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Abstract Objectives In response to the controversy surrounding observational studies of the association between lipid profiles and the risk of insomnia, the aim of this study was to analyze lipid profiles, including triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and lipoprotein A (LPA), in a European population to further assess the causal relationship between these lipid types and insomnia. Materials and methods This study explores the causal effect of lipid profiles on insomnia based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS)-derived public dataset using two-sample and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis. The main MR analyses used inverse variance weighting (IVW) odds ratio (OR), and the sensitivity analyses included weighted median (WM) and MR‒Egger. Results Both MR and MVMR showed that lowering ApoA-1 and LPA levels had causal effects on the risk of insomnia [MR: per 10 units, ApoA-1: OR: 0.7546, 95% CI: 0.6075–0.9372, P = 0.011; LPA: OR: 0.8392, 95% CI: 0.7202–0.9778, P = 0.025; MVMR: per 10 units, ApoA-1: OR: 0.7600, 95% CI: 0.6362–0.9079, P = 0.002; LPA, OR: 0.903, 95% CI: 0.8283–0.9845, P = 0.021]. There were no causal effects of TG or ApoB on insomnia (all P > 0.05). The MR‒Egger intercept test, funnel plot, and IVW methods all suggested an absence of strong directional pleiotropy, and leave-one-out permutation analysis did not detect any single single-nucleotide polymorphism that had a strong influence on the results. Conclusion Elevated levels of ApoA-1 and LPA were independently and causally associated with the risk of insomnia, suggesting that elevated ApoA-1 and LPA levels may contribute to a reduced risk of insomnia.

Objectives: In response to the controversy surrounding observational studies of the association between lipid profiles and the risk of insomnia, the aim of this study was to analyze lipid profiles, including triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and lipoprotein A (LPA), in a European population to further assess the causal relationship between these lipid types and insomnia. Materials and methods: This study explores the causal effect of lipid profiles on insomnia based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS)-derived public dataset using two-sample and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis. The main MR analyses used inverse variance weighting (IVW) odds ratio (OR), and the sensitivity analyses included weighted median (WM) and MR‒Egger. Results: Both MR and MVMR showed that lowering ApoA-1 and LPA levels had causal effects on the risk of insomnia [MR: per 10 units, ApoA-1: OR: 0.7546, 95% CI: 0.6075–0.9372, P = 0.011; LPA: OR: 0.8392, 95% CI: 0.7202–0.9778, P = 0.025; MVMR: per 10 units, ApoA-1: OR: 0.7600, 95% CI: 0.6362–0.9079, P = 0.002; LPA, OR: 0.903, 95% CI: 0.8283–0.9845, P = 0.021]. There were no causal effects of TG or ApoB on insomnia (all P > 0.05). The MR‒Egger intercept test, funnel plot, and IVW methods all suggested an absence of strong directional pleiotropy, and leave-one-out permutation analysis did not detect any single single-nucleotide polymorphism that had a strong influence on the results. Conclusion: Elevated levels of ApoA-1 and LPA were independently and causally associated with the risk of insomnia, suggesting that elevated ApoA-1 and LPA levels may contribute to a reduced risk of insomnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiponectin is an adipose tissue hormone, participating in energy metabolism and involved in atherogenesis. Previously, it was found that adiponectin increases expression of the APOA1 (apolipoprotein A-1) gene in hepatocytes, but the mechanisms of this effect remained unexplored. Our aim was to investigate the role of adiponectin receptors AdipoR1/R2, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and liver X receptors (LXRs) in mediating the action of adiponectin on hepatic APOA1 expression in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. The level of APOA1 expression was determined by RT-qPCR and ELISA. We showed that the siRNA-mediated knockdown of genes coding for AdipoR1, AdipoR2, AMPK, PPARα, and LXRα and β prevented adiponectin-induced APOA1 expression in HepG2 cells and demonstrated that interaction of PPARα and LXRs with the APOA1 gene hepatic enhancer is important for the adiponectin-dependent APOA1 transcription. The results of this study point out to the involvement of both types of adiponectin receptors, AMPK, PPARα, and LXRs in the adiponectin-dependent upregulation of the APOA1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio was thought to be a reliable parameter to reflect lipid disturbance. • Maternal serum ApoB and ApoB/ ApoA-1 ratio were positively related to the risk of preterm birth. • Monitoring serum apolipoprotein levels may help to identify the high-risk population of preterm birth. Elevated lipid levels during pregnancy have been shown to be related to the risk of preterm birth. Despite the importance of apolipoprotein (Apo) in lipid metabolism and transportation, evidence regarding apolipoprotein levels during pregnancy and preterm birth is still limited. Therefore, we aim to investigate the associations between maternal ApoA-1, ApoB, ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio and preterm birth. Data were extracted from the information system of Guangdong Women and Children Hospital. Lipoprotein levels were tested using Beckman Coulter AU5800 in mid-pregnancy at a median gestational age of 18 w. Maternal serum ApoB, ApoA-1 and ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio were categorized into tertiles. Logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for preterm birth. A total of 5,986 maternal-newborn pairs were included in this study. The rate of preterm birth was 5.7% (n = 344). The multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CI) of preterm birth were 1.51 (1.06, 2.10) for individuals with high ApoB (>90th), 0.63 (0.38, 0.99) for those with low ApoB (<10th), and 1.64 (1.18, 2.24) for those with high ApoB/ApoA-1 (>90th). Subgroup analyses showed that the association of ApoB and preterm birth was only significant among women with pre-pregnancy BMI 18.5-24 kg/m2 (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12–1.65), age at delivery ≥ 35 years (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.12–1.83). Elevated maternal ApoB level and ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio during mid-pregnancy were related to increased risk of preterm birth. Monitoring maternal serum apolipoprotein levels may help to identify the high-risk population of preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), because of their preferential muscle vs prostate selectivity, are being developed for muscle-wasting conditions. Oral SARMs suppress high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) but their effects on functional capacity and atherogenic potential of HDL particles are unknown. Objective To determine the effects of an oral SARM (OPK-88004) on cholesterol efflux capacity, HDL particle number and size, apolipoprotein particle number and size and HDL subspecies Methods We measured cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC); HDL particle number and size; APOB; APOA1; and protein-defined HDL subspecies associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in men, who had undergone prostatectomy for low-grade prostate cancer during 12-week treatment with placebo or 1, 5, or 15 mg of an oral SARM (OPK-88004). Results SARM significantly suppressed HDL-C (P  < .001) but HDL particle size did not change significantly. SARM had minimal effect on CEC of HDL particles (change + 0.016, –0.036, +0.070, and –0.048%/µmol-HDL/L–1 at 0, 1, 5, and 15 mg SARM, P  = .045). SARM treatment suppressed APOAI (P  < .001) but not APOB (P  = .077), and reduced APOA1 in HDL subspecies associated with increased (subspecies containing α2-macroglobulin, complement C3, or plasminogen) as well as decreased (subspecies containing APOC1 or APOE) CHD risk; relative proportions of APOA1 in these HDL subspecies did not change. SARM increased hepatic triacylglycerol lipase (HTGL) (P  < .001). Conclusion SARM treatment suppressed HDL-C but had minimal effect on its size or cholesterol efflux function. SARM reduced APOA1 in HDL subspecies associated with increased as well as decreased CHD risk. SARM-induced increase in HTGL could contribute to HDL-C suppression. These data do not support the simplistic notion that SARM-associated suppression of HDL-C is necessarily proatherogenic; randomized trials are needed to determine SARM's effects on cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we studied the effect of apolipoprotein A-1 (APOA1) on the spatial and molecular characteristics of bone marrow adipocytes, using well-characterized ApoA1 knockout mice. APOA1 is a central regulator of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) metabolism, and thus HDL; our recent work showed that deficiency of APOA1 increases bone marrow adiposity in mice. We found that ApoA1 deficient mice have greatly elevated adipocytes within their bone marrow compared to wild