enhancing transcytosis and oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein through increasing 12/15-lipoxygenase

Objective Increased transcytosis of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)across the endothelium and oxidation of LDL deposited within the subendothelial space are crucial early events in atherogenesis. C1q/TNF-related protein (CTRP) 5 is a novel secreted glycoprotein and its biological functions are largely undefined.

Overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor prevents neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in experimental ischemic stroke

Neurotoxic astrocytes are a promising therapeutic target for the attenuation of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Low-density lipoprotein receptor,a classic cholesterol regulatory receptor,has been found to inhibit NLR family pyrin domain containing protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome activation in neurons following ischemic stroke and to suppress the activation of microglia and astrocytes in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.However,little is known about the effects of low-density lipoprotein receptor on astrocytic activation in ischemic stroke.To address this issue in the present study,we examined the mechanisms by which low-density lipoprotein receptor regulates astrocytic polarization in ischemic stroke models.First,we examined low-density lipoprotein receptor expression in astrocytes via immunofluorescence staining and western blotting analysis.We observed significant downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor following middle cerebral artery occlusion reperfusion and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation.Second,we induced the astrocyte-specific overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor using astrocyte-specific adeno-associated virus.Low-density lipoprotein receptor overexpression in astrocytes improved neurological outcomes in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice and reversed neurotoxic astrocytes to create a neuroprotective phenotype.Finally,we found that the overexpression of low-density lipoprotein receptor inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation injured astrocytes and that the addition of nigericin,an NLRP3 agonist,restored the neurotoxic astrocyte phenotype.These findings suggest that low-density lipoprotein receptor could inhibit the NLRP3-meidiated neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes and that increasing low-density lipoprotein receptor in astrocytes might represent a novel strategy for treating cerebral ischemic stroke.

Structural basis of Semliki Forest virus entry using the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor

Alphaviruses are a group of important viruses that cause significant diseases in humans.Among them,Semliki Forest vi-rus(SFV)not only causes symptoms such as joint pain but also infects neuron cells and induces encephalitis in rodents.Recently,the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor(VLDLR)was identified as the cellular receptor for SFV entry.In this study,we present the cryo-electron microscopy structure of SFV bound to human VLDLR.VLDLR targets E1-DIII region of SFV using its membrane-distal LDLR class A(LA)repeats.Structural and functional analyses emphasize the synergistic role of multiple VLDLR repeats in the SFV entry.Remarkably,VLDLR’s binding mode to SFV closely mirrors that of minor group human rhinoviruses but differs significantly from other alphaviruses’interactions with receptors in the canyon re-gion of the E protein.We also assessed SFV binding to VLDLR or apolipoprotein E receptor 2(ApoER2)proteins in horses and mosquitoes and revealed their use of multiple but different LA repeats for binding.Our findings illuminate SFV’s cross-species infectivity,offering insights into potential antiviral strategies against alphavirus infections.