Alterations in high-density lipoprotein proteome and function associated with persistent organic pollutants.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Cardiovascular Science
• Proteomics

Background:

• Growing evidence links persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but underlying mechanisms are unclear.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) offers protection against CVD; previous studies found higher POP levels in HDL from CVD patients.
• This research investigates the impact of POPs on HDL's protein composition and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between HDL-associated POP levels and HDL's protein profile and antioxidant activity.
• To identify specific HDL proteins and functions affected by POP exposure, particularly highly chlorinated PCB congeners.

Main Methods:

• HDL was isolated from 17 subjects residing in a contaminated community.
• Nanoliquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for HDL protein composition analysis.
• Partial least square and multiple linear regression analyses assessed associations between 16 POPs and HDL proteins/functions.

Main Results:

• Proteomic analysis identified 118 HDL proteins; ten were significantly associated with POPs or highly chlorinated PCBs.
• Associated proteins included cholesteryl ester transfer protein, phospholipid transfer protein, and serum amyloid A.
• Serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 activity was inversely associated with POPs, indicating reduced antioxidant capacity.

Conclusions:

• POP exposure, especially from highly chlorinated PCBs, is associated with alterations in HDL protein composition, potentially impairing HDL function.
• These HDL changes may contribute to the increased CVD risk observed in POP-exposed populations.
• Further research is needed to establish causality and the role of other environmental factors.