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Purpose The aim of this trial was to investigate the influence of a dietetic product consisting of a unique combination of l-arginine with the vitamins B6, folic acid and B12 (Telcor® Arginin plus) on endothelial dysfunction. Methods Subjects aged 40–65 years with mild to moderate blood pressure (BP) elevation not treated with anti-hypertensive drugs were randomly assigned to either the dietetic product (n = 40) or a matching placebo (n = 41) for 3 months with open follow-up for a further 3 months. Postprandial change in endothelial function was assessed using the validated reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) at 3 months compared to the study onset (RHI post–pre, visit 3–visit 1; ΔΔRHI). Secondary parameters included BP and plasma homocysteine concentration. Results The primary efficacy analysis revealed superiority of the nutritional intervention over placebo (p = 0.0349) in reducing the deterioration of endothelial function. While in the active group ΔΔRHI increased (0.371 ± 0.122), almost no change could be detected in the placebo group (0.031 ± 0.100), thus demonstrating a significant improvement in vascular function in the intervention group. Moreover, the intervention reduced BP and homocysteine levels. Non-serious adverse events were equally distributed in both groups, and none of the events were assessed as possibly intervention-related by the investigators. Conclusions This trial confirmed the effective and safe use of dietary management with l-arginine in combination with B vitamins. The primary efficacy analysis demonstrated a statistically significant superiority of the combination of l-arginine with B vitamins over placebo in improving and restoring impaired endothelial function and lowering BP in patients with mild to moderate blood pressure elevation.

In the adult mammalian skin, cells are constantly renewing, differentiating and moving upward, to finally die in a yet not fully understood manner. Here, we provide evidence that macroautophagy/autophagy has a dual role in the skin. In addition to its known catabolic protective role as an evolutionary conserved upstream regulator of lysosomal degradation, we show that autophagy induced cell death (CDA) occurs in epithelial lineage-derived organs, such as the inter-follicular epidermis, the sebaceous- and the Harderian gland. By utilizing GFP-LC3 transgenic and ATG7-deficient mice, we show that CDA is initiated during terminal differentiation at a stage when the cells have become highly resistant to apoptosis. In these transitional cells, the Golgi compartment expands, which accounts for the formation of primary lysosomes, and the nucleus starts to condense. During CDA a burst of autophagosome formation is observed, first the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is phagocytosed followed by autophagy of the nucleus. By this selective form of cell death, most of the cytoplasmic organelles are degraded, but structural proteins remain intact. In the absence of autophagy, consequently, parts of the ER, ribosomes, and chromatin remain. A burst of autophagy was stochastically observed in single cells of the epidermis and collectively in larger areas of ductal cells, arguing for a coordinated induction. We conclude that autophagy is an integral part of cell death in keratinocyte lineage cells and participates in their terminal cell fate. Abbreviations: Atg7: autophagy related 7; BECN1: beclin 1; CDA: cell death-induced autophagy; Cre: Cre-recombinase; DAPI: 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; ER: endoplasmatic reticulum; GFP: green fluorescent protein; HaGl: haderian gland; IVL: involucrin; KRT14: keratin 14; LD: lipid droplet; LSM: laser scanning microscope; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; PN: perinuclear space; RB: residual body; rER: rough endoplasmatic reticulum; SB: sebum; SG-SC: stratum granulosum – stratum corneum; SGl: sebaceous gland; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling.

Ezetimibe (EZE) and glucuronidated EZE (EZE-Glu) differentially target Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) and CD13 (aminopeptidase-N) to inhibit intestinal cholesterol absorption and cholesterol processing in other cells, although the precise molecular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Cellular effects of EZE, EZE-Glu, and the low-absorbable EZE-analogue S6130 were investigated on human monocyte-derived macrophages upon loading with atherogenic lipoproteins. EZE and S6130, but not EZE-Glu disturbed the colocalization of CD13 and its coreceptor CD64 (Fcγ receptor I) in membrane microdomains, and decreased the presence of both receptors in detergent-resistant membrane fractions. Biotinylated cholesterol absorption inhibitor C-5 (i.e., derivative of EZE) was rapidly internalized to perinuclear tubular structures of cells, resembling endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but CD13 was detected on extracellular sites of the plasma membrane and endolysosomal vesicles. Administration of EZE, but not of EZE-Glu or S6130, was associated with decreased cellular cholesteryl ester content, indicating the sterol-O acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1)-inhibition by EZE. Furthermore, EZE decreased the expression of molecules involved in cholesterol uptake and synthesis, in parallel with increased apolipoprotein A-I-mediated cholesterol efflux and upregulation of efflux-effectors. However, NPC1L1 the other claimed molecular target of EZE, was not detected in macrophages, thereby excluding this protein as target for EZE in macrophages. Thus, EZE is very likely a CD13-linked microdomain-disruptor and SOAT1-inhibitor in macrophages leading to in vitro anti-atherosclerotic effects through a decrease of net cellular cholesterol content. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Uroplakins (UPs) play an essential role in maintaining an effective urothelial permeability barrier at the level of superficial urothelial cell (UC) layer. Although the organization of UPs in the apical plasma membrane (PM) of UCs is well known, their transport in UCs is only partially understood. Here, we dissected trafficking of UPs and its differentiation-dependent impact on Golgi apparatus (GA) architecture. We demonstrated that individual subunits UPIb and UPIIIa are capable of trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the GA in UCs. Moreover, UPIb, UPIIIa or UPIb/UPIIIa expressing UCs revealed fragmentation and peripheral redistribution of Golgi-units. Notably, expression of UPIb or UPIb/UPIIIa triggered similar GA fragmentation in MDCK and HeLa cells that do not express UPs endogenously. The colocalization analysis of UPIb/UPIIIa-EGFP and COPI, COPII or clathrin suggested that UPs follow constitutively the post-Golgi route to the apical PM. Depolymerisation of microtubules leads to complete blockade of the UPIb/UPIIIa-EGFP post-Golgi transport, while disassembly of actin filaments shows significantly reduced delivery of UPIb/UPIIIa-EGFP to the PM. Our findings show the significant effect of the UPs expression on the GA fragmentation, which enables secretory Golgi-outpost to be distributed as close as possible to the sites of cargo delivery at the PM.

