Normal HDL–apo AI turnover and cholesterol enrichment of HDL subclasses in New Zealand rabbits with partial nephrectomy

ObjectiveThe kidney has been proposed to play a central role in apo AI catabolism, suggesting that HDL structure is determined, at least in part, by this organ. Here, we aimed at determining the effects of a renal mass reduction on HDL size distribution, lipid content, and apo AI turnover.MethodsWe characterized HDL subclasses in rabbits with a 75% reduction of functional renal mass (Nptx group), using enzymatic staining of samples separated on polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels, and also performed kinetic studies using radiolabeled HDL–apo AI in this animal model.ResultsCreatinine clearance was reduced to 35% after nephrectomy as compared to the basal values, but without increased proteinuria. A slight, but significant modification of the relative HDL size distribution was observed after nephrectomy, whereas cholesterol plasma concentrations gradually augmented from large HDL2b (+ 54%) to small HDL3b particles (+ 150%, P < 0.05). Cholesteryl esters were the increased fraction; in contrast, free cholesterol phospholipids and triglycerides of HDL subclasses were not affected by nephrectomy. HDL–apo AI fractional catabolic rates were similar to controls.ConclusionReduction of functional renal mass is associated to enrichment of HDL subclasses with cholesteryl esters. Structural abnormalities were not related to a low apo AI turnover, suggesting renal contribution to HDL remodeling beyond being just a catabolic site for these lipoproteins.