Branchial arches (BAs) are a series of transient structures that develop on the ventro-lateral surface of the head in vertebrate embryos. BAs initially appear as a series of similar segments; as development proceeds each BA will contribute to different structures. Here, it was investigated the transcriptional mechanisms that instruct the different fates of the BAs in development. Initially, each BA contains a blood vessel, known as aortic arch (AA) artery, that connects the dorsal aorta with the heart. Remodelling of the AAs is crucial to form the adult heart circulation. This process leads to regression of the anterior AAs, running though the first and second BAs (BA1 and BA2), and persistence of the AAs contained in more posterior BAs (PBA). To identify the mechanisms that control remodelling of the AAs, we compared the transcriptomes and epigenomic landscapes of different BAs. Using RNA-seq and H3K27Ac ChIP-seq, we uncovered the activation of a vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation transcriptional program exclusively in the PBAs (and not in BA1/BA2). In support of this finding, we show that VSMC differentiation occurs specifically in the PBAs, but not BA1-2 in mouse embryonic development. Despite the absence of VSMC differentiation in developing BA1-2, cells harvested from these tissues reveal a spontaneous tendency to differentiate towards VSMC fate when grown in vitro, and activate several VSMC-specific genes (Myocd, Acta2, Tagln, Jag1). Together, our results suggest that forming VSMCs is a key process for the persistence of AAs. We also showed that cells derived from all BAs have the potential to differentiate to VSMCs in vitro. However, only cells in the PBAs differentiate to VSMCs in vivo, resulting in the maintenance of posterior AAs. In this study, we also uncovered a novel transcriptional principle that specifies the fate of BA2. Using ChIP-seq, we found that binding of Meis transcription factors establish a ground pattern in the BAs. Hoxa2, which specifies BA2 identity, selects a subset of Meis-bound sites. Meis binding is strongly increased at these sites, which coincide with active enhancers, linked to genes highly expressed in the BA2 and regulated by Hoxa2. Thus, Hoxa2 modifies a ground state binding of Meis to instruct segment-specific transcriptional programs.

Oxidative stress is imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant levels in living systems. Human cells are protected from reactive oxygen species by endogenous enzymatic antioxidants. Most of these compounds require particular redox metals in their structures as cofactors to allow them to scavenge the free radicals such as Cu, Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD and catalase (Fe). The aim of this study was to quantify these metals in human cells to evaluate their effectiveness as novel biomarkers for measuring oxidative stress. The metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) were measured in vitro in skeletal muscle cells (C2C12) which were incubated under hypoxia/hyperoxia conditions generated by varying oxygen level from 1%-60% for 24 and 48 hours. Two methods were used to perform the analysis. ICP-MS was applied to liquid samples to quantify Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in cell populations. And LA-ICP-MS was employed to solid samples to measure their intensity in individual cells. The data acquired from both techniques are positively correlated confirming the reliability of the two approaches. All elements of interest were successfully measured except Mn which was not detected in single cells using LA-ICP-MS due to the limit of detection. Interestingly, the results showed that their concentration increased dramatically in cells grown at 25%-60% O2, the most significant increase was in Cu at 60%O2. None showed any increase at 5%-15% O2 indicating normoxia states. At 1%O2, all elements except Fe showed a significant increase and the most remarkable growth was in Mn. More interestingly, increasing incubation to 48 hours for liquid samples had differing effects on the elements. Zn and Cu concentrations were unaffected by increasing incubation time except at 60%O2 where they showed further growth. In contrast, Mn concentration grew sharply over oxygen levels of 30%-50% with no further effect at 1%, while Fe concentration decreased at 1%O2 and grew steadily over oxygen levels of 5%-60%. It can be concluded that all four elements were significantly affected by stress conditions applied to cells, but at different rates. Importantly, a novel analytical method was introduced in this current study since there have been no previous reported investigations measuring changes in concentration of redox-active elements in human cells subjected to different controlled oxidative stress conditions in vitro.