Autophagy is controlled by AMPK and mTOR, both of which associate with ULK1 and control the production of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P), a prerequisite for autophagosome formation. Here we report that WIPI3 and WIPI4 scaffold the signal control of autophagy upstream of PtdIns3P production and have a role in the PtdIns3P effector function of WIPI1-WIPI2 at nascent autophagosomes. In response to LKB1-mediated AMPK stimulation, WIPI4-ATG2 is released from a WIPI4-ATG2/AMPK-ULK1 complex and translocates to nascent autophagosomes, controlling their size, to which WIPI3, in complex with FIP200, also contributes. Upstream, WIPI3 associates with AMPK-activated TSC complex at lysosomes, regulating mTOR. Our WIPI interactome analysis reveals the scaffold functions of WIPI proteins interconnecting autophagy signal control and autophagosome formation. Our functional kinase screen uncovers a novel regulatory link between LKB1-mediated AMPK stimulation that produces a direct signal via WIPI4, and we show that the AMPK-related kinases NUAK2 and BRSK2 regulate autophagy through WIPI4., During autophagy, AMPK and mTOR associate with ULK1 and regulate phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) production that mediates autophagosome formation via WIPI proteins. Here the authors show WIPI3 and WIPI4 have a scaffolding function upstream of PtdIns3P production and have a role in the PtdIns3P effector function of WIPI1-WIPI2 at nascent autophagosomes.

The urothelium forms the blood–urine barrier, which depends on the complex organization of transmembrane proteins, uroplakins, in the apical plasma membrane of umbrella cells. Uroplakins compose 16 nm intramembrane particles, which are assembled into urothelial plaques. Here we present an integrated survey on the molecular ultrastructure of urothelial plaques in normal umbrella cells with advanced microscopic techniques. We analyzed the ultrastructure and performed measurements of urothelial plaques in the normal mouse urothelium. We used field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on immunolabeled ultrathin sections (immuno-TEM), and freeze-fracture replicas (FRIL). We performed immunolabeling of uroplakins for scanning electron microscopy (immuno-FESEM). All microscopic techniques revealed a variability of urothelial plaque diameters ranging from 332 to 1179 nm. All immunolabeling techniques confirmed the presence of uroplakins in urothelial plaques. FRIL showed the association of uroplakins with 16 nm intramembrane particles and their organization into plaques. Using different microscopic techniques and applied qualitative and quantitative evaluation, new insights into the urothelial apical surface molecular ultrastructure have emerged and may hopefully provide a timely impulse for many ongoing studies. The combination of various microscopic techniques used in this study shows how these techniques complement one another. The described advantages and disadvantages of each technique should be considered for future studies of molecular and structural membrane specializations in other cells and tissues. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:896–901, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Summary Background Autophagy is a fundamental cell biological process whereby eukaryotic cells form membranes in the cytoplasm to sequester diverse intracellular targets. Although significant progress has been made in understanding the origins of autophagosomal organelles, the source of lipids that support autophagic membrane formation remain an important open question. Results Here we show that lipid droplets as cellular stores of neutral lipids including triglycerides contribute to autophagic initiation. Lipid droplets, as previously shown, were consumed upon induction of autophagy by starvation. However, inhibition of autophagic maturation by blocking acidification or using dominant negative Atg4 C74A that prohibits autophagosomal closure did not prevent disappearance of lipid droplets. Thus, lipid droplets continued to be utilized upon induction of autophagy, but not as autophagic substrates in a process referred to as lipophagy. We considered an alternative model whereby lipid droplets were consumed not as a part of lipophagy, but as a potential contributing source to the biogenesis of lipid precursors for nascent autophagosomes. We carried out a screen for a potential link between triglyceride mobilization and autophagy and identified a neutral lipase, PNPLA5, as being required for efficient autophagy. PNPLA5, which localized to lipid droplets, was needed for optimal initiation of autophagy. PNPLA5 was required for autophagy of diverse substrates, including degradation of autophagic adaptors, bulk proteolysis, mitochondrial quantity control, and microbial clearance. Conclusions Lipid droplets contribute to autophagic capacity by enhancing it in a process dependent on PNPLA5. Thus, neutral lipid stores are mobilized during autophagy to support autophagic membrane formation.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inheritable myocardial disease accounting for ventricular tachycardia and sudden death in the young and arising from areas of fibrofatty replacement of predominantly right ventricular myocardium. That some patients manifest life-threatening ventricular tachycardia in the absence of substantial myocardial replacement suggests that gap junction remodeling might be acting synergistically to ventricular remodeling to promote arrhythmogenesis. Hence, we sought to verify gap junction composition and distribution by analyzing the expression and occurrence of specific gap junction proteins (connexins [Cxs]) in patients with ARVC. Right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy specimens were taken from 16 patients with definite ARVC (age 48 ± 16 years) and analyzed for Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45 messenger ribonucleic acid expression (relative to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase messenger ribonucleic acid expression). The results were compared to those obtained from nondiseased donor hearts (n = 6; age 32 ± 11 years). The patients with ARVC showed a significant reduction in the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of Cx40 (p0.0001) and Cx45 (p0.0001) compared to that of the controls. The expression of Cx43 was similar in patients with ARVC and controls (p = 0.098). Mutations in plakophilin-2 were identified in 7 of 16 patients (25%). The Cx expression levels were comparable between the mutation carriers and noncarriers (p = NS). In conclusion, ARVC features alterations in the expression of Cxs and their distribution at cardiac intercalated discs. Apart from the deposition of extracellular matrix, the potential loss of gap junctions and shift in the composition of gap junctional Cxs in the ventricular conduction system might further contribute to the development of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with ARVC.