type counterparts. Morphologically, the increased adipocytes were similar to white adipocytes, and displayed proximal tibial-end localization. Marrow adipocytes from wild type mice were significantly fewer and did not display a bone-end distribution pattern. The mRNA levels of the brown/beige adipocyte-specific markers Ucp1, Dio2, Pat2, and Pgc1a; and the expression of leptin were greatly reduced in the ApoA1 knock-out in comparison to the wild-type mice. In the knock-out mice, adiponectin was remarkably elevated. In keeping with the close ties of hematopoietic stem cells and marrow adipocytes, using flow cytometry we found that the elevated adiposity in the ApoA1 knockout mice is associated with a significant reduction in the compartments of hematopoietic stem cells and common myeloid, but not of the common lymphoid, progenitors. Moreover, the 'beiging'-related marker osteopontin and the angiogenic factor VEGF were also reduced in the ApoA1 knock-out mice, further supporting the notion that APOA1—and most probably HDL-C—regulate bone marrow microenvironment, favoring beige/brown adipocyte characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID‐19 and some anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines trigger a humoral autoimmune response against a broad range of endogenous components, which may affect recipients' prognosis in predisposed individuals. Autoantibodies directed against apolipoprotein A‐1 (AAA1 IgG) the major protein fraction of High Density Lipoprotein have been shown to be raised in COVID‐19 and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and other populations where they have been associated with poorer outcomes. We wanted to assess the impact of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA‐based vaccination on AAA1 autoimmune biomarkers in RA patients. Methods: 20 healthy controls and 77 RA mRNA‐based vaccinated patients were collected at baseline, 3 weeks after the first vaccination, 2 and 8 weeks after the second vaccination. AAA1 and SARS‐CoV‐2 serologies were measured by immunoassays. Systemic and local symptoms occurring during the vaccination protocol were recorded. Results: mRNA‐based vaccination induced a significant increase in median AAA1 IgG levels in both healthy controls and RA patients overtime. However, in both populations, these medians trend did not translate into significant increase in AAA1 IgG seropositivity rates despite evolving from 5 to 10% in healthy controls, and from 9 to 12.9% in RA patients. No associations were retrieved between AAA1 IgG and symptoms of any kind during the vaccination protocol. Conclusions: mRNA‐based vaccination seems to induce a light AAA1 IgG response in immunocompetent individuals within 2 months after the last injection. Although we did not observe any warning signs, the formal demonstration of the harmlessness of such biological warrants further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Babesia canis infection induces a marked acute phase response (APR) that might be associated with alteration in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and disease prognosis. Hypothesis Dogs with B. canis‐induced APR develop dyslipidemia with altered lipoprotein concentration and morphology. Animals Twenty‐nine client‐owned dogs with acute B. canis infection and 10 clinically healthy control dogs. Methods Observational cross‐sectional study. Serum amyloid A (SAA) was measured using ELISA. Cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides were determined biochemically. Lipoproteins were separated using agarose gel electrophoresis. Lipoprotein diameter was assessed by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis; correlation with ApoA‐1 (radioimmunoassay) and SAA was determined. Results Dogs with B. canis infection had a marked APR (median SAA, 168.3 μg/mL; range, 98.1‐716.2 μg/mL) compared with controls (3.2 μg/mL, 2.0‐4.2 μg/mL) (P

Adiponectin is an adipose tissue hormone affecting energy and lipoprotein metabolism and modulating inflammatory responses. However, the role of this adipokine in atherogenesis remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin on the production of apolipoproteins (apo) A-1 and E by human macrophages (MP). The study was conducted on macrophage-like cells of the THP-1 cell line of two differentiation terms, 3 and 5 days (3d and 5d). Adiponectin (10 μg/mL) stimulated the expression of apoA-1 gene at the mRNA level in 5d MP, but not in 3d MP. The level of apoE mRNA in MP under the action of adiponectin was not affected. Adiponectin suppressed macrophage TNF gene expression, while it induced the expression of IL-10 gene in 5d MP. The secreted levels of apoA-1 and apoE proteins under the action of adiponectin in macrophages of both periods of differentiation remained unchanged, while the level of the surface apoA-1 protein in 5d MP was decreasing. Incubation of 5d MP with the PPARα nuclear receptor antagonist MK-886 or with the nuclear receptor LXR agonist TO-901317 resulted in cancellation of the stimulating effect of adiponectin on apoA-1 gene expression. These data indicate that adiponectin, in addition to its anti-inflammatory action, has a modulating effect on production of apoA-1 by macrophages. The latter is probably one of the mechanisms of the influence of this adipokine on atherogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We previously showed that levels of prebeta‐1 high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), the principal acceptor of cholesterol effluxed from cells, including artery wall macrophages, are positively associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarction (MI) risk. Methods and Results In a multiethnic follow‐up cohort of 1249 individuals from University of California–San Francisco clinics, we determined the degree to which prebeta‐1 HDL levels, both absolute and percentage of apolipoprotein AI, are associated with CHD and history of MI. Independent, strong, positive associations were found. Meta‐analysis revealed for the absolute prebeta‐1 HDL for the top tertile versus the lowest, unadjusted odds ratios of 1.90 (95% CI, 1.40–2.58) for CHD and 1.79 (95% CI, 1.35–2.36) for MI. For CHD, adjusting for established risk factors, the top versus bottom tertiles, quintiles, and deciles yielded sizable odds ratios of 2.37 (95% CI, 1.74–3.25, P

Background The mechanism through which high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) induces cardioprotection is not completely understood. We evaluated the correlation between cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), a functional parameter of HDL, and coronary collateral circulation (CCC). We additionally investigated whether A1BP (apoA1‐binding protein) concentration correlates with CEC and CCC. Methods and Results In this case‐control study, clinical and angiographic data were collected from 226 patients (mean age, 58 years; male, 72%) with chronic total coronary occlusion. CEC was assessed using a radioisotope and J774 cells, and human A1BP concentration was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Differences between the good and poor CCC groups were compared, and associations between CEC, A1BP, and other variables were evaluated. Predictors of CCC were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The CEC was higher in the good than in the poor CCC group (22.0±4.6% versus 20.2±4.7%; P=0.009). In multivariable analyses including age, sex, HDL‐cholesterol levels, age (odds ratio [OR], 0.96; P=0.003), and CEC (OR, 1.10; P=0.004) were identified as the independent predictors of good CCC. These relationships remained significant after additional adjustment for diabetes mellitus, acute coronary syndrome, and Gensini score. The A1BP levels were not significantly correlated with CCC (300 pg/mL and 283 pg/mL in the good CCC and poor CCC groups, respectively, P=0.25) or CEC. Conclusions The relationship between higher CEC and good CCC indicates that well‐functioning HDL may contribute to CCC and may be cardioprotective; this suggests that a specific function of HDL can have biological and clinical consequences.

Identifying biomarkers that distinguish Parkinson's disease (PD) from normal control (NC) individuals has the potential to increase diagnostic sensitivity for the detection of early-stage PD. A previous proteomic study identified potential biomarkers in postmortem ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (V-CSF) from neuropathologically diagnosed PD subjects lacking Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. In the present study, we assessed these biomarkers as well as p-tau(181), Aβ42, and S100B by ELISA in PD (n = 43) and NC (n = 49) cases. The p-tau(181)/Aβ42 ratio and ApoA-1 showed statistically significant differences between groups. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that p-tau(181)/Aβ42 had a significant odds ratio: OR = 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.84), P = 0.006. Among the molecules investigated, intriguing correlations were observed that require further investigation. Our results suggest coexistent AD CSF biomarkers within the PD group notwithstanding that it was selected to minimize AD neuropathological lesions.

