Effect of human apolipoprotein A-I gene on vasoactive properties of high density lipoproteins in rats of different age

Abstract

Vasodilatory activity of high density lipoproteins and the content of apolipoprotein A-I in these particles decreases in senescent rats in comparison with adult animals. Implantation of human apolipoprotein A-I gene increases the content of this apolipoprotein in high density lipoproteins and improves their vasodilatory effect. Key Words: gene; lipoproteins; vessels; agingChanges in the content and proportion between various circulating lipoprotein complexes (dyslipoprotei~ nemias) can modulate metabolic and functional alterations in the cardiovascular system during aging and atherosclerosis development [ 1,5]. Lipoprotein (LP) classes differ in their acceptor and transporting functions, while functional properties of different LP depend on their apoprotein constituents [7]. In particular, antiatherogenic properties of high density lipoproteins (HDL) are determined by the presence of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I.LP complexes act as effective regulators of vascular reactivity [ 11]. We previously demonstrated that vasoactive effects of LP decrease during aging [4]. It was shown that implantation of human apo-A-I gene to rats modulates plasma content of different LP classes in senescent animals [3].In light of this it was interesting to study agerelated differences in the effect of implanted human