Background Intestinal absorption of dietary lipids involves their hydrolysis in the lumen of proximal intestine as well as uptake, intracellular transport and re-assembly of hydrolyzed lipids in enterocytes, leading to the formation and secretion of the lipoproteins chylomicrons and HDL. In this study, we examined the potential involvement of cytosolic lipid droplets (CLD) whose function in the process of lipid absorption is poorly understood. Methods Intestinal lipid absorption was studied in mouse after gavage. Three populations of CLD were purified by density ultracentrifugations, as well as the brush border membranes, which were analyzed by western-blots. Immunofluorescent localization of membranes transporters or metabolic enzymes, as well as kinetics of CLD production, were also studied in intestine or Caco-2 cells. Results We isolated three populations of CLD (ranging from 15 to 1000 nm) which showed differential expression of the major lipid transporters scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD-36), Niemann Pick C-like 1 (NPC1L1), and the ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCG5/G8 but also caveolin 2 and fatty acid binding proteins. The enzyme monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (MGAT2) was identified in the brush border membrane (BBM) in addition to the endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting local synthesis of triglycerides and CLD at both places. Conclusions We show a very fast production of CLD by enterocytes associated with a transfer of apical constituents as lipid transporters. Our findings suggest that following their uptake by enterocytes, lipids can be partially metabolized at the BBM and packaged into CLD for their transportation to the ER. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12986-016-0107-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Inherited disorders of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) have provided important clues to how this vitamin, which is essential for hematological and neurological function, is transported and metabolized. We describe a new disease that results in failure to release vitamin B12 from lysosomes, which mimics the cblF defect caused by LMBRD1 mutations. Using microcell-mediated chromosome transfer and exome sequencing, we identified causal mutations in ABCD4, a gene that codes for an ABC transporter, which was previously thought to have peroxisomal localization and function. Our results show that ABCD4 colocalizes with the lysosomal proteins LAMP1 and LMBD1, the latter of which is deficient in the cblF defect. Furthermore, we show that mutations altering the putative ATPase domain of ABCD4 affect its function, suggesting that the ATPase activity of ABCD4 may be involved in intracellular processing of vitamin B12.

The basement membrane between the epidermis and the dermis is indispensable for normal skin functions. It connects, and functionally separates, the epidermis and the dermis. To understand the suprastructural and functional basis of these connections, heterotypic supramolecular aggregates were isolated from the dermal-epidermal junction zone of human skin. Individual suprastructures were separated and purified by immunomagnetic beads, each recognizing a specific, molecular component of the aggregates. The molecular compositions of the suprastructures were determined by immunogold electron microscopy and immunoblotting. A composite of two networks was obtained from fibril-free suspensions by immunobeads recognizing either laminin 332 or collagen IV. After removal of perlecan-containing suprastructures or after enzyme digestion of heparan sulfate chains, a distinct network with a diffuse electron-optical appearance was isolated with magnetic beads coated with antibodies to collagen IV. The second network was more finely grained and comprised laminin 332 and laminins with α5-chains. The core protein of perlecan was an exclusive component of this network whereas its heparan sulfate chains were integrated into the collagen IV-containing network. Nidogens 1 and 2 occurred in both networks but did not form strong molecular cross-bridges. Their incorporation into one network appeared to be masked after their incorporation into the other one. We conclude that the epidermal basement membrane is a composite of two structurally independent networks that are tightly connected in a spot-welding-like manner by perlecan-containing aggregates.

The PAR-3–aPKC–PAR-6 complex is recruited to primordial cell–cell junctions, in which aPKC phosphorylates JAM-A to promote junctional maturation., The PAR-3–atypical protein kinase C (aPKC)–PAR-6 complex has been implicated in the development of apicobasal polarity and the formation of tight junctions (TJs) in vertebrate epithelial cells. It is recruited by junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A) to primordial junctions where aPKC is activated by Rho family small guanosine triphosphatases. In this paper, we show that aPKC can interact directly with JAM-A in a PAR-3–independent manner. Upon recruitment to primordial junctions, aPKC phosphorylates JAM-A at S285 to promote the maturation of immature cell–cell contacts. In fully polarized cells, S285-phosphorylated JAM-A is localized exclusively at the TJs, and S285 phosphorylation of JAM-A is required for the development of a functional epithelial barrier. Protein phosphatase 2A dephosphorylates JAM-A at S285, suggesting that it antagonizes the activity of aPKC. Expression of nonphosphorylatable JAM-A/S285A interferes with single lumen specification during cyst development in three-dimensional culture. Our data suggest that aPKC phosphorylates JAM-A at S285 to regulate cell–cell contact maturation, TJ formation, and single lumen specification.

Autophagy defines the lifespan of eukaryotic organisms by ensuring cellular survival through regulated bulk clearance of proteins, organelles and membranes. Pathophysiological consequences of improper autophagy give rise to a variety of age-related human diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Rational therapeutic implementation of autophagy modulation remains problematic, as fundamental molecular details such as the generation of autophagosomes, unique double-membrane vesicles formed to permit the process of autophagy, are insufficiently understood. Here, freeze-fracture replica immunolabelling reveals WD-repeat protein interacting with phosphoinositides 1 and 2 (WIPI-1 and WIPI-2) as membrane components of autophagosomes and the plasma membrane (PM). In addition, WIPI-1 is also present in membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and WIPI-2 was further detected in membranes close to the Golgi cisternae. Our results identify WIPI-1 and WIPI-2 as novel protein components of autophagosomes, and of membrane sites from which autophagosomes might originate (ER, PM, Golgi area). Hence therapeutic modulation of autophagy could involve approaches that functionally target human WIPI proteins.

Objective : The scavenger receptor SR-PSOX/CXCL16, which is identical to the chemokine CXCL16, is thought to be involved in atherogenesis. However, the presence and function of SR-PSOX/CXCL16 in the endothelium of atherosclerotic arteries has not been substantiated. Methods and results : In rabbit aorta immunocytochemistry revealed SR-PSOX/CXCL16 primarily in the endothelium at sites predisposed to lesion formation, in the endothelium of early atherosclerotic lesions, and mainly in intimal macrophages of more developed lesions, indicating that SR-PSOX/CXCL16-expression shifts during atherogenesis. In addition to its function as scavenger receptor and chemokine, SR-PSOX mediated the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to endothelial cells in vitro. Both THP-1 monocytes and endothelial cells express SR-PSOX/CXCL16, and THP-1 monocytes express CXCR6, the specific receptor for SR-PSOX/CXCL16. Anti-SR-PSOX/CXCL16 and anti-CXCR6 antibody block monocyte adhesion, showing that SR-PSOX/CXCL16–CXCR6 interaction mediates monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. SR-PSOX/CXCL16 expression of endothelial cells is upregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, and is reversed by incubation with ciglitazone and lovastatin. Conclusions : We suggest that SR-PSOX/CXCL16 may promote the adhesion of monocytes to the endothelium during early atherogenesis and that accumulating cytokines enhance SR-PSOX/CXCL16-mediated adhesion by upregulating SR-PSOX/CXCL16 expression. Manipulation of SR-PSOX/CXCL16 expression with anti-inflammatory agents may be of therapeutic value.

