Transcriptomics Reveals the Mechanism of Rosa roxburghii Tratt Ellagitannin in Improving Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorder in db/db Mice

A complex metabolic disorder, type 2 diabetes, was investigated to explore the impact of ellagitannin, derived from Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RTT), on liver lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice. The findings demonstrated that both RTT ellagitannin (C1) and RTT ellagic acid (C4) considerably decelerated body mass gain in db/db mice, significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and mitigated the aggregation of hepatic lipid droplets. At LDL-C levels, C1 performed substantially better than the C4 group, exhibiting no significant difference compared to the P (positive control) group. An RNA-seq analysis further disclosed that 1245 differentially expressed genes were identified in the livers of experimental mice following the C1 intervention. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that, under ellagitannin intervention, numerous differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in fatty acid metabolic processes, the PPAR signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, fatty acid synthesis, and other lipid metabolism-related pathways. The qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis results indicated that RTT ellagitannin notably upregulated the gene and protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). In contrast, it downregulated the gene and protein expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP), recombinant fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Therefore, RTT ellagitannin can activate the PPAR signaling pathway, inhibit fatty acid uptake and de novo synthesis, and ameliorate hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in db/db mice, thus potentially aiding in maintaining lipid homeostasis in type 2 diabetes.

Quantitative proteomics reveals PPAR signaling pathway regulates the cardiomyocyte activity of neonatal mouse heart

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the most morbid and deadly types of diseases worldwide, while the existing therapeutic approaches all have their limitations. Mouse heart undergoes a very complex postnatal developmental process, including the 1-week window in which cardiomyocytes (CMs) maintain relatively high cell activity. The underlying mechanism provides an attractive direction for CVDs treatment. Herein, we collected ventricular tissues from mice of different ages from E18.5D to P8W and performed iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics to characterize the atlas of cardiac development. A total of 3422 proteins were quantified at all selected time points, revealing critical proteomic changes related to cardiac developmental events such as the metabolic transition from glycolysis to beta-oxidation. A cluster of significantly dysregulated proteins containing proteins that have already been reported to be associated with cardiac regeneration (Erbb2, Agrin, and Hmgb) was identified. Meanwhile, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway (Cpt1α, Hmgcs2, Plin2, and Fabp4) was also found specifically enriched. We further revealed that bezafibrate, a pan-activator of PPAR signaling pathway markedly enhanced H9C2 cardiomyocyte activity via enhancing Cpt1α expression. This work provides new hint that activation of PPAR signaling pathway could potentially be a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CVDs.

Isolation, cloning, and tissue distribution and functional analysis of ShP-glycoprotein in the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense exposed to Cd and Cd-QDs

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a member of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter family, can extrude toxic substances out of cells by mediating multi-xenobiotic resistance (MXR) in aquatic organisms, however, its regulation and association with MXR are still unclear. In this work, the genetic information of Pgp in freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense (ShPgp) was revealed for the first time. ShPgp with a total of 4488 bp was cloned and analyzed, which includes 4044 bp open reading frame, 353 bp 3' untranslated region, and 91 bp 5' untranslated region. The recombinant ShPGP were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and taken for SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis. ShPGP was widely expressed in the midgut, hepatopancreas, testis, ovary, gill, hemocytes, accessory gonad and myocardium of the crabs studied. The images of immunohistochemistry indicated that ShPgp was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and cell membrane. When the crabs were exposed to cadmium or cadmium containing quantum dots (Cd-QDs), not only the relative expression of ShPgp mRNA and the protein produced were enhanced, but also the MXR activity and ATP contents. The relative expression of target genes related to energy metabolism, detoxification and apoptosis was also determined in the carbs exposed to Cd or Cd-QDs. The results showed that bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated, while other genes were up-regulated except PPAR (not affected). However, when the Shpgp in treated crabs was interfering by knockdown technique, their apoptosis and the expression of proteolytic enzyme genes and transcription factors MTF1 and HSF1 were also elevated, while the expression of apoptosis inhibiting and fat metabolism genes were compromised. Based on the observation, we concluded that MTF1 and HSF1 were involved in gene transcription regulation of mt and MXR, respectively, while PPAR had limited regulatory effect on those genes in S. henanense. NF-κB may play a negligible role in the process of apoptosis in testes induced by cadmium or Cd-QDs. However, the detail information regarding Pgp involvement in SOD or MT, and its association with apoptosis during xenobiotics insults remain to be explored.

Protective effects of diclofenac on liver graft preservation

This study aims to evaluate the effect of diclofenac addition to the preservation solution Celsior on liver graft preservation. Liver from Wistar rats were cold flushed in situ, harvested, and then stored in Celsior solution (24 h, 4 °C) supplemented or not with 50 mg/L of diclofenac sodium salt. Reperfusion was performed (120 min, 37 °C) using the isolated perfusion rat liver model. Perfusate samples were collected to evaluate transaminases' activities after cold storage and by the end of reperfusion. To evaluate liver function, bile flow, hepatic clearance of bromosulfophthalein, and vascular resistance were assessed. Diclofenac scavenging property (DPPH assay) as well as oxidative stress parameters (SOD and MPO activities and the concentration of glutathione, conjugated dienes, MDA, and carbonylated proteins) were measured. Transcription factors (PPAR-γ and NF-κB), inflammation (COX-2, IL-6, HMGB-1, and TLR-4), as well as apoptosis markers (Bcl-2 and Bax) were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Enriching the preservation solution Celsior with diclofenac sodium salt attenuated liver injuries and improved graft function. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were significantly reduced in Celsior + Diclo solution. Also, diclofenac activated PPAR-γ and inhibited NF-κB transcription factors. To decrease graft damage and improve transplant recovery, diclofenac sodium salt may be a promising additive to preservation solution.

The Effects of a Low Linoleic Acid/α-Linolenic Acid Ratio on Lipid Metabolism and Endogenous Fatty Acid Distribution in Obese Mice

A reduced risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome has been observed in individuals with a low intake ratio of linoleic acid/α-linolenic acid (LA/ALA). However, the influence of a low ratio of LA/ALA intake on lipid metabolism and endogenous fatty acid distribution in obese patients remains elusive. In this investigation, 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to four groups: low-fat diet (LFD) as a control, high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet with a low LA/ALA ratio (HFD+H3L6), and high-fat diet with a high LA/ALA ratio (HFD+L3H6) for 16 weeks. Our results show that the HFD+H3L6 diet significantly decreased the liver index of HFD mice by 3.51%, as well as the levels of triacylglycerols (TGs) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 15.67% and 10.02%, respectively. Moreover, the HFD+H3L6 diet reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) level and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio and elevated the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver. The HFD+H3L6 diet also resulted in the downregulation of fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element binding proteins-1c (SREBP-1c) expression and the upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) gene expression in the liver. The low LA/ALA ratio diet led to a notable increase in the levels of ALA and its downstream derivative docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the erythrocyte, liver, perienteric fat, epididymal fat, perirenal fat, spleen, brain, heart, and gastrocnemius, with a strong positive correlation. Conversely, the accumulation of LA in abdominal fat was more prominent, and a high LA/ALA ratio diet exacerbated the deposition effect of LA. In conclusion, the low LA/ALA ratio not only regulated endogenous fatty acid levels but also upregulated PPAR-α and ACOX1 and downregulated SREBP-1c and FAS gene expression levels, thus maintaining lipid homeostasis. Optimizing dietary fat intake is important in studying lipid nutrition. These research findings emphasize the significance of understanding and optimizing dietary fat intake.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal Perfluorooctanoic Acid-Induced Kidney Injury by Interfering with PPAR Signaling Pathway

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is widely used in aviation science and technology, transportation, electronics, kitchenware, and other household products. It is stable in the environment and has potential nephrotoxicity. To investigate the effect of PFOA exposure during pregnancy on the kidneys of offspring mice, a total of 20 mice at day 0 of gestation were randomly divided into two groups (10 mice in each group), and each group was administered 0.2 mL of PFOA at a dose of 3.5 mg/kg or deionized water by gavage during gestation. The kidney weight, kidney index, histopathological observation, serum biochemistry, transcriptomics, and metabolomics of the kidneys of the 35-day offspring mice were analyzed. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels in the kidney were measured. Transcriptome analysis results showed that 387 genes were up-regulated and 283 genes were down-regulated compared with the control group. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly concentrated in the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and circadian rhythm. Compared with the control group, 64 and 73 metabolites were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in the PFOA group. The altered metabolites were mainly enriched in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. PFOA can affect the expression levels of circadian rhythm-related genes in the kidneys of offspring mice, and this change is influenced by the PPAR signaling pathway. PFOA causes oxidative stress in the kidneys, which is responsible for significant changes in metabolites associated with the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors as targets to treat metabolic diseases: Focus on the adipose tissue, liver, and pancreas

