Serum lipid levels and ApoB gene Xba I and 3'-VNTR polymorphisms in longevous elderly Han population in Zhejiang

AIM: To study the levels of serum lipids and the effects of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) gene Xba I-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and 3'-variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism on serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels in longevous elderly Han population in Zhejiang. METHODS: Physical and laboratory examinations were performed on longevous elders, children of longevous elders, normal control people and children of non-longevous elders, and the Xba I-RFLP and 3'-VNTR polymorphism in ApoB gene were genotyped. RESULTS: The serum levels of triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ApoB were negatively correlated with longevity (P<0.05), while the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was positively correlated with longevity (P<0.01). The levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C and ApoB were higher and the HDL-C level was lower in the people with Xba I-RFLP X⁺X^- genotype than those in the people with Xba I-RFLP X^-X^- genotype (P<0.01). The levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and ApoB were higher and the HDL-C level was lower in the people with 3'-VNTR large allele than those in the people with 3'-VNTR minor allele (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: High TG, LDL-C and ApoB levels and low HDL-C level are not conductive to longevity. Serum lipid levels in the people with Xba I-RFLP X^-X^- genotype or 3'-VNTR minor allele are healthy and conductive to longevity.     

Effects of a pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism of the apolipoprotein (a)gene on serum levels of lipoproteins in healthy Han population

AIM:To understand the relationship between pentanucleotide repeat(PNR) polymorphism of the apolipoprotein(a) gene and lipoprotein natures of normal Han population. METHODS:The serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C,HDL-C, apo AI, apo B and Lp(a) were measured and the polymorphism of the apo(a) PNR was studied by using PCR-SSCP in 153 random normal individuals in Hubei Han population respectively. RESULTS:The relative frequencies of apo(a) PNR allele were significantly different from western population. The apo(a) gene which copy number of PNR is 5 was associated with high Lp(a) levels. No marked differences in the levels of TG, TC,LDL-C, HDL-C, apo AI and apo B were found among the various genotype groups of apo(a) PNR in Hubei Han. CONCLUSION:The data of lipids and PNR polymorphism of the apo(a) gene from healthy Hubei Han were obtained. The apo(a) allele with 5(TTTTA)-repeats may be related to high serum Lp(a) levels in the Hubei Han population.     

Subclasses of serum HDL in middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia in Chengdu City

AIM: To detect the change of composition and ratio of serum HDL subclasses and explore the relationship between these changes and the plasma lipid level in patients with hyperlipidemia. METHODS: The components of subclasses of serum HDL in 172 middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia and 115 healthy middle and old aged were determined by dimensional gel electrophoresis associated with immuno-blotting method. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy controls, the contents of pre β1-HDL，　HDL3b and HDL3a were significantly higher (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), while that of HDL2b was significantly lower (P＜0.01) in middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia. The content of pre β1-HDL increased with age in healthy controls, whereas the HDL2b decreased. The content of pre β1-HDL was significantly higher (P＜0.05), while the HDL2b (P＜0.05) was significantly lower in men than in women in patients with hyperlipidemia and the healthy controls. In middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia, the content of pre β1-HDL was positively correlated with the serum TG, TC, apoB100, apoCⅡ, apoCⅢ, apoE and TG/HDL-C (r=0.432; r=0.243; r=0.341; r=0.259; r=0.335; r=0.308 and r=0.453, P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), while it was negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=－0.167, P＜0.05). The content of HDL2b was negatively correlated with TG, TC, apoCⅡ, apoCⅢ and TG/HDL-C (r=－0.296; r=－0.156; r=－0.182; r=－0.216; r=－0.203 and r=－0.313, P＜0.05 or P＜0.01), while it was positively correlated with HDL-C (r=0.124, P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The particle of HDL in the middle and old aged patients with hyperlipidemia showed a general shift towards smaller size, which indicated that the reverse cholesterol transport might be weakened. Men had smaller HDL particle size than women.     