Objectives HIGH-density lipoproteins (HDL) are a negative predictor of platelet-dependent thrombus formation and reduced platelet activation has been observed in vitro in the presence of HDL3, a major HDL fraction. However, mechanisms underlying the anti-thrombotic effects of HDL3 are poorly understood. Scavenger receptors class B represent possible HDL3 binding partners on platelets. We here investigated the role of scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and CD36 in mediating inhibitory effects of native HDL3 on thrombin-induced platelet activation. Methods and results Rhodamine isothiocyanate-labeled HDL3 bound specifically to platelets and HDL3 binding was inhibited by scavenger receptor class B ligands such as phosphatidylserine (PS)- or phosphatidylinositol (PI)-containing liposomes or maleylated albumin (mBSA). By contrast, scavenger receptor class A ligands failed to displace HDL3 from platelets. HDL3, PS- and PI-liposomes, and mBSA inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, fibrinogen binding, P-selectin expression and mobilization of intracellular Ca 2+ . In addition, PS- and PI-liposomes emulated HDL3-induced intracellular signaling cascades including diacylglycerol production and protein kinase C activation. The reduction of platelet activation by liposomes was related to their PS or PI content. Moreover, inhibitory effects of native HDL3 were enhanced after enriching lipoproteins with PS, while PS- and PI-poor HDL2 failed to inhibit platelet aggregation and Ca 2+ mobilization. Both, HDL3 and PS-containing liposomes failed to inhibit thrombin-induced activation of platelets obtained from SR-BI-deficient mice but not CD36-deficient mice. Conclusion We suggest that SR-BI is a functional receptor for native HDL3 on platelets that generates an inhibitory signal for platelet activation. The content of negatively charged phospholipids (PS, PI) in HDL may be an important determinant of their anti-thrombotic potential.

Coordinated migration and progesterone production by granulosa cells is critical to the development of the corpus luteum, but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), which is associated with follicular fluid high-density lipoprotein (FF-HDL), was previously shown to regulate ovarian angiogenesis. We herein examined the effects of S1P and FF-HDL on the function of granulosa lutein cells. Both FF-HDL and S1P induced migration of primary human granulosa lutein cells (hGCs) and the granulosa lutein cell line HGL5. In addition, FF-HDL but not S1P promoted progesterone synthesis, and neither of the two compounds stimulated proliferation of granulosa lutein cells. Polymerase chain reaction and Western blot experiments demonstrated the expression of S1P receptor type 1 (S1PR1), S1PR2, S1PR3, and S1PR5 but not S1PR4 in hGCs and HGL5 cells. The FF-HDL- and S1P-induced granulosa lutein cell migration was emulated by FTY720, an agonist of S1PR1, S1PR3, S1PR4, and S1PR5, and by VPC24191, an agonist of S1PR1 and S1PR3, but not by SEW2871 and phytosphingosine 1-phosphate, agonists of S1PR1 and S1PR4, respectively. In addition, blockade of S1PR3 with CAY1044, suramine, or pertussis toxin inhibited hGC and HGL5 cell migration toward FF-HDL or S1P, while blockade of S1PR1 and S1PR2 with W146 and JTE013, respectively, had no effect. Both FF-HDL and S1P triggered activation of small G-protein RAC1 and actin polymerization in granulosa cells, and RAC1 inhibition with Clostridium difficile toxin B or NSC23766 abolished FF-HDL- and S1P-induced migration. The FF-HDL-associated S1P promotes granulosa lutein cell migration via S1PR3 and RAC1 activation. This may represent a novel mechanism contributing to the development of the corpus luteum.

Die Nahrungsaminosaure L-Arginin und der daraus gebildete Botenstoff Stickstoffmonoxid (NO) spielen eine essenzielle Rolle bei der Erhaltung und Wiederherstellung der Gesundheit. Eine gezielte diatetische Zufuhr von L-Arginin kann nach neuesten Befunden Diabetes mellitus und anderen Stoffwechselstorungen vorbeugen und eine medikamentose Therapie sinnvoll erganzen.

Triacylglycerols (TAG) and wax esters (WE) constitute together with polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) the major storage lipophilic compounds in prokaryotes. Recently, the production of neutral lipids such as TAG and WE has been reported in species of the genus Alcanivorax, which belongs to the group of obligate hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (OHCB). We analyzed the production of such neutral lipids by different marine hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria growing on pyruvate or hexadecane as sole carbon source, and compared it to other bacteria such as Rhodococcus opacus strain PD630 and Acinetobacter baylyi strain ADP1, which are two well-studied strains for production of neutral lipids. Alcanivorax borkumensis SK2 synthesized mainly TAG when cells are cultivated on pyruvate, while biosynthesis and accumulation of WE was mainly observed in cells growing on hexadecane. Alcanivorax jadensis T9 synthesized and accumulated mainly WE if cells were cultivated with hexadecane, while both TAG and WE were observed if cells were cultivated with pyruvate as sole carbon source, respectively. Predominantly production as well as export of WE was observed in Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus SP17 growing on pyruvate or hexadecane as sole carbon source. The chemical structures of TAG and WE produced by A. borkumensis SK2 were analyzed by gas chromatography and/or mass spectrometry, and first studies to investigate the influence of different C/N ratio (7, 50 or 150) on the production of neutral lipids were performed.

This study presents novel information useful for addressing the question how species of the genus Alcanivorax discharge triacylglycerols (TAG) and/or wax esters (WE). The observed structures were referred as "blebs" according to Gauthier et al. [1] to avoid confusion with other discharging phenomena. The cells were aerobically cultivated on solid media and not in liquid media to maintain the cells in the native state, and were investigated by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) methods to document the surface structures of the cells. The phenomenon of lipid export could be allocated to three phases: phase I: protrusion formation of the cell membrane occurred; phase II: discharging progressed further with blebs becoming larger; and phase III: the blebs at the cell surface were separated from the cells. Using freeze-fracture micrographs by TEM, vesicle experiments and TLC, we have shown that the blebs contained TAG and WE. The results shown in this study will support further research to unravel the unknown discharging mechanism. In addition, the formation of an extensive extracellular matrix was observed by SEM.

ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-related protein 1 (ARFRP1) is a GTPase regulating protein trafficking between intracellular organelles. Here we show that mice lacking Arfrp1 in adipocytes (Arfrp1(ad-/-)) are lipodystrophic due to a defective lipid droplet formation in adipose cells. Ratios of mono-, di-, and triacylglycerol, as well as the fatty acid composition of triglycerides, were unaltered. Lipid droplets of brown adipocytes of Arfrp1(ad-/-) mice were considerably smaller and exhibited ultrastructural alterations, such as a disturbed interaction of small lipid-loaded particles with the larger droplets, suggesting that ARFRP1 mediates the transfer of newly formed small lipid particles to the large storage droplets. SNAP23 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 23 kDa) associated with small lipid droplets of control adipocytes but was located predominantly in the cytosol of Arfrp1(ad-/-) adipocytes, suggesting that lipid droplet growth is defective in Arfrp1(ad-/-) mice. In addition, levels of phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were elevated, and association of adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL) with lipid droplets was enhanced in brown adipose tissue from Arfrp1(ad-/-) mice. Accordingly, basal lipolysis was increased after knockdown of Arfrp1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The data indicate that disruption of ARFRP1 prevents the normal enlargement of lipid droplets and produces an activation of lipolysis.

Eine gezielte diatetische Zufuhr von L-Arginin ist bei Arteriosklerose und anderen Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen angezeigt. Die Aminosaure zeichnet sich durch hohe Wirksamkeit und gute Vertraglichkeit aus und kann eine medikamentose Therapie ideal erganzen.

An understanding of how lipid droplets grow in the cell is important to current human health issues. Homotypic fusion of small lipid droplets to create larger ones is one proposed mechanism though the evidence for this process continues to be debated. By applying the technique of freeze-fracture electron microscopy to cells that have been stimulated to accumulate lipid droplets, we here present images which suggest that at least some large lipid droplets may indeed result from amalgamation of multiple smaller ones. These visual data add significantly to the notion that fusion contributes to lipid droplet growth.

GFP-tagging is widely used as a molecular tool to localize and visualize the trafficking of proteins in cells but interpretation is frequently limited by the low resolution afforded by fluorescence light microscopy. Although complementary thin-section immunogold electron microscopic techniques go some way in aiding interpretation, major limitations, such as relatively poor structural preservation of membrane systems, low labelling efficiency and the two-dimensional nature of the images, remain. Here we demonstrate that the electron microscopic technique freeze-fracture replica immunogold labelling overcomes these disadvantages and can be used to define, at high resolution, the precise location of GFP-tagged proteins in specific membrane systems and organelles of the cell. Moreover, this technique provides information on the location of the protein within the phospholipid bilayer, potentially providing insight into mis-orientation of tagged proteins compared to their untagged counterparts. Complementary application of the freeze-fracture replica immunogold labelling technique alongside conventional fluorescence microscopy is seen as a novel and valuable approach to verification, clarification and extension of the data obtained using fluorescent-tagged proteins. The application of this approach is illustrated by new findings on PAT-family proteins tagged with GFP transfected into fibroblasts from patients with Niemann-Pick type C disease.

Macrophages are an important part of the cellular immune system and play a key role during immune responses. Thus, macrophages are interesting targets in basic and clinical research. Primary monocytes or monocyte-derived macrophages do not proliferate on a suitable scale so that their use for functional studies in vitro is limited. Immortal proliferating cell lines, such as the human THP-1 monocytic leukemia cell line, are therefore often used instead of primary cells. Transfection is a useful tool to study the function of gene products, but transfection of THP-1 monocytes and pre-differentiated THP-1 macrophages with subsequent differentiation into mature THP-1 macrophages using phorbol esters is usually accompanied by a progressive loss of cell viability. In this study, we describe a simple and rapid approach for efficient transfection of THP-1 monocytes and pre-differentiated THP-1 macrophages using a modified Nucleofection-based approach. The protocol maintains cell viability and functionality, thus allowing efficient transfection of THP-1 cells combined with subsequent differentiation of transfected THP-1 cells into mature macrophages.

Objective— Uptake of lipids by macrophages (MΦ) leads to lipid droplet accumulation and foam cell formation. The PAT family proteins are implicated in lipid droplet formation, but the precise function of the 47-kDa tail interacting protein (TIP47), a member of this family, is poorly defined. The present study was performed to determine the function of TIP47 in MΦ lipid metabolism. Methods and Results— Freeze-fracture cytochemistry demonstrates that TIP47 is present in the plasma membrane of MΦ and is aggregated into clusters when the cells are incubated with oleate. Suppression of adipophilin levels using siRNA knockdown leads to migration of TIP47 from a cytoplasmic pool to the lipid droplet. Further, reduction of TIP47 decreases triglyceride levels, whereas raising TIP47 levels by expression of EGFP-TIP47 shows the opposite effect. Conclusion— Our results show that the TIP47 protein levels directly correlate with triglyceride levels. We propose that TIP47 may act as a carrier protein for free fatty acids and in this way participates in conversion of MΦ into foam cells.

Macrophages derived from human blood monocytes perform many tasks related to tissue injury and repair. The main effect of macrophages on the extracellular matrix is considered to be destructive in nature, because macrophages secrete metalloproteinases and ingest foreign material as part of the remodeling process that occurs in wound healing and other pathological conditions. However, macrophages also contribute to the extracellular matrix and hence to tissue stabilization both indirectly, by inducing other cells to proliferate and to release matrix components, and directly, by secreting components of the extracellular matrix such as fibronectin and type VIII collagen, as we have recently shown. We now report that monocytes and macrophages express virtually all known collagen and collagen-related mRNAs. Furthermore, macrophages secrete type VI collagen protein abundantly, depending upon their mode of activation, stage of differentiation, and cell density. The primary function of type VI collagen secreted by macrophages appears to be modulation of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. We suggest that the production of type VI collagen is a marker for a nondestructive, matrix-conserving macrophage phenotype that could profoundly influence physiological and pathophysiological conditions in vivo.

