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Atherosclerosis and Lipoproteins |
From the Department of Mathematical Sciences (M.A., B.W.), Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden; the Wallenberg Laboratory (M.A., J.B., S.-O.O.), Göteborg University, Sweden; the Department of Pathological Biochemistry (A.S., J.W., M.-R.T.), Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Scotland; and the Division of Cardiology (M.J.C., P.S., C.P.), Helsinki University Central Hospital, Biomedicum, Finland.
Correspondence to Jan Borén, MD, PhD, Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden. E-mail Jan.Boren{at}wlab.gu.se
| Abstract |
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Methods and Results We used a novel multicompartmental model to simultaneously determine the kinetics of apolipoprotein (apo) B and triglyceride (TG) in VLDL1 and VLDL2 after a bolus injection of [2H3]leucine and [2H5]glycerol and to follow the catabolism and transfer of the lipoprotein particles. Our results show that the overproduction of VLDL particles in DM2 is explained by enhanced secretion of VLDL1 apoB and TG. Direct production of VLDL2 apoB and TG was not influenced by diabetes per se. The production rates of VLDL1 apoB and TG were closely related, as were the corresponding pool sizes. VLDL1 and VLDL2 compositions did not differ in subjects with DM2 and controls, and the TG to apoB ratio of newly synthesized particles was very similar in the 2 groups. Plasma glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids together explained 55% of the variation in VLDL1 TG production rate.
Conclusion Insulin resistance and DM2 are associated with excess hepatic production of VLDL1 particles similar in size and composition to those in nondiabetic subjects. We propose that hyperglycemia is the driving force that aggravates overproduction of VLDL1 in DM2.
Analysis of the synthesis and metabolism of VLDL1 and VLDL2 in patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy controls revealed that type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are associated with excess hepatic production of VLDL1 particles similar in size and composition to those of nondiabetic subjects.
Key Words: diabetes dyslipidemia VLDL apolipoprotein B triglycerides compartmental modeling kinetics stable isotope
| Introduction |
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The discovery of heterogeneity within the major lipoprotein classes (VLDL, LDL, and HDL) has opened new avenues to identify specific perturbations of diabetic dyslipidemia.3 VLDL particles secreted from the liver vary in size and composition and can be classified by their density (0.94 to 1.06 g/mL), diameter (20 to 75 nm), and flotation [Svedberg flotation rate (Sf) 20 to 400]. VLDL can be separated into 2 main classes: large, buoyant VLDL1 particles (Sf 60 to 400) and small, dense VLDL2 particles (Sf 20 to 60). VLDL1 particles contain more TG than VLDL2 particles and are rich in apolipoprotein (apo) CIII and apoE.4 Large VLDL1 particles are the major subclass of endogenous TG-rich lipoproteins and seem to be the major determinant of the plasma TG concentration in normolipidemic subjects.5 Although elevation of plasma TG is a consistent feature of diabetic dyslipidemia, little attention has focused on the VLDL subclass distribution in DM2. However, emerging data indicate a higher increase of VLDL1 particles than of VLDL2 particles in DM2.6
The different lipid abnormalities in the dyslipidemia associated with DM2 are metabolically closely linked. Strong evidence suggests that the increase in large VLDL1 particles has consequences for the metabolism of other lipoproteins, including the accumulation of remnant particles, generation of small, dense LDL, lowering of HDL concentration, and changes in HDL composition.2 We propose that the increase in large VLDL1 particles in DM2 initiates a sequence of lipoprotein changes, including increased amounts of smaller LDL and a decrease of HDL particles, that increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
In this study, we explored the mechanisms for the increase in VLDL1 particles associated with DM2. We used a novel multicompartmental model that allows the kinetic parameters of TG and apoB100 in VLDL1 and VLDL2 to be simultaneously determined after a bolus of [2H3]leucine and [2H5]glycerol.
| Methods |
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ApoB and TG Turnover Protocol
The turnover protocol was performed with use of a bolus of [2H3]leucine and [2H5]glycerol.7 The particle composition and apoB mass of the VLDL1 and VLDL2 fractions were determined 30 minutes before and 0, 4, and 8 hours after the injection. The subjects fasted from 7:30 AM until 5 PM, when the last blood sample was taken.