Identifying biomarkers that distinguish Parkinsons disease (PD) from normal control (NC) individuals has the potential to increase diagnostic sensitivity for the detection of early-stage PD. A previous proteomic study identified potential biomarkers in postmortem ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (V-CSF) from neuropathologically diagnosed PD subjects lacking Alzheimers disease (AD) neuropathology. In the present study, we assessed these biomarkers as well as p-tau(181), Aβ42, and S100B by ELISA in PD (n = 43) and NC (n = 49) cases. The p-tau(181)/Aβ42 ratio and ApoA-1 showed statistically significant differences between groups. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that p-tau(181)/Aβ42 had a significant odds ratio: OR = 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.84), P = 0.006. Among the molecules investigated, intriguing correlations were observed that require further investigation. Our results suggest coexistent AD CSF biomarkers within the PD group notwithstanding that it was selected to minimize AD neuropathological lesions.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to propose a prognostic scoring system based on preoperative serum apolipoprotein A-1 and C-reactive protein (ApoA-1 and CRP, AC score) levels and to evaluate the prognostic value of these markers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods In all, 539 consecutive cases diagnosed with HCC from 2009 to 2012 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were analysed. The characteristics and levels of pretreatment lipids (ApoA-1, apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs)) and CRP were reviewed and determined by univariate and multivariate Cox hazard models. Then, the AC score was proposed, which combines two independent risk factors (ApoA-1 and CRP). Results The optimal cut-off points in our study were determined according to established reference ranges. Patients with decreased ApoA-1 levels (

Background and Aims: Glucose and lipid metabolism are major prognostic indicators of coronary heart disease. The ratio of plasma glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to apolipoprotein A-l (ApoA-l) is an indirect measure of insulin resistance. The study aimed to evaluate whether the HbA1c/ApoA-1 ratio can predict the prognosis in patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods and Results: A total of 476 ACS patients diagnosed by coronary angiography were enrolled in this longitudinal, observational, retrospective study. Plasma HbA1c, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were measured. Patients were stratified according to the tertiles of HbA1c/ApoA-l levels. Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the predictive value of HbA1c/ApoA-l for study endpoints. The association between the Log HbA1c/ApoA-l ratio and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was estimated using multiple logistic regression. Baseline characteristics showed a mean age of 66 ± 8 years, and 52.5% were hypertensive, 26.8% diabetic, and 54.5% current or prior smokers. During a mean follow-up period of 22.3 ± 1.7 months, 59 deaths occurred. After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease severity, patients in the highest HbA1c/ApoA-l ratio tertile had a 4.36-fold increased risk of mortality compared with those in the lowest tertile. The multivariate logistic regression showed that the Log HbA1c/ApoA-l ratio was associated with MACEs (Odds ratio 2.95, p = 0.013).Conclusion: After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and ACS severity scores, the HbA1c/ApoA-1 ratio remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and MACEs in the ACS patients undergoing angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the plasma apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) and endothelin -1 (ET-1) changes in early Parkinson disease (PD), and analyze their relationship with cognitive function and cerebral white matter structure (WMS) change. 76 early PD patients were selected as group PD, and 30 cases of healthy persons were selected as control group. They all scanned with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion tensor. The ApoA-1, ET-1, WMS changes, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were recorded in the two groups of subjects. The results revealed that ApoA-1 level and Mo CA score in PD group decreased, FA value in bilateral temporal lobe, left anterior cingulate tract, corpus callosum, and other cerebral WMS area in PD group were also decreased, and ET-1 level in PD group increased (P<0.05). Compared with those of PD group patients with Mo CA≥26, plasma ApoA-1 levels and cerebral WMS FA values of the patients with Mo CA＜26 were decreased, (P<0.05); the MoCA score of PD group was positively correlated with the cerebral WMS FA values (P<0.05). In short, the ApoA-1 level in patients with early PD decreased, while the ET-1 level increased, and both were related to cognitive function and WMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a condition defined by hyperglycaemia, but also often presents with dyslipidaemia and suppressed HDL cholesterol. Mendelian randomization studies have suggested a causal link between low HDL cholesterol and T2DM. However, influences of gender, polymorphisms and lifestyle, all known to influence HDL cholesterol, have not been fully explored in a prospective cohort.Methods and Results: In 2001-2002, a random sample of 1514 males (18-87 years old) and 1528 females (18-89 years old) were recruited in the ATTICA study. The 10-year follow-up (2011-2012) included 1485 participants. Lipids and lipoproteins levels, glucose and insulin levels were measured together with apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) 75 G/A genotype, which is known to influence HDL-cholesterol. In total, 12.9% of the study sample developed T2DM within the 10-year follow-up period. In multivariable models, for each mg/dL increase in apoA1 levels in males, 10-year T2DM risk decreased 1.02%; while every unit increase in apoB/LDL-cholesterol ratio increased risk 4-fold. Finally, for every unit increase in triglycerides/apoA1 ratio, the risk increased 85%. HOMA-IR independently predicted T2DM 10-year incidence only for carriers of GG polymorphism (all, p < 0.05), but not in carriers of the GA polymorphism (all, p > 0.05).Conclusion: ApoA1 was associated with decreased T2DM risk and TG/ApoA1 and apoB/LDL were associated with increased risk of T2DM, only in males. ApoA1 polymorphism, which is associated with lower HDL cholesterol, influenced the predictive effects of HOMA-IR on T2DM incidence, which appeared to be moderated by physical activity, suggesting potential scope for more targeted preventative strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apolipoprotein A-1, paraoxonase-1 and paraoxonase-3 are antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic structural high-density lipoprotein proteins that are mainly synthesized by the liver. No study has ever been performed to specifically examine the effects of caffeine on paraoxonase enzymes and on liver apolipoprotein A-1 protein levels. Aims: To investigate the dose-dependent effects of caffeine on liver apolipoprotein A-1, paraoxonase-1 and paraoxonase-3 protein levels. Study Design: In vitro experimental study. Methods: HepG2 cells were incubated with 0 (control), 10, 50 and 200 μM of caffeine for 24 hours. Cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Apolipoprotein A-1, paraoxonase-1 and paraoxonase-3 protein levels were measured by western blotting. Results: We observed a significant increase on apolipoprotein A-1 and paraoxonase-1 protein levels in the cells incubated with 50 µM of caffeine and a significant increase on paraoxonase-1 protein level in the cells incubated with 200 µM of caffeine. Conclusion: Our study showed that caffeine does not change paraoxonase-3 protein level, but the higher doses used in our study do cause an increase in both apolipoprotein A-1 and paraoxonase-1 protein levels in liver cells

Objective To investigate whether serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1), after the return of spontaneous circulation, can predict the neurologic outcome in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a single tertiary hospital intensive care unit. All adult OHCA survivors with admission lipid profiles were enrolled from March 2013 to December 2015. Good neurologic outcome was defined as discharge cerebral performance categories 1 and 2. Results Among 59 patients enrolled, 13 (22.0%) had a good neurologic outcome. Serum levels of HDL (56.7 vs. 40 mg/dL) and ApoA1 (117 vs. 91.6 mg/dL) were significantly higher in patients with a good outcome. Areas under the HDL and ApoA1 receiver operating curves to predict good outcomes were 0.799 and 0.759, respectively. The proportion of good outcome was significantly higher in patients in higher tertiles of HDL and ApoA1 (test for trend, both P=0.003). HDL (P=0.018) was an independent predictor in the multivariate logistic regression model. Conclusion Admission levels of HDL and ApoA1 are associated with neurologic outcome in patients with OHCA. Prognostic and potential therapeutic values of HDL and ApoA1 merit further evaluation in the post-cardiac arrest state, as in other systemic inflammatory conditions such as sepsis.