The world is experiencing reflections of the intersection of two pandemics: Obesity and coronavirus disease 2019. The prevalence of obesity has tripled since 1975 worldwide, representing substantial public health costs due to its comorbidities. The adipose tissue is the initial site of obesity impairments. During excessive energy intake, it undergoes hyperplasia and hypertrophy until overt inflammation and insulin resistance turn adipocytes into dysfunctional cells that send lipotoxic signals to other organs. The pancreas is one of the organs most affected by obesity. Once lipotoxicity becomes chronic, there is an increase in insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells, a surrogate for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These alterations threaten the survival of the pancreatic islets, which tend to become dysfunctional, reaching exhaustion in the long term. As for the liver, lipotoxicity favors lipogenesis and impairs beta-oxidation, resulting in hepatic steatosis. This silent disease affects around 30% of the worldwide population and can evolve into end-stage liver disease. Although therapy for hepatic steatosis remains to be defined, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) activation copes with T2DM management. Peroxisome PPARs are transcription factors found at the intersection of several metabolic pathways, leading to insulin resistance relief, improved thermogenesis, and expressive hepatic steatosis mitigation by increasing mitochondrial beta-oxidation. This review aimed to update the potential of PPAR agonists as targets to treat metabolic diseases, focusing on adipose tissue plasticity and hepatic and pancreatic remodeling.

Emodin alleviates chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain and inflammation via modulating PPAR-gamma pathway

Neuropathic pain has been characterized as chronic pain resulting from pathological damage to the sensorimotor system. Because of its complex nature, it remains refractory to most of the therapeutic interventions, and surgical intervention and physiotherapy alongside steroidal treatments remain the only treatment protocols with limited success, hence solidifying the need to find efficacious therapeutic alternatives. Emodin was used as a post-treatment for its potential to be neuroprotective in the treatment of chronic constriction injury-induced NP. The first day following surgery, Emodin treatment began, and it lasted until the 21st day. On days 3, 7, 14 and 21, all behavioral investigations were conducted. The sciatic nerve and spinal cord were extracted for further molecular examination. Emodin elevated response latency, was able to delay the onset of mechanical hyperalgesia in rats on days 7, 14, and 21 and reduced the CCI-induced paw deformation. Emodin treatment significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and NO levels while restoring the GST, GSH and catalase. It significantly improved the disorientation of the sciatic nerve and spinal cord confirmed by H & E staining and reduced inflammatory markers as observed by the quantification of COX-2, TNF-α, p-NFκb and up-regulated PPAR-γ levels by ELISA and PCR. According to the findings, Emodin has antinociceptive and anti-hyperalgesic properties, which reduced pain perception and inflammation. We also suggested the involvement of PPAR-γ pathway in the therapeutic potential of emodin in chronic nerve injury.

Resveratrol attenuated fatty acid synthesis through MAPK-PPAR pathway in red tilapia

High-fat (HF) diets have been shown to cause hepatic impairment in fish species, but the mode of action, especially the pathways involved, has not yet been determined. In this study, the effects of resveratrol (RES) supplementation on the hepatic structure and fat metabolism of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were determined. Based on transcriptome and proteomics results, RES was found to promote fatty acid β-oxidation in the blood, liver, and liver cells associated with apoptosis and the MAPK/PPAR signaling pathway. RES supplementation was found to alter the expression of genes related to apoptosis and fatty acid pathways like blood itga6a and armc5 which were upregulated and downregulated respectively by high-fat feeding while ggh and ensonig00000008711 increased and decreased, respectively, with RES addition. Relative to the PPAR signaling pathway, fabp10a and acbd7 showed a reverse U-shaped tendency, both in different treatments and at different times. Proteomics results demonstrated that MAPK/PPAR, carbon/glyoxylate, dicarboxylate/glycine serine, and threonine/drug-other enzymes/beta-alanine metabolism pathways in the RES group were significantly affected, and Fasn and Acox1 decreased and increased, respectively, with RES addition. Seven subgroups were obtained using scRNA-seq, and enrichment analysis showed that the PPAR signaling pathway was upregulated with RES supplementation. RES significantly increased the expression of the marked genes (pck1) ensonig00000037711, fbp10a, granulin, hbe1, and zgc:136461, which are liver cell-specific genes. In conclusion, RES resulted in significantly enriched DGEs associated with fat metabolism and synthesis via the MAPK-PPAR signaling pathway.

Molecular Mechanisms of Lipid-Based Metabolic Adaptation Strategies in Response to Cold

Temperature changes and periods of detrimental cold occur frequently for many organisms in their natural habitats. Homeothermic animals have evolved metabolic adaptation strategies to increase mitochondrial-based energy expenditure and heat production, largely relying on fat as a fuel source. Alternatively, certain species are able to repress their metabolism during cold periods and enter a state of decreased physiological activity known as torpor. By contrast, poikilotherms, which are unable to maintain their internal temperature, predominantly increase membrane fluidity to diminish cold-related damage from low-temperature stress. However, alterations of molecular pathways and the regulation of lipid-metabolic reprogramming during cold exposure are poorly understood. Here, we review organismal responses that adjust fat metabolism during detrimental cold stress. Cold-related changes in membranes are detected by membrane-bound sensors, which signal to downstream transcriptional effectors, including nuclear hormone receptors of the PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) subfamily. PPARs control lipid metabolic processes, such as fatty acid desaturation, lipid catabolism and mitochondrial-based thermogenesis. Elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms of cold adaptation may improve beneficial therapeutic cold treatments and could have important implications for medical applications of hypothermia in humans. This includes treatment strategies for hemorrhagic shock, stroke, obesity and cancer.

Dimeric p53 Mutant Elicits Unique Tumor-Suppressive Activities through an Altered Metabolic Program

Cancer-related alterations of the p53 tetramerization domain (TD) abrogate wild-type (WT) p53 function. They result in a protein that preferentially forms monomers or dimers, which are also normal p53 states under basal cellular conditions. However, their physiologic relevance is not well understood. We have established in vivo models for monomeric and dimeric p53, which model Li-Fraumeni syndrome patients with germline p53 TD alterations. p53 monomers are inactive forms of the protein. Unexpectedly, p53 dimers conferred some tumor suppression that is not mediated by canonical WT p53 activities. p53 dimers upregulate the PPAR pathway. These activities are associated with lower prevalence of thymic lymphomas and increased CD8+ T-cell differentiation. Lymphomas derived from dimeric p53 mice show cooperating alterations in the PPAR pathway, further implicating a role for these activities in tumor suppression. Our data reveal novel functions for p53 dimers and support the exploration of PPAR agonists as therapies.

SIGNIFICANCE

New mouse models with TP53R342P (monomer) or TP53A347D (dimer) mutations mimic Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Although p53 monomers lack function, p53 dimers conferred noncanonical tumor-suppressive activities. We describe novel activities for p53 dimers facilitated by PPARs and propose these are "basal" p53 activities. See related commentary by Stieg et al., p. 1046. See related article by Choe et al., p. 1250. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1027.

Efficacy and Safety of Pemafibrate Versus Bezafibrate to Treat Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia: A Randomized Crossover Study

AIM

Pemafibrate is a highly selective agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, a key regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. We compared the efficacy and safety of pemafibrate with those of bezafibrate, a nonselective PPAR-α agonist.

METHODS

In this randomized crossover study, 60 patients with hypertriglyceridemia (fasting triglyceride [TG] ≥ 150 mg/dL) were treated with pemafibrate of 0.2 mg/day or bezafibrate of 400 mg/day for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was percent change (%Change) from baseline in TG levels, while the secondary endpoints were %Change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) levels.

RESULTS

The %Change in TG and Apo A-I levels was significantly greater with pemafibrate than with bezafibrate (-46.1% vs. -34.7%, p＜0.001; 9.2% vs. 5.7%, p =0.018, respectively). %Change in HDL-C levels was not significantly different between the two treatments. %Change in liver enzyme levels was markedly decreased with pemafibrate than with bezafibrate. Creatinine levels significantly increased in both treatments; however, its %Change was significantly lower with pemafibrate than with bezafibrate (5.72% vs. 15.5%, p＜0.001). The incidence of adverse events (AEs) or serious AEs did not differ between the two treatments; however, the number of patients with elevated creatinine levels (≥ 0.5 mg/dL and/or 25% from baseline) was significantly higher in the bezafibrate group than in the pemafibrate group (14/60 vs. 3/60, p =0.004) [corrected].

