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Background and Purpose: Atherosclerotic remodeling of the aneurysm wall, which could be detected as aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) by magnetic resonance–vessel wall imaging, is a part of degenerative change of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the luminal concentrations of atherosclerotic proteins in the aneurysm sac were associated with increased wall enhancement of UIAs in vessel wall imaging. Methods: We performed a prospective study of subjects undergoing endovascular treatments for UIAs. All subjects underwent evaluation using 3T–magnetic resonance imaging, including pre/postcontrast vessel wall imaging of the UIAs. Blood samples were collected from the aneurysm sac and the parent artery during endovascular procedures. Presence/absence of AWE was correlated with the delta difference in concentration for each atherosclerotic protein between the lumen of UIA and in the parent artery. Results: A total of consecutive 17 patients with 19 UIAs were enrolled. The delta difference of lipoprotein(a) was significantly higher in UIAs with AWE compared with those without AWE (−6.9±16.0 versus −45.4±44.9 μg/mL, P =0.03). Conclusions: Higher luminal concentrations of lipoprotein(a) in the aneurysm sac were significantly associated with increased wall enhancement of UIAs. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings.

The present study aimed to review the literature regarding Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Basic and clinical updates were reviewed. Coronaviruses are infections of both clinical and veterinary significance. Coronaviruses are single stranded RNA infections with a lipoprotein envelope and enter the host cells by a Class I combination protein, for example, one that doesn’t require some other viral surface proteins for combination. Clinical presentation of patients with Coronaviruses included cough, fever, headache. The age of patients in some cases was as early as 112 days. As a conclusion, although, the existence of widespread of Coronaviruses, vital information remains to be elucidated.

Background: Current lipid guidelines suggest measurement of Lp(a) (lipoprotein[a]) and ApoB (apolipoprotein B) for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for Lp(a) and ApoB may identify individuals unlikely to have elevated Lp(a) or ApoB and thus reduce such suggested testing. Methods: PRSs were developed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression among 273 222 and 356 958 UK Biobank participants of white British ancestry for Lp(a) and ApoB, respectively, and validated in separate sets of 60 771 UK Biobank and 15 050 European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk participants. We then assessed the proportion of participants who, based on these PRSs, were unlikely to benefit from Lp(a) or ApoB measurements, according to current lipid guidelines. Results: In the UK Biobank and European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk cohorts, the area under the receiver operating curve for the PRS-predicted Lp(a) and ApoB to identify individuals with elevated Lp(a) and ApoB was at least 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90–0.92) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.73–0.75), respectively. The Lp(a) PRS and measured Lp(a) showed comparable association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease incidence, whereas the ApoB PRS was in general less predictive of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk than measured ApoB. In the context of the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society lipid guidelines, at a 95% sensitivity to identify individuals with elevated Lp(a) and ApoB levels, at least 54% of Lp(a) and 24% of ApoB testing could be reduced by prescreening with a PRS while maintaining a low false-negative rate. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of suggested testing for elevated Lp(a) and a modest proportion of testing for elevated ApoB could potentially be reduced by prescreening individuals with PRSs.

Genetic variation in apolipoprotein E (APOE) influences Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. APOE e4 alleles are the strongest genetic risk factor for late onset sporadic AD. The AD risk is dose dependent, as those carrying one APOE e4 allele have a 2–3-fold increased risk, while those carrying two e4 alleles have a 10–15-fold increased risk. Individuals carrying APOE e2 alleles have lower AD risk and those carrying APOE e3 alleles have neutral risk. APOE is a lipoprotein which functions in lipid transport, metabolism, and inflammatory modulation. Isoform specific effects of APOE within the brain include alterations to Aβ, tau, neuroinflammation, and metabolism. Here we review the association of APOE with AD, the APOE isoform specific effects within brain and periphery, and potential therapeutics.