Macrophages (MPhi) and smooth muscle cells (SMC) are transformed into foam cells by massive accumulation of modified lipoproteins during atherogenesis. It is known that class AI/II scavenger receptors participate in the foam cell formation of MPhi. The mechanism of lipid accumulation in SMC is however unknown. Therefore, we investigated if class AI/II scavenger receptors mediate the uptake of modified lipoproteins in SMC. Additionally, we examined the influence of MPhi and proinflammatory cytokines in this process. Our flow cytometric experiments revealed significant uptake of DiI-AcLDL in SMC. This uptake was markedly enhanced by IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha, whereas cocultured MPhi decreased the uptake of DiI-AcLDL in SMC. Competition and blocking experiments were performed to enlighten the role of class AI/II scavenger receptors. The competition experiments showed that surplus NatLDL, a ligand not known to interact with class AI/II scavenger receptors, caused a drastically decreased uptake of DiI-AcLDL in SMC. Additionally, blocking of class AI/II scavenger receptors with antibody 2F8 did not influence the uptake of DiI-AcLDL in SMC. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopic double staining of human coronary arteries with early, intermediate and advanced atherosclerotic lesions showed no colocalization of class AI scavenger receptors with SMC. These results indicate that class AI/II scavenger receptors play only a minor role in the uptake of modified lipoproteins in SMC. We suggest that SMC foam cell formation is mainly mediated by other receptors than class AI/II scavenger receptors.

Syndecan-4 is an ubiquitous, plasma membrane-spanning heparan sulfate proteoglycan involved in proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and migration of cells in vitro. Syndecan-4 knockout (KO) mice show no obvious defects but respond abnormally to experimental stress conditions. In the adult, syndecan-4 is the most abundant syndecan of renal tissue. We therefore investigated the consequences of syndecan-4 deficiency during progression of kidney disease using unilaterally nephrectomized mice, a model of glomerular hyperfiltration and renal hypertrophy. 60 days after unilateral nephrectomy (UNX), mesangial expansion, enhanced matrix production (collagens I and IV, fibronectin) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, resembling early stages of diabetic nephropathy, was apparent in male but not female syndecan-4 KO mice. No defect was detected in wild type UNX males. Syndecan-2 mRNA and protein were not detectable in renal glomeruli of wild type mice, but were induced specifically in the glomeruli of the syndecan-4 deficient kidneys after unilateral nephrectomy. Due to the structural similarities of syndecans-2 and -4 we hypothesize that de novo-production of syndecan-2 in kidneys after unilateral nephrectomy reflects a compensatory response. However, this response is counterproductive since syndecan-2 supports the pro-sclerotic activity of TGF-beta1 which is increased in parallel with syndecan-2 synthesis. By contrast, signaling through syndecan-4 negatively controls the production of pro-sclerotic TGF-beta1.

Mammary epithelial cells secrete lipids by an envelopment process that produces lipid droplets coated by membranes derived from the plasma membrane and possibly secretory vesicles. This secretion process, which resembles viral budding, is hypothesized to be mediated by specific interactions between molecules on the surface of intracellular lipids and membrane elements of the cell. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that milk lipid secretion occurs through a tripartite complex between the integral transmembrane protein, butyrophilin (BTN); the soluble metabolic enzyme, xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR); and the lipid droplet surface protein, adipophilin (ADPH). However, topological evidence from freeze-fracture replica immunolabelling (FRIL) challenge this model and suggests that milk lipid secretion is mediated by butyrophilin alone. Advances in our understanding of the molecular, structural, and functional properties of these proteins now make it possible to understand the physiological functions of each of these molecules in detail and to identify the specific molecular determinants that mediate milk lipid secretion.

Background: Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) deficiency affects the production and fiber assembly/organization of the vascular collagenous matrix; structural alterations to the elastic system were observed. The present study elaborates the effect of GM-CSF deficiency on the vascular elastin system. Methods and Results: Histological examination of the aorta of GM-CSF-deficient mice revealed structurally altered elastic fibers. The elastic fiber area was significantly enhanced, whereas the remaining medial area was not affected. Aortic size was significantly increased. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated decreased expression levels of tropoelastin, lysyl oxidase and bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP-1). Cell culture studies on vascular smooth muscle cells showed that after clearance of GM-CSF with GM-CSF antibodies, the tropoelastin mRNA expression was markedly reduced. Concomitantly, lysyl oxidase and BMP-1 mRNA levels were decreased. Treatment with GM-CSF stimulated the expression of these mRNAs. Conclusions: Our studies demonstrate that disorganization of elastic lamellae as induced by GM-CSF deficiency is associated with adaptive vascular remodeling. The decreased tropoelastin expression observed is associated with elastic fiber hypertrophy. This paradox effect may be explained by decreased expression levels of lysyl oxidase and BMP-1, both mediating cross-linkage and thus assembly and organization of elastic fibers. From our data, we conclude that GM-CSF is a prerequisite for the maintenance of structural integrity of the vessel wall.

Decorin is a multifunctional small leucine-rich proteoglycan involved in the regulation of collagen fibrillogenesis. In patients with a variant of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, about half of the secreted decorin lacks the single glycosaminoglycan side chain. Notably, these patients have a skin-fragility phenotype that resembles that of decorin null mice. In this study, we investigated the role of glycanated and unglycanated decorin on collagen fibrillogenesis. Glycosaminoglycan-free decorin, generated by mutating Ser4 of the mature protein core into Ala (DCN-S4A), showed reduced inhibition of fibrillogenesis compared with the decorin proteoglycan. Interestingly, using a 3D matrix generated by decorin-null fibroblasts, an increase in fibril diameter was found after the addition of decorin, and even greater effects were observed with DCN-S4A. To avoid potential side effects of artificial tags, adenoviruses containing decorin and DCN-S4A were used to transduce decorin-null fibroblasts prior to matrix formation. Both molecules were efficiently incorporated into the matrix, with no changes in collagen composition and network formation, or altered expression of the related proteoglycan biglycan. Both decorin and DCN-S4A mutants increased the collagen fibril diameter, with the latter showing the most prominent effects. These data show that at early stages of fibrillogenesis, the glycosaminoglycan chain of decorin has a reducing effect on collagen fibril diameter.

