A new framework for reverse cholesterol transport: non-biliary contributions to reverse cholesterol transport

Reduction of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol through statin therapy has only modestly decreased coronary heart disease (CHD)-associated mortality in developed countries, which has prompted the search for alternative therapeutic strategies for CHD. Major efforts are now focused on therapies that augment high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-mediated reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), and ultimately increase the fecal disposal of cholesterol. The process of RCT has long been thought to simply involve HDL-media...     

Endothelial lipase and reverse cholesterol transport in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aims/Introduction:  Endothelial lipase (EL) plays an important role in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and experimental data suggest that EL might be proatherogenic. We have investigated whether serum EL concentration is associated with changes in serum capacity to induce cholesterol efflux and arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes.Materials and Methods:  Serum EL was assayed by ELISA in 172 diabetic patients and 175 controls. The ability of serum to induce cholesterol efflux was measured using a cell culture system and arterial stiffness was determined by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) between carotid and femoral arteries.Results:  Diabetic patients had significantly higher C‐reactive protein (CRP) and EL (27.7 ± 16.6 ng/mL vs 24.0 ± 11.3, P < 0.05). Cholesterol efflux to serum mediated through scavenger receptor class B type I was impaired (15.1 ± 2.5%vs 16.7 ± 3.1, respectively, P < 0.01). In controls, serum EL correlated with cholesterol efflux to serum (r = −0.16, P = 0.025), but only a trend was seen in the diabetic patients. Linear regression showed that in controls, HDL, serum EL and waist circumference were major independent determinants of cholesterol efflux; whereas in the diabetic cohort, the major independent determinants of cholesterol efflux were HDL, CRP and age. PWV was increased in the diabetic patients (P < 0.01), but no association between serum EL and PWV was seen in either groups.Conclusions:  Serum EL was increased in diabetic patients, but impaired serum capacity to induce cholesterol efflux in these patients was mainly related to low HDL and subclinical inflammation. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00016.x, 2010)     

Thyroid hormones and the control of cell proliferation or cell differentiation: Paradox or duality?

Amphibian metamorphosis perfectly illustrates a key paradox: thyroid hormones control diverse cellular processes depending on the tissue context. This point is also reinforced by a recent accumulation of evidence. For example, thyroid hormones and their nuclear receptor TRs have been described to function in different systems in synergy and/or in antagonism with other signaling pathways. This interaction helps explain their pleiotropic roles. This review summarizes the most important advances in this field, focusing in particular on the key action of thyroid hormones in controlling the balance between the processes of cell proliferation and cell differentiation in a few organs, with special attention paid to the intestine. We highlight similarities between the cellular and molecular events occurring during postnatal intestinal maturation at metamorphosis in amphibians, and comparable events observed at weaning in mice.     

甲状腺激素对成骨样MG-63细胞甲状腺激素受体不同亚型表达的影响

目的 检测人类成骨样细胞MG-63中甲状腺激素受体(TR)的表达情况以及甲状腺激素(T3或T4)对其的影响.方法 用实时荧光定量PCR法对MG-63细胞中TR的主要4个亚型,α1、α1、β1、β2的mRNA表达进行了测定.结果 TRα1 mRNA的表达水平最高,为10.70±0.45;TRβ1仅及其半,为5.75±0.10;TRβ2不低,相当于TRβ1的60%,为3.34±0.08;TRα2的表达极低,仅为(3.66±0.59)×10-2.分别加入不同浓度的T3或T4,仅TRα1和TRα2对T3表现明显的降调节,且TRα1和TRα2的表达与相应T3浓度之间负相关,其他亚型无显著性变化,也无相关关系;同样浓度范围的T4作用各亚型,表达均无显著性变化.结论 在骨细胞发育分化中TRα1起关键作用.

