Hyperlipidemias: Fruchart JC

Fruchart JC. · No affiliation provided · Eur Heart J. · Pubmed #10988008 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Fruchart JC, Duriez P. · Lipoprotein and Atherosclerosis Research Unit, INSERM--Unité de Recherche sur l'Arthérosclérose and Lille University 2 U545, Pasteur Institute of Lille, Lille, France. · Drugs Today (Barc). · Pubmed #16511610 No free full text.

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have shown that hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-cholesterol were both associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Furthermore, hypertriglyceridemia is now recognized as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. Secondary prevention trials (e.g., LOCAT, BECAIT, BIP and DAIS) in coronary artery disease with drugs acting primarily on triglycerides (e.g., the PPAR-alpha activators bezafibrate, fenofibrate and gemfibrozil) have shown that reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL-cholesterol, without significantly affecting LDL-cholesterol, slows down coronary artery luminal narrowing. Furthermore, the VA-HIT study recently showed that gemfibrozil decreased coronary artery disease mortality in secondary prevention trials, partly by increasing HDL-cholesterol. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) (i.e., PPAR-alpha, -beta(delta) and -gamma) form a subfamily of the nuclear receptor gene family. Whereas all PPARs are, albeit to differing extents, activated by fatty acids and derivatives, PPAR-alpha binds the hypolipidemic fibrates. PPAR-alpha activation mediates changes in lipoprotein metabolism. Moreover, PPAR-alpha activators increase hepatic uptake and esterification of free fatty acids, in addition to increasing mitochondrial free fatty acid uptake and the resulting free fatty acid oxidation. The effect of fibrates on the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins is due to a PPAR-alpha-dependent stimulation of lipoprotein lipase and of apolipoprotein (apo)A-V and to an inhibition of apoC-III expression, whereas the increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol depends partly on an overexpression of apoA-I and apoA-II. PPARs are also expressed in atherosclerotic lesions.

Jakel H, Nowak M, Helleboid-Chapman A, Fruchart-Najib J, Fruchart JC. · Département d'Athérosclérose, UR545 INSERM, Université de Lille II, Loos, France. · Ann Med. · Pubmed #16448983 No free full text.

Abstract: Hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and is often associated with diabetes, inflammation and the metabolic syndrome. Recently, apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) was identified as a novel member of the APOA1/C3/A4 gene cluster. Data from mice over-expressing or lacking APOA5 provide direct evidence that this apolipoprotein plays a role in triglyceride metabolism. Moreover, plasma triglyceride levels were found to be strongly associated with APOA5 polymorphisms. The human APOA5 gene is regulated by transcription factors known to affect triglyceride metabolism such as PPARa, RORa, LXR and SREBP-1c and this supports its function. Insulin and interleukins regulate APOA5 gene expression and provide novel clues for the role of this apolipoprotein. To date, the triglyceride lowering action of apoA-V is attributed to the activation of lipoprotein lipase and an acceleration of very low density lipoprotein catabolism. Recent findings indicate that APOA5 could also influence cholesterol homeostasis and probably play a role in hypertriglyceridemia associated with diabetes and inflammation. This review aims to give a comprehensive summary of the current literature and supports the view that APOA5 plays a relevant role in lipid metabolism.

Staels B, Fruchart JC. · Department of Atherosclerosis, Unité INSERM 545-Institut Pasteur, 1, rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille Cedex, France. · Diabetes. · Pubmed #16046315 links to  free full text

Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play key roles in the regulation of energy homeostasis and inflammation, and agonists of PPARalpha and -gamma are currently used therapeutically. Fibrates, first used in the 1970s for their lipid-modifying properties, were later shown to activate PPARalpha. These agents lower plasma triglycerides and VLDL particles and increase HDL cholesterol, effects that are associated with cardiovascular benefit. Thiazolidinediones, acting via PPARgamma, influence free fatty acid flux and thus reduce insulin resistance and blood glucose levels. PPARgamma agonists are therefore used to treat type 2 diabetes. PPARalpha and -gamma agonists also affect inflammation, vascular function, and vascular remodeling. As knowledge of the pleiotropic effects of these agents advances, further potential indications are being revealed, including roles in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the metabolic syndrome. Dual PPARalpha/gamma agonists (currently in development) look set to combine the properties of thiazolidinediones and fibrates, and they hold considerable promise for improving the management of type 2 diabetes and providing an effective therapeutic option for treating the multifactorial components of CVD and the metabolic syndrome. The functions of a third PPAR isoform, PPARdelta, and its potential as a therapeutic target are currently under investigation.

Gervois P, Fruchart JC, Staels B. · Départment d'Athérosclérose, Institut Pasteur de Lille and Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lille II, Lille, France. · Int J Clin Pract Suppl. · Pubmed #16035393 No free full text.

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in developed countries. Several risk factors are associated with CVD, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension. Different pharmacological therapies have been developed to control these risk factors. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors, which belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily that controls lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammatory risk factors for CVD. PPARalpha agonists, such as the fibrates, correct dyslipidaemia, thus decreasing CVD risk. PPARgamma agonists, such as the glitazones, increase insulin sensitivity and decrease plasma glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Moreover, both PPARalpha and PPARgamma agonists exert anti-inflammatory activities in liver, adipose and vascular tissues. In this review, we focus on the mode of action of PPARalpha and PPARalpha agonists, illustrating the potential of the newly developed dual PPAR agonists for the treatment of global risk in patients with the metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.

de Groot E, Hovingh GK, Wiegman A, Duriez P, Smit AJ, Fruchart JC, Kastelein JJ. · Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. · Circulation. · Pubmed #15198964 links to  free full text

Abstract: Large observational studies and atherosclerosis regression trials of lipid-modifying pharmacotherapy have established that intima-media thickness of the carotid and femoral arteries, as measured noninvasively by B-mode ultrasound, is a valid surrogate marker for the progression of atherosclerotic disease. To exploit fully the potential of ultrasound imaging in atherosclerosis research, standardized and strictly implemented imaging protocols should be used in both observational studies and applied clinical research. This article describes such a protocol developed at the Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Results are presented from a study that estimated atherosclerosis progression from childhood into old age by measuring intima-media thickness in subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia compared with healthy controls.

Fruchart JC, Nierman MC, Stroes ES, Kastelein JJ, Duriez P. · Departement de Recherche sur les Lipoproteines et l'Atherosclerose,Pasteur de Lille, Inserm U545 et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université du Droit et de la Santé de Lille 2, Lille, France. · Circulation. · Pubmed #15198961 links to  free full text

Abstract: Advances in our understanding of the ways in which the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including standard lipid (eg, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and nonlipid (eg, hypertension) risk factors, interact to initiate atherosclerosis and promote the development of cardiovascular disease have enhanced our ability to assess risk in the individual patient. In addition, the ongoing identification and understanding of so-called novel risk factors may further improve our ability to predict future risk when these are included along with the classic risk factors in assessing the global risk profile. This review briefly summarizes the evidence that some newer risk factors, including impaired fasting glucose, triglycerides and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, contribute to an increased risk of coronary and cardiovascular diseases.

Tailleux A, Torpier G, Mezdour H, Fruchart JC, Staels B, Fiévet C. · Unité de Recherche INSERM 545, Département d'Athérosclérose, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France. · Trends Pharmacol Sci. · Pubmed #14559405 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Fruchart JC, Staels B, Duriez P. · Unité de Recherche sur les Lipoprotéines et l'Athérosclérose, Faculté de Pharmacie, Inserm U545, Institut Pasteur et Université de Lille 2, Lille, France. · Pharmacol Res. · Pubmed #11712864 No free full text.

