Hypercholesterolemia,low density lipoprotein receptor and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in the world. Plasma levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） are positively correlated with the risk of atherosclerosis. High plasma LDL concentrations in patients with hypercholesterolemia lead to build-up of LDL in the inner walls of the arteries, which becomes oxidized and promotes the formation of foam cells, consequently initiating atherosclerosis. Plasma LDL is mainly cleared through the LDL receptor （LDLR） pathway. Mutations in the LDLR cause familiar hyperch- olesterolemia and increase the risk of premature coronary heart disease. The expression of LDLR is regulated at the transcriptional level via the sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 （SREBP-2） and at the posttranslational levels mainly through proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 （PCSK9） and inducible degrader of the LDLR （IDOL）. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the studies of PCSK9.

Effect of Curcumin on the Gene Expression of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptors

Objective： To investigate the molecular mechanisms and effective target ponits of lipid-lowering drug, Rhizoma Curcumae Longae, and study the effect of curcumin on the expression of low density lipoprotein （LDL） receptors in macrophages in mice. Methods. Macrophages in mice were treated with curcumin, which was purified from the ethanolly extraction of Rhizoma Curcumae Longae for 24 h. The LDL receptors expressed in the macrophages were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and assay of Dil labeled LDL uptake by flow cytometer. Results： It was found for the first time that 10 μmol/L-50 μmol/L curcumin could obviously up-regulate the expression of LDL receptor in macrophages in mice, and a dose-effect relationship was demonstrated. Conclusion： One of the lipid-lowering mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine, Rhizoma Curcumae Longae, was completed by the effect of curcumin through the up-regulation of the expression of LDL receptor.

Function and Significance of Very Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Subtype Ⅱ

To explore the functions of very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDL-R) subtype II in lipoprotein metabolism and foam cells formation, the recombinant plasmid with the two subtypes cDNA was constructed respectively, the ldl-A7 cell lines were transfected and two cell lines expressing VLDL-R were obtained: one stably expressing the VLDLR with the O-linked sugar region (type I VLDLR) and the other without the O-linked sugar region (type II VLDLR). In the study on binding of VLDLR to their nuclein labeled natural ligands (VLDL and β-VLDL), it was found that surface binding of 125I-VLDL or 125I-β-VLDL of ldl-A7 cells transfected with type I VLDLR recombinant (ldl-A7-VRI) was more higher than that of ldl-A7 cells transfected with type II VLDLR recombinant (ldl-A7-VRII). After being incubated with VLDL for different time, the contents of triglyceride and total cholesterol in cells were mensurated, and the formation of foam cells and accumulation of lipid in cells was observed by oil-red O staining. The results showed that the contents of triglyceride and total cholesterol in ldl-A7-VR I were much higher than those in ldl-A7-VR II, and ldl-A7-VR I could transform into foam cells notably. It was suggested that type I VLDLR binds with relative higher affinity to VLDL and β-VLDL, and internalizes much more lipoprotein into cells. As a result, we can conclude that type I VLDLR plays a more important role in lipoprotein metabolism and foam cells formation than type II VLDLR.

Roles of low?density lipoproteinreceptor?related protein 1 in tumors

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1,also known as CD91),a multifunctional endocytic and cell signaling receptor,is widely expressed on the surface of multiple cell types such as hepatocytes,fibroblasts,neurons,astrocytes,macrophages,smooth muscle cells,and malignant cells.Emerging in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrates that LRP1 is critically involved in many processes that drive tumorigenesis and tumor progression.For example,LRP1 not only promotes tumor cell migration and invasion by regulating matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-2and MMP-9 expression and functions but also inhibits cell apoptosis by regulating the insulin receptor,the serine/threonine protein kinase signaling pathway,and the expression of Caspase-3.LRPI-mediated phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway and c-jun N-terminal kinase are also involved in tumor cell proliferation and invasion.In addition,LRP1 has been shown to be down-regulated by microRNA-205 and methylation of LRP1CpG islands.Furthermore,a novel fusion gene,LRP1-SNRNP25,promotes osteosarcoma cell invasion and migration.Only by understanding the mechanisms of these effects can we develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancers mediated by LRP1.

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.