Background: Total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) measurements are central to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment, but there is continuing debate around the utility of other lipids for risk prediction.Methods: Participants from UK Biobank without baseline CVD and not taking statins, with relevant lipid measurements (n=346 686), were included in the primary analysis. An incident fatal or nonfatal CVD event occurred in 6216 participants (1656 fatal) over a median of 8.9 years. Associations of nonfasting lipid measurements (total cholesterol, HDL-C, non-HDL-C, direct and calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], and apolipoproteins [Apo] A1 and B) with CVD were compared using Cox models adjusting for classical risk factors, and predictive utility was determined by the C-index and net reclassification index. Prediction was also tested in 68 649 participants taking a statin with or without baseline CVD (3515 CVD events).Results: ApoB, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C were highly correlated (r>0.90), while HDL-C was strongly correlated with ApoA1 (r=0.92). After adjustment for classical risk factors, 1 SD increase in ApoB, direct LDL-C, and non-HDL-C had similar associations with composite fatal/nonfatal CVD events (hazard ratio, 1.23, 1.20, 1.21, respectively). Associations for 1 SD increase in HDL-C and ApoA1 were also similar (hazard ratios, 0.81 [both]). Adding either total cholesterol and HDL-C, or ApoB and ApoA, to a CVD risk prediction model (C-index, 0.7378) yielded similar improvement in discrimination (C-index change, 0.0084; 95% CI, 0.0065, 0.0104, and 0.0089; 95% CI, 0.0069, 0.0109, respectively). Once total and HDL-C were in the model, no further substantive improvement was achieved with the addition of ApoB (C-index change, 0.0004; 95% CI, 0.0000, 0.0008) or any measure of LDL-C. Results for predictive utility were similar for a fatal CVD outcome, and in a discordance analysis. In participants taking a statin, classical risk factors (C-index, 0.7118) were improved by non-HDL-C (C-index change, 0.0030; 95% CI, 0.0012, 0.0048) or ApoB (C-index change, 0.0030; 95% CI, 0.0011, 0.0048). However, adding ApoB or LDL-C to a model already containing non-HDL-C did not further improve discrimination.Conclusions: Measurement of total cholesterol and HDL-C in the nonfasted state is sufficient to capture the lipid-associated risk in CVD prediction, with no meaningful improvement from addition of apolipoproteins, direct or calculated LDL-C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesia canis infection induces a marked acute phase response (APR) that might be associated with alteration in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and disease prognosis. Hypothesis: Dogs with B. canis‐induced APR develop dyslipidemia with altered lipoprotein concentration and morphology. Animals: Twenty‐nine client‐owned dogs with acute B. canis infection and 10 clinically healthy control dogs. Methods: Observational cross‐sectional study. Serum amyloid A (SAA) was measured using ELISA. Cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides were determined biochemically. Lipoproteins were separated using agarose gel electrophoresis. Lipoprotein diameter was assessed by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis; correlation with ApoA‐1 (radioimmunoassay) and SAA was determined. Results: Dogs with B. canis infection had a marked APR (median SAA, 168.3 μg/mL; range, 98.1‐716.2 μg/mL) compared with controls (3.2 μg/mL, 2.0‐4.2 μg/mL) (P < .001). Dogs with B. canis infection had significantly lower median cholesterol (4.79 mmol/L, 1.89‐7.64 mmol/L versus 6.15 mmol/L, 4.2‐7.4 mmol/L) (P =.02), phospholipid (4.64 mmol/L, 2.6‐6.6 mmol/L versus 5.72 mmol/L, 4.68‐7.0 mmol/L) (P =.02), and α‐lipoproteins (77.5%, 27.7%‐93.5% versus 89.2%, 75.1%‐93.5%) (P =.04), and higher ApoA‐1 (1.36 U, 0.8‐2.56 U versus 0.95 U, 0.73‐1.54 U) concentrations (P =.02). Serum amyloid A correlated with high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) diameter (rho =.43; P =.03) and ApoA‐1 (rho =.63, P < .001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Major changes associated with B. canis‐induced APR in dogs are related to concentration, composition, and morphology of HDL particles pointing to an altered reverse cholesterol transport. Parallel ApoA‐1 and SAA concentration increase is a unique still unexplained pathophysiological finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Ghrelin is a hormone that occurs in acylated (AG) or unacylated (UG) form. Ghrelin strongly stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion from anterior pituitary, as well as regulates the energy balance and various metabolic parameters. Increased consideration is given to UG, thought to be inactive. Objectives. We aimed to evaluate the levels of total ghrelin, AG and UG in medically naive and treated patients with biochemically active acromegaly, with respect to variables of lipid and glucose metabolism. Material and methods. We studied total ghrelin, AG and calculated UG levels in a group of 24 patients with active acromegaly and 15 healthy controls. Plasma levels of GH, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and calculated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apolipoproteins A1 (APO A1), and B-100 (APO B-100) were measured. Results. Patients with acromegaly revealed lower levels of total ghrelin than healthy controls. In pooled data of all subgroups, simple linear regression analysis revealed that total ghrelin concentration was significantly associated with APO A1 concentration (ß = 0.8087; p = 0.0315) and AG concentration was significantly associated with fasting insulin concentration (ß = 15.5183; p = 0.011). There was an inverse association between UG and the patients' age, and positive association between UG and APO A1. Conclusions. Our results suggest that ghrelin may influences metabolic disturbances in acromegaly. It seems that the assessment of AG and UG is superior to total ghrelin measurement. Mechanisms regulating ghrelin acylation and function of each form need elucidation in order to improve diagnostics and treatment of metabolic disturbances, not only acromegaly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to propose a prognostic scoring system based on preoperative serum apolipoprotein A-1 and C-reactive protein (ApoA-1 and CRP, AC score) levels and to evaluate the prognostic value of these markers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: In all, 539 consecutive cases diagnosed with HCC from 2009 to 2012 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were analysed. The characteristics and levels of pretreatment lipids (ApoA-1, apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs)) and CRP were reviewed and determined by univariate and multivariate Cox hazard models. Then, the AC score was proposed, which combines two independent risk factors (ApoA-1 and CRP).Results: The optimal cut-off points in our study were determined according to established reference ranges. Patients with decreased ApoA-1 levels (< 1.090 g/L) and increased CRP levels (≥3.00 mg/L) exhibited a significantly poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The AC score was calculated as follows: patients with decreased ApoA-1 and elevated CRP were given a score of 3, patients with only one of these abnormalities were given a score of 2, and those with no abnormalities were given a score of 1. Patients with a higher AC score showed more progressive disease and a poorer prognosis. This was observed not only in the entire cohort (for OS, P < 0.001; for DFS, P < 0.001) but also in the subgroups stratified by pathological stage (stage I-II and stage III-IV). The discriminatory ability of the AC score in HCC was assessed according to the AUC values. The AUC value of the AC score (AUC: 0.676, 95% CI: 0.629-0.723, P < 0.001) was higher than that of AFP. In addition, the combination of the AFP and AC scores (AUC: 0.700, 95% CI: 0.655-0.745, P < 0.001) was superior to the AFP and AC scores alone.Conclusions: The AC score is a significant valuable predictor of OS and DFS and could more accurately differentiate the prognosis of HCC patients. As this study is a retrospective analysis, the value of the AC score should be validated in large prospective trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis is a slowly progressing, chronic multifactorial disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids, inflammatory cells, and fibrous tissue that drives to the formation of asymmetric focal thickenings in the tunica intima of large and mid-sized arteries. Despite the high therapeutic potential of ApoA-1 proteins, the purification and delivery into the disordered organisms of these drugs is still limited by low efficiency in these processes. Methods and results We report here a novel production and delivery system of anti-atherogenic APOA-1Milano muteins (APOA-1M) by means of genetically modified rice plants. APOA-1M, delivered as protein extracts from transgenic rice seeds, significantly reduced macrophage activation and foam cell formation in vitro in oxLDL-loaded THP-1 model. The APOA-1M delivery method and therapeutic efficacy was tested in healthy mice and in Apoe −/− mice fed with high cholesterol diet (Western Diet, WD). APOA-1M rice milk significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque size and lipids composition in aortic sinus and aortic arch of WD-fed Apoe −/− mice as compared to wild type rice milk-treated, WD-fed Apoe −/− mice. APOA-1M rice milk also significantly reduced macrophage number in liver of WD-fed Apoe −/− mice as compared to WT rice milk treated mice. Translational impact The delivery of therapeutic APOA-1M full length proteins via oral administration of rice seeds protein extracts (the ‘rice milk’) to the disordered organism, without any need of purification, might overcome the main APOA1-based