Background: Lp(a) (lipoprotein [a]) levels are higher in individuals of African ancestry (AA) than in individuals of European ancestry (EA). We examined associations of genetically predicted Lp(a) levels with (1) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease subtypes: coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm and (2) nonatherosclerotic cardiovascular disease phenotypes, stratified by ancestry. Methods: We performed (1) Mendelian randomization analyses for previously reported cardiovascular associations and (2) Mendelian randomization–phenome-wide association analyses for novel associations. Analyses were stratified by ancestry in electronic Medical Records and Genomics, United Kingdom Biobank, and Million Veteran Program cohorts separately and in a combined cohort of 804 507 EA and 103 580 AA participants. Results: In Mendelian randomization analyses using the combined cohort, a 1-SD genetic increase in Lp(a) level was associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease subtypes in EA—odds ratio and 95% CI for coronary heart disease 1.28 (1.16–1.41); cerebrovascular disease 1.14 (1.07–1.21); peripheral artery disease 1.22 (1.11–1.34); abdominal aortic aneurysm 1.28 (1.17–1.40); in AA, the effect estimate was lower than in EA and nonsignificant for coronary heart disease 1.11 (0.99–1.24) and cerebrovascular disease 1.06 (0.99–1.14) but similar for peripheral artery disease 1.16 (1.01–1.33) and abdominal aortic aneurysm 1.34 (1.11–1.62). In EA, a 1-SD genetic increase in Lp(a) level was associated with aortic valve disorders 1.34 (1.10–1.62), mitral valve disorders 1.18 (1.09–1.27), congestive heart failure 1.12 (1.05–1.19), and chronic kidney disease 1.07 (1.01–1.14). In AA, no significant associations were noted for aortic valve disorders 1.08 (0.94–1.25), mitral valve disorders 1.02 (0.89–1.16), congestive heart failure 1.02 (0.95–1.10), or chronic kidney disease 1.05 (0.99–1.12). Mendelian randomization–phenome-wide association analyses identified novel associations in EA with arterial thromboembolic disease, nonaortic aneurysmal disease, atrial fibrillation, cardiac conduction disorders, and hypertension. Conclusions: Many cardiovascular associations of genetically increased Lp(a) that were significant in EA were not significant in AA. Lp(a) was associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in four major arterial beds in EA but only with peripheral artery disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm in AA. Additionally, novel cardiovascular associations were detected in EA.

Altres ajuts: Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). Some lipoprotein disorders related to the residual risk of premature cardiovascular disease (PCVD) are not detected by the conventional lipid profile. In this case-control study, the predictive power of PCVD of serum sdLDL-C, measured using a lipoprotein precipitation method, and of the physicochemical properties of serum lipoproteins, analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, were evaluated. We studied a group of patients with a first PCVD event (n = 125) and a group of control subjects (n = 190). Conventional lipid profile, the size and number of Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL), Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), High Density Lipopro-teins (HDL) particles, and the number of particles of their subclasses (large, medium, and small) were measured. Compared to controls, PCVD patients had lower concentrations of all LDL parti-cles, and smaller and larger diameter of LDL and HDL particles, respectively. PCVD patients also showed higher concentrations of small dense LDL-cholesterol (sdLDL), and triglycerides (Tg) in LDL and HDL particles (HDL-Tg), and higher concentrations of large VLDL particles. Multivariate logistic regression showed that sdLDL-C, HDL-Tg, and large concentrations of LDL particles were the most powerful predictors of PCVD. A strong relationship was observed between increased HDL-Tg concentrations and PCVD. This study demonstrates that beyond the conventional lipid profile, PCVD patients have other atherogenic lipoprotein alterations that are detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis.

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a lipoprotein compound that has low-density. Smoking activity can increase LDL cholesterol levels. The nicotine compound in cigarettes can increase the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that will cause atherosclerosis. This research used descriptive study. The purposed of this study was to known about the level of LDL cholesterol in active smoker serum at areas Banjar Taman, Darmasaba Village, Abiansemal, Badung. Sampels in this research are males active smoker aged 18 years old and over which amount to 30 sampels. That sampling using accidental sampling. Examination of LDL cholesterol using Calculated method. The result of LDL concentration on this research based on the characteristics of the respondens such as: normal concentration of LDL on the group of 18-40 years (60%), with time period of smoked less than 5 years (53.4%) and the light smokers category (36 , 7%). Concentration of LDL exceeded the normal limits found on the group of 18-40 years (23.3%), smoked with 6 until 10 years period have 16.7% and category of light smokers (26.7 %). The conclusion of this research , were: 66.7% have normal levels and 33.3% with over normal limits. Active smokers were expected to reduce or stop smoked habits for the better health quality.

Objective— Lp(a) [lipoprotein(a)] levels vary by race/ethnicity and were recently found to be associated with risk of heart failure (HF). We aimed to determine whether Lp(a)-related risk of HF is similar across different races and whether Lp(a) may further be related to HF with reduced ejection fraction or HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Approach and Results— In 6809 participants of the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), aged 45 to 84 years and free of cardiovascular disease, 308 incident HF events occurred during a median 13-year follow-up. Baseline Lp(a) concentrations were determined by immunoassay. Incident HF was adjudicated, distinguishing HF with reduced ejection fraction (ejection fraction, P =0.02); Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL (HR, 1.69; P =0.01), Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL (HR, 1.87; P =0.006). No significant relations were found in black, Hispanic, or Chinese participants, and significant race interactions were observed. Lp(a) was additionally related to greater risk of HFpEF in white participants: per log unit Lp(a) (HR, 1.48; P =0.001), Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL (HR, 2.15; P =0.01), Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL (HR, 2.60; P =0.004). Lp(a)-related risk of HF and HFpEF in whites was independent of aortic valve disease. Conclusions— In a multiethnic sample, Lp(a)-related risks of HF and HFpEF were only evident in white participants. If confirmed, these findings have implications in further Lp(a) research and clinical practice.

