Project description:Dyslipidemia and inflammation play key roles in the pathogenesis of both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis. NAFLD, particularly its severe form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. HDL (high density lipoprotein- also a CVD risk) are decreased in NAFLD but whether HDL function is abnormal in NAFLD is unknown. Furthermore, it is unknown whether dyslipidemia contributes to reduced HDL function in NAFLD and whether hepatic inflammation further impairs HDL function in patients with NASH. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate HDL function and to examine the effect of dyslipidemia and inflammation on HDL metabolism in patients with biopsy-proven simple steatosis (SS) and NASH. RESULTS: Compared to controls, SS and NASH subjects had significantly higher levels of plasma triglyceride, insulin, and were more insulin resistant (HOMA, P<0.05) with no differences in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, ApoB100 and ApoAI levels. NAFLD patients had increased production and degradation rates of both HDLc and ApoAI that resulted in their levels remaining stable. The degradation rates also were increased of other HDL proteins, including ApoAII, ApoAIV, vitamin D-binding protein, and complement 3 (all P<0.05). NAFLD patients had increased activities of LCAT and CETP, indicating altered HDL lipidation. NAFLD induced alterations in HDL metabolism were associated with reduced anti-oxidant but increased pro-inflammatory activity of HDL. However, no differences were observed in either HDL function or the kinetics of HDLc and HDL proteins between SS and NASH subjects.
Project description:Vitamin D, in addition to calcium/phosphate metabolism and bone homeostasis regulation, has antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. These protective actions may have an impact in the progression of chronic liver disease including NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Vitamin D deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome components, such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. NAFLD is often considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, and a growing body of research suggests a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and NAFLD, with low levels of 25(OH)D associated with hepatic inflammation, and the severity and progression of NAFLD.
Project description:Background: Vitamin D has been observed to affect the expression of a number of genes, however its mechanism of action has not been completely elucidated. MicroRNA molecules have recently been shown to be key mediators of gene regulation. We hypothesised therefore that vitamin D might modulate gene expression by influencing the expression of microRNAs. Methodology/Principal findings: A microRNA array was used to investigate the expression of microRNAs in RNA extracted from cells exposed to calcitriol for 0, 8 or 36 hours. A diverse panel of human cell lines were analysed including Hep-G2, HL60, K562, two fibroblast cell lines (AG09309 and AG09319), and four lymphoblastoid cell lines (GM15084, GM12878, GM07348 and GM07019). When compared between 0, 8 and 36 hours of calcitriol treatment, there were several microRNAs that were differentially regulated but the significance of these was lost after correction for multiple hypothesis testing. Conclusions/Significance: No microRNA showed significantly altered expression after exposure to vitamin D. However, some nominally significant miRNA molecules may warrant further investigation for a potential vitamin D-related role in immune function.
Project description:AIMS To identify the underlying mechanism by which Vitamin D reduces colorectal cancer risk.
OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum vitamin D levels.
To demonstrate dynamic changes in gene expression in response to vitamin D. To demonstrate the mechanism underlying the gene-environment interaction of vitamin D, susceptibility genetic variants (risk genes) and colorectal cancer.