Human apoA-I increases macrophage foam cell derived PLTP activity without affecting the PLTP mass.
BACKGROUND
phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) plays important roles in lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis and is expressed by macrophages and macrophage foam cells (MFCs). The aim of the present study was to determine whether the major protein from HDL, apoA-I, affects PLTP derived from MFCs.


RESULTS
as cell model we used human THP-1 monocytes incubated with acetylated LDL, to generate MFC. The addition of apoA-I to the cell media increased apoE secretion from the cells, in a concentration dependent fashion, without affecting cellular apoE levels. In contrast, apoA-I had no effect on PLTP synthesis and secretion, but strongly induced the PLTP activity in the media. ApoA-I also increased phospholipid transfer activity of PLTP isolated from human plasma. This effect was dependent on apoA-I concentration but independent on apoA-I lipidation status. ApoE, ApoA-II and apoA-IV, but not immunoglobulins or bovine serum albumin, also increased PLTP activity. We also report that apoA-I protects PLTP from heat inactivation.


CONCLUSIONS
apoA-I enhances the phospholipid transfer activity of PLTP secreted from macrophage foam cells without affecting the PLTP mass.
National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit and FIMM, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki, Finland. marius.robciuc@thl.fi
Marius R
MR
Robciuc
Jari
J
Metso
Anca
A
Sima
Christian
C
Ehnholm
Matti
M
Jauhiainen
D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005487:Foam Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D049294:Phospholipid Transfer Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D020011:Protective Agents; D011489:Protein Denaturation
D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I; D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D049294:Phospholipid Transfer Proteins; D020011:Protective Agents