Abstract: PPAR-alpha belongs to the family of nuclear receptors. Activated PPAR-alpha stimulates the expression of genes involved in fatty acid and lipoprotein metabolism. PPAR-alpha activators, such as the normolipidaemic fibric acids, decrease triglyceride concentrations by increasing the expression of lipoprotein lipase and decreasing apo C-III concentration. Furthermore, they increase HDL-cholesterol by increasing the expression of apo A-I and apo A-II. PPAR-alpha activation by fibric acids improves insulin sensibility, and decreases thrombosis and vascular inflammation. PPAR-alpha activators (gemfibrozil) decrease the risk of coronary heart disease in patients with normal LDL-cholesterol and low HDL-cholesterol (VA-HIT) and they slow the progression of premature coronary atherosclerosis (BECAIT) (bezafibrate), particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes (DAIS) (fenofibrate).

Duriez P, Fruchart JC. · Département d'Athérosclérose - U325 INSERM, Institut Pasteur et Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lille II, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille cedex, France. · Curr Atheroscler Rep. · Pubmed #11122689 No free full text.

Abstract: Hypertriglyceridemia is now recognized as an independent risk factor of coronary artery disease (CAD). A recent secondary prevention study of CAD with a statin suggested that it may be prudent to target fasting triglycerides to less than 150 mg/dL. Secondary prevention trials of CAD with drugs acting primarily on triglycerides (fibrates) have shown that reducing triglycerides and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, without significantly affecting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol slows down coronary artery luminal narrowing (Lopid Coronary Angiography Trial [LOCAT], Bezafibrate Coronary Atherosclerosis Intervention Trial [BECAIT], Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention [BIP]). Furthermore, Veterans Administration-HDL Intervention Trial (VA-HIT) and Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto-1 (GISSI) studies recently showed that gemfibrozil and fish oils, respectively, decreased CAD mortality in secondary prevention trials. Statins are also capable of significantly reducing high triglyceride levels. Further clinical studies are necessary to confirm in terms of mortality the beneficial effect of reducing triglycerides and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in secondary CAD prevention; whereas, in primary prevention the beneficial effect of drastically reducing triglycerides by the way of pharmacology needs to be proved.

Duez H, Lefebvre B, Poulain P, Torra IP, Percevault F, Luc G, Peters JM, Gonzalez FJ, Gineste R, Helleboid S, Dzavik V, Fruchart JC, Fiévet C, Lefebvre P, Staels B. · UR545INSERM, Département d'Athérosclérose, Institut Pasteur Lille and Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Lille2, France. · Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. · Pubmed #15618549 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this trial was to study the effects of fenofibrate (FF) and gemfibrozil (GF), the most commonly used fibrates, on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a head-to-head double-blind clinical trial, both FF and GF decreased triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol levels to a similar extent, whereas plasma apoA-I only increased after FF but not GF. Results in human (h) apoA-Itransgenic (hA-ITg) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha-/- mice demonstrated that PPARalpha mediates the effects of FF and GF on HDL in vivo. Although plasma and hepatic mRNA levels of hapoA-I increased more pronouncedly after FF than GF in hA-ITgPPARalpha+/+ mice, both fibrates induced acylCoAoxidase mRNA similarly. FF and GF transactivated PPARalpha with similar activity and affinity on a DR-1 PPAR response element, but maximal activation on the hapoA-I DR-2 PPAR response element was significantly lower for GF than for FF. Moreover, GF induced recruitment of the coactivator DRIP205 on the DR-2 site less efficiently than did FF. CONCLUSIONS: Both GF and FF exert their effects on HDL through PPARalpha. Whereas FF behaves as a full agonist, GF appears to act as a partial agonist due to a differential recruitment of coactivators to the promoter. These observations provide an explanation for the differences in the activity of these fibrates on apoA-I.