A capacidade de sincronizar vias metabólicas a estímulos ambientais é um aspecto central da homeostase em mamíferos. Dentro desse contexto, o controle molecular da função mitocondrial representa um aspecto fundamental e defeitos na integridade desse sistema podem levar a severas perturbações à homeostase celular levando a um amplo espectro de doenças como a obesidade e o diabetes tipo 2. O controle transcricional do metabolismo energético é um processo dinâmico que depende da ação coordenada de fatores de transcrição, enzimas modificadoras de cromatina e coreguladores transcricionais. Co-reguladores podem agir como interruptores transcricionais ativando ou reprimindo a atividade de receptores nucleares. Neste estudo, demonstramos que o coativador PGC-1? e o co-repressor NCoR1 são importantes mediadores do metabolismo energético e da homeostase redox mitocondrial em células musculares. Nossos resultados sugerem que os efeitos desses co-reguladores são mediados pela transativação do elemento responsivo de PPAR (PPRE) em promotores de seletos grupos de genes. Ainda, a indução da capacidade oxidativa e da defesa antioxidante pelo silenciamento de NCoR1 ou pela expressão de PGC-1? atenua a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio e a morte celular induzida por estresse metabólico. Essas evidências sugerem que o equilíbrio entre a ativação e a repressão transcricional em promotores contendo PPREs exerce um papel central na função mitocondrial em células musculares esqueléticas. Coletivamente, os resultados deste estudo indicam que o antagonismo entre os coreguladores PGC-1? e NCoR1 é um componente central no controle da função mitocondrial representando uma interface promissora para o desenvolvimento de novas abordagens terapêuticas para o tratamento e prevenção da disfunção metabólica. / The ability to synchronize metabolic pathways to environmental stimuli is a central aspect of mammalian homeostasis. Within this context, the molecular control of mitochondrial function represents a fundamental aspect and defects in the integrity of this system can lead to severe disturbances to cellular homeostasis causing a wide spectrum of pathologies such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Transcriptional control of energy metabolism is a dynamic process that depends on the coordinated action of transcription factors, chromatin modifying enzymes, and transcriptional co-regulators. Co-regulators can act as transcriptional switches activating or repressing the activity of nuclear receptors. In this study, we demonstrated that the co-activator PGC-1? and NCoR1 co-repressor are essential mediators of energy metabolism and mitochondrial redox homeostasis in muscle cells. Our results suggest that the effects of these co-regulators are mediated by the transactivation of the PPAR responsive elements (PPREs) in promoters of selected gene groups. Furthermore, the oxidative capacity and antioxidant defense induction by either NCoR1 knockdown or PGC-1? overexpression attenuates the production of reactive oxygen species and cell death induced by metabolic stress. These evidence suggest that the balance between activation and transcriptional repression in promoters containing PPREs exert a central role in mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle cells. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that the antagonism between the co-regulators PGC-1? and NCoR1 is a central component of mitochondrial function representing a promising interface for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment and prevention of metabolic dysfunction.

Os efeitos da obstrução uretral parcial na musculatura da bexiga urinária de coelhos foram investigadas usando as ferramentas estereológicas. Foram utilizadas 12 fêmeas de coelhos da raça Norfolk, com três meses de idade e peso corporal variando de 2,5-3,0 kg. O procedimento cirúrgico consistiu de celiotomia mediana retro-umbilical para exposição da bexiga urinária. A parede dorsal da uretra foi divulsionada de sua íntima associação com o útero e vagina, o suficiente para a passagem de fio nylon 2-0. Um pino de Steinmann (3 mm de diâmetro) foi interposto temporariamente entre a uretra e o fio para determinar indiretamente o grau de obstrução uretral. Após três, sete