Short communication: Accumulation of neutral lipids in liver and aorta of Nef-transgenic mice

Sviridov, D; Kruglov, A; Kruglova, N; Jennelle, L; Brichacek, B; Naumann, R; Pushkarsky, T; Bukrinsky, M; Nedospasov, SA; Shilov, E
Abstract
HIV-infected individuals are at high risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, in part, due to HIV-induced impairment of cholesterol metabolism. In vitro studies demonstrated that HIV-1 protein Nef inhibits activity of ABCA1, the main cellular cholesterol transporter, leading to cholesterol accumulation in macrophages and conversion of these cells into foam cells, characteristic for atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms of Nef-mediated effects on cholesterol metabolism in vivo are not well characterized. In this study, we generated Nef-transgenic mice and evaluated the accumulation of neutral lipids in liver and aorta of these animals. Nef expression was low in all transgenic mice, with some mice carrying the Nef transgene, but not expressing the Nef RNA. Using Oil Red O staining, we demonstrated increased levels of neutral lipids in liver and aorta of mice expressing Nef relative to transgenic animals, with no detectable Nef expression or control wild-type mice. These results provide direct evidence that Nef promotes cholesterol deposition in tissues.
Journal J EPIDEMIOL COMMUNITY HEALTH
ISSN 0143-005X
Published 01 Jan 2017
Volume 33
Issue 1
Pages 57-60
DOI 10.1089/AID.2016.0128
Type Journal Article
Sponsorship
NIH: R01HL101274, R21AI108533, P30AI087714 Russian Foundation for Basic Research: 13-04-91458 Leading Schools: 10014.2016.4