MON-711 Induction of Apolipoprotein A1 Gene Expression by the Rare Sugar Allulose

Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is the primary protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and has many well documented properties which promote cardiovascular health. However, clinical trials designed to increase HDL levels by preventing its catabolism have failed in their primary endpoints in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Alternative strategies to increase de-novo apo A-I production may be more attractive. We recently demonstrated that the rare sugar allulose decreases oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in both endothelial cells and hepatocytes. During these studies we demonstrated that allulose also induces apo A-I secretion by HepG2 cells. Apo A-I, albumin, and SP1 levels were measured by Western blot. Apo A-I and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (GAPDH) mRNA levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effect of allulose on apo A-I promoter activity was measured using transient transfection assays with several plasmids containing various segments and mutations in the apo A-I gene promoter. Apo A-I protein and mRNA levels in cells treated with allulose increased more than two-fold in a dose-dependent manner. These changes were due to the ability of allulose to induce apo A-I gene promoter activity. Using a series of deletion constructs, an allulose-response element was identified in the apo A-I gene promoter which was previously shown to confer induction of apo A-I gene expression by insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF), the insulin response core element (IRCE). Mutation of the IRCE decreased the ability of allulose and insulin to induce apo A-I promoter activity. Allulose treatment also increased expression of the transcription factor SP1, which had been shown previously be essential for the effects of insulin and EGF on apo A-I promoter activity. In conclusion, allulose increased apo A-I gene expression in HepG2 hepatocytes. This effect was mediated by the IRCE in the apo A-I gene promoter and the transcription factor SP1. The rare sugar allulose may have novel anti-atherogenic properties, in part, by increasing HDL levels.