Kosoglou T, Statkevich P, Fruchart JC, Pember LJ, Reyderman L, Cutler DL, Guillaume M, Maxwell SE, Veltri EP. · Department of Early Clinical Research and Experimental Medicine, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA. · Curr Med Res Opin. · Pubmed #15324522 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The cholesterol absorption inhibitor, ezetimibe, significantly decreases low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. The pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and safety profiles of ezetimibe and fenofibrate were evaluated alone and after co-administration in 32 subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a randomized, evaluator (single)-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Subjects with untreated LDL-C > or = 130 mg/dL (3.37 mmol/L) were randomized to receive one of four oral treatments each morning for 14 days: fenofibrate 200 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg, fenofibrate 200 mg, ezetimibe 10 mg, or placebo. Serum lipids were assessed before drug administration on day 1, day 7, and day 14. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed on day 14. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary pharmacodynamic parameter was percentage change from baseline in LDL-C concentration following co-administration of ezetimibe and fenofibrate vs either drug alone, or placebo. A secondary outcome was the potential for a pharmacokinetic interaction between ezetimibe and fenofibrate. RESULTS: Ezetimibe and fenofibrate co-administration was well tolerated and produced statistically significant mean percentage reductions from baseline in LDL-C (p < or = 0.05 vs either drug alone or placebo), total cholesterol and triglycerides (p < or = 0.05 vs either fenofibrate or placebo), apolipoprotein C-III (p < or = 0.05 vs placebo), and LDL-III (p < or = 0.05 vs either drug alone or placebo). Ezetimibe did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of fenofibrate. Concomitant fenofibrate administration significantly increased the mean C(max) and AUC of total ezetimibe approximately 64% and 48%, respectively. However, based on the established safety profile and flat dose-response of ezetimibe, this effect is not considered to be clinically significant. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of ezetimibe and fenofibrate produced significantly greater reductions in LDL-C than either drug alone and greater reductions in triglycerides than fenofibrate. These effects were accompanied by improvements in the lipid/lipoprotein profile, suggesting that co-administration therapy with ezetimibe and fenofibrate may be an effective therapeutic option for patients with mixed dyslipidemia.

de Grooth GJ, Smilde TJ, Van Wissen S, Klerkx AH, Zwinderman AH, Fruchart JC, Kastelein JJ, Stalenhoef AF, Kuivenhoven JA. · Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. · Atherosclerosis. · Pubmed #15064100 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of neutral lipids between lipoproteins. The role of CETP in atherogenesis is controversial. To better understand the relationships between plasma CETP levels, lipoproteins and atherosclerosis, we assessed these parameters in patients with an enhanced risk for atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated 281 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in which the effects of two statins were compared in a 2-year, randomized, double-blinded study. Patients were stratified in quartiles according to their CETP baseline levels. In addition to correlations with decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and enhanced triglyceride levels, higher CETP levels were also associated with reduced HDL particle size, and smaller and denser LDL. Statins reduced plasma CETP levels and atherogenic lipoproteins. Nevertheless, baseline CETP concentration was positively associated with IMT after 2 years of therapy. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that CETP levels are associated with a more atherogenic lipid profile and increased progression of atherosclerosis. Statin treatment improved the lipoprotein profile in FH patients, but to a lesser extent in those with high CETP levels. These findings might imply that statin treatment does not entirely counteract the lipoprotein abnormalities associated with high CETP levels.

de Man FH, de Beer F, van der Laarse A, Jansen H, Leuven JA, Souverijn JH, Vroom TF, Schoormans SC, Fruchart JC, Havekes LM, Smelt AH. · Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. · Atherosclerosis. · Pubmed #11164425 No free full text.