Relationship between the low density lipoprotein receptor gene polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao population

Objectives Bai Ku Yao(White-trousers Yaos)is a special branch of Yao minority in China.They are now living in both Lihu and Baxu villages,Nandan County, Guangxi,China.The population size is about 30,000.The special customs and culture of Bai Ku Yao,including their special clothing,intra-ethnic marriages and alcohol intake are still completely conserved to the present day.In previous epidemiologic studies,we found that the serum lipid levels and the prevalence of hyperlipidaemia were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese from the same region.This ethnic difference in serum lipid profiles is still not well known.We hypothesized that there may be significant differences in some genetic polymorphismsssociation of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) genepolymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.Methods A total of 1024 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 792 participants of Han Chinese were stud- ied by a stratified randomized cluster sampling.Epidemiological survey was carried out using internationally standardized methods.Information on demographics,socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors was collected with standardized questionnaires. The height,weight,waist circumference,blood pressure, and serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),apolipoprotein(Apo) A1, and ApoB were measured.Body massindex(BMI,kg/m2) was calculated.Genotyping of the LDL-RAvaⅡwas performed by polymerse chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis,and then confirmed by direct sequencing.Results(l)The height,weight,serum TC,HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoAl levels and the ratio of ApoAl to ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese(P【0.01 for all),whereas the percentage of subjects who consumed alcohol or smoked cigarettes was higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese(P【0.01 for each).(2) The frequency of A+ allele in Bai Ku Yao was 34.5%,and the frequencies of A-A-,A-A+ and A+A + genotypes were 42.6%,45.9%and 11.5%;respectively. The frequency of A+ allele in Han Chinese was 19.3%(P【0.001),and the frequencies of A-A-,A-A + and A+A+ genotypes were 64.9%,31.6%and 3.5%(P【0.001);respectively. The frequencies of A-A-,A-A+ and A+A+ genotypes in Bai Ku Yao were significant difference between males and females,between normal TC and high TC subgroup, and between normal LDL-C and high LDL-C subgroup (P【0.05 for all),whereas the frequencies of A- and A+ ? alleles in Han Chinese were significant difference between males and females(P【0.05).(3) Serum LDL-C levels in Bai Ku Yao were significant difference among the A-A-, A-A+ and A+A+ genotypes(P【0.05),the A+ carriers had higher serum LDL-C levels.Serum HDL-C levels in Han Chiese were significant difference among the A-A-,A-A + and A+A+ genotypes(P【0.01),the A+ carriers had higher serum HDL-C levels.(4) After adjusting other factors,the prevalence of LDL-C abnormality was still higher in Han Chiese than in Bai Ku Yao.The prevalence of TC abnormality in Han Chinese was almost twice high as in Bai Ku Yao. The age and diet were common risk factor for TC abnormality. No effect of AvaⅡgenotype or alcohol consumption on the TC abnormality was found,but the combination of geno-type and alcohol consumption can increase the prevalence of TC abnormality[Exp(B) =(1.154)].Age was negatively cor- related with TG level.Conclusions Serum TC and LDL-C levels were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese.There were significant differences in the AvaⅡallele and genotype frequencies between the he A+ carriers in Bai Ku Yao had higher serum LDL-C levels,whereas the A+ carriers in Han had higher serum HDL-C levels.Interactions between alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking and the LDL-R AvaⅡgenotype were also observed.The differences in the serum lipid profiles between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different genotypic frequency of LDL-R AvaⅡpolymorphism or differentgene-enviromental interactions.Bai Ku Yao and Han population,the frequency of A + allele was higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han.T between the two ethnic groups.Therefore,the aim of the present study was to detect the

Antitumoral activity of low density lipoprotein-aclacinomycin complex in mice bearing H_(22) tumor

INTRODUCTIONCancer cells,which proliferate rapidly need largeamounts of cholesterol for new membrane synthesis,and high LDL receptor (LDLR) activity.LDL hasbeen proposed as a useful discriminatory vehicle forthe delivery of cytotoxic drugs to tumor cells.LDL presents many advantages as drug