InRalstonia eutropha, the H16 phasin PhaP1 represents the major phasin that binds to the surface of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) inclusions. In this study, C-terminal fusions of PhaP1 with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) and withEscherichia coliβ-galactosidase (LacZ) were expressed separately in the triacylglycerol (TAG)-accumulating actinomycetesRhodococcus opacusPD630 andMycobacterium smegmatismc2155, employing theM. smegmatisacetamidase (ace) promoter of theEscherichia–Mycobacterium/Rhodococcusshuttle plasmid pJAM2. PhaP1 and the PhaP1 fusion proteins were expressed stably in the recombinant strains. Western blot analysis of cell fractions ofRh. opacusrevealed that PhaP1 and the PhaP1–eGFP fusion protein were associated with the TAG inclusions, whereas no phasin or phasin fusion protein was detected in the soluble and membrane fractions. Additional electron microscopy/immunocytochemistry studies demonstrated that PhaP1 was mainly located on the surface of intracellular TAG inclusions; in addition, some PhaP1 also occurred at the plasma membrane. Fluorescence microscopic investigations of the subcellular distribution of the PhaP1–eGFP fusion proteinin vivoand on isolated TAG inclusions revealed that the fusion protein was bound to TAG inclusions at all stages of their formation, and to some extent at the cytoplasmic membrane. The PhaP1–LacZ fusion protein also bound to the TAG inclusions, and could be separated together with the inclusions fromRh. opacuscrude extracts, thus demonstrating the immobilization ofβ-galactosidase activity on the inclusions. This is believed to be the first report demonstrating the ability of PhaP1 to bind to lipid inclusions in addition to PHA inclusions. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that this non-specificity of PhaP1 can be utilized to anchor enzymically active fusion proteins to a matrix of bacterial TAG inclusions.

The prevailing hypothesis of lipid droplet biogenesis proposes that neutral lipids accumulate within the lipid bilayer of the ER membrane from where they are budded off, enclosed by a protein-bearing phospholipid monolayer originating from the cytoplasmic leaflet of the ER membrane. We have used a variety of methods to investigate the nature of the sites of ER–lipid-droplet association in order to gain new insights into the mechanism of lipid droplet formation and growth. The three-dimensional perspectives provided by freeze-fracture electron microscopy demonstrate unequivocally that at sites of close association, the lipid droplet is not situated within the ER membrane; rather, both ER membranes lie external to and follow the contour of the lipid droplet, enclosing it in a manner akin to an egg cup (the ER) holding an egg (the lipid droplet). Freeze-fracture cytochemistry demonstrates that the PAT family protein adipophilin is concentrated in prominent clusters in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the ER membrane closely apposed to the lipid droplet envelope. We identify these structures as sites at which lipids and adipophilin are transferred from ER membranes to lipid droplets. These findings call for a re-evaluation of the prevailing hypothesis of lipid droplet biogenesis.

The molecular mechanism underlying milk fat globule secretion in mammary epithelial cells ostensibly involves the formation of complexes between plasma membrane butyrophilin and cytosolic xanthine oxidoreductase. These complexes bind adipophilin in the phospholipid monolayer of milk secretory granules, the precursors of milk fat globules, enveloping the nascent fat globules in a layer of plasma membrane and pinching them off the cell. However, using freeze-fracture immunocytochemistry, we find these proteins in locations other than those previously inferred. Significantly, butyrophilin in the residual plasma membrane of the fat globule envelope is concentrated in a network of ridges that are tightly apposed to the monolayer derived from the secretory granule, and the ridges coincide with butyrophilin labeling in the globule monolayer. Therefore, we propose that milk fat globule secretion is controlled by interactions between plasma membrane butyrophilin and butyrophilin in the secretory granule phospholipid monolayer rather than binding of butyrophilin–xanthine oxidoreductase complexes to secretory granule adipophilin.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging disorder normally caused by a spontaneous heterozygous mutation in the LMNA gene that codes for the nuclear lamina protein lamin A. Several enzymes are involved in the processing of its precursor, prelamin A, to the mature lamin A. A functional knockout of one of the enzymes involved in prelamin A processing, the zinc metalloprotease ZMPSTE24, causes an even more severe disorder with early neonatal death described as restrictive dermatopathy (RD). This work describes a HGPS patient with a combined defect of a homozygous loss-of-function mutation in the ZMPSTE24 gene and a heterozygous mutation in the LMNA gene that results in a C-terminal elongation of the final lamin A. Whereas the loss of function mutation of ZMPSTE24 normally results in lethal RD, the truncation of LMNA seems to be a salvage alteration alleviating the clinical picture to the HGPS phenotype. The mutations of our patient indicate that farnesylated prelamin A is the deleterious agent leading to the HGPS phenotype, which gives further insights into the pathophysiology of the disorder.

Cerebral endothelial cells accomplish the barrier functions between blood and brain interstitium. Structural features are the tight junctions between adjacent endothelial cells and the formation of marginal folds at the cell-cell contacts. The glucocorticoid hydrocortisone (HC) has been reported to enforce the blood-brain-barrier in vitro measurable by an increase of the transendothelial electrical resistance. This study shows the impact of HC on the mechanical and morphological properties of confluent cell layers of brain microvascular endothelial cells. HC induces an increase in height of these marginal folds and a reduction of the intercellular contact surface. These morphological changes are accompanied by changes in cell elasticity. Staining of fibrous actin indicates that HC induces a reorganization of the actin cortex. The quantitative determination of the local elastic properties of cells reveals for the first time an HC-induced increase of the representative Young’s modulus according to cytoskeletal rearrangements. For this study, cells of two different species, porcine brain capillary endothelial cells and murine brain capillary endothelial cells, were used yielding similar results, which clearly demonstrates that the HC effect on the cell elasticity is species independent.