The β-barrel assembly machinery, the Bam complex, consists of five components, BamA to -E, among which BamA and BamD are highly conserved and essential. The nonessential components are believed to play redundant roles simply by improving the rate of β-barrel folding. Here we show that BamE contributes a specific and nonoverlapping function to the Bam complex. BamE coordinates BamA and BamD to form a complex between the lipoprotein RcsF and its partner outer membrane β-barrel protein, allowing RcsF to reach the cell surface. In the absence of BamE, RcsF accumulates on BamA, thus blocking the activity of the Bam complex. As the Bam complex is a major antibiotic target in Gram-negative bacteria, the discovery that a lipoprotein can act as a jamming substrate may open the door for development of novel Bam complex inhibitors., The β-barrel assembly machinery, the Bam complex, is central to the biogenesis of integral outer membrane proteins (OMPs) as well as OMP-dependent surface-exposed lipoproteins, such as regulator of capsule synthesis protein F (RcsF). Previous genetic analysis established the model that nonessential components BamE and BamB have overlapping, redundant functions to enhance the kinetics of the highly conserved BamA/BamD core. Here we report that BamE plays a specialized nonredundant role in the Bam complex required for surface exposure of RcsF. We show that the lack of bamE, but not bamB, completely abolishes assembly of RcsF/OMP complexes and establish that the inability to assemble RcsF/OMP complexes is a molecular reason underlying all synthetic lethal interactions of ΔbamE. Our genetic analysis and biochemical cross-linking suggest that RcsF accumulates on BamA when BamA cannot engage with BamD because of its limited availability or the incompatible conformation. The role of BamE is to promote proper coordination of RcsF-bound BamA with BamD to complete OMP assembly around RcsF. We show that in the absence of BamE, RcsF is stalled on BamA, thus blocking its function, and we identify the lipoprotein RcsF as a bona fide jamming substrate of the Bam complex.

The origin and physiological significance of lipid droplets (LDs) in the nucleus is not clear. Here we show that nuclear LDs in hepatocytes are derived from apolipoprotein B (ApoB)-free lumenal LDs, a precursor to very low-density lipoproprotein (VLDL) generated in the ER lumen by microsomal triglyceride transfer protein. ApoB-free lumenal LDs accumulate under ER stress, grow within the lumen of the type I nucleoplasmic reticulum, and turn into nucleoplasmic LDs by disintegration of the surrounding inner nuclear membrane. Oleic acid with or without tunicamycin significantly increases the formation of nucleoplasmic LDs, to which CDP-choline diacylglycerol phosphotransferase α (CCTα) is recruited, resulting in activation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis. Perilipin-3 competes with CCTα in binding to nucleoplasmic LDs, and thus, knockdown and overexpression of perilipin-3 increases and decreases PC synthesis, respectively. The results indicate that nucleoplasmic LDs in hepatocytes constitute a feedback mechanism to regulate PC synthesis in accordance with ER stress., The origin and physiological significance of lipid droplets (LDs) in the nucleus is not clear. Here authors show that nucleoplasmic LDs in hepatocytes are derived from apolipoprotein B (ApoB)-free lumenal LDs and constitute a feedback mechanism to regulate PC synthesis in accordance with ER stress.

Hyperlipidemia is a lipoprotein metabolic disorder characterized by high serum Low density Lipoprotein and blood cholesterol. It is a major risk factors in the development and progression of atherosclerosis that eventually lead to cardiovascular diseases. This poses a major problem to majority of society because of the close correlation between cardiovascular diseases and lipid abnormalities. There are various features which are associated directly or indirectly as etiological factors viz. heredity, age, obesity, sex, diet, physical inactivity, hypertension, lifestyle disorders and various stress factors. For alleviation and treatment there are many ways such as allopathic medications, alternative systems like Ayurvedic, Diet control, lifestyle discipline etc. Recently Spice therapies are seen useful and effective. In India, Ayurveda and other Indian literature mentions the use of various plants and spices. Spices in diet are useful as they play effective role in the functioning of various body systems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and nervous system. Along with proper food habits, diet which contains variety of spices which have been proved as hypolipidemic, can be effective in controlling hyperlipidemia. Spices used in day-to-day life as food, can also be used in the treatment of various human ailments. Along with the taste, flavor, colour and preservative property, spices also possess hypolipidemic effects. This review is focused mainly on the beneficial hypolipidemic effect of five spices (Dill, Garlic, Fenugreek, Ginger, Coriander) in the management of hyperlipidemia. This article is based on the traditional knowledge, mechanism of action for hypolipidemic activity and some experimental scientific studies done to support the use of these spices in the management of hyperlipidemia.