基于NOD样受体3炎性小体通路对利拉鲁肽在氧化低密度脂蛋白诱导内皮细胞损伤的作用机制研究

背景动脉粥样硬化是世界范围内引起心脑血管疾病最主要的原因,炎症是目前研究热点,其中NOD样受体3(NLRP3)是研究最为深入的炎症小体。胰高糖素样肽1(GLP-1)受体激动剂有抗动脉粥样硬化作用,具体机制尚不明确。目的研究利拉鲁肽通过拮抗氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)诱导的内皮细胞损伤的作用机制。方法2022-03-25—05-19培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),取HUVEC加空白血清作为对照组,100μg/mL的ox-LDL干预HUVEC 48 h作为模型组,100μg/mL的ox-LDL干预HUVEC 24 h后分别加入100、200、400 nmol/L利拉鲁肽处理24 h作为利拉鲁肽低浓度组、利拉鲁肽中浓度组、利拉鲁肽高浓度组。CCK-8法计算细胞增殖率。通过扫描电镜观察焦亡细胞形态。检测乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活力。酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测白介素(IL)-1β、IL-18表达水平。蛋白质免疫印迹试验(Western blot)检测NLRP3、接头蛋白凋亡相关斑点样蛋白(ASC)、天冬氨酸蛋白水解酶1(Caspase-1)、焦亡执行蛋白(GSDMD)、N端结构域的焦亡执行蛋白(N-GSDMD)表达水平。结果模型组、利拉鲁肽低浓度组和利拉鲁肽中浓度组细胞增殖率低于对照组,利拉鲁肽低浓度组、利拉鲁肽中浓度组、利拉鲁肽高浓度组细胞增殖率高于模型组(P<0.05)。细胞扫描电镜结果示模型组细胞焦亡明显,利拉鲁肽低浓度组、利拉鲁肽中浓度组、利拉鲁肽高浓度组细胞焦亡情况明显改善。模型组、利拉鲁肽低浓度组LDH活力高于对照组,利拉鲁肽低浓度组、利拉鲁肽中浓度组、利拉鲁肽高浓度组低于模型组(P<0.05)。模型组、利拉鲁肽低浓度组IL-1β表达水平高于对照组,利拉鲁肽中浓度组、利拉鲁肽高浓度组IL-1β表达水平低于模型组(P<0.05);模型组IL-18表达水平高于对照组,利拉鲁肽低浓度组、利拉鲁肽中浓度组、利拉鲁肽高浓度组IL-18表达水平低于模型组(P<0.05)。模型组NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1、GSDMD、N-GSDMD表达水平高于对照组,利拉鲁肽低浓度组ASC、Caspase-1表达水平高于对照组,利拉鲁肽中浓度组NLRP3、ASC表达水平低于模型组,利拉鲁肽高浓度组NLRP3、ASC、Caspase-1表达水平低于模型组(P<0.05)。结论利拉鲁肽显著抑制ox-LDL诱导的内皮细胞NLRP3炎性小体活化,并且能够抑制内皮细胞的焦亡,具有抗动脉粥样硬化作用。

重组腺相关病毒介导的VLDLR基因转移改善2型糖尿病大鼠大脑海马tau蛋白Alzheimer病样改变

目的:Tau蛋白过度磷酸化是Alzheimer病(AD)的重要特征,在2型糖尿病中tau蛋白呈AD样过度磷酸化改变。本研究运用极低密度脂蛋白受体(VLDLR)基因转移干预2型糖尿病大鼠(T2DM),观察海马tau蛋白磷酸化修饰水平的变化。方法:将8周龄雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为3组,正常对照组(CTL)以普通饮食喂养,2型糖尿病组(T2DM)及2型糖尿病处理组(T2DM+VLDLR)。葡萄糖氧化酶法检测血浆血糖,放免法检测血浆胰岛素,Western blotting分析海马内总tau、tau蛋白上部分位点磷酸化及VLDLR水平。[γ-32P]标记的ATP和特异性底物肽检测海马内胰岛素信号转导系统中的关键酶糖原合成酶激酶-3β(GSK-3β)活性。结果:T2DM组大鼠经VLDLR基因处理之后(T2DM+VLDLR)与对照组(CTL)海马回总tau蛋白水平无差异,T2DM组tau(pS214)、tau(pS396)、tau(pS422)及tau(pSpS199/202)位点上的磷酸化水平显著高于CTL组,而在tau-1位点免疫反应显著弱于CTL组;运用VLDLR基因处理之后,tau蛋白上tau(pT217)、tau(pS396)及tau(pSpS199/202)位点磷酸化水平显著下降,tau-1位点显著增强,但tau(pS214)及tau(pS422)位点磷酸化水平无显著下降。免疫组化结果检测到T2DM组大鼠海马区tau蛋白在Ser214位点上磷酸化程度较CTL组显著增高,运用VLDLR基因处理之后,tau蛋白磷酸化程度逆转不明显。3组大鼠海马细胞内总GSK-3β无显著差异,但T2DM组GSK-3β磷酸化程度显著下降,运用VLDLR基因处理后GSK-3β磷酸化程度显著上升。结论:重组腺相关病毒介导的VLDLR基因处理可能是通过抑制GSK-3β活性来改善2型糖尿病大鼠海马tau蛋白上部分位点的Alzheimer病样过度磷酸化状态。

