Remodeling of HDL by phospholipid transfer protein: demonstration of particle fusion by 1H NMR spectroscopy.

There is evidence that phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) can increase reverse cholesterol transport by inducing favorable subclass distribution in the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction. This includes generation of initial cholesterol acceptor particles, pre beta-HDL, and of enlarged particles that are rapidly cleared from the circulation. However, partly because of methodological difficulties, the mechanisms behind the PLTP-mediated interconversion of HDL particles are not fully understood. In this communication, we describe the use of a novel methodology, based on 1H NMR spectroscopy, to study the PLTP-induced size changes in the HDL particles. In accordance with native gradient gel electrophoresis, the 1H NMR data revealed a gradual production of enlarged HDL particles in the HDL3+ PLTP mixtures. In addition, according to a physical model for lipoprotein particles, relating the frequency shifts observable with NMR to the size of the lipoprotein particles, the NMR data demonstrated that PLTP-mediated HDL remodeling involves fusion of the HDL particles.