Background: Lipoprotein particle sizes and concentrations are characteristically altered in patients with insulin resistance (IR) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study assessed the ability of an IR score, based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-derived lipoprotein information, to detect IR in otherwise healthy individuals.Lipoprotein subclass and size information were evaluated for strength of association with IR, as measured by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). To increase the likelihood of identifying subjects with IR, six lipoprotein measures were combined into a single algorithm. The resulting assay [Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Index (LP-IR)] was developed using HOMA-IR in 4972 nondiabetic subjects from MESA and verified independently using glucose disposal rates (GDRs) measured during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps in 56 insulin-sensitive, 46 insulin-resistant, and 46 untreated subjects with T2DM.LP-IR exhibited stronger associations with HOMA-IR (r=0.51) and GDR (r=-0.53) than each of the individual lipoprotein parameters as well as the triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TGs/HDL-C) ratio (r=0.41 and -0.44, respectively). In MESA, associations between the LP-IR score and HOMA-IR were strong in men (r=0.51), women (r=0.52), European Americans (r=0.58), African Americans (r=0.48), Chinese Americans (r=0.49), and Hispanic Americans (r=0.45). When LP-IR was categorized by HOMA-IR and either body mass index (BMI) or fasting plasma glucose (FPG), subgroups were revealed whose LP-IR scores were high (≥ 50), despite having normal BMIs (24 kg/m(2)) or FPG (100 mg/dL).LP-IR scores had strong associations with multiple measures, HOMA-IR, and GDR, the former being more reflective of hepatic and the latter of peripheral insulin sensitivity, and may represent a simple means to identify individuals with IR.

Accurate detection of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacilli is of utmost importance for the control of nosocomial spread and the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The modified Hodge test (MHT), a carbapenem inactivation assay, has shown poor sensitivity in detecting the worldwide spread of New Delhi metallo--lactamase (NDM). Recent studies demonstrated that NDM is a lipoprotein anchored to the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria, unlike all other known carbapenemases. Here we report that membrane anchoring of -lactamases precludes detection of carbapenemase activity by the MHT. We also show that this limitation can be overcome by the addition of Triton X-100 during the test, which allows detection of NDM. We propose an improved version of the assay, called the Triton Hodge test (THT), which allows detection of membrane- bound carbapenemases with the addition of this nonionic surfactant. This test was challenged with a panel of 185 clinical isolates (145 carrying known carbapenemase-encoding genes and 40 carbapenemase nonproducers). The THT displayed test sensitivity of>90% against NDM-producing clinical isolates, while improving performance against other carbapenemases. Ertapenem provided the highest sensitivity (97 to 100%, depending on the type of carbapenemase), followed by meropenem (92.5 to 100%). Test specificity was not affected by the addition of Triton (87.5% and 92.5% with ertapenem and meropenem, respectively). This simple inexpensive test confers a large improvement to the sensitivity of the MHT for the detection of NDM and other carbapenemases. Fil: Pasteran, Fernando. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud “Dr. C. G. Malbrán”; Argentina Fil: Gonzalez, Lisandro Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; Argentina Fil: Albornoz, Ezequiel Pablo. Dirección Nacional de Institutos de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Área de Antimicrobianos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Bahr, Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; Argentina Fil: Vila, Alejandro Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; Argentina Fil: Corso, Alejandra. Dirección Nacional de Institutos de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas. Área de Antimicrobianos; Argentina

A small number of recent studies have reportedly failed to detect the well-established association between a high Lp(a) lipoprotein level and coronary heart disease (CHD). This has made some workers question the importance of a high Lp(a) lipoprotein level as a CHD risk factor. However, serious problems with some of the commercially available test kits, inadequate test techniques or failure to consider the lability of the Lp(a) lipoprotein particle are more plausible explanations of the confounding results. The problems with some of the commercially available test kits include lack of standardization and validation; risk of cross-reactivity with plasminogen or other serum proteins; failure to consider potential problems when measuring samples with varying length of the Lp(a) polypeptide chain (i.e. failure to cope with the isoform variation); non-divulgence of contents of test reagents; and pretreatments of samples that drastically change the Lp(a) lipoprotein particles from their native state. Any test system should be validated at the scientific level before it is assumed to provide correct measurements of Lp(a) lipoprotein level in serum. New test kits should be safely anchored in validation in one of the research laboratories active in the area, before they are put on the market. As new batches are produced, the quality of every new batch of test kits should be monitored on a long-term basis in collaboration with a research laboratory.

the mixture of lipids and proteins that comprises pulmonary surfactant is both complex and multifunctional. Although surfactant was originally identified as a lipoprotein complex that reduces surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the lung ([4][1], [20][2]), both in vitro and in vivo studies