Effects of Curcuma Longa on proliferation of cultured bovine smooth muscle cells and on expression of low density lipoprotein receptor in cells

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of aqueous turmeric extract (AqT) and serum of rats orally treated with ethanol extract of turmeric (SeT) on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and its effects on the expression of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL R) antigen on the surface of smooth muscle cells. Methods Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the expression of LDL R protein and thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay for the proliferation of VSMC were used in this study. Results Both aqueous turmeric extract (AqT) and serum of rats orally treated with ethanol extract of turmeric (SeT) could inhibit 10% serum activated proliferation of VSMC. The inhibition shown in both experiments was dose dependent with an inhibitory rate of 18.9% at 20 mg/ml AqT and rate of 20.1% at 10% SeT respectively. AqT up regulated the expression of LDL R protein with a highest rate at 5 mg/ml AqT in 3% lipoprotein deficient serum (LPDS). SeT did not show significant effect on the expression of LDL R on the surface of VSMC. Conclusion The extracts of turmeric may be extended to decrease the risk of atherosclerosis (AS).

Fluvastatin prevents renal injury and expression of lactin-like exidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 in rabbits with hypercholesterolemia

Background Lipid abnormalities are often complicated by renal dysfunction. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are the first-line choice for lowering cholesterol levels. The present study was designed to investigate whether statins could prevent and invert the development of renal injury in cholesterol-fed rabbits and to find the possible mechanism of their effects by detecting gene and protein expression of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) in the renal artery.Methods Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups: (1) control group, regular granules chow; (2) HC-diet group, granules chow with 1% cholesterol and 5% lard oil; and (3) fluvastatin group, 1% cholesterol and 5% lard oil diet plus fluvastatin (10 mg·kg -1 ·d -1 ) . After 16 weeks, serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein(LDL) and creatinine (Cr) levels were measured. Renal hemodynamics and function, mainly including glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in vivo were quantified using 99m Tc-DTPA single photon emission computed tomograph ( 99m Tc-DTPA SPECT). The thickness of the renal artery intima was quantitated in HE-stained segments by histomorphometry. Gene expression of LOX-1 in the renal artery was examined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and its protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Results High cholesterol diet induced hypercholesterolemia (HC) complicated by renal dysfunction with increased levels of serum lipid and Cr, decreased GFR and delayed excretion and extensively thickened renal arterial intima in the HC-diet group. Rabbits in the control group showed a minimal LOX-1 expression (mRNA and protein) in the endothelium and neointima of the renal artery. Intimal proliferation of the renal artery in the HC-diet group was associated with a marked increase of LOX-1 expression (protein and mRNA). Treatment with fluvastatin improved renal function, attenuated intimal proliferation of the renal artery and markedly decreased the enhanced LOX-1 expression in the endothelium and neointima of the renal artery in rabbits. Conclusions Fuvastatin treatment could prevent the development of renal injury in patients with HC and early atherosclerosis (AS). This beneficial effect might be mediated by its pleiotropic effects including a decrease in total cholesterol exposure level and prevention of LOX-1 expression in atherosclerotic arteries.

Role of VLDL Receptor in the Process of Foam Cell Formation

The role of very low density lipoprotein receptor (LVLDR) in the process of foam cell formation was investigated. After the primary cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages were incubated with VLDL, β VLDL or low density lipoprotein (LDL), respectively for 24 h and 48 h, foam cells formation was identified by oil red O staining and cellular contents of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were determined. The mRNA levels of LDLR, LDLR related protein (LRP) and VLDLR were detected by semi quantitative RT PCR. The results demonstrated that VLDL, β VLDL and LDL could increase the contents of TG and TC in macrophages. Cells treated with VLDL or β VLDL showed markedly increased expression of VLDLR and decreased expression of LDLR, whereas LRP was up regulated slightly. For identifying the effect of VLDL receptor on cellular lipid accumulation, ldl A7 VR cells, which expresses VLDLR and trace amount of LRP without functional LDLR, was used to incubate with lipoproteins for further examination. The results elucidated that the uptake of triglyceride rich lipoprotein mediated by VLDLR plays an important role in accumulation of lipid and the formation of foam cells.