therapies' limitations and improve the use of this molecules as therapeutic agents for cardiovascular patients. Highlights • A novel production and delivery system, via oral administration, of anti-atherogenic APOA-1Milano muteins (APOA-1M) • APOA-1M muteins expressed in rice seeds retained anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro and in vivo • Orally delivered full length APOA-1M proteins are athero-protective even if the organism is still exposed to high fat diet [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size, cholesterol poor, apolipoprotein A-I-rich HDL particles leading to smaller HDL particle size, may be associated with an anti-atherosclerotic effect. The data are sparse regarding the relationship between n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [n-3 PUFAs: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] and HDL particle size. This study was designed as a hospital-based cross-sectional study to investigate the relationship between the serum levels of n-3 PUFAs and the HDL-cholesterol/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio, as estimated by the HDL particle size, in patients with the presence of one or more risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Six hundred and forty sequential patients were enrolled in this study. The serum levels of EPA and DHA showed a strong correlation (r = 0.736, p < 0.0001). However, in a multivariate regression analysis after adjustment for ASCVD risk factors, increased serum DHA (β = − 0.745, p = 0.021), but not serum EPA (β = − 0.414, p = 0.139) or EPA + DHA (β = 0.330, p = 0.557) level, was identified as an independent indicator of decreased HDL particle size. In 476 patients followed up for at least 6 months, the absolute change (Δ) in the HDL-cholesterol/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio decreased significantly as the quartile of the Δ DHA level increased (p = 0.014), whereas no significant difference in the Δ HDL-cholesterol/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio was noted with the increase in the quartile of the Δ EPA level. Moreover, a multivariate regression analysis identified increased DHA level and decreased estimated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size measured relative to the mobility value of LDL with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (i.e., relative LDL migration: LDL-Rm value), as independent predictors of decreased HDL-cholesterol/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio (β = − 0.171, p = 0.0003 and β = − 0.142, p = 0.002). The results suggest that increased serum DHA level, but not EPA level, might be associated with decreased HDL-cholesterol/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio, an indicator of estimated HDL particle size. Further studies are needed to investigate the useful clinical indices and outcomes of these patients.Clinical Trial Registration Information UMIN (http://www.umin.ac.jp/), Study ID: UMIN000010603. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 39-year-old West African man in whom high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was identified as undetectable at <0.08 mmol/L. Total cholesterol in the same sample was 2.85 mmol/L; triglycerides were only mildly elevated at 2.32 mmol/L. He was admitted with a 2-week history of polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss and hyperpyrexia. Dual malarial infection with Plasmodium ovale and falciparum was identified and attributed to a recent trip to Nigeria without chemoprophylaxis. Also, he was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus with random hyperglycemia of 39 mmol/L but no ketonemia. Subsequent investigation revealed a low apolipoprotein A1 of 0.38 g/L (1.04–2.02), confirming a true HDL-C deficit. On clinical examination, he had neither orange tonsils consistent with Tangier disease nor corneal opacification consistent with lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency. The patient was an avid gym goer but denied anabolic steroid abuse, a fact supported by a transient primary testosterone deficiency at presentation (testosterone 6.56 nmol/L, RR 8.6–29; follicle-stimulating hormone high at 9.2 mU/L, luteinising hormone high at 11.9 mU/L). He was treated for malaria and started on metformin for diabetes. At 8-week follow-up, his HDL-C was entirely normal at 1.38 mmol/L. We believe this severe drop in HDL-C level to be due to acute inflammation caused by malaria. As extreme drops in HDL-C have been found to be associated with the poorest prognosis, prospective identification of HDL-C and prompt clinical liaison may be of benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: One to three per cent of the world’s population has hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which is not only a major cause of liver disease and cancer but also associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, despite an ostensibly favourable lipid profile. Autoantibodies are frequent in HCV infection and emerging evidence shows that autoantibodies could be valuable for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. This study investigated a novel independent biomarker of CVD, autoantibodies to apolipoprotein A-1 (anti-apoA-1 IgG) and lipids in patients with chronic HCV before, during and after direct-acting anti-viral (DAA) therapy.Methods: Eighty-nine blinded serum samples from 27 patients with advanced chronic HCV were assayed for lipids and anti-apoA-1 IgG by ELISA.Results: Pre-treatment HCV viral load correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, r = 0.417; p = 0.042) and negatively with apolipoprotein (apo)B (r = − 0.497; p = 0.013) and markers of CVD risk, the apoB/apoA-1 ratio (r = − 0.490; p = 0.015) and triglyceride level (TG)/HDL-C ratio (r = − 0.450; p = 0.031). Fourteen (52%) of 27 patients had detectable anti-apoA-1 IgG autoantibodies pre-treatment; only two became undetectable with virological cure. Autoantibody-positive sera had lower apoA-1 (p = 0.012), HDL-C (p = 0.009) and total cholesterol (p = 0.006) levels.Conclusions: This is the first report of the presence of an emerging biomarker for atherosclerosis, anti-apoA-1 IgG, in some patients with HCV infection. It may be induced by apoA-1 on the surface of HCV lipoviral particles. The autoantibodies inversely correlate with apoA-1 and HDL levels and may render HDL dysfunctional. Whether these hypothesis-generating findings have clinical implications in HCV patients requires further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apolipoprotein A-1, paraoxonase-1 and paraoxonase-3 are antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic structural high-density lipoprotein proteins that are mainly synthesized by the liver. No study has ever been performed to specifically examine the effects of caffeine on paraoxonase enzymes and on liver apolipoprotein A-1 protein levels. Aims: To investigate the dose-dependent effects of caffeine on liver apolipoprotein A-1, paraoxonase-1 and paraoxonase-3 protein levels. Study Design: In vitro experimental study. Methods: HepG2 cells were incubated with 0 (control), 10, 50 and 200 μM of caffeine for 24 hours. Cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Apolipoprotein A-1, paraoxonase-1 and paraoxonase-3 protein levels were measured by western blotting. Results: We observed a significant increase on apolipoprotein A-1 and paraoxonase-1 protein levels in the cells incubated with 50 µM of caffeine and a significant increase on paraoxonase-1 protein level in the cells incubated with 200 µM of caffeine. Conclusion: Our study showed that caffeine does not change paraoxonase-3 protein level, but the higher doses used in our study do cause an increase in both apolipoprotein A-1 and paraoxonase-1 protein levels in liver cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autoantibodies against apolipoprotein A-1 (anti-apoA-1 IgG) have emerged as an independent biomarker for cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, their association with all-cause mortality in the community, as well as their genetic determinants, have not been studied. Objective: To determine whether anti-apoA-1 IgG: (a) predict all-cause mortality in the general population and (b) are associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Methods: Clinical, biological, and genetic data were obtained from the population-based, prospective CoLaus study, including 5,220 participants (mean age 52.6 years, 47.3% men) followed over a median duration of 5.6 years. The primary study outcome was all-cause mortality. Results: After multivariate adjustment, anti-apoA-1 IgG positivity independently predicted all-cause mortality: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.54, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.11-2.13, P = 0.01. A dose-effect relationship was also observed, each SD of logarithmically transformed anti-apoA-1 IgG being associated with a 15% increase in mortality risk: HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28, P = 0.028. The GWAS yielded nine SNPs belonging to the Fc receptor-like 3 (FCRL3) gene, which were significantly associated with anti-apoA-1 IgG levels, with the lead SNP (rs6427397, P = 1.54 × 10-9) explaining 0.67% of anti-apoA-1 IgG level variation. Conclusion: Anti-apoA-1 IgG levels (a) independently predict all-cause mortality in the general population and (b) are linked tofCRL3, a susceptibility gene for numerous autoimmune diseases. Our findings indicate that preclinical autoimmunity to anti-apoA-1 IgG may represent a novel mortality risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell-based studies previously showed that the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) transfers cholesterol across mammary epithelial cells (MEC). Data for phospholipid transport are lacking, and it is unclear from which cellular source the transported cholesterol stems, whether this transport activates signaling