Lipid Droplet Biogenesis and Function in the Endothelium

Abstract

Rationale Fatty acids (FA) are transported across the capillary endothelium to parenchymal tissues. However, it is not known how endothelial cells (EC) process a post-prandial surge of FA. Objective This study was designed to characterize lipid droplet (LD) formation and function in EC. Methods and Results LD form and degrade in EC in vivo after FA loading. In cultured EC, LD synthesis and turnover is dynamic and function to protect EC from lipotoxic stress and provide FA for metabolic needs. Conclusions Our results delineate endothelial LD dynamics for the first time, demonstrating their protective role in lipotoxicity, FA utilization and mobilization.

Does Endothelium Buffer Fat?

“…Surges in lipid delivery, as observed postprandial, must, therefore, be tempered, and LDs in endothelium may do just that. Kuo et al 6 demonstrate that plasma concentrations of TGs peak 90 minutes after olive oil gavage, whereas accumulation of LDs in the aortic wall peak significantly later at 180 minutes. The authors then demonstrate in cell culture that ECs loaded with LDs subsequently unload their fat content back into the medium or adjacent cells such as muscle cells.…”

“…The study by Kuo et al 6 identifies exciting new biology in ECs. As with all such discoveries, numerous questions remain.…”

Raman spectroscopy–based insight into lipid droplets presence and contents in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes

“…It is well known that the fenestrated endothelium is dedicated for transcellular, free movement of nutrients, including chylomicron remnants and LSECs defenestration may limit hepatic uptake of various lipoproteins . Interestingly, the ability of endothelial cell to form lipid droplets (LDs) was recently reported both in vivo (after oral gavages of olive oil) and in vitro (by treating cells in culture with fatty acids) . LDs are usually described as intracellular structures that serve as fat store.…”

N1‐methylnicotinamide (MNAM) as a guardian of cardiovascular system

“…Furthermore, LDs are linked to various disorders like obesity, atherosclerosis, and cancer via synthesis and metabolism of eicosanoids (Bozza & Viola, 2010;Greenberg et al, 2011;Melo & Dvorak, 2012). In addition to adipocytes, existence of LDs in the endothelial cells has recently been reported (Kuo, Lee, & Sessa, 2017;Majzner et al, 2016). The main functions of endothelial LDs are prevention of lipotoxocity and transfer of FA to neighboring cells (Kuo et al, 2017).…”

“…In addition to adipocytes, existence of LDs in the endothelial cells has recently been reported (Kuo, Lee, & Sessa, 2017;Majzner et al, 2016). The main functions of endothelial LDs are prevention of lipotoxocity and transfer of FA to neighboring cells (Kuo et al, 2017). The uptake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like arachidonic acid (AA) induces formation of LDs in the endothelial cells as unsaturation degree of endothelial LDs is associated to environment (Majzner et al, 2016).…”