e doze semanas os animais foram ortotanasiados e comparados com o grupo de animais controle (não obstruídos). Os fragmentos da bexiga foram preparados para microscopia de luz. Cortes seriados foram realizados para o estudo morfométrico e estereológico. Os três eixos: crânio-caudal (CC), dorso-ventral (DV) e latero-lateral (LL) aumentaram em todos os grupos analisados: controle, 3, 7 e 12 semanas. Os valores para CC foram estatisticamente similares para 3, 7 e 12 semanas. O mesmo foi observado no eixo DV. Os valores para o eixo LL foram similares para os grupos de 7 e 12 semanas. O estudo morfométrico baseou-se em determinar o tamanho da fibra (área seccional) e comprimento da fibra muscular. Nos animais do grupo de 3, 7 e 12 semanas foi observado um aumento de 4,63x, 4,32x e 7,10x no tamanho celular e um decréscimo de 2,55x, 1,94x e 4,04x no comprimento da fibra muscular quando comparados ao grupo controle. O estudo estereológico baseou-se em estimar o volume referência (Vref), a densidade numérica (Nv), o número total de fibras musculares (N), a densidade de volume (Vv) e o volume da fibra muscular (Vn). O Vref apresentou um aumento de 11,07x, 7,98x e 31,7x quando comparado com o grupo controle. A densidade numérica (Nv) aumentou 0,06x e 0,05x para os grupos de 3 e 7 semanas, respectivamente, em relação ao grupo controle. O grupo de 12 semanas, no entanto, apresentou um decréscimo de 0,01x em comparação com o grupo controle. Os grupos de 3, 7 e 12 semanas apresentaram, respectivamente, um aumento de 0,81x, 12,56x e 38,43x em número total de células. A densidade de volume (Vv) para os grupos de 3, 7 e 12 semanas apresentou um aumento de 0,97x, 0,56x e 0,86x em relação ao grupo controle. E finalmente, o volume médio da fibra muscular apresentou um aumento de 0,62x, 0,81x e 0,82x, respectivamente para os animais de 3, 7 e 12 semanas. Os dois mecanismos: hipertrofia e hiperplasia ocorrem na bexiga urinária de coelhos, porém não sabemos a seqüência exata em que aparecem. / The effects of partial urethral obstruction on rabbit´s urinary bladder musculature were investigated using stereological designed methods. A total of 12 female Norfolk rabbits weighing from 2.5 to 3 kg were used. A retro-umbilical celiotomy was made to expose the urinary bladder. The urethra´s dorsal wall was isolated from its association with the uterus. A 3mm-Steinmann-pin was positioned on the urethra to produce a standard degree of obstruction and a ligature was tied up around it, using a 2-0 nylon silk. Three, seven and twelve weeks after the surgery procedures the rabbits were euthanised. Bladder fragments were prepared for light microscopy. Serial sections were performed to morphometric and stereological study. In relation to the bladder axis: cranio-caudal (CC), dorso-ventral (DV) and latero-lateral (LL) increased in all groups analysed: control, 3, 7 and 12 week-obstructed animals. Values for CC were statistically similar for 3, 7 and 12-week-obstructed groups. The same was observed for DV axis. The LL axis showed values statistically similar for 7 and 12-week-obstructed groups. The morphometric study was based on the muscle fibre size (sectional area) and the muscle fibre length. In 3, 7 and 12-week-obstructed animals, it was observed a 4.63, 4.32 and 7.10-fold cell size increase and a 2.55, 1.94 and 4.04-fold decrease in length, respectively, when compared to control group. As for the stereological study. Vref presented a 11.07, 7.98 and 31.7-fold increase when compared to control subjects. Numerical density (Nv) increased by 0.06 and 0.05 in 3 and 7-week-obstructed groups, respectively, in relation to control group. Twelve week-obstructed group. Presented however a 0.01x-decrease compared to control animals. Three, seven and twelve-week-obstructed groups presented, respectively, 0.81, 12.56 and 38.43-fold increase in total number of cells (N). Volume density presented a 0.97, 0.56 and 0.86-fold increase in 3, 7 and 12-week-obstructed groups, respectively. And finally, mean muscle cell volume (Vn) presented a 0.62, 0.81 and 0.82-fold in 3, 7 and 12-week obstructed groups, respectively. Both mechanisms: hypertrophy and hyperplasia happened to occur on rabbit´s urinary bladder, thought we do not know the exact sequence in which they appear altogether.

