Hepatic lipase facilitates the selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from remnant lipoproteins in apoE-deficient mice

We have investigated the role of hepatic lipase (HL) in remnant lipoprotein metabolism independent of lipolysis by using recombinant adenovirus to express native and catalytically inactive HL (HL-145G) in apolipoprotein (apo)E-deficient mice characterized by increased plasma concentrations of apoB-48-containing remnants. In the absence of apoE, the mechanisms by which apoB-48-containing remnants are taken up by either low density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor or LDL-receptor-related protein (LRP) remain unclear. Overexpression of either native or catalytically inactive HL in apoE-deficient mice led to similar reductions (P > 0.5) in the plasma concentrations of cholesterol (41% and 53%) and non high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (41% and 56%) indicating that even in the absence of lipolysis, HL can partially compensate for the absence of apoE in this animal model. Although the clearance of 3Hcholesteryl ether from VLDL was significantly increased (approximately 2-fold; P 0.4, all) indicating selective cholesterol uptake. Hepatic uptake of 3Hcholesteryl ether from VLDL was greater in mice expressing either native HL (87%) or inactive HL-145G (72%) compared to luciferase controls (56%). Our combined findings are consistent with a role for HL in mediating the selective uptake of cholesterol from remnant lipoproteins in apoE-deficient mice, independent of lipolysis. These studies support the concept that hepatic lipase (HL) may serve as a ligand that mediates the interaction between remnant lipoproteins and cell surface receptors and/or proteoglycans. We hypothesize that one of these pathways may involve the interaction of HL with cell surface receptors, such as scavenger receptor (SR)-BI, that mediate the selective uptake of cholesteryl esters.