Correlation between TAFI and blood fat and coagulation in the process of atherosclerosis

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) level in plasma and atherosclerosis, the TAFI level in plasma and blood fat and blood clotting index.METHODS: Totally 40 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10), control group, high lipid group, high lipid +vitamin D3 overload group, and high lipid +vitamin D3+endothelium injure group by treating the animals with normal diet, high lipid, high lipid+ vitamin D overload, and high lipid+vitamin D overload+endothelium injury, respectively, for inducing three stages of AS in rats. Then, the total cholesterol (TC), total triglyeride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplasin time (APTT), fibrinogen (Fib), the activity of TAFI were measured.RESULTS: TC, TG, LDL-C, Fib and the activity level of TAFI in plasma in three model groups increased gradually compared with the control (P＜0.01). HDL-C, PT and APTT in plasma of three model groups decreased gradually compared with the control (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05). The activity of TAFI in plasma had positive correlation with TG, TC and Fib.CONCLUSION: The activity of TAFI increases in the progress of atherosclerosis. The activity of TAFI in plasma has a correlation with blood fat and coagulation, which indicates that TAFI might participate in the process of atherosclerosis, and TAFI is one of etiological factors of atherosclerosis.     

Effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on PCSK9-LDLR expression and blood lipid metabolism in golden hamsters

AIM: To explore the regulatory effect of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on hyperlipidemia in golden hamsters and its mechanism. METHODS: The hamsters (n=30) were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal group, model group, and PNS group. The animals in normal group was given common feed. The animals in other groups were given high-fat diet to construct a hyperlipidemia model. After induction for 4 weeks, the drugs were given by intraperitoneal injection for another 12 weeks. After the last drug given, the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured by biochemical tests. The distribution and expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in liver were detected by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with normal group, the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and ALT in model group were increased significantly (P < 0.05). The expression of PCSK9 was increased, while the protein level of LDLR was decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and ALT in PNS group were decreased significantly (P < 0.05), PCSK9 was mainly distributed in cytomembrane with decreased expression, and LDLR was mainly distributed in the cell membrane and plasma with increased expression. HDL-C and AST had no significant change during this time. CONCLUSION: Panax notoginseng saponins reduces the blood lipid levels in golden hamsters, which may be related to the regulation of PCSK9-LDLR signaling pathway.     

Effects of Taoren Honghua Jian on the hyperlipidemia without symptom

AIM: To examine the effect of traditional chinese medicine recipe, Taoren Honghua(semen persicae-flos carthami) decoction, on hyperlipidemia without symptom. METHODS: The plasma TC, TG, LDL, HDL, apolipoprotein(Apo) A, Apo Bof the patients with hyperlipidemia without symptom were measured using automatic analyzer (shimadiu CL-7200), the production of nitric oxide(NO) was detected by Greiss reaction, and SODactivity and MDAformation were examined using o-trihydroxy benzene and barbituric methotheds, respectively. RESULTS: After oral administration of Taoren Honghua decoction, the plasma levels of TC, TG, LDL, and MDAof the patients were markedly decreased, however, the plasma levels of ApoA, HDL, SODand NOwere significantly increased and almost no change was detected in the plasma level of Apo B. In control group, it was found that although the plasma level of TC, TG and LDL were decreased ( P<0.05 ) and ApoAas well as HDLwere increased, ApoB, SOD, MDA and NO production were all unchanged. CONCLUSION: The traditional chinese medicine recipe, Taoren Honghua decoction,has a significant therapeutic effect on patients with hyperlipidemia by removing blood stasis, promoting qi circulation and in turn reducing blood lipid level.     

Effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on liver cell pyroptosis in hyperlipidemia rats and its possible mechanism

AIM:To discuss the mechanism of ginsenoside Rb1 against liver lipid deposition by observing the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on liver cell pyroptosis in hyperlipidemia rats. METHODS:Totally 32 healthy SPF rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, ginsenoside Rb1 group and simvastatin group. The rats in control group was given the basic feed, while the others were given high-fat diet. The rats in ginsenoside Rb1 group and simvastatin group were given corresponding drugs. The rats in control group and model group were intraperitoneal injected with equal volume of saline. Eight weeks later, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were tested by the automatic biochemistry analyzer. The pathological changes of the liver tissues were observed with HE staining. The protein and mRNA expression levels of pyroptosis-related factors NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and GSDMD were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. RESULTS:Compared with control group, the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C in model group were increased significantly (P<0.01), and the HDL-C content was decreased significantly (P<0.05). The steatotic liver cells covered the visual field. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and GSDMD were increased significantly (P<0.01). Ginsenoside Rb1 significantly decreased the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C (P<0.05), and significantly increased the content of HDL-C (P<0.01). Ginsenoside Rb1 also significantly decreased the degree of steatosis, and the number and size of lipid droplets. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and GSDMD were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Ginsenoside Rb1 atte-nuates liver injury and inhibits liver lipid deposition in hyperlipidemia rats by reducing the expression of hepatic pyroptosis-related factors.     

Effects of intranasal Escherichia coli on glucolipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice

AIM: To study whether the pulmonary infection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) interferes the glucolipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. METHODS: High-fat diet-induced obese mice (n=48) and normal chow-fed control mice (n=48) were intranasally infused with 40 μL fluid containing 4×10⁹ CFUs E. coli. The serum, periepididymal adipose tissue and liver were obtained at 0 d, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d and 4 d after infection. The body mass, periepididymal adipose tissue and liver were weighed, and the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FINS), free fatty acid (FFA) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were measured by ELISA. The serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and hepatic TG contents were detected, and the hepatic steatosis was observed under microscope with oil red O staining. RESULTS: Compared with day 0, the body mass, fat mass and fat index were decreased significantly from day 1 to day 4 after infection (P<0.05). The levels of FBG, FINS and HOMA-IR were apparently raised from day 2 to day 4 after infection (P<0.05). The contents of serum FFA, TG and VLDL were increased markedly from day 1 to day 4 after infection (P<0.05). However, the concentrations of serum TC, LDL-C and HDL-C were decreased obviously from day 1 to day 3 (P<0.05). The liver mass, liver index and TG content were significantly increased from day 1 to day 4 (P<0.05). Consistently, the lipid droplet accumulation in the liver cells was increased obviously at day 2 and day 4 after infection. Compared with control group, except the levels of serum TC, LDL-C and HDL-C in obese group substantially decreased, the other indexes were increased by different degrees during the whole experiment period (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary infection of Escherichia coli exacerbates the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, which contributes the development of insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis.     

Changes of liver lipid metabolism-related PPAR-γ/LXR-α/ABCG1 pathways and inflammatory factors in atherosclerotic mice and role of Huayu-Qutan recipe

AIM To observe the changes of liver lipid metabolism-related peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ)/liver X receptor-α (LXR-α)/ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) signaling pathways and inflammatory factors in mice with atherosclerosis (AS), and to investigate the effects of Huayu-Qutan recipe (HYQT) on hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammatory response and the mechanisms. METHODS ApoE^-/- mice (n=24) were randomly divided into model group, HYQT group and simvastatin group, and C57BL/6J mice (n=8) were used as control group. Except for the control group, the mice in other groups were given high-fat diet. After 12 weeks of modeling, the mice in HYQT and simvastatin groups were intragastrically given the corresponding drugs, and the mice in control and model groups were given the same volume of normal saline. After 8 weeks, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. HE and oil red O staining was used to observe liver histopathological and lipid changes. The hepatic levels of free fatty acid (FFA), TG, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected by ELISA. The protein expression of PPAR-γ, LXR-α and ABCG1 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS Compared with control group, the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C in model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the HDL-C content was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Liver steatosis, cell size augmentation and lipid deposition were obvious, and liver FFA and TG levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). The liver levels of TLR4, TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression of PPAR-γ, LXR-α and ABCG1 was significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with model group, the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C in simvastatin group and HYQT group were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the HDL-C content was significantly increased (P<0.01). Liver steatosis was weakened, and liver lipid deposition and FFA and TG levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The liver levels of TLR4, TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the protein expression of PPAR-γ, LXR-α and ABCG1 was significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION Huayu-Qutan recipe may exert anti-AS effect by regulating liver PPAR-γ/LXR-α/ABCG1 pathways and attenuating liver TRL4-mediated inflammatory responses.     