pathways, and how lactogenic hormones regulate it. To clarify these aspects, lipid transport and expressional analyses were performed in bovine primary (bMEC) and/or immortalized (MAC-T) MEC cultures. Lipid efflux and ABCA1, ABCG1 and liver X receptorα mRNA levels were higher in MAC-T than bMEC. In MAC-T, the transported cholesterol originated mainly from the plasma membrane. ABCA1 dependent cholesterol efflux was higher than phosphatidylcholine efflux, was suppressed by probucol (ABCA1 inhibitor), AG490 (janus kinase-2 inhibitor), PD98059 (mitogen activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor) and pretreatment with β-cyclodextrin (lowering membrane cholesterol). Insulin was the only hormone significantly increasing cholesterol efflux. In conclusion, this study gives novel mechanistic and regulatory insights into the transport of cholesterol and phospholipids in MEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There is growing evidence to suggest that measurement of apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1), the main surface protein on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, is superior to measurement of the serum HDL-cholesterol level as a predictor of the occurrence of coronary disease (CAD). We investigated the association of systemic inflammation as an initiator of CAD along with the serum apoA-1 level. Methods and results This study was designed as a hospital-based cross-sectional study on 652 consecutive outpatients with at least one risk factor for CAD to investigate the relationships between the serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the peripheral blood white blood cell (WBC) count and the serum apoA-1 level between April 2009 and October 2009. Multivariate analysis after adjustments for traditional coronary risk factors revealed reduced apoA-1 as an independent indicator of higher hs-CRP and WBC count, both in the overall subject population ( β : −0.270 and −0.116, p < 0.0001 and 0.003) and in a patient subset with serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL ( β : −0.280 and −0.128, p < 0.0001 and 0.045). However, in the patients who could be followed up 6 months later, the increase in the apoA-1 level was associated with a decrease in the hs-CRP level, but not with a decrease in the WBC count. Conclusions Increased serum apoA-1 levels may be associated with decreased hs-CRP levels and decreased WBC counts as predictive inflammatory biomarkers of the onset of CAD. In particular, increase in the hs-CRP level and decrease in the apoA-1 level may be useful indices of the risk of CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarin is a highly toxic organophosphonate and neural enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor. Inhibition of AChE causes large accumulation of acetylcholine at synaptic cleft leading to hyper activation of nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, causing excessive secretions, muscle fasciculation, nausea, vomiting, respiratory distress and neurological effects. There are cases in which long term psychomotor function deficiency, reduced learning and memory functions have been observed several years after exposure of sarin among survivors. This phenomenon is called Organophosphorus ester Induced Chronic Neurotoxicity (OPICN) and cannot be explained by AChE inhibition alone. Plasma proteomics at earlier stages was carried out to study changes reflected at blood level that can help predict possible neurological insults at an early time point to take proper therapeutic interventions against OPICN. In the present study, a 0.5 LD 50 dose of sarin was administered to Wistar rats and possible changes in blood plasma proteomic profile were investigated after one and seven days of sarin exposure. Proteins were separated on 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and identified by MALDI-TOF/MS. Expression profile of major proteins was validated by Western blot. Result showed that after exposure of sarin inhibition of AChE persisted after one week of exposure. There were 14 plasma proteins that showed significant changes in expression (>1.5-fold). It included proteins related to immune function, neurodegenerative condition and chaperone function. Interestingly sarin exposure caused decreased expression of plasma Apolipoprotein A-1 and Haptoglobin on day seven, which are the putative early molecular markers for cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophage cholesterol efflux is important in maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis and preventing the formation of lipid-laden foam cells. Although radioactive [3H]-cholesterol is widely used as a tracer in cholesterol efflux assays, the lengthy and labor-intensive assay procedure, and the radioactivity disposal procedure limit the use of this assay for high-throughput screening. In the present study, a novel procedure using fluorescent N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino)-23,24-bisnor-5-xholen-3β-ol (NBD)-cholesterol was developed as a substitute for [³H]-cholesterol for the measurement of cholesterol efflux in THP-1-derived macrophages. NBD-cholesterol uptake and metabolism in the THP-1 cells were characterized using fluorescent microscopy and spectrophotometry. NBD-cholesterol distributed rapidly into the cell organelles, with the exception of the nucleus. The uptake of NBD-cholesterol in the THP-1 macrophages was concentration- and time-dependent, and reached a plateau following 4 h incubation. The present study subsequently investigated whether NBD-cholesterol efflux was correlated with [³H]-cholesterol efflux in THP-1 derived macrophages and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The results demonstrated that the percentage of efflux of NBD-cholesterol in the THP-1 cells was significantly correlated with that of [³H]-cholesterol, at various concentrations of HDL or apoA-1 as lipid acceptors (R²=0.876 for HDL; R²=0.837 for apoA-1; P<0.001). In the PBMCs, NBD-cholesterol efflux also correlated significantly with [³H]-cholesterol efflux (R²=0.887 for HDL; R²=0.872 for apoA-1; P<0.001). Furthermore, NBD-cholesterol efflux in the THP-1 cells exhibited a similar trend to that obseved in the PBMCs. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that fluorescent NBD-cholesterol can be used as a sensitive and specific probe in cholesterol efflux assays in THP-1-derived macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum apolipoprotein B/A1 (APOB/APOA1) ratio and chronic hepatitis C (CHC)-related hepatic fibrosis, and to assess the ability of serum APOB/APOA1 ratio to identify significant hepatic fibrosis (≥F2). Methods A total of 120 interferon treatment-na?ve CHC patients were selected from Dingxi, Gansu Province, China. Serum APOB, APOA1, and other clinical indicators of liver function were measured. Meanwhile, liver biopsies were performed, and the Metavir scoring system was employed to evaluate the stage of hepatic fibrosis. Continuous data were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation, and comparisons of the mean between groups were performed by t test. Categorical data were expressed as numerical value (percentage), and comparisons of the mean between groups were performed by Pearson χ2 test. Correlation analysis was performed by Spearman's rank correlation analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted. Results The APOB/APOA1 ratio was negatively correlated with the stage of liver fibrosis (r=-0.225, P=0.005). There was a significant difference in the APOB/APOA1 ratio between patients in the presence and absence of significant hepatic fibrosis (≥ F2 vs. F0-F1, P=0.015). Regarding the ability to distinguish CHC-related significant liver fibrosis, the ROC showed an area under the curve of APOB/APOA1 ratio up to 0.63, with 93.8% sensitivity and 30.9% specificity. Conclusion There is an association between APOB/APOA1 ratio and the stage of CHC-related hepatic fibrosis. The APOB/APOA1 ratio has certain potential for identifying significant hepatic fibrosis in CHC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) is the principal protein fraction of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), conferring to the latter many of its pleiotropic atheroprotective functions. After its effect on cholesterol efflux, the second most studied feature of apoA-1 is its anti-inflammatory property. In addition, it interferes with lipid peroxidation and innate immune receptors. These anti-inflammatory effects are due to various properties, in particular the ability to inhibit the transendothelial migration of immune cells by reducing integrin expression, to inhibit monocyte activation and cytokine production induced by T-cell contact, to inhibit lipid peroxidation and to interfere with innate immune receptors. Recent studies have demonstrated that during chronic systemic inflammation HDL could lose some of its atheroprotective functions and become dysfunctional or even proinflammatory. Recent evidence suggests that specific post-translational modifications of apoA-1 transform this genuine anti-inflammatory molecule into a proinflammatory one. The structural changes include chlorination, nitration and carbamylation of amino acids by myeloperoxidase, oxidation by reactive carbonyls, as well as glycation. Humoral autoimmunity to apoA-1 and HDL has been reported in populations at high cardiovascular risk and constitutes another emerging mechanism contributing to the loss of functions of apoA-1 and HDL. The fact that in recent trials cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors (torcerapib and dalcetrapib) have unfortunately failed to prevent cardiovascular disease despite increasing cholesterol efflux in vitro and HDL levels in vivo, further highlights the clinical importance of understanding the mechanisms driving apoA-1 and HDL towards pro- or anti-inflammatory molecules. These findings should not affect current dyslipidaemia management guidelines.