Abstract：

Objective To examine the expression of thyroid hormone receptor isoforms (TR α1, α2, β1, and β2) in human osteoblast-like cell line MG-63 at the mRNA level and the effect of thyroid hormone (T3 or T4 ) on the expression. Methods Realtime quantitative PCR was performed. Results The expression of TRα1 mRNA was the highest, that was 10. 70± 0.45, TRβ1 was 5.75 ± 0. 10, TRβ2 was 3.34 ± 0. 08, and TRα2 was very low, only (3.66 ±0. 59) × 10-2. Only the expression of TRαl and TRα2 mRNA was down regulated significantly by the treatment of 10-10 ～ 10-6 mol/L T3, and there was a negative correlation between the expression of TRα1 or TRα2 mRNA and the concentration of T3. Conclusion TRα1 plays a primary role in mediating the effects of thyroid hormones in skeletal development.     

Emerging roles of the intestine in control of cholesterol metabolism

INTRODUCTIONMaintenance of cholesterol homeostasis in the body requires accurate metabolic cross-talk between processes that govern de novo cholesterol synthesis and turnover to adequately cope with(large)fluctuations in dietary cholesterol intake.Imbalance may lead to elevated plasma cholesterol levels and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases(CVD),the main cause of death in Western society.A multitude of epidemiological studies has shown the direct link between high plasma cholest…     

Hepatic and muscle expression of thyroid hormone receptors in association with body and muscle growth in large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea (Richardson)

The role of thyroid hormone (TH) and its receptors (TRs) in the regulation of body growth and muscle accretion is well established in mammals and birds, whereas the involvement of THs and TRs in fish growth, especially during the muscle accretion period of juvenile-adult transition, is unknown. This study describes the cloning of the partial cDNA sequences of TRalpha and TRbeta in large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea (Richardson) and the patterns of TRalpha and TRbeta mRNA expression in liver and muscle of 1- and 2-year-old large yellow croaker, associated with changes in body mass and muscle characteristics. Two TRalpha isoforms (TRalpha1, TRalpha2) and TRbeta were identified in large yellow croaker. The deduced amino acid sequences showed high homology to the TRs of human and other teleosts. Hepatic TRbeta mRNA expression was markedly lower in 2-year-old large yellow croaker compared with the 1-year-old, while no significant age difference was observed for hepatic TRalpha mRNA expression. Muscle expression of TRalpha mRNA was significantly higher in 2-year-old large yellow croaker, whereas TRbeta exhibited no significant age difference. Meanwhile, serum concentration of T(4) was significantly decreased in 2-year-old large yellow croaker, but no change was observed for T(3). The body mass, fork length and body height of 2-year-old large yellow croaker were 4.7, 1.6 and 1.7 times greater, respectively compared with that of 1-year-old. Average diameters of skeletal muscle in 2-year-old large yellow croaker were remarkably larger than that in 1-year-old with no significant difference in muscle crude fat content. The down-regulation of hepatic TRbeta expression was associated with the decrease in general growth rate and the increase in muscle expression of TRalpha was accompanied with muscle accretion and myofiber hypertrophy, implicating the different roles of TRs in the regulation of growth in large yellow croaker.     

Thyroid hormone use, hyperthyroidism and mortality in older women

Purpose

Thyroid dysfunction is common, particularly among older women. The safety of thyroid hormone use and long-term prognosis of hyperthyroidism remain controversial. We performed a prospective cohort study to examine the relationship among thyroid hormone use, previous hyperthyroidism, abnormal thyroid function, and mortality.

Methods

We studied 9449 community-dwelling white women aged ≥65 years followed for 12 years. For analyses of thyroid function, we performed a nested case-cohort in 487 women using a third-generation thyroid-stimulating hormone assay. Causes of death were adjudicated based on death certificates and hospital records.

Results

Twelve percent of the 9449 women took thyroid hormone at baseline, and the mean duration of thyroid hormone use was 15.8 years; 9.4% of participants reported a history of hyperthyroidism. During 12 years of follow-up, 3159 women died (33%). In multivariate analysis, mortality among users of thyroid hormone was similar to that observed for nonusers (relative hazard [RH] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.24, P = .09). Previous hyperthyroidism was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (RH 1.20, 95% CI, 1.06-1.36), particularly cardiovascular mortality (RH 1.46, 95% CI, 1.20-1.77). Low (≤0.5 mU/L) or high (>5 mU/L) thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were not associated with excess total or cause-specific mortality, but the power to detect these relationships was limited.