Effect of tanshinone ⅡA on liver lipid deposition and ferroptosis-related protein expression in ApoE-/- mice

AIM To observe the effect of tanshinone ⅡA on liver lipid deposition and ferroptosis-related protein expression in ApoE^-/- mice. METHODS Thirty-two ApoE^-/- mice were randomly divided into model group, high-dose (60 mg/kg) tanshinone ⅡA group, low-dose (30 mg/kg) tanshinone ⅡA group and simvastatin group, and C57BL/6J mice (n=8) were used as normal control group. The mice in normal control group were given the basic feeding, while the others were given high-fat diet. The mice in tanshinone ⅡA groups and simvastatin group were given corresponding drugs. The mice in normal control group and model group were intraperitoneally injected with equal volume of saline. Eight weeks later, the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were tested by automatic biochemistry analyzer. The liver tissues were stained with HE and oil red O. The contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) in liver tissues of the mice were measured by commercially available kits. The liver glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and p53 were detected by immunohistochemical method. The protein and mRNA expression levels of ferroptosis-related factors GPX4, xCT/SLC7A11, p53 and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) were determined by Wes automatic Western blot quantitative analysis system and RT-qPCR. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C in model group were increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and HDL-C did not change significantly. The fat vacuoles were clearly visible in liver tissue. The content of ROS in liver tissue was increased significantly,and GSH was decreased significantly (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of p53 were increased significantly, and GPX4, xCT/SLC7A11 and FTH1 were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with model group, tanshinone ⅡA significantly decreased the serum levels of TC, TG and LDL-C (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and HDL-C did not change significantly. High-dose and low-dose tanshinoneⅡA also significantly decreased the degree of steatosis, and the size of lipid droplets. The content of ROS in liver tissues was decreased significantly, and GSH was increased significantly (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of GPX4, xCT/SLC7A11 and FTH1 were increased significantly, and p53 were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION Tanshinone ⅡA reduces liver lipid deposition and lipid peroxidation damage in ApoE^-/- mice, which may be related to the intervention of ferroptosis-related proteins in the liver cells.     

Change of shear stress in hypertriglycerlipidemic patients and the impact on endothelium-dependent relaxation

AIM: To investigate the profile of shear stress in hypertriglycerlipidemic patients and the impacts of fenofibrate on vascular endothelial function. METHODS: 62 hypertriglycerlipidemic patients were randomized into two groups (30 with low-fat diet treatment, 32 with fenofibrate) compared with 20 normal controls. Vessel structure, hemodynamic index and endothelium-dependent vasodilation of brachial artery were assessed by B-mode ultrasound imager. Serum NO, Ox-LDL, TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C were measured. RESULTS: Compared with controls, hypertriglycerlipidemic patients showed higher mean circumferential wall tension(MCWT) and lower mean shear rate(MSR), flow mediated dilatation(FMD) and Da, Dr. They had higher level of Ox-LDL and lower level of NO. NO was positive correlated with MSR, FMD and inversely correlated with TG, TC, LDL-C, Ox-LDL. 8 weeks of low-fat diet reduced TC and TG, but made no difference in NO, Ox-LDL and ultrasonic images. On the other hand, 8 weeks of fenofibrate treatment not only reduced TG, TC, LDL-C and Ox-LDL, but also elevated NO, MSR and FMD. CONCLUSION: The endothelial impairment of hypertriglycerlipidemic patients might be caused by lower level of MSR as well as oxidative substance such as Ox-LDL, which could inactivate NO and result in descent of endothelium-dependent relaxation. Elevation of MSR and elimination of Ox-LDL may improve endothelium-dependent relaxation.     

