Hyperlipidemias: Dullaart RP

Vogt L, Laverman GD, Dullaart RP, Navis G. · Department of internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GX Groningen, The Netherlands. · Nephrol Dial Transplant. · Pubmed #14671028 links to  free full text

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Dullaart RP. · No affiliation provided · Neth J Med. · Pubmed #10474271 No free full text.

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Dullaart RP, Dallinga-Thie GM, Wolffenbuttel BH, van Tol A. · University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. · Eur J Clin Invest. · Pubmed #17217373 No free full text.

Abstract: In view of the cardioprotective effect of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and the limited effects of statin and fibrate therapy on HDL cholesterol, it is clinically relevant to test whether pharmacological treatment aimed at raising HDL lowers cardiovascular risk. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a new therapeutic target, because the cholesteryl ester transfer process lowers HDL cholesterol and contributes to an atherogenic lipoprotein profile, particularly when plasma triglycerides are high. Clinical evidence suggests that coronary artery calcification as well as intima media thickness is positively related to plasma cholesteryl ester transfer, and that high plasma CETP concentration is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in hypertriglyceridaemia. However, CETP could also have anti-atherogenic potential, since it provides a potentially beneficial route for delivery of HDL-derived cholesteryl esters to the liver. In addition, CETP could also favourably stimulate peripheral cell cholesterol removal and enhance hepatic cholesterol uptake. Recent evidence suggests that a high CETP level may confer lower cardiovascular risk in the context of low triglycerides. At maximal doses, the CETP inhibitors JTT-705 and torcetrapib elicit a marked rise in HDL cholesterol of up to 34% and 91-106%, respectively. The effectiveness of these drugs on (intermediate) clinical outcome measures is currently being tested in large-scale phase III clinical trials, with torcetrapib being only evaluated in combination therapy with atorvastatin. When and how to use CETP inhibitors, e.g. in combination with a statin or a fibrate, is a major challenge. We propose that low HDL cholesterol in the context of high triglycerides, such as found in type 2 diabetes mellitus, could become an important indication area for this new class of drugs.

de Vries R, Borggreve SE, Dullaart RP. · Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. · Clin Lab. · Pubmed #14651331 No free full text.

Abstract: Dyslipidaemia, hallmarked by low HDL cholesterol and high plasma triglycerides, is a feature of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These lipoprotein abnormalities represent major cardiovascular risk factors in these conditions. Among other factors, lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) play an important role in an abnormal HDL metabolism in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. LPL hydrolyses lipoprotein triglycerides, thus providing lipids for HDL formation. In insulin resistant states, a decreased post-heparin plasma LPL activity contributes to a low HDL cholesterol, whereas an increased activity of HL reduces HDL particle size by hydrolysing its triglycerides and phospholipids. High HL activity coincides with low HDL cholesterol. The esterification of free cholesterol by LCAT increases HDL particle size. Subsequent CETP action results in transfer of cholesteryl esters from HDL towards triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. This cholesteryl ester transfer process results in lower HDL cholesterol and indirectly decreases HDL size. Plasma cholesterol esterification is unaltered or increased, whereas cholesteryl ester transfer is enhanced in type 2 diabetes mellitus, abnormalities which are probably related to the degree of hypertriglyceridaemia. It is plausible that a low LPL activity contributes to premature atherosclerosis as observed in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the effects of high HL activity and altered plasma cholesterol esterification on atherosclerosis development are uncertain. Since the cholesteryl ester transfer process between lipoproteins provides a metabolic intermediate between low HDL cholesterol and high plasma triglycerides, hypertriglyceridaemia-associated accelerated transfer of cholesteryl ester out of HDL may be pathogenetically involved in the development of cardiovascular disease in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

de Vries R, Kerstens MN, Sluiter WJ, Groen AK, van Tol A, Dullaart RP. · Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, Groningen, 9700, The Netherlands. · Diabetologia. · Pubmed #15875154 No free full text.

Abstract: AIM/HYPOTHESIS: Cellular cholesterol efflux to plasma is important in reverse cholesterol transport and may be affected by simvastatin in type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: In 14 moderately hypercholesterolaemic type 1 diabetic and 13 healthy men we determined plasma (apo)lipoproteins, pre-beta HDL formation, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity, cholesterol esterification, cholesteryl ester transfer and the capacity of plasma to induce cholesterol efflux out of Fu5AH cells and fibroblasts. After diet run-in, diabetic patients were randomly treated with simvastatin 10, 20, 40 mg and placebo, once daily each, for 6 weeks in a double-blind crossover design. RESULTS: Plasma very low density lipid protein (VLDL)+LDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL phospholipids, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apo B, CETP activity, PLTP activity, cholesterol esterification, cholesteryl ester transfer and the capacity of plasma to induce cholesterol efflux from Fu5AH cells and fibroblasts were higher in diabetic patients. Pre-beta HDL formation was unaltered. Simvastatin treatment decreased VLDL+LDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apo B, CETP activity, cholesterol esterification and cholesteryl ester transfer. HDL cholesterol increased and its change was correlated with the change in cholesteryl ester transfer. The ability to promote cholesterol efflux from Fu5AH cells and fibroblasts did not change after simvastatin. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The capacity of plasma from moderately hypercholesterolaemic type 1 diabetic patients to induce cholesterol efflux out of Fu5AH cells and fibroblasts is enhanced, probably due to higher apo A-I, HDL phospholipids and PLTP activity. Simvastatin increases HDL cholesterol in type 1 diabetic patients via lowering of plasma cholesteryl ester transfer. The HDL changes after simvastatin do not increase cellular cholesterol efflux further.