CONCLUSION

Compared with bezafibrate, pemafibrate is more effective in decreasing TG levels and increasing Apo A-I levels and is safer regarding liver and renal function.

AQP4 Aggravates Cognitive Impairment in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy through Inhibiting Nav 1.6-Mediated Astrocyte Autophagy

The pathology of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is related to astrocyte-inflammation associated with aquaporin-4 (AQP4). The aim here is to investigate the effects of AQP4 associated with SAE and reveal its underlying mechanism causing cognitive impairment. The in vivo experimental results reveal that AQP4 in peripheral blood of patients with SAE is up-regulated, also the cortical and hippocampal tissue of cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) mouse brain has significant rise in AQP4. Furthermore, the data suggest that AQP4 deletion could attenuate learning and memory impairment, attributing to activation of astrocytic autophagy, inactivation of astrocyte and downregulate the expression of proinflammatory cytokines induced by CLP or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, the activation effect of AQP4 knockout on CLP or LPS-induced PPAR-γ inhibiting in astrocyte is related to intracellular Ca2+ level and sodium channel activity. Learning and memory impairment in SAE mouse model are attenuated by AQP4 knockout through activating autophagy, inhibiting neuroinflammation leading to neuroprotection via down-regulation of Nav 1.6 channels in the astrocytes. This results in the reduction of Ca2+ accumulation in the cell cytosol furthermore activating the inhibition of PPAR-γ signal transduction pathway in astrocytes.

Magnetic responsive hydroxyapatite scaffold modulated macrophage polarization through PPAR/JAK-STAT signaling and enhanced fatty acid metabolism

Despite the general observations of bone repair with magnetic cues, the mechanisms of magnetic cues in macrophage response during bone healing have not been systematically investigated. Herein, by introducing magnetic nanoparticles into hydroxyapatite scaffolds, an appropriate and timely transition from proinflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages during bone healing is achieved. The combined use of proteomics and genomics analysis reveals the underlying mechanism of magnetic cue-mediated macrophage polarization form the perspective of protein corona and intracellular signal transduction. Our results suggest that intrinsically-present magnetic cues in scaffold contribute to the upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signals, and the activation of PPAR signal transduction in macrophages results in the downregulation of the Janus Kinase-Signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signals and the enhancement of fatty acid metabolism, thus facilitating M2 polarization of macrophages. Magnetic cue-dependent changes in macrophage benefit from the upregulation of adsorbed proteins associated with "hormone" and "response to hormone", as well as the downregulation of adsorbed proteins related to "enzyme-linked receptor signaling" in the protein corona. In addition, magnetic scaffolds may also act cooperatively with the exterior magnetic field, showing further inhibition of M1-type polarization. This study demonstrates that magnetic cues play critical roles on M2 polarization, coupling protein corona, intracellular PPAR signals and metabolism.

Leptin signaling in breast cancer and its crosstalk with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ

Obesity may create a mitogenic microenvironment that influences tumor initiation and progression. The obesity-associated adipokine, leptin regulates energy metabolism and has been implicated in cancer development. It has been shown that some cell types other than adipocytes can express leptin and leptin receptors in tumor microenvironments. It has been shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) agonists can affect leptin levels and vice versa leptin can affect PPARs. Activation of PPARs affects the expression of several genes involved in aspects of lipid metabolism. In addition, PPARs regulate cancer cell progression through their action on the tumor cell proliferation, metabolism, and cellular environment. Some studies have shown an association between obesity and several types of cancer, including breast cancer. There is some evidence that suggests that there is crosstalk between PPARs and leptin during the development of breast cancer. Through a systematic review of previous studies, we have reviewed the published relevant articles regarding leptin signaling in breast cancer and its crosstalk with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ.

Effect of eugenol on lipid profile, oxidative stress, sex hormone, liver injury, ovarian failure, and expression of COX-2 and PPAR-α genes in a rat model of diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is among the leading causes of reproductive system failure and infertility in both women and men. Inflammation and oxidative stress have a main role in the development of diabetes. Eugenol or clove oil is a phenolic monoterpenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, the effects of eugenol on diabetes features and ovarian function were investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats were treated with 12 and 24 mg/kg of eugenol for 4 weeks. The biochemical and histological assay was done to evaluate the effects of eugenol on ovary and pancreas function, liver injury, oxidative status, sex hormones, lipid profile, and mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) genes. Streptozotocin increased levels of serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde, pancreas necrosis and inflammation, COX-2 expression, ovarian cystic, and anovulation. It decreased the levels of insulin, high-density lipoprotein, Superoxide dismutase, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and PPAR-α expression. Eugenol administration ameliorated diabetes features through the improvement of lipid profile, oxidative status, insulin and glucose levels, sex hormone levels, liver markers, COX-2 and PPAR-α expression, and pancreas histology. It had no effect on ovarian cystic and follicular development.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, eugenol may be useful for ameliorating some adverse features of diabetes and used as an adjunct treatment or protective agent accompany by other chemicals in diabetes patients.

The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder. Often presenting as preexisting or new-onset hypertension complicated by proteinuria and/or end-organ dysfunction, preeclampsia significantly correlates with maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptor proteins that regulate gene expression. In order to investigate the role of PPARs in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, we conducted a literature review using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases. The search terms "peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor", "PPAR", and "preeclampsia" were employed and we were able to identify 35 relevant studies published between 2002 and 2022. Different study groups reached contradictory conclusions in terms of PPAR expression in preeclamptic placentae. Interestingly, PPARγ agonists alone, or in combination with well-established pharmaceutical agents, were determined to represent novel, potent anti-preeclamptic treatment alternatives. In conclusion, PPARs seem to play a significant role in preeclampsia.

APE1/Ref-1 Inhibits Adipogenic Transcription Factors during Adipocyte Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Cells

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) is a multifunctional protein involved in DNA repair and redox regulation. The redox activity of APE1/Ref-1 is involved in inflammatory responses and regulation of DNA binding of transcription factors related to cell survival pathways. However, the effect of APE1/Ref-1 on adipogenic transcription factor regulation remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of APE1/Ref-1 on the regulation of adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. During adipocyte differentiation, APE1/Ref-1 expression significantly decreased with the increased expression of adipogenic transcription factors such as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, and the adipocyte differentiation marker adipocyte protein 2 (aP2) in a time-dependent manner. However, APE1/Ref-1 overexpression inhibited C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, and aP2 expression, which was upregulated during adipocyte differentiation. In contrast, silencing APE1/Ref-1 or redox inhibition of APE1/Ref-1 using E3330 increased the mRNA and protein levels of C/EBP-α, PPAR-γ, and aP2 during adipocyte differentiation. These results suggest that APE1/Ref-1 inhibits adipocyte differentiation by regulating adipogenic transcription factors, suggesting that APE1/Ref-1 is a potential therapeutic target for regulating adipocyte differentiation.

Saroglitazar, a dual PPAR-α/γ agonist, alleviates LPS-induced hepatic and renal injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin within gram-negative bacteria, is associated with systemic acute inflammatory response after invading living tissues and results in sepsis. The liver and kidney are both major target organs in sepsis. Septic acute hepatic-renal injury is a serious clinical condition with high risk of morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, effective treatment is still lacking.

AIM

This study highlights saroglitazar (SAR), a dual PPAR-α/γ agonist, as a proposed prophylactic drug against LPS-induced hepatic-renal injury.

MAIN METHODS

Rats were pretreated with SAR (2 and 4 mg/kg/day) for 15 days, while sepsis was induced by LPS injection (10 mg/kg) on day 15 one hour following SAR oral administration.

KEY FINDINGS

SAR pretreatment could successfully mitigate LPS-induced hepatic-renal injury, evidenced by enhancement of renal and hepatic functions and a decrease of tissue pathological injury. Meanwhile, SAR alleviated LPS-induced oxidative stress; it reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and ameliorated decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). LPS-induced elevations in hepatic and renal nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), interferon-beta (IFN-β), and hepatic high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) contents were significantly attenuated in SAR-treated groups. SAR showed an advantageous impact against LPS-induced activation of non-canonical inflammasome and pyroptosis via a significant reduction in cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-11 (Caspase-11) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) expressions. Moreover, Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain (NOD)-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation with concomitant expression and activation of caspase-1 and release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were considerably diminished following SAR pretreatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

SAR could be considered a prophylactic anti-inflammatory antioxidant drug against LPS-induced liver and kidney injury.

