Molecular basis of hyperlipidemia in golden hamsters during experimental infection with Ancylostoma ceylanicum (Nematoda:Strongylidae).

An infection of golden hamsters with Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a hookworm parasite, induced profound hyperlipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia, and the effect was directly related to the degree of infection. A significant increase was also noticed in serum cholesterol and phospholipid levels. The appearance of lipoprotein-X, an abnormal low density lipoprotein, was detected in the serum of hookworm-infected animals. The hyperlipidemia was further characterized by an increase in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) with a concomitant decline in high density lipoproteins (HDL). Decreased lipolytic activities, especially triglyceride lipase, in hepatic tissue and induction of lipolytic activities in intestine and adipose tissues indicated mobilization of fats from adipose and jejunum with a defective removal of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in hepatic tissues. Accumulation of lipids in liver and depletion in adipose tissue supported these results. The derangement may have a significant effect on host parasite interaction and is an important pathophysiological feature occurring during experimental ancylostomiasis.