To the Editor: Previous reports have demonstrated that lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), an enzymatic inflammatory biomarker, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events [(1)][1]. Lp-PLA2 mediates formation of bioactive mediators (lysophosphatidyl choline and

The effects of cholesterol on droplet size distribution and rheological properties of cholesterol-reduced egg yolk-stabilized emulsions were determined. Oil-in-water emulsions were prepared by using spray-dried eggs submitted to different levels of cholesterol reduction (14–81 wt% of cholesterol removed). Cholesterol was extracted in a modified Jennings apparatus with subcritical CO2 (9°C and 4.66·106 Pa). Oscillatory and steady flow tests, as well as droplet size distribution measurements, were carried out on the cholesterol-reduced egg yolk-stabilized emulsions. The rheological parameters increased with the level of cholesterol reduction up to 40–80 wt% for emulsions having the same total amount of egg yolk. Opposite results, however, were obtined with some emulsions stabilized by a highly cholesterol-reduced (≈80 wt%) egg yolk. These results were explained by taking into account two opposite phenomena: an increase in the concentration of surface-active agents as cholesterol content decreased, and a lipoprotein structural rearrangement induced by cholesterol removal.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are critical to nervous system function and structure, but their rates of incorporation from plasma into brain have not been evaluated. In the adult rat, calculations based on our model show that at least 3;-5% of esterified brain arachidonic acid (AA) and 2;-8% of esterified brain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are replaced daily by unesterified PUFAs in plasma. These rates, when related to unlabeled brain PUFA composition, give half-lives of 1-2 weeks for plasma-brain exchange of AA and DHA. In the human brain, the arachidonate replacement rate is 0.3% per day. Although unesterified plasma PUFA concentrations are low, their rates of incorporation into brain are sufficient to compensate for metabolic and efflux losses, so that PUFA transport from plasma into brain as a component of a lipoprotein is unnecessary. Dietary supplementation, by altering plasma unesterified PUFA concentrations, can regulate brain PUFA content and may help to treat brain diseases involving PUFA imbalance.

Background: The conformation and assembly of lipoproteins, proteins containing large amounts of noncovalently bound lipid, is poorly understood. Lipoproteins present an unusual challenge as they often contain varying loads of lipid and are not readily crystallized. Lipovitellin is a large crystallizable oocyte protein of approximately 1300 residues that contains about 16% w/w lipid. Lipovitellin contains two large domains that appear to be conserved in both microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and apolipoprotein B-100. To gain insight into the conformation of a lipoprotein and the potential modes of binding of both neutral and phospholipid, the crystal structure of lamprey lipovitellin has been determined. Results: We report here the refined crystal structure of lipovitellin at 2.8 a resolution. The structure contains 1129 amino acid residues located on five peptide chains, one 40-atom phosphatidylcholine, and one 13-atom hydrocarbon chain. The protein contains a funnel-shaped cavity formed primarily by two β sheets and lined predominantly by hydrophobic residues. Conclusions: Using the crystal structure as a template, a model for the bound lipid is proposed. The lipid-binding cavity is formed primarily by a single-thickness β -sheet structure which is stabilized by bound lipid. This cavity appears to be flexible, allowing lipid to be loaded or unloaded.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) is a lipoprotein containing apo A-1, associated with other apolipoproteins. One of the HDL functions is as the reversed transporter of cholesterol in order to reduce cholesterol level in peripheral tissues. Low HDL cholesterol level is often related to obesity. High cholesterol level, obesity, and low HDL level are known as risk factors of coronary heart diseases. Overweight subjects have higher probabality for suffering from heart diseases and stroke. This study aimed to elaborate high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in males aged 40-59 years with body mass index higher than 23 kg/m2. This study used consecutive sampling method. Total subjects involved in this study were 20 males who lived in Malalayang. The results showed that there were 11 subjects with normal HDL levels and nine subjects (45%) with low HDL levels (60 mg/dL). Terdapat 19 subjek (95%) dengan obesitas dan hanya satu subjek (5%) yang mengalami overweight. Simpulan: Sebagian besar laki-laki berusia 40-59 tahun yang berdomisili di Kecamatan Malalayang Manado dengan indeks massa tubuh ≥23 kg/m2 mempunyai kadar HDL normal. Kata kunci: laki-laki, high density lipoprotein, indeks massa tubuh

