Characterization of antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties and apoA-I-containing subpopulations of HDL from family subjects with monogenic low HDL disorders

Background: Genetic factors regulate both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and functionality, thus affecting HDL antiatherogenic properties. We characterized the HDL antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties and apoA-I-containing subpopulations in families with monogenic low HDL disorders. Methods: Subjects with mutations in apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) or lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and family controls were studied. HDL antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties were assayed by an in vitro fluorometric method and HDL-associated paraoxonase-1 (PON1), platelet activating factor-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), LCAT, malondialdehyde (MDA), PAF and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured. ApoA-I-containing HDL subpopulations were analyzed by two-dimensional non-denaturing gel electrophoresis. Results: ApoA-I heterozygotes and subjects with partial or complete ABCA1 or LCAT deficiency had HDL with reduced antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties and increased MDA levels. HDL-PON1 activity was reduced in apoA-I heterozygotes and in subjects with complete ABCA1 deficiency. HDL-PAF-AH activity was reduced in subjects with partial or complete ABCA1 deficiency or complete LCAT deficiency. HDL-LCAT activity was reduced in all LCAT mutation carriers. HDL-PAF levels were increased in apoA-I heterozygotes. HDL-SAA levels were increased in subjects with complete ABCA1 deficiency. ApoA-I, ABCA1 and LCAT heterozygotes were depleted of the large alpha 1 HDL subpopulation. Subjects with complete LCAT deficiency showed mostly the small alpha 4 HDL subpopulation and subjects with complete ABCA1 deficiency the alpha 4 and pre beta HDL subpopulations. Conclusions: This study shows that mutations in apoA-I, ABCA1 and LCAT have direct effect on the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties of HDL Furthermore, our study shows the effect of specific mutations on the apoAI-containing HDL subpopulation profiles. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.