Standardized Ethanol Extract of Cassia mimosoides var. nomame Makino Ameliorates Obesity via Regulation of Adipogenesis and Lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Obesity is a major cause of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, posing a threat to public health worldwide. Here, we analyzed the anti-obesity effects of a standardized ethanol extract of Cassia mimosoides var. nomame Makino (EECM) in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with EECM suppressed adipogenesis and lipogenesis via the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway by downregulating the expression levels of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, and fatty acid synthase and upregulating the acetyl-CoA carboxylase. EECM inhibited mitotic clonal expansion during early adipocyte differentiation. Oral administration of EECM for 10 weeks significantly alleviated body weight gain and body fat accumulation in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. EECM mitigated adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in white adipose and liver tissues of HFD-induced obese mice. It regulated the levels of adipogenic hormones including insulin, leptin, and adipokine in the blood plasma. In brown adipose tissue, EECM induced the expression of thermogenic factors such as uncoupling protein-1, PPAR-α, PPARγ co-activator-1α, sirtuin 1, and cytochrome c oxidase IV. EECM restored the gut microbiome composition at the phylum level and alleviated dysbiosis. Therefore, EECM may be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of obesity.

Pharmacological Utility of PPAR Modulation for Angiogenesis in Cardiovascular Disease

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, including PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ, are ligand-activated transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. They play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism and are also supposed to reduce inflammation and atherosclerosis. All PPARs are involved in angiogenesis, a process critically involved in cardiovascular pathology. Synthetic specific agonists exist for all PPARs. PPARα agonists (fibrates) are used to treat dyslipidemia by decreasing triglyceride and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. PPARγ agonists (thiazolidinediones) are used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus by improving insulin sensitivity. PPARα/γ (dual) agonists are supposed to treat both pathological conditions at once. In contrast, PPARβ/δ agonists are not in clinical use. Although activators of PPARs were initially considered to have favorable effects on the risk factors for cardiovascular disease, their cardiovascular safety is controversial. Here, we discuss the implications of PPARs in vascular biology regarding cardiac pathology and focus on the outcomes of clinical studies evaluating their benefits in cardiovascular diseases.

The antipsychotic drug olanzapine altered lipid metabolism in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Insight from the gut microbiota-SCFAs-liver axis

Olanzapine (OLA) is a common drug used to treat schizophrenia and has recently come under increasing scrutiny as an emerging contaminant. However, its impact on lipid metabolism in fish and its mechanisms of action are not well understood. In this study, common carp were exposed to 0, 10, 100, and 250 μM OLA for 60 days. The results indicated that OLA exposure increased weight gain, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, lipids accumulated in the liver of the common carp. To explore the underlying mechanisms of action, gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), liver transcripts, and genes related to lipid metabolism were measured. It was discovered that OLA exposure altered the common carp gut microbiota composition and increased the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria. Correspondingly, this study showed that OLA exposure increased the levels of SCFAs, which are highly relevant to the development of lipid accumulation. Transcriptome sequencing results indicated that OLA exposure could change lipid metabolism signalling pathways, including steroid biosynthesis, the PPAR signalling pathway, asglycerophospholipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and fatty acid metabolic pathways of the common carp. Additionally, OLA exposure interrupted lipid metabolism by means of significant upregulation of lipid synthesis-related genes, including pparγ, srebp1, and fas. OLA exposure also resulted in significant lipolysis-related gene downregulation, including cpt, lpl, hsl, and pparα. The results of this study indicated that contamination of aquatic environments with OLA alters lipid metabolism in common carp. In addition, the underlying mechanism might be due in part to the modulation of the gut microbiota-SCFA-PPAR signalling pathway.

Transmembrane protein 135 regulates lipid homeostasis through its role in peroxisomal DHA metabolism

Transmembrane protein 135 (TMEM135) is thought to participate in the cellular response to increased intracellular lipids yet no defined molecular function for TMEM135 in lipid metabolism has been identified. In this study, we performed a lipid analysis of tissues from Tmem135 mutant mice and found striking reductions of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) across all Tmem135 mutant tissues, indicating a role of TMEM135 in the production of DHA. Since all enzymes required for DHA synthesis remain intact in Tmem135 mutant mice, we hypothesized that TMEM135 is involved in the export of DHA from peroxisomes. The Tmem135 mutation likely leads to the retention of DHA in peroxisomes, causing DHA to be degraded within peroxisomes by their beta-oxidation machinery. This may lead to generation or alteration of ligands required for the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a (PPARa) signaling, which in turn could result in increased peroxisomal number and beta-oxidation enzymes observed in Tmem135 mutant mice. We confirmed this effect of PPARa signaling by detecting decreased peroxisomes and their proteins upon genetic ablation of Ppara in Tmem135 mutant mice. Using Tmem135 mutant mice, we also validated the protective effect of increased peroxisomes and peroxisomal beta-oxidation on the metabolic disease phenotypes of leptin mutant mice which has been observed in previous studies. Thus, we conclude that TMEM135 has a role in lipid homeostasis through its function in peroxisomes.

New insights into the cytoprotective mechanism of nano curcumin on neuronal damage in a vincristine-induced neuropathic pain rat model

Vincristine is a frequently used antineoplastic drug for treating a variety of malignancies, although its usage has been restricted by the painful neuropathy it induces. A more profound comprehension of the pathogenesis of vincristine-induced painful neuropathy (VIPN) is crucial for developing efficient preventive and therapeutic approaches. With its well-established anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, curcumin (nanoemulsion form) was utilized in our work as a protective and therapeutic tool for VIPN. This study aims to clarify the mechanisms behind curcumin's neuroprotective effects against vincristine-induced neurotoxicity. For painful neuropathy induction, rats were injected with vincristine sulfate (150µg/kg/i.p.: once every two days) for five injections. For treatment, pregabalin (30 mg/kg/p.o.), curcumin (30mg/kg/p.o.) and curcumin nanoemulsion (30mg/kg/p.o.) were administered daily for 14 consecutive days. Our results showed that curcumin nanoemulsion significantly reduced cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. It also increased the sciatic nerve levels of [CAT, SOD and IL-10] and the spinal cord PPAR-γ. Additionally, immunostaining of the sciatic nerve revealed a reduction in NF-κB expression and an increase in HSP70 expression. These findings suggest that curcumin has neuroprotective effects against VIPN, which might be attributed to its interference with the PPAR-γ, HSP70 and IL-10 signaling pathways.

Ameliorative Effect of Ethanolic Echinacea purpurea against Hyperthyroidism-Induced Oxidative Stress via AMRK and PPAR Signal Pathway Using Transcriptomics and Network Pharmacology Analysis

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP) is a well-known botanical supplement with antioxidant characteristics. However, the effects of EP on oxidative stress induced by hyperthyroidism have not yet been studied. This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidative effect of ethanolic Echinacea Purpurea (EEP) on hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress mice using an integrated strategy combining transcriptomics with network pharmacology analysis. Firstly, a hyperthyroidism mice model was induced via thyroxine (160 mg/kg) and EEP (1, 2, or 4 g/kg) once daily for 2 weeks. Body weight, thyroid-stimulating hormones, and oxidative stress markers were tested. Secondly, EEP regulating the potential genes at transcript level were analyzed. Thirdly, a network pharmacology based on the constituents of EEP identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis was adopted. Finally, a joint analysis was performed to identify the key pathway. The results showed that EEP significantly changed the thyroid-stimulating hormones and oxidative stress markers. Meanwhile, RT-qPCR and Western Blotting demonstrated that the mechanism of the antioxidant effect of EEP reversed the mRNA expression of EHHADH, HMGCR and SLC27A2 and the protein expression of FABP and HMGCR in AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways. This study integrates transcriptomics with network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of ameliorative effect of EEP on hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress.

The Influence of the Differentiation of Genes Encoding Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and Their Coactivators on Nutrient and Energy Metabolism

Genetic components may play an important role in the regulation of nutrient and energy metabolism. In the presence of specific genetic variants, metabolic dysregulation may occur, especially in relation to the processes of digestion, assimilation, and the physiological utilization of nutrients supplied to the body, as well as the regulation of various metabolic pathways and the balance of metabolic changes, which may consequently affect the effectiveness of applied reduction diets and weight loss after training. There are many well-documented studies showing that the presence of certain polymorphic variants in some genes can be associated with specific changes in nutrient and energy metabolism, and consequently, with more or less desirable effects of applied caloric reduction and/or exercise intervention. This systematic review focused on the role of genes encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and their coactivators in nutrient and energy metabolism. The literature review prepared showed that there is a link between the presence of specific alleles described at different polymorphic points in PPAR genes and various human body characteristics that are crucial for the efficacy of nutritional and/or exercise interventions. Genetic analysis can be a valuable element that complements the work of a dietitian or trainer, allowing for the planning of a personalized diet or training that makes the best use of the innate metabolic characteristics of the person who is the subject of their interventions.