Higher intakes of fish and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFAs: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) are associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the relationships between fish-derived n-3PUFAs and prevalence of CAD, and to assess the association of n-3PUFAs with atherosclerosis-related markers in an urban area. This study was designed as a hospital-based cross-sectional study on 649 consecutive outpatients who had undergone regular examinations between April 2009 and October 2009. After adjustments for the coronary risk factors in a multilogistic regression analysis of variables for which a significant difference was identified between the group of patients with a prevalence of CAD and the group with no prevalence of CAD, the multivariable odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) was 0.394 (0.205/0.760; P = 0.005) for the highest (92.4-373.5 μg/ml) versus lowest (6.2-40.0 μg/ml) quartile of serum EPA values and 0.433 (0.228/0.824; P = 0.011) for the highest (160.7-451.8 μg/ml) versus lowest (35.7-100.7 μg/ml) quartile of serum DHA values. Multivariate regression analyses after adjustment for risk factors showed that higher serum EPA and DHA levels were independent variables of a higher level of serum apolipoprotein A-1, a major compound of high-density lipoprotein. However, the results suggested that there might be conflicting effects of EPA and DHA in regard of the serum levels of other lipid markers. This cross-sectional study suggests that higher serum levels of n-3PUFAs were associated with a lower prevalence of CAD and an increase in serum apolipoprotein A-1 level, even in an urban area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-1 ratio (Apo B/Apo A-1) is known to be associated with atherosclerotic vascular disease. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio and arterial stiffness, thus we investigated the relationships between Apo B/Apo A-1 and arterial stiffness in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods 1252 subjects with MetS according to the Adult Treatment Panel III were enrolled in our study. Anthropometric profiles and serum concentrations of Apo B, Apo A-1, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was evaluated to assess arterial stiffness. Results The subjects were stratified into four groups according to their Apo B/Apo A-1 ratios. PWV gradually increased according to Apo B/Apo A-1 quartiles. After adjusting for age, arterial stiffness was significantly correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, FPG, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), Apo B and Apo B/Apo A-1. In multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting for risk factors, Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio was a significant contributor to increased PWV. Conclusion These results suggest that Apo B/Apo A-1 is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness in patients with MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of rosuvastatin was investigated on complicated aortic arch plaque (CAP) morphology and lipid profiles in acute cerebral embolism (CE) patients with normal low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) studies were performed in 56 consecutive CE patients with LDL-c less than 140 mg/dL who were not taking lipid-lowering agents at baseline. CAP observed by TEE was defined as the presence of greater than 4-mm diameter, ulcerated, or mobile aortic plaque. Patients were divided into those with CAP versus without CAP (group A, n = 24, age 69 ± 8 years) and without CAP (group B, n = 32, age 62 ± 10 years). Of the 24 group A patients, 18 received 5 mg/d of rosuvastatin for 6 months and had follow-up TEE studies. In Group A, the baseline values of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) and apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-1) were significantly lower than in Group B (44 ± 15 versus 55 ± 15 mg/dL, P = .0059; 103 ± 19 versus 137 ± 25 mg/dL, P = .0006, respectively) and age and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration were significantly higher (69 ± 8 vs. 62 ± 10 years, P = .0080; 2.34 ± 3.05 vs. 0.67 ± 1.00 mg/dL, P = .0054, respectively). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, ApoA-1 was shown to be an independent predictor of CAP (odds ratio = .894, 95% confidence intervals .800-.996, P = .0483). In the 18 group A patients receiving rosuvastatin for 6 months, aortic arch plaque diameter and serum LDL-c were significantly decreased (5.8 ± 2.2 to 5.1 ± 2.1 mm, P = .0377; 110 ± 23 to 81 ± 23 mg/dL, P = .0008, respectively), whereas serum HDL-c and ApoA-1 concentrations were significantly increased (42 ± 8 to 52 ± 9 mg/dL, P = .0002; 109 ± 22 to 135 ± 15 mg/dL, P = .0002, respectively). Plaques were morphologically improved in 11 patients, unchanged in 6, and worsened in 1. These data suggest that rosuvastatin improves plaque morphology concomitant with improving lipid profiles in CE patients with normal LDL-c levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Inflammation processes are considered important links between classical lipid risk factors and the progression of atherosclerosis. The interrelationship of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and apolipoprotein apoA-1 with acute phase proteins and cytokines was examined in a clinical setting of patients with angina pectoris. Methods: On exclusion criteria (myocardial infarction, heart failure, CHD>2years, anticoagulant therapy), 198 patients were recruited and were subdivided according to angiographically documented stenosis, no stenosis vs. =50% stenosis, in accordance with CASS guidelines. Lipids, apoA-1 and apoB, C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen, serum amyloid A (SAA) and cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL2R, TNFα) were measured. Results: Low HDL-C (and apoA-I) is associated with advanced coronary stenosis (=50%) and with the number of diseased vessels, independent of age, gender, diabetes, smoking and lipid-lowering therapy. In contrast to hs-CRP and fibrinogen, SAA as well as cytokine levels were not significantly associated with stenosis. SAA (P=0.0003) and diabetes (P=0.0002) were strong predictors of apoA-I concentration independent of age, gender, BMI, smoking, CRP, as well as IL-6 in a multiple regression model. High SAA (P=0.0067) and TG (P=0.0123) were significant predictors of apoA-I/HDL-C ratio. However, SAA was not independently related to HDL-C. Conclusions: SAA is independently and inversely related to apoA-I but not to HDL-C in patients with angina pectoris, reflecting the effect of SAA on the quality of HDL particles. However, HDL-c but not SAA is inversely related to the degree of coronary artery stenosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The antioxidant property of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is thought to be involved in potential anti-atherogenic effects but the exact mechanism is not known. We aimed to reveal the contribution of HDL on the elimination of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) derived from oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Oxidized LDL prepared by copper ion-induced oxidation contained nonesterified fatty acid hydroperoxides (FFA-OOH) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPtdCho), in addition to cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides (CE-OOH) and phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxides (PtdCho-OOH). A platelet-activating factor-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) inhibitor suppressed formation of FFA-OOH and lysoPtdCho in oxidized LDL. Among LOOH species, FFA-OOH was preferentially reduced by incubating oxidized LDL with HDL. HDL exhibited selective FFA-OOH reducing ability if it was mixed with a liposomal solution containing FFA-OOH, CE-OOH and PtdCho-OOH. Two-electron reduction of the hydroperoxy group to the hydroxy group was confirmed by the formation of 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid from 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid in HPLC analyses. This reducing effect was also found in apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1). FFA-OOH released from PtdCho-OOH due to PAF-AH activity in oxidized LDL undergo two-electron reduction by the reducing ability of apoA1 in HDL. This preferential reduction of FFA-OOH may participate in the mechanism of the antioxidant property of HDL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The