Abstract To determine the facets of lipoprotein metabolism associated with variation in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] density, we examined by density gradient ultracentrifugation 246 plasma samples exhibiting single apo(a) isoform band phenotypes. Estimated molecular weights of apo(a) isoforms ranged from 488 to 874 kD, and they accounted for approximately 80% of variation in Lp(a) density. After adjustment for variation in the protein composition, we found in univariate analyses that variation in residual Lp(a) density was associated with 10 different measures of lipoprotein size and concentration. Residual Lp(a) density was positively correlated with measures of apoB-containing lipoproteins and negatively correlated with measures of HDL. HDL size phenotypes were based on nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fractions after staining for esterified cholesterol with Sudan black B and for apoA-I with immunoblotting methods. The HDL size variables in each case had higher correlations with residual Lp(a) density than did the HDL concentration measures. Stepwise regression analyses selected two lipoprotein variables (LDL density and HDL size) that were significantly correlated with residual Lp(a) density, and they accounted for approximately 35% of variation in density. The densities of LDL and Lp(a) were highly correlated, and additional stepwise regression analyses showed that they were similarly correlated with triglyceride concentration and with a measure of HDL size. Thus, with respect to residual Lp(a) density, the results show that small, dense Lp(a) particles are found under conditions leading also to small, dense LDL particles and to small, dense HDLs.

Herpesviruses have an icosahedral nucleocapsid surrounded by an amorphous tegument and a lipoprotein envelope. The tegument comprises at least 20 proteins destined for delivery into the host cell. As the tegument does not have a regular structure, the question arises of how its proteins are recruited. The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) tegument is known to contact the capsid at its vertices, and two proteins, UL36 and UL37, have been identified as candidates for this interaction. We show that the interaction is mediated exclusively by UL36. HSV-1 nucleocapsids extracted from virions shed their UL37 upon incubation at 37°C. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis of capsids with and without UL37 reveals the same penton-capping density in both cases. As no other tegument proteins are retained in significant amounts, it follows that this density feature (∼100 kDa) represents the ordered portion of UL36 (336 kDa). It binds between neighboring UL19 protrusions and to an adjacent UL17 molecule. These observations support the hypothesis that UL36 plays a major role in the tegumentation of the virion, providing a flexible scaffold to which other tegument proteins, including UL37, bind. They also indicate how sequential conformational changes in the maturing nucleocapsid control the ordered binding, first of UL25/UL17 and then of UL36.

The study of lipoproteins, natural nanoparticles comprised of lipids and apolipoproteins that transport fats throughout the body, is of key importance to better understand, treat, and prevent cardiovascular disease. In the current study, we have developed a lipoprotein-based nanoparticle that consists of a quantum dot (QD) core and Cy5.5 labeled lipidic coating. The methodology allows judicious tuning of the QD/Cy5.5 ratio, which enabled us to optimize Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the QD core and the Cy5.5-labeled coating. This phenomenon allowed us to study lipoprotein-lipoprotein interactions, lipid exchange dynamics, and the influence of apolipoproteins on these processes. Moreover, we were able to study HDL-cell interactions and exploit FRET to visualize HDL association with live macrophage cells

慢性血液透析 (HD) 患者の脂質代謝異常が動脈硬化症の進展に関与していることが報告されているが, 持続性自己管理腹膜透析 (CAPD) 患老ではHD患者の脂質代謝異常の特徴である高中性脂肪 (TG) 血症, 低HDL-コレステロール (HDL-C) 血症に透析膜によるブドウ糖の負荷と透析膜としての腹膜の特性が加味された病態が予想される.本研究ではIgA腎症, HD患者を対照にCAPD患者の脂質代謝異常について検討した. また高脂血症, 血栓症, 動脈硬化症との関係から注目されているLp(a) についても検討し, 以下の結論が得られた.CAPD患者では, IgA腎症, HD患者に比較して総コレステロール (TC), TG, LDL-コレステロール (LDL-C), 動脈硬化指数, アポリポタンパクB (Apo B), Apo B/A-Iが高く, HDL-CはHD患者と同様に低値を示した. またCAPD患者のLp(a) は高値を示し, 血清アルブミンと逆相関を認めたことから, 肝での合成亢進による可能性が考慮されるが, その機序の詳細は不明である. なおペルサンチン負荷心筋タリウムシンチグラムで心筋虚血が認められたCAPD患者のLp(a) は認められなかった患者に比較して高値を示さなかった.以上よりCAPD患者はIgA腎症, HD患者に比較して脂質代謝の面より動脈硬化促進的であることが示唆された.

We thank Dr Ala-Korpela and colleagues for their interest and their thoughtful comments on our study.1 We agree that different uses may be made of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy signals that arise from the lipids carried in plasma by lipoprotein subclass particles of varying size. In our study, subclass signal amplitudes were converted to particle concentrations using calculations that account for the amount of lipid that fits into a lipoprotein particle …

Purpose Increased lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity and Rho kinase activity may be associated with atherosclerosis. The principal aim of this study was to examine whether darapladib (a selective Lp-PLA2 inhibitor) could reduce the elevated Lp-PLA2 and Rho kinase activity in atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods Studies were performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The atherosclerosis rats were prepared by feeding them with a high-cholesterol diet for 10 weeks. Low-dose darapladib (25 mg·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose darapladib (50 mg·kg-1·d-1) interventions were then administered over the course of 2 weeks. Results The serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and Lp-PLA2, significantly increased in atherosclerosis model groups, as did Rho kinase activity and cardiomyocyte apoptosis (p0.05). Conclusion Darapladib, a Lp-PLA2 inhibitor, leads to cardiovascular protection that might be mediated by its inhibition of both Rho kinase and Lp-PLA2 in atherosclerosis.