Exploring the Regulatory Role of ncRNA in NAFLD: A Particular Focus on PPARs

Liver diseases are responsible for global mortality and morbidity and are a significant cause of death worldwide. Consequently, the advancement of new liver disease targets is of great interest. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA), such as microRNA (miRNA) and long ncRNA (lncRNA), has been proven to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of virtually all acute and chronic liver disorders. Recent studies demonstrated the medical applications of miRNA in various phases of hepatic pathology. PPARs play a major role in regulating many signaling pathways involved in various metabolic disorders. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease in the world, encompassing a spectrum spanning from mild steatosis to severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). PPARs were found to be one of the major regulators in the progression of NAFLD. There is no recognized treatment for NAFLD, even though numerous clinical trials are now underway. NAFLD is a major risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its frequency increases as obesity and diabetes become more prevalent. Reprogramming anti-diabetic and anti-obesity drugs is an effective therapy option for NAFLD and NASH. Several studies have also focused on the role of ncRNAs in the pathophysiology of NAFLD. The regulatory effects of these ncRNAs make them a primary target for treatments and as early biomarkers. In this study, the main focus will be to understand the regulation of PPARs through ncRNAs and their role in NAFLD.

Fenofibrate promotes neuroprotection in a model of rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease, the etiology of which remains unknown, but some likely causes include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists have been studied in animal models of Parkinson's disease and have shown neuroprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to (1) confirm the neuroprotective effects of PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate. To this end, male rats received fenofibrate (100 mg/kg) orally for 15 days, 5 days before the intraperitoneal injections of rotenone (2.5 mg/kg for 10 days). After finishing the treatment with rotenone and fenofibrate, animals were subjected to the open field, the forced swim test and the two-way active avoidance task. Subsequently, rats were euthanized for measurement of dopamine and metabolites levels in the striatum and quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). In addition, we aimed to (2) evaluate the neuroprotective effects of fenofibrate on the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates. Here, rats were treated for 5 days with fenofibrate continuing for over 28 days with rotenone. Then, animals were perfused for immunohistochemistry analysis of α-synuclein. The results showed that fenofibrate reduced depressive-like behavior and memory impairment induced by rotenone. Moreover, fenofibrate diminished the depletion of striatal dopamine and protected against dopaminergic neuronal death in the SNpc. Likewise, the administration of fenofibrate attenuated the aggregation of α-synuclein in the SNpc and striatum in the rotenone-lesioned rats. Our study confirmed that fenofibrate exerted neuroprotective effects because parkinsonian rats exhibited reduced behavioral, neurochemical and immunohistochemical changes, and importantly, a lower number of α-synuclein aggregates.

Qingfei oral liquid alleviates RSV-induced lung inflammation by promoting fatty-acid-dependent M1/M2 macrophage polarization via the Akt signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common pathogen that causes lower respiratory tract disease in infants and the elderly, and no vaccination is presently available. Qingfei oral liquid (QF), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been shown in clinic to have anti-inflammatory properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study investigated whether QF can suppress RSV-induced lung inflammation in mice models via fatty acid-dependent macrophage polarization.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

BALB/c mice were given a low, medium, or high dose of QF intragastrically for four consecutive days following RSV infection. The lung inflammatory status was assessed using H&E staining and cytokine assays. The active components of QF and fatty acid metabolism were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A lipid metabolism-related pathway was found through network pharmacology and molecular docking investigations. Western blotting assays were used to determine the levels of ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor alpha (PPAR), Akt protein kinase B and its phosphorylated form in Akt signaling. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the number of macrophage subtypes (M1/M2), and immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase-1 (Arg-1).

RESULTS

In the lung tissues of RSV-infected mice, QF suppressed the transcription of pro-inflammatory proteins such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while increasing the level of anti-inflammatory factors such as interleukin-10 (IL-10). The alterations in metabolic enzyme activity mediated by Akt signaling were linked to QF's significant reduction in lung fatty acid accumulation. Lower ACLY expression and higher PPAR expression were found after QF treatment, showing that these two enzymes were downstream targets of Akt signaling, controlling fatty acid synthesis (FAS) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO), respectively. The reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism resulted in the polarization of macrophages from M1 to M2, with lower expression of iNOS and higher expression of Arg-1. Additionally, application of an Akt agonist (SC-79) reduced QF's anti-inflammatory effects by increasing FAS and decreasing macrophage polarization.

CONCLUSIONS

QF inhibited Akt-mediated FAS and polarized M1 to M2 macrophages, resulting in an anti-inflammatory impact.

Adverse cardiovascular effects and potential molecular mechanisms of DEHP and its metabolites-A review

Currently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a health hazard that is associated with progressive deterioration upon exposure to environmental pollutants. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been one of the focuses of emerging concern due to its ubiquitous nature and its toxicity to the cardiovascular (CV) system. DEHP has been noted as a causative risk factor or a risk indicator for the initiation and augment of CVDs. DEHP represents a precursor that contributes to the pathogenesis of CVDs through its active metabolites, which mainly include mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). Herein, we systematically presented the association between DEHP and its metabolites and adverse CV outcomes and discussed the corresponding effects, underlying mechanisms and possibly interventions. Epidemiological and experimental evidence has suggested that DEHP and its metabolites have significant impacts on processes and factors involved in CVD, such as cardiac developmental toxicity, cardiac injury and apoptosis, cardiac arrhythmogenesis, cardiac metabolic disorders, vascular structural damage, atherogenesis, coronary heart disease and hypertension. DNA methylation, PPAR-related pathways, oxidative stress and inflammation, Ca²⁺ homeostasis disturbance may pinpoint the relevant mechanisms. The preventive and therapeutic measures are potentially related with P-glycoprotein, heat-shock proteins, some antioxidants, curcumin, apigenin, β-thujaplicin, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and Ang-converting enzyme inhibitors and so on. Promisingly, future investigations should aid in thoroughly assessing the causal relationship and molecular interactions between CVD and DEHP and its metabolites and explore feasible prevention and treatment measures accordingly.

Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via Nrf2/NQO-1 pathway

BACKGROUND

No approved effective therapy for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is currently available. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) perform the functions such as inhibiting inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, regulating immunity, but it is not clear whether human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) exosomes protect against NASH through Nrf2/NQO-1 pathway. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of hUC-MSCs exosomes on NASH through Nrf2/NQO-1 pathway in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

C57BL/6J male mice were fed with high fat and high cholesterol diet (HFHC) and methionine choline deficiency diet (MCD). Mice were treated with or without hUC-MSCs exosomes by tail intravenous injection. The liver histology, lipid metabolism and oxidative stress were evaluated. HepG2 and AML12 cells were incubated with palmitic acid (PA) and MCD conditioned medium, respectively. Then the therapeutic effect of hUC-MSCs exosomes in steatotic cells was evaluated. To elucidate the signaling pathways, the Nrf2-specific blocker ML385 was applied to intervene in vitro.

RESULTS

In NASH models, hUC-MSCs exosomes attenuated steatosis in hepatocytes, altered the abnormal expression of lipid-related genes including SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, Fabp5, CPT1α, ACOX and FAS, suppressed the hepatic inflammatory responses by decreasing the expression of F4/80⁺ macrophages, CD11c⁺ macrophages as well as the content of TNF-α and IL-6. hUC-MSCs exosomes also inhibited oxidative stress by reducing the level of MDA, CYP2E1 and ROS, increasing the activity of SOD and GSH in hepatocytes. Notably, hUC-MSCs exosomes enhanced the protein ratio of p-Nrf2/Nrf2 and the protein expression of NQO-1. Moreover, in vitro, the therapeutic effects of hUC-MSCs exosomes on lipid deposition and ROS were reversed by ML385. Also, ML385 reduced the protein expression of p-Nrf2 and NQO-1 in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Nrf2/NQO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway may play a key role in the treatment of NASH by hUC-MSCs exosomes.