positive energy balance between caloric intake and caloric output increasing storage of triglycerides (TG) in adipocytes has made nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) one of the major public health problems in China. Excessive lipid deposition in the pancreas is referred to as nonalcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD). Early assessment of pancreatic fat infiltration will have an increasing role in the clinical management of the metabolic dysregulation and prevention pancreatic complications., Subjects and Methods: We retrospectively collected data of inpatients with NAFPD from EUS database between September 2012 and August 2020 at our endoscopic center. The prevalence of NAFPD and factors associated with its development were statistically analyzed. The echogenicity of the pancreas was compared to that of the left renal cortex during the EUS examination by using an existing criterion., Results: Four thousand, seven hundred and four consecutive individuals underwent EUS were enrolled. The prevalence of NAFPD was 1.2% (57/4704) . Factors independently associated with NAFPD on multivariate analysis were increasing TG (odds ratios [OR] 4.65, P = 0.014), NAFLD (OR 16.76, P = 0.005) and decreasing apolipoprotein A-1 (OR 0.002, P = 0.0127). We found no association between NAFPD and age, sex, total cholesterol or hypertension., Conclusions: We found a meaningful relationship between NAFLD, dyslipidemia, and NAFPD in Chinese. We hypothesized that NAFPD was strongly correlated with ectopic fat deposition and its related abnormalities of lipid metabolism. Early diagnosis of NAFLD provides opportunities to control the progression of NAFPD., Competing Interests: None

Identifying biomarkers that distinguish Parkinson's disease (PD) from normal control (NC) individuals has the potential to increase diagnostic sensitivity for the detection of early-stage PD. A previous proteomic study identified potential biomarkers in postmortem ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (V-CSF) from neuropathologically diagnosed PD subjects lacking Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology. In the present study, we assessed these biomarkers as well as p-tau181, Aβ42, and S100B by ELISA in PD (n = 43) and NC (n = 49) cases. The p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio and ApoA-1 showed statistically significant differences between groups. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that p-tau181/Aβ42 had a significant odds ratio: OR = 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.84), P = 0.006. Among the molecules investigated, intriguing correlations were observed that require further investigation. Our results suggest co-existent AD CSF biomarkers within the PD group notwithstanding that it was selected to minimize AD neuropathological lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION What are the relationships between apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apoB concentrations, the apoB/apoA-I ratio and the prevalences of dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome (MS) in south-west Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). SUMMARY ANSWER There is a relatively high incidence of dyslipidemia and MS in south-west Chinese women with PCOS, especially in patients without hyperandrogenism. Patients with dyslipidemia are more obese, and have a more adverse glucose and lipid metabolic profile and higher apoB levels and apoB/apoA-I ratio. The increased apoB levels and apoB/A1 ratio and the MS are strongly associated with PCOS, suggesting that there is an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in these patients. WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Dyslipidemia and MS have been widely studied in women with PCOS, but to date no data from south-west Chinese subjects have been available. The apoB/apoA-I ratio has been reported to be strongly associated with MS and insulin resistance (IR) and to be a reliable parameter that reflects lipid disturbances and the potential to develop atherosclerosis, but its relationship with PCOS is unclear. DESIGN This case–control study included 406 patients with PCOS and 342 control women between 17 and 40 years of age from a population in south-west China during 2006–2011. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The diagnosis of PCOS was based on the revised 2003 Rotterdam criteria. The control group, consisting of women with infertility due to a Fallopian obstruction or the husband's infertility, women undergoing a pre-pregnancy check and healthy volunteers, was recruited from the same hospital during the same period. All women were not taking any medication known to affect carbohydrate or lipid or hormone metabolism for at least 3 months prior to the study, and were studied during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. MS was assessed by the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP) III criteria modified for Asian populations. Dyslipidemia was defined by one or more of the following conditions: fasting total cholesterol ≥5.7 mmol/l, fasting triglycerides (TG) ≥1.7 mmol/l, fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <1.29 mmol/l or fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥3.6 mmol/l. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients with PCOS was 52.96%, about two times than that in the controls, 28.95%. The most common components of dyslipidemia in patients with PCOS were decreased HDL-C (41.13%) and increased TG (24.14%). PCOS patients with dyslipidemia had significantly higher TG/HDL-C ratios, and lower HDL-C and apoA-I levels when compared with the controls or patients without dyslipidemia, and had significantly higher BMIs, fasting insulin concentrations, 2-h insulin and glucose levels, homeostatic model assessment IR, TG levels, LDL-C levels, atherogenic indexes, apoB concentrations and apoB/apoA-I ratios when compared with all of the control women, with or without dyslipidemia and patients without dyslipidemia. The frequency of MS in patients with PCOS was 25.62%, more than five times than that in the controls. The main two risk factors were increased waist circumference and low HDL-C levels. In the four PCOS phenotypes based on the Rotterdam criteria, the oligo- and/or anovulation + PCO presented the highest prevalence of dyslipidemia (66.14%) and MS (34.65%). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that increased apoB levels, an increased apoB/apoA-I ratio and MS was strongly associated with PCOS (odds ratio = 17.41, 27.16 and 7.66, 95% confidence interval: 6.93–43.74, 9.46–77.93 and 4.32–13.57, respectively) after adjustment for age. BIAS, CONFOUNDING AND OTHER REASONS FOR CAUTION The ... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Transintestinal cholesterol efflux (TICE) has been proposed to represent a non-hepatobiliary route of cholesterol secretion directly “from blood to gut” and to play a physiologically significant role in excretion of neutral sterols, but so far little is known about the proteins involved in the process. We have previously observed that apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) synthesized by enterocytes of the small intestine is mainly secreted apically into the gut lumen during fasting where its assembly into chylomicrons and basolateral discharge is at a minimal level. In the present work we showed, both by immunomicroscopy and subcellular fractionation, that a fraction of the apically secreted apoA-1 in porcine small intestine was not released from the cell surface but instead deposited in the brush border. Cholesterol was detected in immunoisolated microvillar apoA-1, and it was partially associated with detergent resistant membranes (DRMs), indicative of localization in lipid raft microdomains. The apolipoprotein was not readily released from microvillar vesicles by high salt or by incubation with phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C or trypsin, indicating a relatively firm attachment to the membrane bilayer. However, whole bile or taurocholate efficiently released apoA-1 at low concentrations that did not solubilize the transmembrane microvillar protein aminopeptidase N. Based on these findings and the well known role played by apoA-1 in extrahepatic cellular cholesterol removal and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), we propose that brush border-deposited apoA-1 in the small intestine acts in TICE by mediating cholesterol efflux into the gut lumen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]