Kinetic Analysis
See the online supplement at http://atvb.ahajournals.org for specific details. The outputs from the model are the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of VLDL1 and VLDL2 (the fractional loss of mass due to transfer and direct catabolism), the fractional direct catabolic rate (FDCR, the fractional loss of mass due to direct catabolism from VLDL1), and the fractional transfer rate (FTR, the fractional transfer from VLDL1 to VLDL2). In this model, we cannot distinguish between transfer from VLDL2 to IDL and direct catabolism of VLDL2 particles; hence, they are represented by the FCR. The apoB and TG production rates were calculated as milligrams per day per kilogram of body weight. The FCR, FDCR, and FTR were calculated for both apoB and TG as pools per day.
Isolation of Lipoproteins and Biochemical Analyses
See online supplement (available at http://atvb.ahajournals.org) for details.
Statistical Analysis
Differences between control and DM2 subjects were evaluated with unpaired, 2-sided t tests. Correlations were evaluated by linear regression, and multiple interactions were assessed by multivariate linear regression. In the multivariate regression, parameters with P<0.1 were included. When plasma glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR were significantly correlated, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was excluded, because it is calculated from plasma glucose and insulin. All multivariate correlations are summarized in Table III (available online at http://atvb.ahajournals.org).
The correlations were calculated for all subjects as well as separately for the DM2 and control subjects. For nonnormally distributed variables, values were logarithmically transformed before correlation analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with MatLab and Microsoft Excel.
| Results |
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Concentrations and Compositions of VLDL Subclasses
There were no significant differences in the relative composition of VLDL1 or VLDL2 in DM2 and control subjects (Table II, available online at http://atvb.ahajournals.org). As expected, VLDL1 particles had higher TG content than did VLDL2 particles (65% versus 42%). DM2 subjects had larger apoB and TG pools of both VLDL1 and VLDL2 than did control subjects (Table). ApoB and TG pool sizes showed a strong, linear correlation in both VLDL1 and VLDL2 (Figure 1A).
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Kinetic Parameters for VLDL Subclass Metabolism
In each subject, the FCR, FDCR, FTR, and production rate were determined for both apoB and TG (Table). The production rates of VLDL1 apoB and VLDL1 TG were both significantly higher in DM2 than in control subjects (Table), and more apoB and TG were transferred from VLDL1 to VLDL2 in DM2 subjects (P<0.01). Thus, the total production of apoB and TG was increased in DM2 subjects, despite the fact that VLDL2 apoB and TG direct production rates were comparable in diabetic and control subjects. Interestingly, for both VLDL1 and VLDL2, the TG-apoB ratio of newly produced particles was similar in the 2 groups (Table). Strong, linear correlations were found between apoB and TG production rates in both VLDL1 and VLDL2 (Figure 1B).
There was no significant difference between DM2 and control subjects in either apoB or TG FTR from VLDL1 to VLDL2 (VLDL1 FTR), direct catabolic rate from VLDL1 (VLDL1 FDCR), total catabolic rate from VLDL1 (VLDL FCR), total catabolic rate from VLDL2 (VLDL2 FCR), or total VLDL catabolic rate (VLDL FCR).
Determinants of Production and Clearance Rates
In all subjects, the VLDL1 apoB and TG production rates were correlated significantly with plasma glucose (P<0.001), insulin (apoB, P<0.01; TG, P<0.05), and HOMA-IR (P<0.001) (Figure 2). Notably, VLDL1TG production was correlated with free fatty acids (FFAs). VLDL2 TG production was correlated significantly with HOMA-IR (P<0.05), but VLDL2 apoB production rate was not correlated with any of the parameters plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, FFAs, or BMI. In all subjects, neither apoB (VLDL1 or VLDL2) nor TG FCRs were correlated with plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, FFAs, or BMI. However, VLDL1 TG and apoB FCR were correlated inversely with plasma glucose in DM2 subjects (P<0.05).
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In a regression analysis of VLDL1 TG production, plasma glucose explained 51% of the variation; HOMA-IR, 37%; insulin, 16%; and FFAs, 14%. Including all parameters (except HOMA-IR, which is a product of plasma glucose and insulin) in the multivariate regression model explained 55% of the variation; however, only plasma glucose remained significant (Table III).
For VLDL1 apoB production, explanatory variables in the linear (log-log) regression were HOMA-IR (36% of the variation), plasma glucose (35%), insulin (22%), and FFAs (10%; P=0.09). Altogether, these variables explained 42% of the variability of VLDL1 apoB production, but plasma glucose was the only parameter remaining significant. Thus, the contribution of FFAs as a predictor of VLDL1 apoB production was minor. The significant correlation between VLDL2 TG production and HOMA-IR explained 16% of the variation (Table III).