Evaluation of L-Selenomethionine on Ameliorating Cardiac Injury Induced by Environmental Ammonia

L-Selenomethionine is one of the important organic selenium sources. The supplementation of L-selenomethionine in diets is significant to improve the health of pigs. Ammonia is a major pollutant in the atmosphere and piggery, posing a threat to human and animal health. Although ammonia exposure can damage the heart, the mechanism of cardiac toxicity by ammonia is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of cardiac injury induced by ammonia exposure in pigs and the protective effect of L-selenomethionine on its cardiotoxicity. The results showed that the blood ammonia content of pig increased significantly in ammonia group, the expressions of energy metabolism-related genes (LDHA, PDK4, HK2, and CPTIB) and the oxidative stress indexes were significantly changed (P < 0.05), the AMPK/PPAR-γ/NF-κB signaling pathways were activated, the chromatin edge aggregation and nuclear pyknosis were observed in ultrastructure, the apoptotic cells were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of apoptosis-related genes (Bcl-2, Bax, Cyt-c, caspase-3, and caspase-9) were significantly affected (P < 0.05). The above changes were significantly alleviated in ammonia + L-selenomethionine group, but there were still significant differences compared with the C group (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that ammonia exposure could cause energy metabolism disorder and oxidative stress and induce apoptosis of cardiomyocytes through AMPK/PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathways, which could lead to cardiac injury and affect cardiac function. L-Selenomethionine could effectively alleviate the cardiac damage caused by ammonia and antagonize the cardiotoxicity of ammonia.

Type 2 Diabetes, Independent of Obesity and Age, Is Characterized by Senescent and Dysfunctional Mature Human Adipose Cells

Obesity with dysfunctional adipose cells is the major cause of the current epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We examined senescence in human adipose tissue cells from age- and BMI-matched individuals who were lean, obese, and obese with T2D. In obese individuals and, more pronounced, those with T2D, we found mature and fully differentiated adipose cells to exhibit increased senescence similar to what we previously have shown in the progenitor cells. The degree of adipose cell senescence was positively correlated with whole-body insulin resistance and adipose cell size. Adipose cell protein analysis revealed dysfunctional cells in T2D with increased senescence markers reduced PPAR-γ, GLUT4, and pS473AKT. Consistent with a recent study, we found the cell cycle regulator cyclin D1 to be increased in obese cells and further elevated in T2D cells, closely correlating with senescence markers, ambient donor glucose, and, more inconsistently, plasma insulin levels. Furthermore, fully differentiated adipose cells were susceptible to experimentally induced senescence and to conditioned medium increasing cyclin D1 and responsive to senolytic agents. Thus, fully mature human adipose cells from obese individuals, particularly those with T2D become senescent, and SASP secretion by senescent progenitor cells can play an important role in addition to donor hyperinsulinemia.

Perilipin Isoforms and PGC-1α Are Regulated Differentially in Rat Heart during Pregnancy-Induced Physiological Cardiac Hypertrophy

Background and Objectives: Perilipins 1–5 (PLIN) are lipid droplet-associated proteins that participate in regulating lipid storage and metabolism, and the PLIN5 isoform is known to form a nuclear complex with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) to regulate lipid metabolism gene expression. However, the changes in PLIN isoforms’ expression in response to pregnancy-induced cardiac hypertrophy are not thoroughly studied. The aim of this study was to quantify the mRNA expression of PLIN isoforms and PGC-1α along with total triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol levels during late pregnancy and the postpartum period in the rat left ventricle. Materials and Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: non-pregnant, late pregnancy, and postpartum. The mRNA and protein levels were evaluated using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. TAG and total cholesterol content were evaluated using commercial colorimetric methods. Results: The expression of mRNAs for PLIN1, 2, and 5 increased during pregnancy and the postpartum period. PGC-1α mRNA and protein expression increased during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Moreover, TAG and total cholesterol increased during pregnancy and returned to basal levels after pregnancy. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that pregnancy upregulates differentially the expression of PLIN isoforms along with PGC-1α, suggesting that together they might be involved in the regulation of the lipid metabolic shift induced by pregnancy.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Liver and Brain in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Under Heat Stress

Temperature is a major environmental factor that influences growth, development, metabolism, and physiological performance in fish. Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is a highly productive fish in freshwater culture. To understand the molecular mechanism of grass carp under heat stress, we used RNA-Seq to analyze the liver and brain transcriptome of 12 libraries constructed from high-temperature (36 °C) and control (28 °C) groups. We obtained 42.49 and 42.57 GB of clean data from six liver and six brain libraries, respectively, and identified 2,534 genes that were differentially expressed in liver tissue and 1622 in brain tissue (P < 0.05). According to KEGG analysis, significant differences occurred in the expression of genes involved in metabolic and immune pathways, such as the cAMP signaling pathway, apoptosis, calcium signaling pathway, lipid metabolism, and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathways. This study revealed that high temperature enhanced lipid metabolism, reduced fatty acid synthesis, and disrupted the immune system of grass carp. These results investigated the molecular regulation of heat stress in grass carp and provided valuable information for the healthy culture of grass carp under high temperatures.

PGC1α overexpression preserves muscle mass and function in cisplatin-induced cachexia

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy induces a cachectic-like phenotype, accompanied by skeletal muscle wasting, weakness and mitochondrial dysfunction. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC1α), a regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, is often reduced in cachectic skeletal muscle. Overexpression of PGC1α has yielded mixed beneficial results in cancer cachexia, yet investigations using such approach in a chemotherapy setting are limited. Utilizing transgenic mice, we assessed whether overexpression of PGC1α could combat the skeletal muscle consequences of cisplatin.

METHODS

Young (2 month) and old (18 month) wild-type (WT) and PGC1α transgenic male and female mice (Tg) were injected with cisplatin (C; 2.5 mg/kg) for 2 weeks, while control animals received saline (n = 5-9/group). Animals were assessed for muscle mass and force, motor unit connectivity, and expression of mitochondrial proteins.

RESULTS

Young WT + C mice displayed reduced gastrocnemius mass (male: -16%, P < 0.0001; female: -11%, P < 0.001), muscle force (-6%, P < 0.05, both sexes), and motor unit number estimation (MUNE; male: -53%, P < 0.01; female: -51%, P < 0.01). Old WT + C male and female mice exhibited gastrocnemius wasting (male: -22%, P < 0.05; female: -27%, P < 0.05), muscle weakness (male: -20%, P < 0.0001; female: -17%, P < 0.01), and loss of MUNE (male: -82%, P < 0.01; female: -62%, P < 0.05), suggesting exacerbated cachexia compared with younger animals. Overexpression of PGC1α had mild protective effects on muscle mass in young Tg + C male only (gastrocnemius: +10%, P < 0.05); however, force and MUNE were unchanged in both young Tg + C male and female, suggesting preservation of neuromuscular function. In older male, protective effects associated with PGC1α overexpression were heighted with Tg + C demonstrating preserved muscle mass (gastrocnemius: +34%, P < 0.001), muscle force (+13%, P < 0.01), and MUNE (+3-fold, P < 0.05). Similarly, old female Tg + C did not exhibit muscle wasting or reductions in MUNE, and had preserved muscle force (+11%, P < 0.05) compared with female WT + C. Follow-up molecular analysis demonstrated that aged WT animals were more susceptible to cisplatin-induced loss of mitochondrial proteins, including PGC1α, OPA1, cytochrome-C, and Cox IV.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the negative effects of cisplatin were heighted in aged animals, whereas overexpression of PGC1α was sufficient to combat the neuromuscular dysfunction caused by cisplatin, especially in older animals. Hence, our observations indicate that aged animals may be more susceptible to develop chemotherapy side toxicities and that mitochondria-targeted strategies may serve as a tool to prevent chemotherapy-induced muscle wasting and weakness.

PPAR agonists attenuate lenalidomide's anti-myeloma activity in vitro and in vivo

Many patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have comorbidities and are treated with PPAR agonists. Immunomodulatory agents (IMiDs) are the cornerstones for MM therapy. Currently, little is known about how co-administration of PPAR agonists impacts lenalidomide treatment in patients with MM. Here, we determined the effects of PPAR agonists on anti-myeloma activities of lenalidomide in vitro and in a myeloma xenograft mouse model. Genetic overexpression and CRISPR/cas9 knockout experiments were performed to determine the role of CRBN in the PPAR-mediated pathway. A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine the correlation of PPAR expression with the outcomes of patients with MM. PPAR agonists down-regulated CRBN expression and reduced the anti-myeloma efficacy of lenalidomide in vitro and in vivo. Co-treatment with PPAR antagonists increased CRBN expression and improved sensitivity to lenalidomide. PPAR expression was higher in bone marrow cells of patients with newly diagnosed MM than in normal control bone marrow samples. High PPAR expression was correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Our study provides the first evidence that PPARs transcriptionally regulate CRBN and that drug-drug interactions between PPAR agonists and IMiDs may impact myeloma treatment outcomes.

