Lipid peroxidation changes the expression of specific epitopes of apolipoprotein A-I.

Incubation of human serum or high density lipoprotein (HDL) at 37 degrees C in the presence of Fe2+, Fe2+/Fe3+, or Mn2+ results in the increased immunoreactivity (up to 12-, 40-, and 80-fold, respectively) of specific apoA-I epitopes identified as 3D4 and 6B8, while Mg2+, Ca2+, or Cu2+ have minimal or nonsignificant effects. The effect of Mn2+ on the 3D4 epitope requires a specific association with lipids since it can be observed with HDL but not with apoHDL, even in the presence of other lipoproteins. The increase in immunoreactivity noted with Fe2+/Fe3+ or Mn2+ can be blocked with either EDTA or antioxidants (GSH and ascorbic acid), suggesting that it takes place during a peroxidative reaction of the lipids. The peroxidation of lipids which accompanies the increase in immunoreactivity does cross-link apoA-I both with itself and with apoA-II but does not cleave the molecule. The apoA-I-containing lipoproteins which float between 1.18 and 1.22 g/ml and have a pre B-electrophoretic migration are characterized by a very low immunoreactivity with monoclonal antibody 3D4 but are 10-fold or more responsive to Mn2+ treatment than other lipoprotein subfractions, thus demonstrating heterogeneity under oxidative conditions. Proteoliposomes containing apoA-I, cholesterol, and dilinoleyl-lecithin are sensitive to Mn2+ treatment, but not those made with dioleyl- or dimyristoyl-lecithins. However, the increase in 3D4 immunoreactivity is weak and transient and is followed by the disappearance of the epitope caused by cross-linking. We conclude that lipid peroxidation can specifically cross-link apoA-I and change its conformation and antigenicity.