Abstract: Fibrates are regarded as drugs of choice in hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Downregulation of apolipoprotein (apo) C-III gene expression and upregulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene expression have been suggested to explain the hypolipidemic action of fibrates. This study was designed to study the effects of bezafibrate therapy on very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) susceptibility to lipolysis, VLDL binding to the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and postheparin LPL activities in patients with HTG. VLDL lipolysis was studied with heparan sulfate proteoglycan-bound LPL. Binding affinity of VLDL to the LDL receptor was determined in J774 cells with 125I-labeled control LDL. Eighteen HTG patients were randomized to receive, in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over fashion, 400 mg bezafibrate once daily for 6 weeks. In response to bezafibrate therapy, plasma triglyceride and apoC-III levels decreased by 69 and 42%, respectively. HTG VLDL was lipolyzed less efficiently compared to control VLDL, and lipolysis did not improve by bezafibrate therapy. VLDL binding affinity to the LDL receptor was comparable between the control group and HTG group, and did not change upon bezafibrate therapy. However, the post-heparin LPL activity in the HTG patients increased from 153 to 192 U/l (P = 0.025). A strong inverse relation was observed between the change in LPL activities and the change in triglyceride levels (r = -0.62, P = 0.006). In conclusion, the hypolipidemic action of bezafibrate therapy in HTG may be attributed to increased LPL activity, whereas VLDL susceptibility to lipolysis and LDL receptor binding are not affected.

Barter P, Gotto AM, LaRosa JC, Maroni J, Szarek M, Grundy SM, Kastelein JJ, Bittner V, Fruchart JC, Anonymous00023. · Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia. · N Engl J Med. · Pubmed #17898099 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels are a strong inverse predictor of cardiovascular events. However, it is not clear whether this association is maintained at very low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. METHODS: A post hoc analysis of the recently completed Treating to New Targets (TNT) study assessed the predictive value of HDL cholesterol levels in 9770 patients. The primary outcome measure was the time to a first major cardiovascular event, defined as death from coronary heart disease, nonfatal non-procedure-related myocardial infarction, resuscitation after cardiac arrest, or fatal or nonfatal stroke. The predictive relationship between HDL cholesterol levels at the third month of treatment with statins and the time to the first major cardiovascular event was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses and was also assessed for specific LDL cholesterol strata, including subjects with LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg per deciliter (1.8 mmol per liter). RESULTS: The HDL cholesterol level in patients receiving statins was predictive of major cardiovascular events across the TNT study cohort, both when HDL cholesterol was considered as a continuous variable and when subjects were stratified according to quintiles of HDL cholesterol level. When the analysis was stratified according to LDL cholesterol level in patients receiving statins, the relationship between HDL cholesterol level and major cardiovascular events was of borderline significance (P=0.05). Even among study subjects with LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg per deciliter, those in the highest quintile of HDL cholesterol level were at less risk for major cardiovascular events than those in the lowest quintile (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In this post hoc analysis, HDL cholesterol levels were predictive of major cardiovascular events in patients treated with statins. This relationship was also observed among patients with LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg per deciliter. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00327691 [ClinicalTrials.gov].).

Kahri J, Fruchart-Najib J, Matikainen N, Fruchart JC, Vakkilainen J, Taskinen MR. · Division of Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital, Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland. · Diabetes Care. · Pubmed #17485571 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Marçais C, Verges B, Charrière S, Pruneta V, Merlin M, Billon S, Perrot L, Drai J, Sassolas A, Pennacchio LA, Fruchart-Najib J, Fruchart JC, Durlach V, Moulin P. · Laboratoire de Biochimie, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Benite Cedex, France. · J Clin Invest. · Pubmed #16200213 links to  free full text

Abstract: While type 1 hyperlipidemia is associated with lipoprotein lipase or apoCII deficiencies, the etiology of type 5 hyperlipidemia remains largely unknown. We explored a new candidate gene, APOA5, for possible causative mutations in a pedigree of late-onset, vertically transmitted hyperchylomicronemia. A heterozygous Q139X mutation in APOA5 was present in both the proband and his affected son but was absent in 200 controls. It was subsequently found in 2 of 140 cases of hyperchylomicronemia. Haplotype analysis suggested the new Q139X as a founder mutation. Family studies showed that 5 of 9 total Q139X carriers had hyperchylomicronemia, 1 patient being homozygote. Severe hypertriglyceridemia in 8 heterozygotes was strictly associated with the presence on the second allele of 1 of 2 previously described triglyceride-raising minor APOA5 haplotypes. Furthermore, ultracentrifugation fraction analysis indicated in carriers an altered association of Apoa5 truncated and WT proteins to lipoproteins, whereas in normal plasma, Apoa5 associated with VLDL and HDL/LDL fractions. APOB100 kinetic studies in 3 severely dyslipidemic patients with Q139X revealed a major impairment of VLDL catabolism. Lipoprotein lipase activity and mass were dramatically reduced in dyslipidemic carriers, leading to severe lipolysis defect. Our observations strongly support in humans a role for APOA5 in lipolysis regulation and in familial hyperchylomicronemia.