Conclusions

Among older women, thyroid hormone use is not associated significantly with excess mortality, but previous hyperthyroidism may be associated with a small increase in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Additional long-term studies of hyperthyroidism and its treatment should further explore these findings.     

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) decreases hepatic SR-BI expression and impairs HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) on the expression of the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in hepatocytes, and its impact on the removal of HDL-cholesteryl ester (CE) in the liver.

Methods and results

Huh7 hepatoma cell lines were incubated with increasing concentrations of uPA. uPA dose-dependently decreased SR-BI protein expression, as determined by flow cytometry (FACS) and by Western blot assays, and down-regulated SR-BI gene expression. Functionally, uPA decreased both the cellular binding of HDL to Huh7 hepatocytes, and the selective uptake of CE from HDL, as determined by several methods including BODIPY staining, cellular cholesterol determination and chasing radio-labeled CE transfer from HDL to the cells. These results were further confirmed using primary rat hepatocyes. The effect of uPA on hepatic SR-BI expression was mediated via binding to the uPA receptor (uPAR). In vivo, SR-BI protein and gene expressions were found to be increased in hepatocytes derived from the uPAR-KO mice compared to C57Bl/6 mice, and in parallel HDL-cholesterol levels in plasma derived from uPAR-KO mice were decreased. Moreover, deficiency of uPAR significantly accelerated the plasma decay of injected HDL-[³H]CE.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that uPA decreases the removal of HDL-CE in the liver via suppression of the hepatic SR-BI expression. Impaired reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) may result in atherogenic dysfunctional HDL metabolism and may contribute to atherosclerosis development.     

淋巴管参与胆固醇逆向转运

细胞需要胆固醇才能生存,但过量的胆固醇对细胞具有毒性,因此细胞需要调节胆固醇的稳态。细胞内胆固醇被转运到高密度脂蛋白载脂蛋白AI,会以胆固醇逆向转运的方式返回肝脏代谢。胆固醇逆向转运不仅是维持细胞胆固醇稳态所需的生理过程,而且对动脉粥样硬化发展起到潜在的抑制作用。目前的研究主要集中在细胞胆固醇流出的最初途径和最终代谢上,但关于胆固醇是如何离开血液却知之甚少。越来越多的研究表明,在胆固醇逆向转运过程中高密度脂蛋白需要通过淋巴管转运以返回到肝脏代谢。因此,研究高密度脂蛋白从血液流入外周组织的过程,以及它是怎样通过淋巴管转运对治疗动脉粥样硬化具有重要意义。本综述主要介绍淋巴管与胆固醇逆向转运之间的联系,为治疗动脉粥样硬化性心血管疾病提供新的策略。     

miRNA在胆固醇逆向转运中的作用研究进展

胆固醇逆向转运(RCT)是体内清除胆固醇的唯一机制,对维持体内胆固醇稳态具有积极意义。miRNA是具有转录后调节基因表达能力的非编码RNA。现已在人体中鉴定出数百种miRNA,它们几乎参与所有过程的调节,包括胆固醇转运、新陈代谢和维持胆固醇稳态。由于它们的尺寸较小,并且能够特异性调节基因表达,因此miRNA逐渐成为调节血脂异常和其他脂质相关疾病的靶标。本文概述了可调节RCT的miRNA,主要包括miR-33、miR-19b、miR-144-3p、miR-223、miR-378等,重点介绍这些miRNA调节胆固醇代谢的机制,为防治动脉粥样硬化提供新思路。     