Determinants of VLDL1 and VLDL2 Pool Sizes
In all subjects, the VLDL1 apoB and TG pool sizes were correlated with their respective production rates and FCRs (Figure 3). The pool sizes also were correlated with insulin and HOMA-IR (P<0.01), as well as with plasma glucose (P<0.05).
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Likewise, in control subjects, the VLDL1 apoB and TG pool sizes were correlated significantly with their respective production rates (apoB, r=0.49, P<0.05; TG, r=0.59, P<0.05) and FCRs (apoB, r=0.80, P<0.001; TG, r=0.79, P<0.001). The significant correlation between VLDL1 apoB and TG pool sizes and their respective FCRs was also found in the DM2 subjects (apoB and TG, r=0.78, P<0.01).
The VLDL2 apoB and TG pool sizes displayed similar correlations as the VLDL1 pools. In all subjects, the VLDL2 apoB and TG pool sizes were correlated with their respective FCRs (P<0.01), insulin, HOMA-IR, and plasma glucose (all P<0.05). The VLDL2 TG pool size was also correlated with the direct production rate (P<0.05).
Determinants of Plasma TG
Plasma TG showed significant correlations with plasma glucose (P<0.05), insulin (P<0.01), and HOMA-IR (P<0.01) in all subjects. However, these correlations were not significant in the analyses of the subgroups. In all subjects, plasma TG was correlated negatively with VLDL1 FCR (apoB, r=0.83, P<0.001; TG, r=0.75, P<0.001) and with VLDL2 FCR (apoB, r=0.67, P<0.001; TG, r=0.54, P<0.01) but positively with VLDL1 production (apoB, r=0.43, P<0.05; TG, r=0.49, P<0.01).
Importantly, these correlations remained significant in analyses of the 2 subgroups. Thus, in control subjects, plasma TG was correlated negatively with VLDL1 FCRs (apoB, P<0.001; TG, P<0.001) and VLDL2 FCRs (apoB, P<0.001; TG, P<0.01). In DM2 subjects, the respective correlations were significant but less strong (P<0.05).
In a multivariate analysis of plasma TG, wherein VLDL1 apoB (or TG) production, their FCRs, VLDL2 apoB (or TG) direct production, and their FCRs were independent variables, only the VLDL1 apoB (or TG) production and VLDL1 FCR remained significant.
| Discussion |
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The correlations between TG and apoB pool sizes in both VLDL1 and VLDL2 and between the actual production rates of both VLDL1 and VLDL2 TG and apoB reveal a close coordination between TG and apoB metabolism in VLDL species. Previous studies reported that VLDL particles in subjects with DM2 are TG enriched and larger than in nondiabetic subjects.810 However, in those studies, the VLDL subclasses were not analyzed separately. Therefore, a relatively larger increase in VLDL1 pools than in VLDL2 pools in DM2 subjects would be erroneously reflected as an increase in the fractional TG content in VLDL particles.
In humans, the mean residence time of VLDL1 apoB is the main determinant of apoB pool size and of plasma TG concentration.11 We consistently observed a significant correlation between TG and apoB pool sizes and the respective FCRs, indicating that the lipolytic rate was the major determinant of pool size over a wide range of plasma TG levels. The production rates of VLDL1 TG and apoB were also related to pool size, but the relation was less strong than for FCR. Our findings are in good agreement with earlier studies showing that both the FCR and the secretion rate of VLDL TG contribute to plasma TG variation in nondiabetic subjects and that the VLDL TG FCR is a more powerful determinant than the secretion rate.12
Our data also show that increases in the pool sizes of VLDL1 components attenuate the actual contribution of FCR to the variance in pool size (Figure 3D) but augment the contribution of the production rate. The lack of difference in the actual catabolic rates of VLDL1 or VLDL2 particles in DM2 and control subjects suggests that diabetes does not profoundly affect lipolytic rate. However, our DM2 subjects had good glycemic control and only moderately elevated plasma TGs. Defective VLDL removal might be more critical in diabetic subjects with poor glycemic control or more severe hypertriglyceridemia.9,10
In contrast, direct production of VLDL2 apoB and TG was comparable in DM2 and control subjects. Thus, the current data provide additional evidence that pathways for VLDL1 and VLDL2 metabolism in the liver are independently regulated.2,11 Previously, we showed that insulin infusion suppressed VLDL1 apoB production in normal healthy subjects but had no effect on direct VLDL2 apoB production.13 In contrast, insulin failed to suppress VLDL1 apoB production in men with DM2.14 These data suggest that VLDL1 metabolism is profoundly dysregulated in DM2.
