OBJECTIVE ABCA1-dependent and ABCA1-independent pathways may operate in high-density lipoprotein formation by macrophages secreting apolipoprotein (apo) E. We examined the impact of ABCA1 on apoE-mediated efflux from cholesterol-enriched macrophages. METHODS AND RESULTS Without acceptors, wild-type, ABCA1-/-, and apoE-/- macrophages released 5.7%+/-0.3%, 1.8%+/-0.1%, and 2.3%+/-0.2% of their ...

Plasma HDL cholesterol levels are inversely related to risk for atherosclerosis. The ATP-binding cassette, subfamily A, member 1 (ABCA1) mediates the rate-controlling step in HDL particle formation, the assembly of free cholesterol and phospholipids with apoA-I. ABCA1 is expressed in many tissues; however, the physiological functions of ABCA1 in specific tissues and organs are still elusive. Th...

ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a key role in atherogenesis. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a gasotransmitter, has been reported to play an anti-atherosclerotic role. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study we examined whether and how H₂S regulates ABCA1 expression. The effect of H₂S on ABCA1 expression and lipid metabolism were assessed in vitro by cult...

Changes in cellular cholesterol affect insulin secretion, and β-cell-specific deletion or loss-of-function mutations in the cholesterol efflux transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) result in impaired glucose tolerance and β-cell dysfunction. Upregulation of ABCA1 expression may therefore be beneficial for the maintenance of normal islet function in diabetes. Studies suggest th...

PURPOSE Intermediate and large drusen usually precede advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). There is little information about which genes influence drusen accumulation. Discovery of genetic variants associated with drusen may lead to prevention and treatments of AMD in its early stages. METHODS A total of 3066 subjects were evaluated on the basis of ocular examinations and fundus p...

OBJECTIVES ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a crucial role in reverse cholesterol transport and anti-atherosclerosis. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) could increase the ABCA1 expression. Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) can protect endothelial cells, inhibit smooth muscle cell growth, ameliorate inflammation and exert anti-atherosclerotic effects. In this study, we attempted to clarify the effect of ...

Surfactant is an apically-secreted surface-active material containing primarily disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPtdCho) that is released from alveolar epithelia into the alveolus. Surfactant deficiency is an important aspect of inflammatory lung disease and may result from extravasation of serum lipoproteins into the alveolus. We investigated whether one bioactive component of modified lipop...

Carriers of the apolipoprotein A-I(Milano) (A-I(M)) variant present with severe reductions of plasma HDL levels, not associated with premature coronary heart disease (CHD). Sera from 14 A-I(M) carriers and matched controls were compared for their ability to promote ABCA1-driven cholesterol efflux from J774 macrophages and human fibroblasts. When both cell types are stimulated to express ABCA1, ...

OBJECTIVE ATP-binding cassette transporter-1 (ABCA1) mediates the active efflux of cholesterol and phospholipids, playing an important role in cholesterol homeostasis and atherogenesis. Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is an atherogenic molecule associated with the vascular endothelial dysfunction and development of atherosclerotic plaque. This report describes the effect of copper-cata...

Macrophages clear millions of apoptotic cells daily and, during this process, take up large quantities of cholesterol. The membrane transporter ABCA1 is a key player in cholesterol efflux from macrophages and has been shown via human genetic studies to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. How the apoptotic cell clearance process is linked to macrophage ABCA1 expression is not know...