Thyroid hormone analogues and derivatives:Actions in fatty liver

Fatty liver or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),a problem of increasing clinical significance and prevalence worldwide,is associated with increased risk for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Although several therapeutic approaches can be used in the context of NAFLD,dietary and physical activities are still the most frequently used strategies.Some pharmacological agents show promising results although no conclusions can be drawn from recent clinical trials.Thyroid hormones[THs;thyroxine(T4)and3,3′,5-triiodo-L-thyronine(T3)]coordinate a diverse array of physiological events during development and lipid/energy homeostasis and have some potentially therapeutic actions which include inducing weight loss,and lowering plasma cholesterol levels and tissue adiposity.The thyroid hormones exert their physiological effects by binding to specific nuclear receptors[thyroid hormone receptors(TR)]of which the TRβisoform is liver specific and has been considered a putative target for the treatment of dyslipidemia and fatty liver.In view of this,the aim of the review is(1)to provide an overview of the action of T3 on lipid metabolism with implications for liver steatosis and(2)to provide an update on the current knowledge concerning the administration of TRβselective thyromimetics(GC-1 and MB07811),as well as of 3,5-diiodo-L-thyronine and its novel functional analogue TRC150094 in animal models of overweight and related disorders including primarily fatty liver.     

甲状腺激素受体在能量及脂代谢中的作用

甲状腺激素(TH)对能量与脂代谢具有重要的调节作用.近年来,随着甲状腺激素受体(TR)亚型的发现,众多研究者对其在代谢调节中的功能进行了一系列研究.TR在人体各组织广泛存在,其中TRβ与TH结合后,能降低胆固醇与甘油三酯水平.目前,TRβ激动剂已作为新型降脂药进入临床研究,它可能通过逆向胆固醇转运及非胆汁性胆固醇排泄的通路达到降低血脂的效果.未来TR在降脂及减肥方面的前景日益得到广泛关注,它极有可能成为众多治疗脂代谢紊乱及相关疾病的新靶点.     

Effect of dietary macronutrients on intestinal cholesterol absorption and endogenous cholesterol synthesis: a randomized crossover trial

Background and aimsExtensive research showed a diurnal rhythm of endogenous cholesterol synthesis, whereas recent research reported no diurnal rhythm of intestinal cholesterol absorption in males who consumed low-fat meals. Little is known about the acute effect of macronutrient consumption on cholesterol metabolism, and hence if meal composition may explain this absence of rhythmicity in cholesterol absorption. Therefore, we examined the effect of a high-fat, high-carbohydrate, and high-protein meal on postprandial intestinal cholesterol absorption and endogenous cholesterol synthesis in apparently healthy overweight and slightly obese males.Methods and resultsEighteen males consumed in random order an isoenergetic high-fat, high-carbohydrate, and high-protein meal on three occasions. Serum total cholesterol concentrations, cholesterol absorption markers (campesterol, cholestanol, and sitosterol), and cholesterol synthesis intermediates (7-dehydrocholesterol, 7-dehydrodesmosterol, desmosterol, dihydrolanosterol, lanosterol, lathosterol, zymostenol, and zymosterol) were measured at baseline (T0) and 240 min postprandially (T240). Meal consumption did not significantly change total cholesterol concentrations and cholesterol absorption marker levels (all p > 0.05). Serum levels of 7-dehydrocholesterol, lanosterol, lathosterol, zymostenol, and zymosterol decreased significantly between T0 and T240 (all p < 0.05). These decreases were not significantly different between the three meals (all p > 0.05), except for a larger decrease in dihydrolanosterol levels after the high-fat versus the high-carbohydrate meal (p = 0.009).ConclusionThe high-fat, high-carbohydrate, and high-protein meal did not significantly influence postprandial intestinal cholesterol absorption. Several cholesterol synthesis intermediates decreased postprandially, but the individual macronutrients did not differentially affect these intermediates, except for a possible effect on dihydrolanosterol.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03139890.     

Endocrine interactions between plants and animals: Implications of exogenous hormone sources for the evolution of hormone signaling

Hormones are central to animal physiology, metabolism and development. Details on signal transduction systems and regulation of hormone synthesis, activation and release have only been studied for a small number of animal groups, notably arthropods and chordates. However, a significant body of literature suggests that hormonal signaling systems are not restricted to these phyla. For example, work on several echinoderm species shows that exogenous thyroid hormones (THs) affect larval development and metamorphosis and our new data provide strong evidence for endogenous synthesis of THs in sea urchin larvae. In addition to these endogenous sources, these larvae obtain THs when they consume phytoplankton. Another example of an exogenously acquired hormone or their precursors is in insect and arthropod signaling. Sterols from plants are essential for the synthesis of ecdysteroids, a crucial group of insect morphogenic steroids. The availability of a hormone or hormone precursor from food has implications for understanding hormone function and the evolution of hormonal signaling in animals. For hormone function, it creates an important link between the environment and the regulation of internal homeostatic systems. For the evolution of hormonal signaling it helps us to better understand how complex endocrine mechanisms may have evolved.     