What forces drive the overproduction of VLDL1 particles in DM2 and insulin resistance? VLDL assembly and secretion are complex multiplicative processes in which substrate availability and insulin play key roles.3,15,16 Substantial evidence indicates that hepatic fatty acid availability regulates VLDL TG production.17 Insulin downregulates apoB via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway,18 and insulin resistance results in diminished phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase that may increase VLDL secretion.19 Another site of insulin action is the microsomal TG transfer protein (MTP) gene that contains an insulin response element in the promoter.20 It is noteworthy that increased MTP mRNA expression is associated with enhanced synthesis of VLDL in animal models of insulin resistance.21 Recent studies indicate that insulin regulates transcription of the genes coding for MTP and the insulin receptor through the mitogen-activated protein kinase(extracellular signalregulated kinase) cascade.22 Thus, insulin signaling influences the assembly process of VLDL at multiple levels, and disturbed insulin signaling results in increased VLDL production. Therefore, the associations of fasting insulin and HOMA index with VLDL1 apoB and TG production rates are consistent with the seminal role of insulin resistance as a driving force for increased VLDL1 production. Overall, these data confirm and extend earlier studies reporting a relation between both plasma insulin and HOMA-IR and VLDL apoB production rate in nondiabetic subjects.12,23
An unexpected finding was the strong, positive correlation between plasma fasting glucose and VLDL1 apoB and TG production rates. Notably, no correlation existed between these parameters in the normal range of plasma glucose, but hyperglycemia was associated particularly with increased VLDL1 TG production rate. Recent studies have unraveled a novel regulatory pathway for hepatic lipogenesis (DNL) in response to substrate fluxes and nutritional demands. In conditions of liver insulin resistance, compensatory elevation of insulin levels upregulates sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1c) expression and activates hepatic lipogenic enzymes.24 Recently, a new transcription factor, the carbohydrate response elementbinding protein (ChREBP), was discovered to regulate the expression of key glucose-responsive genes of lipogenesis.25,26 Thus, the combination of hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and high plasma insulin levels seems to promote lipogenesis through concomitant upregulation of both SREBP-1c and ChREBP.27 The synergistic action of SREBP-1c and ChREBP directs the conversion of excess glucose to fatty acids and enhances esterfication but attenuates fatty acid oxidation. This process results in excess availability of TGs, which likely are both channeled into VLDL secretion and stored as liver fat. Our finding that FFAs were correlated with VLDL1 TG production is consistent with the concept that hepatic fatty acid availability regulates VLDL TG production.17 Furthermore, the results indicate that plasma FFAs seem to increase primarily VLDL1 production. This concept highlights increased DNL as a potential cause for both overproduction of VLDL and fatty livers. Finally, moderate hyperglycemia has been shown to increase the secretion of VLDL TG in the setting of excess fatty acid availability in human volunteers.28 We propose that hyperglycemia is the driving force that aggravates overproduction of VLDL1 particles under conditions of insulin resistance in DM2.
Several studies have reported an association between BMI and VLDL production.12,23,29 Recognizing the heterogeneity of DM2 and the impact of obesity, we tried to recruit subjects with moderate overweight, and only 2 control subjects and 4 with DM2 had a BMI
30 kg/m2. Although the 2 groups had similar mean BMIs, the range was wider in the DM2 group. This experimental design dilutes the impact of BMI on the kinetics parameters and probably explains why BMI was not correlated with VLDL1 apoB and TG production rates.
A potential weakness of the study is that sampling was performed for 8 hours only, which is not optimal for catching the tails of VLDL1 and VLDL2 curves.30 A longer sampling period would likely give more information on glycerol and TG kinetics in the liver, especially in subjects with more severe hypertriglyceridemia, and it is possible that the lack of a relation with VLDL2 kinetics might have been reversed if we had more data on the kinetics at later time points. Nevertheless, we were able to calculate the production, transfer, and catabolic rates. Another possible flaw is the use of the population mean to model plasma glycerol.7 In 6 subjects (both DM2 and controls), however, we measured plasma glycerol enrichment and modeled VLDL1 and VLDL2 metabolism by using both the population mean and the glycerol enrichment data. For the production and catabolic rates, the average difference in the calculated parameters with these 2 approaches was in the range of 2.5% to 8%; VLDL1 FCR and production rates were within 10% in both control and diabetic subjects. Thus, we considered the use of population means satisfactory for modeling plasma glycerol kinetics in all subjects.
| Acknowledgments |
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Received October 11, 2004; accepted May 23, 2005.
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