Krikken JA, Waanders F, Dallinga-Thie GM, Dikkeschei LD, Vogt L, Navis GJ, Dullaart RP. · University Medical Center Groningen, Division of Nephrology, Hanzeplein 1, Department of Internal Medicine, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands. · Expert Opin Ther Targets. · Pubmed #19397474 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Dyslipidemia contributes to increased cardiovascular risk in nephrotic syndrome. We questioned whether reduction in proteinuria not only lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), but also high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mass and whether changes in HDL-C were related to changes in plasma adiponectin. METHODS: Thirty-two non-diabetic proteinuric patients (12 on statin therapy), were followed during two double blind 6-week periods of placebo and treatment (low sodium + 100mg losartan + 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide). RESULTS: With placebo HDL-C was lower but LDL-C and CETP were not different in proteinuric patients compared with matched controls. LDL-C, HDL-C and CETP decreased upon proteinuria reduction. The decrease in LDL-C correlated with the drop in CETP and the degree of proteinuria reduction. HDL-C also decreased in proportion to proteinuria lowering. Individual changes in HDL-C were correlated with changes in adiponectin. CONCLUSION: LDL-C lowering upon robust reduction of proteinuria may be affected by changes in plasma CETP mass, but this treatment also decreases HDL-C in relation to the degree of proteinuria reduction. This adverse effect on HDL-C may in part be attributable to changes in adiponectin.

Dullaart RP, Schols JL, van der Steege G, Zelissen PM, Sluiter WJ, van Beek AP. · Department of Endocrinology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. · Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). · Pubmed #18221399 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The effect of glucocorticoid substitution on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome components (NCEP ATP III criteria) and serum lipid levels was determined in GH-replaced hypopituitary patients. As glucocorticoid replacement is associated with a pronounced decrease in plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, we also tested associations of HDL cholesterol with the -629C>A CETP promoter polymorphism in subjects with and without ACTH deficiency. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: In a university setting, we retrieved protocolized clinical and laboratory data from 165 adult hypopituitary patients, who had received GH for 1 year. RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex and smoking, non-HDL cholesterol (P = 0.05) and triglycerides (P = 0.004) were higher, but HDL cholesterol was not decreased in 117 glucocorticoid (mainly cortisone acetate in two divided doses) receiving subjects compared to 48 ACTH-sufficient subjects. The prevalence of elevated plasma glucose and/or diabetes (P = 0.04) and hypertriglyceridaemia (P = 0.005), but not of other metabolic syndrome components, was higher in glucocorticoid-replaced subjects. HDL cholesterol was higher in -629 A allele carriers compared to -629CC homozygotes in ACTH-sufficient subjects (P = 0.04), but not in glucocorticoid-treated subjects (P = 0.13). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that only in ACTH-sufficient subjects, HDL cholesterol was independently related to this CETP gene variation (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In GH- and glucocorticoid-replaced hypopituitary patients, serum non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides are higher and the prevalence of hyperglycaemia is increased, but HDL cholesterol is not decreased. Conventional glucocorticoid replacement appears to diminish the association of HDL cholesterol with a common CETP gene variation.

de Vries R, Groen AK, Perton FG, Dallinga-Thie GM, van Wijland MJ, Dikkeschei LD, Wolffenbuttel BH, van Tol A, Dullaart RP. · Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, PO Box 30.001, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands. · Atherosclerosis. · Pubmed #17275009 No free full text.