老年人甲状腺激素与钙、磷代谢及骨代谢关系的研究

目的 探讨老年人甲状腺激素(TH)水平与钙、磷代谢及骨代谢关系。方法 选择健康老年治疗组和对照组各60例。治疗组口服甲状腺片10mg·d~(-1),对照组口服VitB_1 30mg·d~(-1),连服6月,所有的受试者治疗前后均检测TH包括促甲状腺激素(TSH)、游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸(FT_3)、游离甲状腺素(FT_4)、总三碘甲状腺原氨酸(TT_3)、总甲状腺素(TT_4)、反三碘甲状腺原氨酸(rT_3)和血钙(Ca)、血磷(P)代谢以及骨代谢生化指标包括骨钙素(BGP)、骨碱性磷酸酶(BALP)、I型前胶原羧基肽(PICP)及尿羟脯氨酸/肌酐(Hop/Cr)、尿胶原吡啶交联/肌酐(Pyd/Cr)的水平并比较它们之间的关系。结果 治疗组TH水平有明显升高,血清Ca、BGP、BALP、PICP的水平也有明显升高,而P的水平、Pyd/Cr、Hop/Cr值则有一定程度的降低,与治疗前比较有显著性差异。对照组服药前后各项指标无显著性差异。结论 给予老年人小剂量的TH补充治疗,可升高血清中TH水平和Ca、BGP、BAL、PICP的水平,降低P的水平、Pyd/Cr、Hop/Cr值,对骨的形成有利。     

甲状腺激素对心血管系统的影响

甲状腺激素在体内有广泛的生理作用,对心血管系统的功能状态有一定的调节和促进作用,体内甲状腺激素代谢紊乱可导致心血管系统疾病.甲状腺激素可以通过核内、核外等机制直接对心肌细胞产生影响,增加心脏收缩力和心肌耗氧量;另一方面,甲状腺激素也可以引起血液动力学变化,并通过对交感神经系统的影响增强儿茶酚胺对心肌的作用.     

GDF11通过上调ABCA1表达促进小鼠体内胆固醇逆转运

目的研究生长分化因子11(GDF11)对巨噬细胞胆固醇逆转运的影响,并探究GDF11发挥作用的具体机制。方法提取小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞后给予氧化型低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)、GDF11和激活素受体样激酶7(ALK7)抑制剂SB431542孵育24 h。利用油红O染色观察细胞脂质蓄积,提取总m RNA和总蛋白后,利用realtime PCR和Western blot检测GDF11、三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体A1(ABCA1)和三磷酸腺苷结合盒转运体G1(ABCG1)的m RNA和蛋白表达水平。给予小鼠腹腔注射外源GDF11,提取腹腔巨噬细胞用3H标记的胆固醇孵育后注射回小鼠腹腔内,每8 h收集一次小鼠粪便,48 h后收集小鼠肝脏和血液样本,检测样本3H含量,计算胆固醇逆转运水平。结果 ox-LDL孵育24 h显著诱导巨噬细胞内脂质蓄积,同时抑制GDF11 m RNA及蛋白的表达。GDF11处理能有效抑制ox-LDL诱导的巨噬细胞脂质蓄积,同时显著诱导ABCA1 m RNA及蛋白的表达。经外源补充GDF11后显著提高小鼠体内胆固醇逆转运水平。GDF11孵育巨噬细胞后,在给予巨噬细胞ALK7抑制剂SB431542孵育后,GDF11对ox-LDL诱导细胞内脂质蓄积的抑制作用被拮抗,对ABCA1表达的调控作用也被抑制。结论 GDF11通过ALK7调节ABCA1的表达,从而促进巨噬细胞胆固醇逆转运。