Recently, Hashimoto et al. ([1][1]) reported that lipoteichoic acid (LTA) extracted from a lipoprotein diacylglycerol transferase deletion (Δ lgt ) mutant of Staphylococcus aureus is immunologically inactive and concluded that the activity of LTA preparations generally lies in lipoprotein

Objective to evaluate the association between Lp(a) lipoprotein levels, other serum lipids and the presence of lower limb atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Materials and methods angiographic findings in 36 patients were related to serum Lp(a). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and Lp(a) levels were compared with those of 73 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results atheromatous lesions were localised in the femoropopliteal (≈60%) and aortoiliac (≈40%) segments. The number of stenosed arteries was ≥2 and the range of stenosis severity was between 40% and 100%. There was a significant increase in serum Lp(a) ( p = 0.000001) and a decrease in serum HDL ( p = 0.000009) levels in patients compared to controls. No difference was observed in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or triglyceride. However, the ratio of total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher ( p = 0.005) in patients. Conclusion a dyslipidaemic serum profile, characterised by increased Lp(a) levels and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels, is associated with atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities.

This is the fourth year of competition for ATVB New Investigator Awards. The Awards recognize articles published in ATVB in 2008 that were submitted by new investigators and judged to be the most outstanding in the Atherosclerosis and Lipoproteins, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology sections of the journal. The three awards are named for Dr Daniel Steinberg, who devised a method to determine the site of degradation of the proteins and lipids of a lipoprotein, …

In the past 20 years, BRO β-lactamase-producingMoraxella catarrhalisstrains have emerged. We show that BRO is expressed as a 33-kDa lipoprotein associated with the inner leaflet of the outer membrane. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a lipidated β-lactamase in a gram-negative species.

This is the third year of competition for ATVB New Investigator Awards. The Awards recognize papers published in ATVB in 2007 that were submitted by new investigators and judged to be the most outstanding in the Atherosclerosis/Lipoprotein, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology sections of the journal. The three awards are named for Dr Daniel Steinberg, who devised a method to determine the site of degradation of the proteins and lipids of a lipoprotein, which led to the concept of selective uptake of cholesterol and apoprotein that characterizes the reverse cholesterol transport pathway; Dr …

This is the eighth year of competition for Atherosclerosis/Lipoprotein, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB) Early Career Awards. The awards recognize articles published in ATVB in 2012 that were submitted by new investigators and judged to be the most outstanding in the ATVB sections of the journal. The 3 awards are named for Dr Daniel Steinberg, who devised a method to determine the site of degradation of the proteins and lipids of a lipoprotein, which led to …

Summary: Several studies indicate the relevance of lipoprotein(a ) (Lp(a)) in the genesis of premature coronary artery disease. A simple method for determining the concentration of Lp(a) is therefore of great interest for assessing the risk of coronary artery disease in patients. We compared a new latex-enhanced immunonephelometric assay (Behringwerke AG, Marburg, Germany), using the Behring Nephelometer System 100, with an established immunoenzymometric assay (Immuno, Heidelberg, Germany). A total of 163 patients was studied. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were between 2.2% and 7.1%, and between 3.4% and 8.6%, depending on the concentration of Lp(a). The correlation between the studied assays was excellent (r = 0.93, y = 0.98x -1.57, Spearman rank, Passing & Bablok). When values above 1000 mg/1 for Lp(a) were excluded, the correlation was even higher. Increased light scattering with particle size, which hitherto has been a disadvantage of the nephelometric technique, seems to be negligible using the improved latex-enhanced approach. In patients with triacylglycerol values above 4.5 mmol/1 (n = 19) there was no interference with the Behring system, i. e. the results of the nephelometric method were not increasing, and they agreed with those of the immunoenzymometric assay. In conclusion, this new latexenhanced nephelometric immunoassay represents a rapid and precise method for the quantification of Lp(a).