Exposure to nitrate induces alterations in blood parameter responses, liver immunity, and lipid metabolism in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Nitrate (NO₃^-) pollution of waterbodies has attracted significant global attention as it poses a serious threat to aquatic organisms and human beings. This study aimed to evaluate the role of NO₃^-, an end product of biological nitrification processes, in immune status and lipid metabolism to have a comprehensive understanding of its toxic effects on fishes. Therefore, in this work, juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) were subjected to four nominal concentrations of NO₃^- (i.e., 0, 50, 200, 400 mg/L of NO₃^--N) for a 60-day period. The results indicated that increased exposure to NO₃^- (200 and/or 400 mg/L) enhanced the concentrations of plasma heat shock protein concentrations (HSP70), complement component 3 (C3), complement component 4 (C4), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and lysozyme (LYS), which meant that NO₃^-caused fluctuations in the plasma immune system. Higher exposure to NO₃^- (200 and/or 400 mg/L) also caused significant enhancements in plasma glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), as well as glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) activity. Furthermore, NO₃^- exposure resulted in upregulation of liver TNF-α, IL-1β, HSP70, HSP90, and LYS. Additionally, the results suggested that NO₃^-exposure caused a certain degree of histological damage and inflammation in the liver and activated the immune defense processes of juvenile turbot. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of certain genes associated with lipid metabolism (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha [PPAR-α], carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1[CPT1], liver X receptor [LXR] together with sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 [SREBP-1]) increased significantly within fish liver exposed to 200/400 mg/L NO₃^--N treatments. Finally, the results obtained from the analysis of the integrated biological responses version 2 (IBRv2) also confirmed the toxic effects of NO₃^- on juvenile turbot. According to these findings, it can be found that NO₃^- emission in the aquatic environment needs to be strictly controlled, as it may cause immune and lipid metabolism disorders in fish.

Valproic acid induced liver injury: An insight into molecular toxicological mechanism

Valproic acid (VPA) is an anti-seizure drug that causes idiosyncratic liver injury. 2-propyl-4-pentenoic acid (Δ⁴VPA), a metabolite of VPA, has been implicated in VPA-induced hepatotoxicity. This review summarizes the pathogenesis involved in VPA-induced liver injury. The VPA induce liver injury mainly by i) liberation of Δ⁴VPA metabolites; ii) decrease in glutathione stores and antioxidants, resulting in oxidative stress; iii) inhibition of fatty acid β-oxidation, inducing mitochondrial DNA depletion and hypermethylation; a decrease in proton leak; oxidative phosphorylation impairment and ATP synthesis decrease; iv) induction of fatty liver via inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I, enhancing nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma and acyl-CoA thioesterase 1, and inducing long-chain fatty acid uptake and triglyceride synthesis. VPA administration aggravates liver injury in individuals with metabolic syndromes. Therapeutic drug monitoring, routine serum levels of transaminases, ammonia, and lipid parameters during VPA therapy may thus be beneficial in improving the safety profile or preventing the progression of DILI.

Hypoxia-Inducible Expression of Annexin A6 Enhances the Resistance of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to EGFR and AR Antagonists

Physiological changes such as hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (TME) endow cancer cells with malignant properties, leading to tumor recurrence and rapid progression. Here, we assessed the effect of hypoxia (1% Oxygen) on the tumor suppressor Annexin A6 (AnxA6) and the response of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies. We demonstrate that brief exposure of TNBC cells to hypoxia (within 24 h) is associated with down regulation of AnxA6 while > 24 h exposure cell type dependently stimulated the expression of AnxA6. Hypoxia depicted by the expression and stability of HIF-1/2α led to up regulation of the HIF target genes SLC2A1, PGK1 as well as AR and the AR target genes FABP-4 and PPAR-γ, but the cellular levels of AnxA6 protein decreased under prolonged hypoxia. Down regulation of AnxA6 in TNBC cells inhibited, while AnxA6 over expression enhanced the expression and cellular levels of HIF-1/2α, SLC2A1 and PGK1. RNAi mediated inhibition of hypoxia induced AnxA6 expression also strongly inhibited glucose uptake and ROS production in AnxA6 expressing TNBC cells. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we confirm that short-term exposure of cells to hypoxia inhibits while prolonged exposure of cells to hypoxia enhances AnxA6 promoter activity in HEK293T cells. Compared to cells cultured under normoxia, TNBC cells were more resistant to lapatinib under hypoxic conditions, and the downregulation of AnxA6 sensitized the cells to EGFR as well as AR antagonists. These data suggest that AnxA6 is a hypoxia inducible gene and that targeting AnxA6 upregulation may be beneficial in overcoming TNBC resistance to EGFR and/or AR targeted therapies.

Combination strategies for pharmacologic treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is defined as hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and hepatocyte injury with or without fibrosis. It has emerged as the second leading indication for liver transplantation with a rising death rate in the non-transplantable population. While there are many drugs in evaluation, currently no approved therapies are on the market for this condition. Given this importance, the Food and Drug Administration has provided formal guidance regarding drug development for stopping or reversing NASH or NASH associated fibrosis. The complex pathogenesis of NASH and its bidirectional relationship with metabolic syndrome has highlighted multiple drugs of interest that address metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic factors. A few promising liver specific targets include farnesoid X receptor agonists and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists. Previously studied drug classes such as glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs or sodium/glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors have also demonstrated ability to improve hepatic steatosis. Here we discuss current rationale, scientific work, and preliminary data in combining multiple drugs for the purposes of a multimodal attack on the pathogenesis of NASH. We highlight multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies that demonstrate the potential to achieve a response rate higher than previously assessed monotherapies for this condition. Ultimately, one of these combination strategies may rise above in its safety and efficacy to become a part of a standardized approach to NASH.

Anti-Obesogenic Effects of Sulforaphane-Rich Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) Sprouts and Myrosinase-Rich Mustard (Sinapis alba L.) Seeds in Vitro and in Vivo

Glucoraphanin (GRA), a glucosinolate particularly abundant in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) sprouts, can be converted to sulforaphane (SFN) by the enzyme myrosinase. Herein, we investigated the anti-obesogenic effects of broccoli sprout powder (BSP), mustard (Sinapis alba L.) seed powder (MSP), and sulforaphane-rich MSP-BSP mixture powder (MBP) in bisphenol A (BPA)-induced 3T3-L1 cells and obese C57BL/6J mice. In vitro experiments showed that MBP, BSP, and MSP have no cytotoxic effects. Moreover, MBP and BSP inhibited the lipid accumulation in BPA-induced 3T3-L1 cells. In BPA-induced obese mice, BSP and MBP treatment inhibited body weight gain and ameliorated dyslipidemia. Furthermore, our results showed that BSP and MBP could activate AMPK, which increases ACC phosphorylation, accompanied by the upregulation of lipolysis-associated proteins (UCP-1 and CPT-1) and downregulation of adipogenesis-related proteins (C/EBP-α, FAS, aP2, PPAR-γ, and SREBP-1c), both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, MBP exerted a greater anti-obesogenic effect than BSP. Taken together, these findings indicate that BSP and MBP could inhibit BPA-induced adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis by increasing the expression of the proteins related to lipid metabolism and lipolysis, effectively treating BPA-induced obesity. Thus, BSP and MBP can be developed as effective anti-obesogenic drugs.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) shows therapeutic effect on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats

This study was undertaken to investigate the inhibitory effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting DMN intraperitoneally (at 10 mg/kg of body weight) daily for three consecutive days per week for 4 weeks. To investigate the effect of GM-CSF on disease onset, GM-CSF (50 μg/kg of body weight) was co-treated with DMN for 2 consecutive days per week for 4 weeks (4-week groups). To observe the effect of GM-CSF on the progression of liver fibrosis, GM-CSF was post-treated alone at 5–8 weeks after the 4 weeks of DMN injection (8-week groups). We found that DMN administration for 4 weeks produced molecular and pathological manifestations of liver fibrosis, that is, it increased the expressions of collagen type I, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and decreased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression. In addition, elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin level (TBIL), and decreased albumin level (ALB) were observed. In both the 4-week and 8-week groups, GM-CSF clearly improved the pathological liver conditions in the gross and histological observations, and significantly recovered DMN-induced increases in AST and TBIL and decreases in ALB serum levels to normal. GM-CSF also significantly decreased DMN-induced increases in collagen type I, α-SMA, and TGF-β1 and increased DMN-induced decreases in PPAR-γ expression. In the DMN groups, survival decreased continuously for 8 weeks after DMN treatment for the first 4 weeks. GM-CSF showed a survival benefit when co-treated for the first 4 weeks but a marginal effect when post-treated for 5–8 weeks. In conclusion, co-treatment of GM-CSF showed therapeutic effects on DMN-induced liver fibrosis and survival rates in rats, while post-treatment efficiently blocked liver fibrosis.

Modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress via sulforaphane-mediated AMPK upregulation against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health concern. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunctions may be targeted to prevent the progress of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Sulforaphane (SFN), a sulfur-containing compound that is abundant in broccoli florets, seeds, and sprouts, has been reported to have beneficial effects on attenuating metabolic diseases. In light of this, the present study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms by which SFN ameliorated ER stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance - induced by a high-fat diet and ionizing radiation (IR) in rats. In our study, the rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, HFD, HFD + SFN, HFD + IR, and HFD + IR + SFN groups. After the last administration of SFN, liver and blood samples were taken. As a result, the lipid profile, liver enzymes, glucose, insulin, IL-1β, adipokines (leptin and resistin), and PI3K/AKT protein levels, as well as the mRNA gene expression of ER stress markers (IRE-1, sXBP-1, PERK, ATF4, and CHOP), fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α). Interestingly, SFN treatment modulated the levels of proinflammatory cytokine including IL-1β, metabolic indices (lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and adipokines), and ER stress markers in HFD and HFD + IR groups. SFN also increases the expression of PPAR-α and AMPK genes in the livers of HFD and HFD + IR groups. Meanwhile, the gene expression of FAS and CHOP was significantly attenuated in the SFN-treated groups. Our results clearly show that SFN inhibits liver toxicity induced by HFD and IR by ameliorating the ER stress events in the liver tissue through the upregulation of AMPK and PPAR-α accompanied by downregulation of FAS and CHOP gene expression.

Synthetic PPAR Agonist DTMB Alleviates Alzheimer's Disease Pathology by Inhibition of Chronic Microglial Inflammation in 5xFAD Mice

Abnormal productions of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque and chronic neuroinflammation are commonly observed in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease, and both of which induce neuronal cell death, loss of memory, and cognitive dysfunction. However, many of the drugs targeting the production of Aβ peptides have been unsuccessful in treating Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we identified synthetic novel peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor (PPAR) agonist, DTMB, which can ameliorate the chronic inflammation and Aβ pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease. We discovered that DTMB attenuated the proinflammatory cytokine production of microglia by reducing the protein level of NF-κB. DTMB also improved the learning and memory defects and reduced the amount of Aβ plaque in the brain of 5xFAD mice. This reduction in Aβ pathology was attributed to the changes in gliosis and chronic inflammation level. Additionally, bulk RNA-sequencing showed that genes related to inflammation and cognitive function were changed in the hippocampus and cortex of DTMB-treated mice. Our findings demonstrate that DTMB has the potential to be a novel therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and the Hallmarks of Cancer

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) function as nuclear transcription factors upon the binding of physiological or pharmacological ligands and heterodimerization with retinoic X receptors. Physiological ligands include fatty acids and fatty-acid-derived compounds with low specificity for the different PPAR subtypes (alpha, beta/delta, and gamma). For each of the PPAR subtypes, specific pharmacological agonists and antagonists, as well as pan-agonists, are available. In agreement with their natural ligands, PPARs are mainly focused on as targets for the treatment of metabolic syndrome and its associated complications. Nevertheless, many publications are available that implicate PPARs in malignancies. In several instances, they are controversial for very similar models. Thus, to better predict the potential use of PPAR modulators for personalized medicine in therapies against malignancies, it seems necessary and timely to review the three PPARs in relation to the didactic concept of cancer hallmark capabilities. We previously described the functions of PPAR beta/delta with respect to the cancer hallmarks and reviewed the implications of all PPARs in angiogenesis. Thus, the current review updates our knowledge on PPAR beta and the hallmarks of cancer and extends the concept to PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma.

The daily caloric restriction and alternate-day fasting ameliorated lipid dysregulation in type 2 diabetic mice by downregulating hepatic pescadillo 1

PURPOSE

A possible link between pescadillo 1 (PES1) and lipid metabolism has been reported. However, whether PES1 is involved in the effects of daily caloric restriction (CR) and alternate-day fasting (ADF) interventions on diabetes-related lipid dysregulation is not elucidated. The current study aims are to explore the role of PES1 in effects of CR and ADF on diabetic mice and related mechanism.

METHODS

Eight-week-old male db/db mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were randomly divided into untreated T2DM, CR and ADF groups. McArdle hepatocytes were treated with 48 h high glucose (HG), 48 h normal glucose (NG) and 24 h HG plus 24 h NG, respectively. Pes1 siRNA and overexpression plasmid were, respectively, transfected into liver cells, and AAV9-Pes1-shRNA was injected into db/db mice.

RESULTS

After 12-week interventions, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) levels in livers of T2DM mice were enhanced by CR and ADF interventions with reductions of hepatic and plasma triglycerides. Unexpectedly, hepatic PES1 levels were downregulated by two interventions, consistent with the results of 48 h NG and 24 h HG plus 24 h NG-treated cells. Moreover, CPT1A level was upregulated in Pes1-siRNA-treated cells and AAV9-Pes1-shRNA injected murine livers, in contrast to Pes1 overexpression in cultured cells. Mechanistically, 48 h NG or 24 h HG plus 24 h NG treatment increased PPAR-α binding to Pes1 promoter, suppressing the PES1 expression, thereby lowering the PES1-mediated ubiquitination of CPT1A.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that CR and ADF may improve lipid dysregulation in diabetic mice by downregulating hepatic PES1.

Excessive selenium affects neural development and locomotor behavior of zebrafish embryos

Selenium is an essential micronutrient derived from daily diet to maintain the normal growth and development of vertebrates. Excessive selenium intake will induce cardiovascular toxicity, reproductive toxicity and neurotoxicity. However, there have been few studies of the toxic effects of selenium on neural development and locomotor behavior. In this study, newly fertilized zebrafish embryos were treated with selenium. As a result, selenium treatment at the concentration of 0.5 µM decreased the moving speed and distance and blunted the touch response of zebrafish embryos. TUNEL assay and immunofluorescence analysis revealed that selenium induced nervous system impairment including promoted cell apoptosis, proliferation and neuroinflammation, and decreased neurons in zebrafish embryos. RNA-seq and RT-PCR results indicated that selenium treatment significantly decreased the expression of the dopaminergic neuron, motor neuron, GABAergic neuron and neurotransmitter transport marker genes in zebrafish embryos. The expression of PPAR signaling pathway marker genes was significantly down-regulated in selenium-treated embryos. Two PPAR agonists (rosiglitazone and bezafibrate) and an anti-cancer drug (cisplatin) were tested for their effects to alleviate selenium-induced locomotor defects. Rosiglitazone and bezafibrate could restore the expression of some neural marker genes but could not fully rescue the selenium-induced locomotor behavior defects. The supplementation of cisplatin could restore the dysfunctional locomotor behavior and the abnormal expression of the PPAR and neural marker genes to almost the normal levels. In conclusion, the results of this study reveal that selenium-induced neural development and locomotor behavior defects are caused by multiple complex factors including PPAR signaling, and all the factors might be recovered by cisplatin through unknown mechanisms.

Effects of early florfenicol exposure on glutathione signaling pathway and PPAR signaling pathway in chick liver

Florfenicol (FFC) is a common antibiotic for animals. The nonstandard and excessive use of FFC can cause veterinary drug residues in animals, pollute soil and marine environment, and even threaten human health. Therefore, it is necessary to study the toxicity and side effects of FFC on animals. Our previous studies have proved that FFC can cause liver injury in chicks, but there are few in-depth studies on the mechanism of FFC causing liver injury at the level of signaling pathway in chicks. Therefore, transcriptome and proteome sequencing were performed and combined analysis was performed. Sequencing results showed that 1989 genes and 917 proteins were significantly changed in chick livers after FFC exposure. These genes and proteins are related to redox, glutathione transferase activity and lipid metabolism. There are 9 significantly different genes and 7 significantly different proteins in glutathione signaling pathway. Oxidative stress may occur in the liver of chicks through the change of activation state of glutathione signaling pathway. And there are 13 significantly different genes and 18 significantly different proteins in PPAR signaling pathway. The changes of PPAR signaling pathway may induce lipid metabolism disorder in liver. The verification results of qPCR and PRM were consistent with the sequencing results. We also detected GSH-Px, GSH, GST, TG, TC and ANDP levels in liver. These changes of biochemical indicators directly confirmed oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorders were occurred in the livers of chicks treated by FFC. In conclusion, FFC could induce liver injury in chicks by regulating the expression levels of significantly different genes and proteins in glutathione signaling pathway and PPAR signaling pathway.