Brites FD, Verona J, Schreier LE, Fruchart JC, Castro GR, Wikinski RL. · Laboratorio de Lípidos y Lipoproteínas, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. · Arch Med Res. · Pubmed #15163466 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that high density lipoprotein (HDL)-deficient states are associated with reduced paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity. However, HDL reduction caused by primary hypertriglyceridemia has not been fully explored. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether PON1 and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), two antioxidant enzymes, were altered in patients with low HDL-cholesterol levels with or without primary hypertriglyceridemia in comparison with control normolipemic subjects. METHODS: We studied 24 patients with low HDL-cholesterol levels with (n=12) or without (n=12) primary hypertriglyceridemia in comparison with 12 control subjects who presented normal HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Paraoxon and phenylacetate were used as substrate for measuring PON1 activities and 1-hexadecyl-2-[3H]acetyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine for platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity. Double substrate method was used to assign phenotypes. Lipid, lipoprotein, apolipoprotein, and lipoprotein particles were determined by standardized methods. RESULTS: Both PON1 activities were significantly reduced in patients with low HDL-cholesterol levels. This reduction could be selectively attributed to the hypertriglyceridemic subgroup. PAF-AH activity was not different between hypoalphalipoproteinemic patients and controls. PON1 activities correlated positively and significantly with HDL-cholesterol, HDL2-cholesterol, HDL3-cholesterol, HDL-phospholipids, apo A-I, apo A-II, and LpA-I:A-II. PAF-AH correlated positively and significantly with total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this study would suggest that in hypoalphalipoproteinemic syndrome, particularly when associated with hypertriglyceridemia, there is impairment in enzymatic antioxidant activity exclusively related with HDL.

Baroukh N, Bauge E, Akiyama J, Chang J, Afzal V, Fruchart JC, Rubin EM, Fruchart-Najib J, Pennacchio LA. · Department of Genome Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, Calif 94720, USA. · Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. · Pubmed #15117734 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Both the apolipoprotein A5 and C3 genes have repeatedly been shown to play an important role in determining plasma triglyceride concentrations in humans and mice. In mice, transgenic and knockout experiments indicate that plasma triglyceride levels are strongly altered by changes in the expression of either of these 2 genes. In humans, common polymorphisms in both genes have also been associated with plasma triglyceride concentrations. These similar findings raised the issue of the relationship between these 2 genes and altered triglycerides. METHODS AND RESULTS: To address this issue, we generated independent lines of mice that either overexpressed ("double transgenic") or completely lacked ("double knockout") both apolipoprotein genes. We report that both "double transgenic" and "double knockout" mice display normal triglyceride concentrations compared with overexpression or deletion of either gene alone. Furthermore, we find that human ApoAV plasma protein levels in the "double transgenic" mice are approximately 500-fold lower than human ApoCIII levels, supporting ApoAV as a potent triglyceride modulator despite its low concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these data support that APOA5 and APOC3 independently influence plasma triglyceride concentrations but in an opposing manner.

Welch CL, Bretschger S, Wen PZ, Mehrabian M, Latib N, Fruchart-Najib J, Fruchart JC, Myrick C, Lusis AJ. · Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA. · Physiol Genomics. · Pubmed #14722362 No free full text.