Orientadores: Maria Alice da Cruz-Hofling, Anibal Eugenio Vercesi / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-06T03:04:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Freitas_ErikaMariaSilva_D.pdf: 24578708 bytes, checksum: bf9367ecdbc315a07f58411feea40089 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / Resumo: A veratrina, uma mistura de alcalóides obtidos da espécie de planta Shoenocaulon officinale, é uma toxina lipossolúvel que possui como sítio de ação primária os canais de sódiodependentes de voltagem. Recentemente, nossos estudos mostraram que a veratrina pode causar mionecrose e as evidências sugerem que as mitocôndrias e o retículo sarcoplasmático (RS) possam ser os alvos intracelulares da ação da veratrina. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar os efeitos tóxicos induzidos por diferentes concentrações de veratrina sobre o consumo de oxigênio, a atividade dos complexos da cadeia respiratória e a ultraestrutura das mitocôndrias através de análises bioquímicas, citoquímicas e morfométricas e de microscopia eletrônica de transmissão...Observação: O resumo, na íntegra, poderá ser visualizado no texto completo da tese digital / Abstract: The veratrine, a mixture of alkaloids obtained from plant Schoenocaulon officinale, is a lipid soluble toxin, which target voltage-gated Na+ channels for their primary action site. Recently, our studies showed that the veratrine may cause myonecrosis and evidences suggested mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticuIum (SR) as intracellular cell targets. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects caused by variabIe concentration of veratrine on mitochondrial oxygen consumption, respiratory chain enzymes activities and ultrastructure, combining electron microscopy with biochemical, cytochemical and morphometrical analysis. Moreover, we investigated whether the interference on physiology of sodium channels by veratrine it alters the ultrastructure of SR on different types of muscles. Ultrastructural changes were observed on skeletal muscle mitochondria after intramuscular injection or incubation with veratrine...Note: The complete abstract is available with the full electronic digital thesis or dissertations / Doutorado / Biologia Celular / Doutor em Biologia Celular e Estrutural

A diabetes mellitus (DM) está entre as 10 principais causas de morte global e é considerada um dos principais fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares. Dados da Federação Internacional de Diabetes indicam que 425 milhões de pessoas possuem esta doença e seu tratamento é considerado uma das prioridades de saúde. No coração, as alterações a nível celular causadas pela DM levam ao surgimento de anormalidades estruturais e funcionais que resultam na chamada cardiomiopatia diabética. A DM pode ser estudada a partir de modelos experimentais em animais, como a DM induzida pela estreptozotocina, uma substância citotóxica para as células pancreáticas que produzem insulina. Objetivos: O objetivo este trabalho foi avaliar a existência de alterações cardíacas precoces na contratilidade de miócitos isolados, na morfologia e função cardíaca por ecocardiograma de alta resolução e na atividade elétrica do coração. Metodologia: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar machos para indução da DM com estreptozotocina. Os cardiomiócitos foram isolados por dissociação enzimática utilizando-se a preparação de Langendorff e a contratilidade estudada através da medição da variação do comprimento da célula e dos sarcômeros de cardiomiócitos estimulados eletricamente. A avaliação da morfologia e da função cardíaca foi feita por ecocardiografia de alta resolução e o eletrocardiograma foi obtido nos animais anestesiados. Resultados: A DM resultou em alteração da contratilidade dos cardiomiócitos medida pela variação do comprimento da célula e pela variação do comprimento do sarcômero. Comparados aos controles, os animais diabéticos apresentaram aumento dos intervalos de tempo para atingir o pico de contração (0,049 vs 0,068 s, e 0,043 vs 0,063 s, P<0,001) aumento do relaxamento (0,028 vs 0,038 s e 0,025 vs 0,035 s, P<0,03) e do intervalo até a máxima velocidade de encurtamento (0,019 vs 0,024 s, P<0,001) e relaxamento (0,021 vs 0,032 s e 0,020 vs 0,025 s, P<0,03) em relação ao grupo controle medidos pelo comprimento da célula e pelo comprimento do sarcômero, respectivamente. O ecocardiograma evidenciou mudanças morfológicas com aumento do diâmetro diastólico (24,4 vs 28,0 mm/kg, P<0,01) e sistólico (11,0 vs 18,2 mm/kg, P<0,01), aumento da massa do ventrículo esquerdo (1,9 vs 2,5 mg/g, P<0,02) e manutenção da espessura relativa da parede posterior, caracterizando um quadro de hipertrofia excêntrica. Foram também observadas mudanças funcionais, como a diminuição significativa da fração de ejeção (73,4 vs 62,1%, P<0,01), da fração de encurtamento (44,2 vs 34,7%, P<0,01) e da onda S\' (46,9 vs 38,1 mm/s, P<0,01) avaliada pelo Doppler tecidual, indicando uma disfunção sistólica inicial nesse modelo experimental. No eletrocardiograma foi possível verificar um aumento na duração da onda P (9,15 vs 14,15 ms, P<0,005). Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos permitiram identificar alterações precoces nesse modelo de DM. Foi observada uma correlação entre as alterações da contratilidade observadas diretamente ao nível celular através da medição da variação do comprimento da célula e do sarcômero com as alterações na morfologia e função cardíaca em decorrência da DM. / Diabetes mellitus (DM) is among the top 10 causes of global death and is considered a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Data from the International Diabetes Federation indicate that 425 million people have this disease and its treatment is considered one of the health priorities. In the heart, changes at the cellular level caused by DM lead to the appearance of structural and functional abnormalities that result in so-called diabetic cardiomyopathy. DM can be studied from experimental models in animals including induction by streptozotocin, a cytotoxic substance for pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the existence of early cardiac changes in the contractility of isolated myocytes, in the morphology and cardiac function by high resolution echocardiogram and in the heart electrical activity . Method: Male Wistar rats were used for induction of DM with streptozotocin. Cardiomyocytes were isolated by enzymatic dissociation using the Langendorff preparation and the contractility studied by measuring cell and sarcomere length variation in electrically stimulated cardiomyocytes. The evaluation of cardiac morphology and function was performed by high resolution echocardiogram and eletrocardiogram was was obtained in anesthetized animals. Results: DM resulted in alteration of cardiomyocyte contractility with measurement of cell length variation and with sarcomere length variation. Compared to controls, diabetic animals presented an increase in the time intervals to reach the peak of contraction (0.049 vs 0.068 s and 0.043 vs 0.063 s, P<0.001) increase in relaxation (0.028 vs 0.038 s and 0.025 vs 0.035 s, P<0.03) and the intervals until the maximum shortening velocity (0.019 vs 0.024 s, P<0.001) and relaxation (0.021 vs 0.032 s and 0.020 vs 0.025 s, P<0.03) in relation to the control group measured by length and by sarcomere, respectively. The echocardiogram evidenced morphological changes with an increase in the diastolic (24.4 vs 28.0 mm/kg, P<0.01) and systolic diameter (11.0 vs 18.2 mm/kg, P<0.01) increase in left ventricle mass (1.9 vs 2.5 mg/g, P<0.02) and maintenance of the relative thickness of the posterior wall in relation to the control group, characterizing eccentric hypertrophy in DM. Functional changes were also observed, such as a significant reduction in ejection fraction (73.4 vs 62.1 %, P<0.01), of the fractional shortening (44.2 vs 34.7 %, P<0.01) and the S\' wave (46.9 vs 38.1 mm/s, P<0.01) evaluated by tissue Doppler, indicating an initial systolic dysfunction in this experimental model. With the electrocardiogram it was possible to verify an increase in P wave duration (9.15 vs 14.15 ms, P<0.005). Conclusion: The results obtained allowed to identify early changes in this model of DM. A correlation was observed between contractility changes observed directly at the cellular level by measuring cell and sarcomere variation with changes in cardiac morphology and function as a result of DM.

Aumento nos níveis circulantes de alguns ácidos graxos (AGs) está relacionado com o quadro de resistência à insulina em músculo esquelético. Os mecanismos pelos quais os AGs diminuem a ação da insulina não estão elucidados, entretanto a participação destas biomoléculas no controle do NF-kB, SREBP-1c, HIF-1<font face=\"Symbol\">&#945;, LXR<font face=\"Symbol\">&#945; e PPARg considerados reguladores do Slc2a4, já foi sugerida. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ação dos ácidos graxos, oléico (OFA) e linoléico (LFA), em células musculares L6, na regulação do Slc2a4. Redução no conteúdo protéico e de mRNA GLUT4 foi verificada na presença de ambos AGs. Esta redução foi relacionada com aumento na expressão e na atividade de ligação do NF-kB e diminuição na expressão e na atividade de ligação do SREBP-1 ao gene Slc2a4, na presença de OFA e LFA. Ambos AGs aumentaram a expressão do mRNA de LXR<font face=\"Symbol\">&#945;, PPARg and HIF-1<font face=\"Symbol\">&#945;, todavia apenas na presença de LFA foi detectada uma diminuição na ligação de PPARg ao Slc2a4. Ambos AGs reduzem a expressão do GLUT4 devido modulação da ligação do NF-kB e SREBP-1 ao gene Slc2a4. / High elevated levels of some free fatty acids (FFAs) are associated with insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. The mechanisms by which FFAs impair this hormone sensitivity need to be clarified; nevertheless, its effects in the modulation of NF-kB, SREBP-1c, HIF-1<font face=\"Symbol\">&#945;, LXR<font face=\"Symbol\">&#945; and PPARg which are related with Slc2a4 gene regulation have been suggested. The goal of this study was to investigate the action of oleic (OFA) and linoleic (LFA) fatty acids, in L6 muscle cells, in Slc2a4 regulation. The GLUT4 protein and mRNA expression decreased in the presence of OFA and LFA. The reduced GLUT4 expression was related to a significative enhancement of the NFkappaB mRNA expression and binding activity in presence of both FFAs and a decrease of SREBP-1 mRNA and binding activity in the Slc2a4. OFA and LFA increase LXR<font face=\"Symbol\">&#945;, PPARg and HIF-1<font face=\"Symbol\">&#945; mRNA expression, but only a reduction in PPARg binding activity was verified in presence of the LFA. A reduction in GLUT4 expression in the presence of OFA and LFA was detected and related with NF-kB and SREBP-1 binding activity in the Slc2a4 gene.