Neutral lipid accumulation is frequently observed in some Gram-negative prokaryotes like Acinetobacter sp. and most actinomycetes, including the pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis and antibiotic producing streptomycetes. We examined the formation of wax ester- and triacylglycerol (TAG)-bodies in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Rhodococcus opacus using microscopic, immunological and biophysical methods. A general model for prokaryotic lipid-body formation is proposed, clearly differing from the current models for the formation of lipid inclusions in eukaryotes and of poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) (PHA) inclusions in prokaryotes. Formation of lipid-bodies starts with the docking of wax ester synthase/acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT) to the cytoplasm membrane. Both, analyses of in vivo and in vitro lipid-body synthesis, demonstrated the formation of small lipid droplets (SLDs), which remain bound to the membrane-associated enzyme. SLDs conglomerated subsequently to membrane-bound lipid-prebodies which are then released into the cytoplasm. The formation of matured lipid-bodies in the cytoplasm occurred by means of coalescence of SLDs inside the lipid prebodies, which are surrounded by a half-unit membrane of phospholipids.

E-cadherin is thought to mediate intercellular adhesion in the mammalian epidermis and in hair follicles as the adhesive component of adherens junctions. We have tested this role of E-cadherin directly by conditional gene ablation in the mouse. We show that postnatal loss of E-cadherin in keratinocytes leads to a loss of adherens junctions and altered epidermal differentiation without accompanying signs of inflammation. Overall tissue integrity and desmosomal structures were maintained, but skin hair follicles were progressively lost. Tumors were not observed and beta-catenin levels were not strongly altered in the mutant skin. We conclude that E-cadherin is required for maintaining the adhesive properties of adherens junctions in keratinocytes and proper skin differentiation. Furthermore, continuous hair follicle cycling is dependent on E-cadherin.

Dedifferentiation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) from the contractile to the synthetic phenotype is a key event in atherosclerosis. A comparable phenotypic change from the contractile to the synthetic state is rapidly incurred when SMC are grown in culture. To identify genes that characterize the contractile and synthetic phenotypes, we performed differential display reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions on RNA from porcine arterial contractile SMC obtained directly from medial tissues and from SMC made synthetic by cell culturing. One of the differentially expressed cDNAs we identified encoded tropomyosin 4 (TM4). Whereas basal levels of TM4 existed in contractile SMC, the amount of TM4 transcripts strongly increased in synthetic SMC (33% vs. 86-106%; p < 0.005). Induction of foam cell formation had no additional enhancing effect on the expression of TM4 in cultivated SMC. We also tested whether TM4 expression was correspondingly enhanced during atherogenesis. The number of TM4-expressing SMC increased with plaque development as demonstrated by simultaneous in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We compared the localization patterns of myosin heavy chain isoforms in normal arteries and lesions of increasing severity and determined that TM4 expression was relegated mainly to SMC of the synthetic phenotype in the media and intima during atherogenesis. The present study demonstrates that upregulation of TM4 mRNA is a relevant marker of dedifferentiation in vascular SMC.

Oxidation products of low-density lipoproteins have been suggested to promote inflammation during atherogenesis, and reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase has been implicated to mediate this oxidation. In addition, the 5-lipoxygenase cascade leads to formation of leukotrienes, which exhibit strong proinflammatory activities in cardiovascular tissues. Here, we studied both lipoxygenase pathways in human atherosclerosis. The 5-lipoxygenase pathway was abundantly expressed in arterial walls of patients afflicted with various lesion stages of atherosclerosis of the aorta and of coronary and carotid arteries. 5-lipoxygenase localized to macrophages, dendritic cells, foam cells, mast cells, and neutrophilic granulocytes, and the number of 5-lipoxygenase expressing cells markedly increased in advanced lesions. By contrast, reticulocyte-type 15-lipoxygenase was expressed at levels that were several orders of magnitude lower than 5-lipoxygenase in both normal and diseased arteries, and its expression could not be related to lesion pathology. Our data support a model of atherogenesis in which 5-lipoxygenase cascade-dependent inflammatory circuits consisting of several leukocyte lineages and arterial wall cells evolve within the blood vessel wall during critical stages of lesion development. They raise the possibility that antileukotriene drugs may be an effective treatment regimen in late-stage disease.

Collagens play a central role in maintaining the integrity and stability of the undiseased as well as of the atherosclerotic vessel wall. An imbalanced metabolism may lead to uncontrolled collagen accumulation reducing vessel wall velocity, frequently resulting in arterial occlusion or thrombosis. A reduced production of collagen and its uncontrolled degradation may affect the stability of the vessel wall and especially of the atherosclerotic plaques by making them prone to rupture and aneurysm. This review presents an overview on the four groups of vascular collagens and on their role in atherogenesis. The major focus was to highlight the extraordinary role and importance of the short chain network forming type VIII collagen in the extracellular matrix of undiseased arteries and of atherosclerotic plaques. The molecular structure of type VIII collagen, its cellular origin, its implication in atherogenesis, its temporal and spatial expression patterns in human and experimental models of atherogenesis, the factors modulating its expression, and—not at least—its potential function is discussed.

6 Figuras.-- 1 Tabla, Lipid accumulation in macrophages contributes to atherosclerosis. Within macrophages, lipids are stored in lipid droplets (LDs); perilipin-2 and perilipin-3 are the main LD-associated proteins. Postprandial triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins induce LD accumulation in macrophages. The role of postprandial lipoproteins in perilipin-2 and perilipin-3 regulation was studied. TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) induced the levels of intracellular TGs, LDs and perilipin-2 protein expression in THP-1 macrophages and in Apoe−/− mice bone-marrow-derived macrophages with low and high basal levels of TGs. Perilipin-3 was only synthesized in mice macrophages with low basal levels of TGs. The regulation was dependent on the fatty acid composition of the lipoproteins; monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) more strongly attenuated these effects compared with saturated fatty acids. In THP-1 macrophages, immunofluorescence microscopy and freeze-fracture immunogold labeling indicated that the lipoproteins translocated perilipin-3 from the cytoplasm to the LD surface; only the lipoproteins that were rich in PUFAs suppressed this effect. Chemical inhibition showed that lipoproteins induced perilipin-2 protein expression through the peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptor (PPAR) PPARα and PPARγ pathways. Overall, our data indicate that postprandial TRLs may be involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation through the regulation of perilipin-2 and perilipin-3 proteins in macrophages. Because the fatty acid composition of the lipoproteins is dependent on the type of fat consumed, the ingestion of olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can be considered a good nutritional strategy to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by LD-associated proteins decrease.