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Endothelial lipase and cholesterol metabolism
Mehmet Cilingiroglu1, Christie Ballantyne
1Section of Cardiology and Atherosclerosis, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Jewish Building 519-D, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mcilingiroglu@yahoo.com
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|March 17, 2004
Summary
Endothelial lipase (EL) influences high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Overexpressing EL decreases HDL, while lacking EL increases HDL, suggesting a role in atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Endothelial lipase (EL) is a recently identified lipase enzyme.
- EL shares homology with lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase.
- It is synthesized by endothelial cells and operates on the cell surface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of endothelial lipase in regulating plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
- To explore the functional activity and expression regulation of EL.
- To assess the potential involvement of EL in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of the endothelial lipase gene.
- Analysis of HDL cholesterol levels in animal models with altered EL expression (overexpression and knockout).
- Investigation of EL expression regulation by cytokines and physical forces.
Main Results:
- EL exhibits phospholipase A1 activity.
- Animals overexpressing EL demonstrated reduced HDL cholesterol.
- Animals lacking EL exhibited elevated HDL cholesterol levels.
- EL expression is significantly modulated by cytokines and physical stimuli.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial lipase plays a critical role in determining plasma HDL cholesterol levels.
- The regulation of EL expression by various factors highlights its dynamic function.
- These findings strongly implicate endothelial lipase as a significant factor in the development of atherosclerosis.