Distribution characteristics of polymorphisms of interleukin-22 gene in Guangxi population and their association with serum lipid levels

AIM: To investigate the distribution characteristics of interleukin-22 (IL-22) gene rs2227485C/T and rs2227491A/G polymorphisms in Guangxi people and the distribution differences with other ethnic groups, and to explore the difference levels of common lipid indexes in different genotypes. METHODS: SNaPshot technique and DNA sequencing were used in 280 Guangxi persons to examine IL-22 genotypes and to analyzed the distribution frequencies of allele and genotype in these sites. The distribution frequencies in different sexes, and the differences between groups and diffe-rence levels of common lipid indexes in different genotypes were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Three genotypes of CC, CT and TT were found in rs2227485C/T with the frequency distribution of 17.1%, 49.3% and 33.6%, respectively. No significant difference between different sexes of each genotype and allele frequency in the Guangxi population was observed (P>0.05). Compared with the distribution frequencies of genotype and allele in HapMap-TSI, HapMap-HCB, HapMap-JPT and HapMap-MEX, those in Guangxi population showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Three genotypes of AA, AG and GG were found in rs2227491A/G with the frequency distribution of 16.1%, 52.8% and 31.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between different sexes of each genotype and allele frequency in the Guangxi population (P>0.05). The significant differences of genotype frequencies among Guangxi population, HapMap-TSI, HapMap-JPT and HapMap-MEX were detected (P<0.05). Compared with the other 4 populations, allele frequencies in Guangxi population had significant difference (P <0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of HDL-C and LDL-C among the 3 genotypes of rs2227491A/G. The level of HDL-C had difference between AG/AA genotype and GG genotype. In addition, the level of LDL-C had difference between AG/GG genotype and AA genotype (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: rs2227485C/T and rs2227491A/G polymorphisms of IL-22 gene have differences in different populations. The rs2227491A/G polymorphism may be associated with serum lipid levels.     

Relationship between HDL subclass distribution and plasma glucose and lipid levels in patients with metabolic syndrome

AIM: To investigate high-density lipoprotein(HDL) subclass distribution and to analyze the relationship between HDL subclasses with plasma glucose and lipids in metabolic syndrome(MS). METHODS: Apolipoprotein A-I(apoA-I) contents of plasma HDL subclasses were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis associated with immunodetection. The concentrations of lipids and apolipoproteins in the plasma were measured by an automated biochemical analyzer. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the levels of fasting plasma glucose(FPG), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), apolipoprotein B₁₀₀(apoB₁₀₀), apoB₁₀₀/apoA-I, systolic blood pressure(SBP), body mass index(BMI) and HDL_3b were increased in the MS patients(P<0.05). Meanwhile, HDL-C, apoA-I and preβ₂-HDL, HDL_2a and HDL_2b were decreased in the MS patients(P<0.01). With the increase in the plasma glucose level, the contents of HDL_2a and HDL_2b were decreased in the MS patients(P<0.05), while preβ₁-HDL was increased(P<0.05). With the decrease in the HDL-C level, the content of HDL_2b was decreased in the MS patients(P<0.01), while preβ₁-HDL was increased(P<0.01). With the increase in the TG level and the decrease in the HDL-C level, the content of HDL_2b had a decreasing trend and the content of small-particle preβ₁-HDL had an increasing trend, indicating that HDL maturation metabolism was disrupted. The correlation analysis showed that FPG was negatively correlated with the levels of HDL_2a and HDL_2b, HDL-C was negatively correlated with the level of preβ₁-HDL and positively correlated with the level of HDL_2b, and TG was positively correlated with the levels of preβ₁-HDL and HDL_3b. CONCLUSION: With the increases in the plasma glucose and TG, and the decrease in HDL-C in the MS patients, HDL particles have minifying tendency, and the maturation metabolism of HDL particles is disrupted.     