This is the seventh year of competition for ATVB New Investigator Awards. The Awards recognize papers published in ATVB in 2011 that were submitted by new investigators and judged to be the most outstanding in the Atherosclerosis/Lipoprotein, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology sections of the journal. The three awards are named for Dr Daniel Steinberg, who devised a method to determine the site of degradation of the proteins and lipids of a lipoprotein, which led to …

1. The atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and is influenced by genetics, diet, and lifestyle. Abnormal cholesterol levels are not uncommon in children. 2. The NIH Expert Panel on Blood Cholesterol Levels in Children and Adolescents recommends heart healthy eating for all children over the age of 2 years. This eating pattern is nutritionally adequate and lowers amounts of saturated fatty acids and total fat in the diet. 3. Children with a family history of premature coronary heart disease or elevated cholesterol levels should have a lipoprotein analysis to assess for abnormal levels. 4. The occupational health nurse has an important role in assisting families in which parents and children have lipid disorders.

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a lipoprotein having lipid composition similar to that of LDL, but a protein moiety consisting of ApoB 100 linked by disulfide bridge to apo(a), a glycoprotein with structural similarity to plasminogen. Lp(a) can be both atherogenic and thrombogenic. These two actions are likely to be mutually operative, a fact that on a molar basis makes Lp(a) more of a cardiovascular pathogen than LDL.

This is the second year of competition for ATVB New Investigator Awards. The Awards recognize papers published in ATVB in 2006 that were submitted by new investigators and judged to be the most outstanding in the Atherosclerosis/Lipoprotein, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology sections of the journal. The three awards are named for Dr Daniel Steinberg, who devised a method to determine the site of degradation of the proteins and lipids of a lipoprotein, which …

As compared with what is known about predictors of vascular events in middle-aged persons, less is known about these events in the elderly. Lp(a) lipoprotein, which plays an important part in atherothrombogenesis, has been associated with an increased risk of vascular disease. We investigated this relation among older U.S. adults.In a prospective study of 5888 community-dwelling older adults (65 years of age or older) in the United States, 2375 women and 1597 men who were free of vascular disease provided base-line serum samples for analysis for levels of Lp(a) lipoprotein. These 3972 subjects were followed for a median of 7.4 years to evaluate the development of stroke and to track deaths from vascular causes and all causes. The men and women were divided into quintile groups according to the Lp(a) lipoprotein level at base line.Using Cox proportional-hazards models, we determined the risk associated with each quintile level of Lp(a) lipoprotein, with the lowest quintile serving as the reference group. As compared with those in the lowest quintile, men in the highest quintile had three times the unadjusted risk of stroke (relative risk, 3.00; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.59 to 5.65), almost three times the risk of death associated with vascular events (relative risk, 2.54; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.59 to 4.08), and nearly twice the risk of death from all causes (relative risk, 1.76; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.31 to 2.36). Adjustment for age; sex; the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides; carotid-wall thickness; smoking status; the presence or absence of diabetes and systolic and diastolic hypertension; body-mass index; and other traditional risk factors had little effect on the final assessments. Similar analyses for women, which also included adjustment for estrogen use or nonuse, revealed no such relation.Among older adults in the United States, an elevated level of Lp(a) lipoprotein is an independent predictor of stroke, death from vascular disease, and death from any cause in men but not in women. These data support the use of Lp(a) lipoprotein levels in predicting the risk of these events in older men.

We report a rare case of idiopathic chylothorax and chyluria. A 31 year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a right-sided pleural effusion. Cream-colored pleural fluid and urine were confirmed as chylothorax and chyluria, respectively, by a lipoprotein electrophoresis. Even though she had previously underwent surgery for pelvic fibrosarcoma and experienced its recurrence, there has been no change of mass size and no evidence of thoracic duct or urinary tract obstruction as of the moment. Hence, idiopathic chylothorax and chyluira was diagnosed. Because she responded poorly to conservative treatment, thoracic duct ligation and pleurodesis were performend ; wherease chyluria was resolved spontaneously. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2004; 57:377-380)

EDITOR, - M Farrer and colleagues recently investigated the association between impaired glucose tolerance and Lp(a) lipoprotein concentration in relation to coronary artery disease.1 Although the subject was reasonable to investigate, we were disturbed by the statistical methods they used and by the conclusions they drew. In particular, the study design did not directly address the specific objectiveof assessing the relation …

The sedimentation at low speed centrifugation of a lipoprotein recombined from the lipids, and the strongly bound proteins of the human erythrocyte membrane depends on pH : between 4.5 and 6.0, most of the liproprotein sediments, whereas at pH 7.0 - 8.5, up to 90% remains in the supernatant. Precipitation of the lipoprotein can be reversed by increasing the pH, followed by a brief sonication. The mobility of spin-labelled protein groups in the lipoprotein increases with increasing pH. This mobility increase is also reversible and is of equal magnitude in precipitated and nonprecipitated recombinates. It is concluded that, because of these reversibilities, determination of the yield of liproprotein formation in recombination experiments must include analysis of both precipitated and nonprecipitated lipoproteins.