Abstract: We tested whether hypertriglyceridemia associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus is accompanied by alterations in pre beta-HDL, which are considered to be initial acceptors of cell-derived cholesterol, and by changes in the ability of plasma to promote cellular cholesterol efflux. In 28 hypertriglyceridemic and 56 normotriglyceridemic type 2 diabetic patients, and in 56 control subjects, we determined plasma lipids, HDL cholesterol and phospholipids, plasma pre beta-HDL and pre beta-HDL formation, phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity, plasma cholesterol esterification (EST) and cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) and the ability of plasma to stimulate cholesterol efflux out of cultured human fibroblasts. HDL cholesterol and HDL phospholipids were lower, whereas plasma PLTP activity, EST and CET were higher in hypertriglyceridemic diabetic patients than in the other groups. Pre beta-HDL levels and pre beta-HDL formation were unaltered, although the relative amount of pre beta-HDL (expressed as % of total plasma apo A-I) was increased in hypertriglyeridemic diabetic patients. Cellular cholesterol efflux to plasma from hypertriglyceridemic diabetic patients was increased compared to efflux to normotriglyceridemic diabetic and control plasma, but efflux to normotriglyceridemic diabetic and control plasma did not differ. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that cellular cholesterol efflux to plasma was positively and independently related to pre beta-HDL formation, PLTP activity and EST (multiple r=0.48), but not to the diabetic state. In conclusion, cholesterol efflux from fibroblasts to normotriglyceridemic diabetic plasma is unchanged. Efflux to hypertriglyceridemic diabetic plasma is enhanced, in association with increased plasma PLTP activity and cholesterol esterification. Unaltered pre beta-HDL formation in diabetic hypertriglyceridemia, despite low apo A-I, could contribute to maintenance of cholesterol efflux.

de Vries R, Perton FG, Dallinga-Thie GM, van Roon AM, Wolffenbuttel BH, van Tol A, Dullaart RP. · Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9713 GZ Netherlands. · Diabetes. · Pubmed #16306375 links to  free full text

Abstract: We tested whether carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) is associated with plasma cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) and/or the plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) concentration in type 2 diabetic and control subjects. In 87 male and female subjects with type 2 diabetes (nonsmokers, no insulin or lipid-lowering drug treatment) and 82 control subjects, IMT, plasma CET, CETP mass, and lipids were determined. HDL cholesterol was lower, whereas IMT, pulse pressure, plasma triglycerides, and plasma CET and CETP concentration were higher in diabetic patients versus control subjects. In diabetic patients, plasma CET was positively determined by triglycerides (P < 0.001), non-HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001), CETP (P = 0.002), and the interaction between CETP and triglycerides (P = 0.004). In control subjects, plasma CET was positively related to triglycerides (P < 0.001) and non-HDL cholesterol (P < 0.001). HDL cholesterol was inversely related to plasma CET in each group (P < 0.01 for both). IMT was positively associated with plasma CET in diabetic (P = 0.05) and control (P < 0.05) subjects after adjustment for age, sex, and pulse pressure. No independent relationship with plasma CETP mass was found. Plasma CET is a positive determinant of IMT. Plasma CETP mass, in turn, is a determinant of CET with an increasing effect at higher triglycerides. These data, therefore, provide a rationale to evaluate the effects of CETP inhibitor treatment on plasma CET and on cardiovascular risk in diabetes-associated hypertriglyceridemia.

Vogt L, Laverman GD, van Tol A, Groen AK, Navis G, Dullaart RP. · Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, room 4.045, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9718 NX Groningen, The Netherlands. · Nephrol Dial Transplant. · Pubmed #16141462 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lipid derangements are assumed to contribute to the elevated cardiovascular risk in proteinuric patients. The impact of proteinuria on reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is unknown. The first step in RCT, cellular cholesterol efflux to plasma, may be altered in proteinuria, consequent to changes in pre-beta high-density lipoprotein (HDL) formation and plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity. METHODS: In six non-diabetic male patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria and 12 matched healthy men, plasma (apo)lipoproteins, pre-beta HDL formation, PLTP activity as well as the ability of plasma to promote cholesterol efflux out of cultured human skin fibroblasts were determined. These variables were also measured in response to antiproteinuric treatment, consisting of single and dual RAAS blockade by losartan and lisinopril. RESULTS: Plasma total cholesterol (P<0.05), triglycerides (P<0.05), apolipoprotein (apo) A-I (P<0.001), apo B (P<0.001), PLTP activity (P<0.005) and pre-beta HDL formation (P<0.001) were higher in proteinuric patients. Cellular cholesterol efflux to plasma from proteinuric patients was 41% higher than to plasma from healthy subjects (P<0.001). Reduction of proteinuria from 5.0 to 1.4 g/day by dual RAAS blockade was associated with a 23% reduction in plasma apo B levels (P<0.05). Pre-beta HDL formation and plasma PLTP activity did not change significantly. Combined antiproteinuric treatment did not reduce the elevated cellular cholesterol efflux. CONCLUSION: Cellular cholesterol efflux to plasma from patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria is enhanced, in conjunction with elevated pre-beta HDL formation and plasma PLTP activity. These changes may attenuate the cardiovascular risk associated with proteinuria-associated hyperlipidaemia. Antiproteinuric therapy lowers plasma apo B, but does not affect cell-derived cholesterol efflux, suggesting that this therapy beneficially affects cardiovascular risk in proteinuric patients.