Altas concentrações de ácidos graxos saturados desencadeiam resistência à insulina no músculo esquelético e o estresse de retículo endoplasmático (RE) é sugerido neste processo. Este estudo objetivou investigar, em células musculares L6, os efeitos do tratamento com palmitato sobre o estresse de RE e a ativação do NF-kB, relacionando-os com o prejuízo na expressão do GLUT4. Pelos resultados, observou-se que o tratamento com 0,75 mM de palmitato induziu redução no conteúdo de GLUT4 e Slc2a4. Os marcadores de estresse como GRP78, PERK/EIF2a e IRE1a/XBP-1/TRAF2 apresentaram pouca ativação. O fator transcricional NF-kB apresentou-se aumentado em seu conteúdo proteico e RNAm. A atividade de ligação do NF-kB à região promotora do Slc2a4 mostrou aumento independente do grau de fosforilação de IKK. Em suma, observou-se que o palmitato reprime a expressão do Slc2a4 e que induz pouco estresse de RE em células L6. Por outro lado, a participação do NF-kB parece ser importante no controle deste fenômeno reduzindo a expressão do Slc2a4 e prejudicando a homeostasia da glicose. / High concentrations of saturated fatty acids trigger insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER) is suggested in this process. This study aimed to investigate, in L6 muscle cells, the effects of palmitate treatment on ER stress pathways and activation of NF-kB, relating them to the impaired expression of GLUT4. The results showed that treatment with 0.75 mM of palmitate induced reduction in the amount of GLUT4 and Slc2a4. Stress markers such as GRP78, PERK/EIF2a and IRE1a/XBP-1/TRAF2 showed little activation. The transcription factor NF-kB were increased in protein content and mRNA. The binding activity of NF-kB to the promoter region of Slc2a4 showed increased independent from the phosphorylation of IKK. Finally, it was observed that palmitate represses the expression of Slc2a4 and that this fatty acid induces little activation of reticulum stress pathways in L6 cells. On the other hand, the involvement of NF-kB appears to be important to control this phenomenon, reducing the expression of Slc2a4 and impairing glucose homeostasis.

Doctorat en Sciences de la motricité / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Abstract Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is an abnormal phospholipid formed only in the presence of ethanol. Ethanol causes changes in the concentration and composition of plasma lipoproteins and it also influences the enzymes and transfer proteins that modify lipoproteins in plasma. PEth might be one of these changes brought on by ethanol in the circulation. The present study was designed to investigate whether qualitative changes in high density lipoprotein (HDL) phospholipids caused by ethanol can mediate the beneficial effects of alcohol on atherosclerosis, and to investigate the transfer of PEth between lipoproteins and the effects of PEth on the charge of lipoprotein particles. PEth was shown to be transferred from low density lipoproteins (LDL) to HDL particles mainly by transfer proteins other than cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). The transfer of PEth between lipoproteins enables the redistribution of PEth between lipoproteins in plasma. The results of this study provide evidence that PEth in HDL particles stimulates the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion from vascular wall cells. The increase in the secretion was mediated through protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways. PEth-containing HDL particles were able to increase the VEGF secretion in rats in vivo. Similar effects were also observed when rats were given HDL particles isolated from the plasma of alcoholics. The PEth-induced change in the electrical charge of lipoproteins may affect the binding of lipoproteins to their receptors and binding proteins. The effects of PEth on the secretion of VEGF from the endothelial cells were shown to be mediated through HDL receptor. The changes in HDL particles caused by phosphatidylethanol may modify the metabolism of lipoproteins and lipid-mediated signalling pathways regulating VEGF in vascular wall cells.