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1:protein,ligands,expression and pathophvsiological significance

Objective To review the recent research progress in lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 （LOX-1） including its protein, ligands, expression and pathophysiological significance. Data sources Information included in this article was identified by searching of PUBMED （1997-2006） online resources using the key term LOX-1. Study selection Mainly original milestone articles and critical reviews written by major pioneer investigators of the field were selected. Results The key issues related to the LOX-1 protein as well as ligands for LOX-1. Factors regulating the expression of LOX-1 were summarized. The pathophysiological functions of LOX-1 in several diseases were discussed. Conclusions Identification of LOX-1 and a definition of its biological role in pathophysiologic states provide deeper insight into the pathogenesis of some cardiovascular diseases especially in atherosclerosis and provide a potential selective therapeutic approach. LOX-1 is unlocking and drugs targeting LOX-1 might be a promising direction to explore.

Exploration of the Relationship between Phlegm-Dampness Constitution and Polymorphism of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Genes Pvu Ⅱand AvaⅡ

Objective： To explore the polymorphism of low density lipoprotein receptor （LDL-R） genes Pvu Ⅱ end Ave Ⅱ in e population with phlegm-dampness constitution （PDC）. Methods： Polymorphism of LDL-R genes at Pvu Ⅱ end Ave Ⅱ of 48 persons with gentle constitution （GC） end 61 with PDC were analyzed with PCR-RELP technique, end their serum contents of lipids end glucose were determined end compared as well. Results： The A＋ ellelic end P- ellelic frequency were higher end the P＋ ellelic frequency was lower in subjects with PDC then those in subjects with GC, which were 0.3083 vs 0.1771, 0.9098 vs 0.7708 end 0.0902 vs 0.2292, respectively, ell showing significant difference between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Comparison of the two groups in serum levels of triglyceride （TG）, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, end 2 h postprandial insulin showed that ell the parameters were higher in subjects with PDC then in subjects with GC respectively, showing significant difference （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： PDC is related with the P- end A＋ ellelic frequency of higher LDL-R genes at Pvu Ⅱ end Ave Ⅱ, therefore, the polymorphism of LDL-R genes could be taken as one of the genetic markers for PDC, end humans with PDC ere more liable to suffer from blood lipids end glucose disorder then those with GC.

Effect of Insulin on the Differential Expression of VLDL Receptor Isoforms of SGC7901 Cell and Its Biological Implication

This study examined the effect of insulin on the expression of very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) subtypes of SGC7901 cells and discussed its biological implication.In vitro, moderately or poorly-differentiated human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line SGC7901 was incubated with insulin for different lengths of time, and then the expression of protein and RNA level in VLDLR subtypes were detected by Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively.The results showed that, at certain time interval, insulin could down-regulate expression of type Ⅰ VLDLR and up-regulate the expression of type Ⅱ VLDLR in SGC7901 cells, at both protein and RNA level.We are led to conclude that insulin serves as a regulator in maintaining the balance between glucose and lipid metabolism in vivo, possibly through its effect on the differential expression of VLDLR subtypes.

Mechanisms of dysregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor expression in HepG2 cells induced by inflammatory cytokines

