Lipoproteomics : Environmental and Genetic Factors Affecting High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

Lipoprotein particles act as lipid transporters in the blood stream, and measuring cholesterol content in specific subclasses of lipoprotein particles has long been, and still is, a frequently used tool to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a subclass of lipoproteins often regarded as providing protection against CVD via several functions including reverse cholesterol transport and anti-inflammatory capacities. However, the precise relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and health outcome is still unclear. Lately, new approaches to study HDL composition and function have therefore become more important. HDL function is to a large extent dependent on its proteome, containing more than 100 proteins. Investigating the proteome in individuals with altered gene expression for HDL-associated proteins or with known exposure to environmental contaminants may reveal new insights into how HDL metabolism is affected by various factors. This is of interest in order to better understand the role of HDL in CVD. Papers I and II focus on two different mutations in a structural HDL protein, apolipoprotein A-I (L202P and K131del), and one mutation in the scavenger receptor class B-1 (P297S), which is involved in selective lipid uptake of cholesterol mainly into hepatocytes and adrenal cells. The HDL proteome was analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The L202P mutation was identified in HDL of the heterozygote carriers together with a significant decrease of apolipoprotein E and increased zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein. By contrast, the second apolipoprotein AI mutation (K131del) was associated with significantly elevated alpha-1-antitrypsin and transthyretin levels. Protein analyses of the scavenger receptor class B1 P297S heterozygotes showed a significant increase in HDL apoL-1 along with increased free apoE. The carriers showed no difference in antioxidative capability but a significant increase in apoA-I methionine oxidation. Papers III and IV focus on persistent organic pollutants that may influence HDL composition and function. These compounds accumulate in humans, and exposure has been linked to an increased risk of CVD. To provide a better understanding of the HDL system in relation to pollutants, a population living in a contaminated area was studied. Persistent organic pollutants in isolated HDL were quantified using high-resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry and significantly increased levels were found in individuals with CVD as compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, there was a significant negative association between the pollutants and paraoxonase-1 anti-oxidant activity. Studying the proteome with nano-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry led to the identification of 118 proteins in HDL, of which ten were significantly associated with the persistent organic pollutants. In summary, the present studies demonstrate protein pattern alterations in HDL associated with inherited genetic variants or pollutant exposure. The studies also provide a set of methods that are useful tools to further comprehend the complexity of lipoprotein metabolism and function. The results are important in order to improve our understanding of HDL in CVD and to explain an increased risk of CVD associated with exposure to organic pollutants