灵芝孢子油主要活性成分及降血脂功能的研究

分析了灵芝孢子油中总三萜、不饱和脂肪酸等活性成分，并进行了时高血脂新西兰兔的实验研究，通过设高脂模型组和空白对照组，比较血清总胆固醇（TC）、血清甘油三酯（TG）、血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDLC）、血清低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL—C）的变化并时实验动物进行病理形态学检查。结果表明．灵芝孢子油具有降血脂的作用，     

Relationship between HDL subclasses and TC/HDL-C,TG/HDL-C ratio

AIM: To study the relationship between HDL subclasses and TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C ratio in serum. METHODS: Apolipoprotein (apo) A-Ⅰ contents of serum HDL subclasses in 292 subjects were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis associated with immunodection method. RESULTS: Compared with low TC/HDL-C ratio subgroup, apoA-Ⅰcontents of preβ1-HDL (P<0.01, in middle or high subgroup) and HDL3a (P<0.05, in high subgroup) were significantly higher, but those of HDL2b (P<0.01, in middle or high subgroup) and HDL2a (P<0.01, in high subgroup) were significantly lower. Compared with middle TC/HDL-C ratio subgroup, apoA-Ⅰ contents of preβ1-HDL, HDL3a were significantly higher (P<0.01, P<0.05), but those of HDL2a and HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.01, P<0.01) in high subgroup. Compared with low TG/HDL-C ratio subgroup, apoA-Ⅰ contents of preβ1-HDL, HDL3a were significantly higher (P<0.01, P<0.05, in high subgroup), but those of HDL2a and HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.01, in middle or high subgroup). Compared with middle TG/HDL-C ratio subgroup, apoA-Ⅰ contents of preβ1-HDL, HDL3a were significantly higher (P<0.01, P<0.05), but those of HDL2a and HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.01). In addition, TC, TG, TC/HDL-C ratio and TG/HDL-C ratio showed a positive correlation with apoA-Ⅰ contents of small-sized preβ1-HDL and a negative correlation with those of large-sized HDL2b, but it was reversed for HDL-C. CONCLUSION: When TC/HDL-C>5 or TG/HDL-C>2.2 in serum, the particle size of HDL shifted towards smaller sizes, which indicates that reverse cholesterol transport might be weakened and HDL maturation might be abnormal.     

The interrelationships between serum HDL subpopulations and triacyglycerol

AIM: To Study the influence of plasma TG level on the contents of serum HDL subpopulations. METHODS: Classified by the contents of serum TG, the serum level of HDL subpopulations in 106 normal TC and 183 high TC subjects were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with immunodection method. RESULTS: The apo-AⅠcontents of per-β1-HDL, HDL3c, HDL3b and HDL3a were higher in a certain extent in TC high subjects vs corresponding TC desirable subjects. The apo-AⅠ contents of per-β1-HDL （in borer-line high TG subgroup） and HDL3b （in very high TG subgroup） were significantly higher (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the apo-AⅠ contents of HDL2b and HDL2a were all lower in TC high subjects vs corresponding TC normal subjects. With the increase in plasma TG levels, the apoA-Ⅰ content of pre-β1-HDL increased, and it was significantly higher (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in borderline-high TG(except TC desirable subjects), high TG and very high TG subgroups vs corresponding normal TG subgroup. Contents of HDL3b and HDL3a had the same tendency, and in TC high subjects contents of HDL3b (in very high TG subgroup) and HDL3a (in every subgroups, in which levels of TG were higher) were significantly higher (P＜0.05 and P＜0.01） than in normal TG subgroup. On contrast, the apoA-Ⅰcontents of HDL2b and HDL2a following with the increase of plasma TG levels tended to become lower. Contents of HDL2b were significantly lower (P<0.05) in high TG subgroup and very high TG subgroup vs corresponding normal TG subgroup, and in TC high subjects contents of HDL2a were significantly lower (P<0.05) in very high TG subgroups vs normal TG subgroup. CONCLUSION: Our data show the general shift toward smaller size of HDL particle size with the increase in TC and TG levels. Contents of TC and TG are very important to contents of HDL subclasses.     