Background Low-density lipoprotein （LDL） receptor is normally regulated via a feedback system that is dependent on intracellular cholesterol levels. We have demonstrated that cytokines disrupt cholesterol-mediated LDL receptor feedback regulation causing intracellular accumulation of unmodified LDL in peripheral cells. Liver is the central organ for lipid homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of cholesterol exogenous uptake via LDL receptor and its underlying mechanisms in human hepatic cell line （HepG2） cells under physiological and inflammatory conditions. Methods Intracellular total cholesterol （TC）, free cholesterol （FC） and cholesterol ester （CE） were measured by an enzymic assay. Oil Red O staining was used to visualize lipid droplet accumulation in cells. Total cellular RNA was isolated from cells for detecting LDL receptor, sterol regulatory element binding protein （SREBP）-2 and SREBP cleavage-activating protein （SCAP） mRNA levels using real-time quantitative PCR. LDL receptor and SREBP-2 protein expression were examined by Western blotting. Confocal microscopy was used to investigate the translocation of SCAP-SREBP complex from the endoplasmic reticulum （ER） to the Golgi by dual staining with anti-human SCAP and anti-Golgin antibodies. Results LDL loading increased intracellular cholesterol level, thereby reduced LDL receptor mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 cells under physiological conditions. However, interleukin 1β （IL-1β） further increased intracellular cholesterol level in the presence of LDL by increasing both LDL receptor mRNA and protein expression in HepG2. LDL also reduced the SREBP and SCAP mRNA level under physiological conditions. Exposure to IL-1β caused over-expression of SREBP-2 and also disrupted normal distribution of SCAP-SREBP complex in HepG2 by enhancing translocation of SCAP-SREBP from the ER to the Golgi despite a high concentration of LDL in the culture medium. Conclusions IL-1β disrupts cholesterol-mediated LDL receptor feedback regulation by enhancing SCAP-SREBP complex translocation from the ER to the Golgi, thereby increasing SREBP-2 mediated LDL receptor expression even in the presence of high concentration of LDL. This results in LDL cholesterol accumulation in hepatic cells via LDL receptor pathway under inflammatory stress.

Investigation of the Distribution and Changes of VLDLR Subtype in Fibrotic Cardiac Muscles

Very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) is the major receptor with which cells can uptake the triacylglycerol from blood. It is divided into two subtypes according to presence of O- linked sugar domain located in the VLDLR receptor immediately outside of the membrane. Type Ⅰ VLDLR contains the O-link domain, while type Ⅱhas no such domain. The type ⅠVLDLR are mainly found on the surface of human myocardial cells. The result of our quantitative polymerase chain reaction on the normal and fibrotic cardiac muscles showed that both subtypes and expression level of VLDLR on the myocardial cell surface did not vary significantly between the normal and the fibrotic cardiac muscles despite the presence of malfunction due to fibrosis. This finding suggests that fibrosis doesn't exert significant influence on the subtype and the expression of VLDLR on the sur- face of myocardial cells. Such inconsistence with the changes found in other fibrotic tissues is awaiting further studies.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a agonist attenuates oxidized-low density lipoprotein induced immune maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Accumulating evidence suggests that the Thl immune .response induced by various antigens such as oxidized low density lipoprotein （ox-LDL） and heat shock proteins （HSPs） play a key role in the process of atherosclerosis.1Dendritic cells （DCs） are the most potent antigen-presenting cells （APCs） in the body with the unique ability to initiate a primary immune response to certain antigens by the activation of ＂naive＂ T cells.2 The maturation of DC with the upregulation of costimulatory molecules such as CD83, CD40, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex （MHC） class molecules such as human leukocyte antigen （HLA）-DR, is required for DC to activate T cells. Pathologic studies have shown that immature DCs are present in normal arterial while abundant mature DCs clustered with T cells could be visualized in atherogenic vessels suggesting that DC 3 maturation is linked to the progression of atherosclerosls. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors （PPARs） a, one member of the family of PPARs, was found to have favorable effects on slowing the progression of atherosclerosis and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease in high-risk patients independent from their metabolism effects.4＇5 Furthermore, PPAR-α is also expressed on monocytes and monocyte-derived DCs.6 The effects of PPAR-α on DCs maturation and immune function remain unknown now, we therefore observed the effects of fenofibrate, a PPAR-α agonist, on the maturation and immune function of oxidized LDL-treated DCs in this study.

Comparative study on the properties ofMDA－LDL＇s and o－LDL＇s receptors on macrophage

By means of radioligand binding assay, both receptors of the malondialdehyde modified low density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) and the oxidatively modified LDL(o-LDL) on the mouse's peritoneal macrophage (MPM) were studied. The results show that there were high affinity receptors for MDA-LDL and o-LDL on the MPM and both receptors had multiplicity of configuration based on the competitive-inhibition curve or parameters IC50 and Ki, and the acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL) and dextran sulfate can both competitively inhibit MDA-LDL or oLDL binding to these receptors in some degree.It is meanful to study the scavenger receptor multiplicity and its relationship to the genesis, protection and treamtent of atherosclerosis.