Abstract: Atherosclerosis is a complex disease resulting from the interaction of multiple genes, including those causing dyslipidemia. Relatively few of the causative genes have been identified. Previously, we identified Apoa2 as a major determinant of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the mouse model. To identify additional HDL-C level quantitative trait loci (QTLs), while controlling for the effect of the Apoa2 locus, we performed linkage analysis in 179 standard diet-fed F(2) mice derived from strains BALB/cJ and B6.C-H25(c) (a congenic strain carrying the BALB/c Apoa2 allele). Three significant QTLs and one suggestive locus were identified. A female-specific locus mapping to chromosome 6 (Chr 6) also exhibited effects on plasma non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein AII (apoAII), apoB, and apoE levels. A Chr 6 QTL was independently isolated in a related congenic strain (C57BL/6J vs. B6.NODc6: P = 0.003 and P = 0.0001 for HDL-C and non-HDL-C levels, respectively). These data are consistent with polygenic inheritance of HDL-C levels in the mouse model and provide candidate loci for HDL-C and non-HDL-C level determination in humans.

Kuivenhoven JA, Hovingh GK, van Tol A, Jauhiainen M, Ehnholm C, Fruchart JC, Brinton EA, Otvos JD, Smelt AH, Brownlee A, Zwinderman AH, Hayden MR, Kastelein JJ. · Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. · Atherosclerosis. · Pubmed #14644402 No free full text.

Abstract: A cohort of 13 female and 14 male heterozygotes for ATP binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) gene defects was directly compared with 13 and 14 unaffected female and male family members of almost exact same age. The activities of three proteins that play key roles in HDL metabolism were measured in addition to extensive lipid and (apo) lipoprotein subfraction analysis. Compared to controls, LCAT activity was reduced by 15% in affected subjects (P < 0.001) while PLTP activity was unaffected. Interestingly, CETP activity was elevated by 50% in the heterozygote siblings of one kindred but was unaffected in heterozygotes of the three other families. With respect to lipids, the heterozygotes had normal total cholesterol (TC), and LDL-cholesterol concentrations but presented with a trend towards increased triglyceride levels (13%; P = 0.08). HDL metabolism, by contrast, was severely affected as illustrated by 40% reductions in HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001) with concomitant reductions in apoAI (25%; P < 0.001) levels and in lipoprotein subfraction LpAI (28%; P < 0.001), LpAI:AII (24%; P=0.014), and LpCIII:nonB (34%; P < 0.001) concentrations. We furthermore observed reduced average HDL particle size (5%; P = 0.004; 16% in female and 3.6% in male) and reduced plasma apoCIII concentration (15%; P = 0.006) while apoAII, apoAIV, apoE and apoB levels were unchanged. In conclusion, heterozygosity for ABCA1 defects was associated with reduced LCAT activity in absence of effects on PLTP activity. Of special interest was our finding that the effects of compromised ABCA1 function on HDL were more pronounced in women than in men.

Slimane MN, Lestavel S, Clavey V, Maatouk F, Ben Fahrat MH, Fruchart JC, Hammami M, Benlian P. · Laboratoire de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia. · J Med Genet. · Pubmed #12414836 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Fruchart JC. · Département de recherche sur les lipoprotéines et l'athérosclérose, UR 545 Inserm et Université de Lille 2, Institut Pasteur 1, rue du Professeur Calmette 59019 Lille. · Presse Med. · Pubmed #12378980 No free full text.

Abstract: A MAJOR CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTOR: LDL-cholesterol is unquestionably the principle cardiovascular risk factor, showing a continuous relationship without threshold value with the incidence of cardiovascular events. Interventional studies conducted with statins showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk and total mortality, which was enhanced when the absolute risk was high in the population studied. Moreover, there was a linear relationship between the decrease in cholesterol and the reduction of coronary events. FOR OPTIMAL CARDIOVASCULAR PREVENTION: Many arguments are in favor of a drastic reduction in LDL-cholesterol (< 1 g/l) for secondary prevention and in patients at high vascular risk (absolute cardiovascular risk greater than 20% over 10 years), without the possibility, today, of clearly defining the optimal target level in these patients. However, in daily practice the therapeutic aims established by national and international recommendations are rarely reached, as is shown by several epidemiological surveys. NEW THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES: To obtain even lower levels of LDL-cholesterol, two strategies are possible, either combined with other hypolipidemic substances, such as intestinal cholesterol absorption inhibitors, or administration of more potent statins (rosuvastatin, pitavastatin). Nonetheless, the other risk factors must also be treated in order to reduce the patients' global cardiovascular risk score.