Relationship between apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and sporadic Alzheimer's disease

AIM: To evaluate the association between apolipoprotein E(apoE) gene polymorphism and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD: A case-control study was undertaken detecting the polymorphism of apoE by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).RESULTS:(1)The frequencies of 3/4 genotype and 4 al ele in AD were significant ly higher than that in age-matched controls(P<0.05).(2)The frequency of G/G genotype for apoE IE1 in AD was significantly higher than that in age-mat ched control(P<0.05).(3)The apoE 4 al ele was associated with a tripling of the risk for AD compared with no 4 allele(odd ratio 2.932, 95%CI 1.379~6.226);Homozygosity of the G allele in IE1 was associated with adoubling of the risk for AD compared with the G/C and C/C genotypes(odd rat io 2.223, 95%CI 1.075~4.599).However, the IE1 G al ele is also closely associated with apoE 4.When the sample was split on the basis of apo Egenotype, the associat ion between IE1 G/G genotype and AD was no longer statistically significant.CONCLUSION: ApoE ε4 was a risk factor of AD, and the apparent association between IE1 G/G and AD is a consequence of the association between the ε4 and IE1 G/G genotype.     

Protective effect of adiponectin on glucose and lipid metabolism by suppressing MHCⅡ expression

AIM: To investigate whether the protective effect of adiponectin on glucose and lipid metabolism is achieved through down-regulating major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ (MHCⅡ) in the adipose tissue. METHODS: Adiponectin knockout (KO) mice and C57BL/6(WT) mice were fed with high-fat diet and standard diet for 24 weeks, respectively. The body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hepatic histology, and class Ⅱ trans-activator (CⅡTA), histocompatibility 2 class Ⅱ antigen E beta (H2-Eb1) and cluster of differentiation 74(CD74) mRNA and MHC Ⅱ protein levels in adipose tissue were measured at sacrifice. siRNA targeting MHC Ⅱ and overexpression vector was used in 3T3-L1 cells to explore the effect of adiponectin on the protein level of MHCⅡ. RESULTS: The levels of body weight, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-C, hepatic steatosis, CⅡTA, H2-Eb1 and CD74 mRNA expression, and MHCⅡ protein expression in the KO mice were higher than those in the WT mice that fed with high-fat diet or standard diet. In 3T3-L1 cells, inhibition of adiponectin reversed MHC Ⅱ protein level induced by specific siRNA. The expression of MHC Ⅱ in adipocytes decreased after adiponectin was overexpressed. CONCLUSION: Adiponectin improves glucose and lipid metabolism through suppressing the expression of MHCⅡ in the adipose tissue.     

Serum levels of visfatin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients with pre-eclampsia and their relationship with insulin resistance

AIM: To explore the serum levels of visfatin (VF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the patients with pre-eclampsia (PE) and their correlation with insulin resistance (IR). METHODS: The severe PE patients (n=30), mild PE patients (n=30) and normal pregnant women (n=40) were selected according to the classification standard of PE. The serum levels of VF and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting insulin (FIns) were detected by glucose oxidase method and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. According to calculating the mean arterial pressure (MAP), body mass index (BMI) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), the correlation between IR and the levels of serum VF as well as TNF-α were analyzed.RESULTS: The levels of VF and TNF-α in severe PE group and mild PE group were significantly lower than those in normal pregnancy group (P<0.05). In addition, the levels of VF and TNF-α in severe PE group were lower than those in mild PE group (P<0.05). Linear correlation analysis showed that serum VF was positively correlated with TNF-α and HDL-C (P<0.05), and negatively with MAP and FIns (P<0.05). The serum TNF-α was positively correlated with HDL-C (P<0.05), and negatively with BMI, TG, MAP and FIns (P<0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that FBG, FIns and HOMA-IR were relative independent factors of serum VF and TNF-α (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Serum levels of VF and TNF-α are closely related to IR.