Boullier A, Hennuyer N, Tailleux A, Furman C, Duverger N, Caillaud JM, Castro G, Fievet C, Fruchart JC, Duriez P. · Department of Atherosclerosis, Pasteur Institute, INSERM U325 and University of Lille II, Lille, France. · Clin Sci (Lond). · Pubmed #11222122 No free full text.

Abstract: High levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol have been reported to protect against the development of atherosclerosis in humans by increasing reverse cholesterol transport and inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) due to the paraoxonase content of HDL. The purpose of the present study was to assess if there are any relationships between in vivo increases in serum levels of immunological LDL oxidation markers [autoantibodies against oxidized LDL, autoantibodies against malondialdehyde-modified LDL, LDL immune complexes and anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies], paraoxonase activity and the development of atherosclerosis in control rabbits and in transgenic rabbits expressing human apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. A total of 13 apo A-I transgenic rabbits and 18 non-transgenic littermates were fed on a cholesterol-rich diet (0.4%, w/w) for 14 weeks, and were monitored at weeks 0, 2, 6, 10 and 14. Aortic atherosclerotic lesions were measured at the end of this period. Human apo A-I transgenic rabbits with high HDL cholesterol levels were not protected against the development of atherosclerosis when they were fed on a cholesterol-rich diet which induced dramatic hypercholesterolaemia. Immunological markers of LDL oxidation increased and serum paraoxonase activity decreased similarly in control and transgenic rabbits. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that high HDL cholesterol levels are ineffective in inhibiting increases in immunological markers of LDL oxidation and the development of atherosclerosis in a mammal with severe hypercholesterolaemia.

Vergnes L, Baroukh N, Ostos MA, Castro G, Duverger N, Nanjee MN, Najib J, Fruchart JC, Miller NE, Zakin MM, Ochoa A. · Unité d'Expression des Gènes Eucaryotes, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. · Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. · Pubmed #11031214 links to  free full text

Abstract: The apolipoprotein (apo)A-I/C-III/A-IV gene cluster is involved in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis. Overexpression of apoC-III in mice causes hypertriglyceridemia and induces atherogenesis, whereas overexpression of apoA-I or apoA-IV increases cholesterol in plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) and protects against atherosclerosis. Each gene has been studied alone in transgenic mice but not in combination as the entire cluster. To determine which phenotype is produced by the expression of the entire gene cluster, transgenic mice were generated with a 33-kb human DNA fragment. The results showed that the transgene contained the necessary elements to direct hepatic and intestinal expression of the 3 genes. In the pooled data, plasma concentrations were 257+/-9, 7.1+/-0.5, and 1.0+/-0.2 mg/dL for human apoA-I, apoC-III, and apoA-IV, respectively (mean+/-SEM). Concentrations of these apolipoproteins were higher in males than in females. Human apoA-I and apoC-III concentrations were positively correlated, suggesting that they are coregulated. Transgenic mice exhibited gross hypertriglyceridemia and accumulation of apoB(48)-containing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Plasma triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations were correlated positively with human apoC-III concentration, and HDL cholesterol was correlated with apoA-I concentration. In an apoE-deficient background, despite being markedly hypertriglyceridemic, cluster transgenic animals compared with nontransgenic animals showed a 61% reduction in atherosclerosis. This suggests that apoA-I and/or apoA-IV can protect against atherosclerosis even in the presence of severe hyperlipidemia. These mice provide a new model for studies of the regulation of the 3 human genes in combination.