Beneficial Effects of an Aged Black Garlic Extract in the Metabolic and Vascular Alterations Induced by a High Fat/Sucrose Diet in Male Rats

Aged black garlic (ABG) is a functional food with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies also report its beneficial metabolic effects in a context of obesity or diabetes, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The aim of this work was to analyze the effects of an ABG extract in the vascular and metabolic alterations induced by a high-fat/sucrose diet in rats. For this purpose, male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed either a standard chow (controls; n = 12) or a high-fat/sucrose diet (HFD; n = 24) for 16 weeks. From week 8 on, half of the HFD rats were treated with a commercial ABG extract concentrated in S-allyl cysteine and melanoidins (ABG10+®; 250 mg/kg daily by gavage; 5 mL/kg). ABG10+®-treated rats showed lower mean caloric intake, body weight, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), insulin and leptin serum concentrations and higher high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and adiponectin serum concentrations than non-treated rats. In the hypothalamus, ABG10+® treatment induced an increase in the gene expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and a decrease in leptin receptor (ObR) mRNA levels. No significant changes were found in visceral adipose tissue except for an overexpression of β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-ADR) in ABG-treated rats. In subcutaneous adipose tissue, ABG10+® treatment decreased adipose weight and downregulated the gene expression of PPAR-γ, LPL, ObR and HSL. In brown adipose tissue, an overexpression of InsR, GLUT-4, UCP-1 and β3-ADR in ABG10+®-treated rats was found, whereas PPAR-γ mRNA levels were significantly decreased. Regarding vascular function, ABG10+® treatment attenuated the obesity-induced vasoconstriction in response to potassium chloride both in presence/absence of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). On the contrary, aorta segments from ABG-treated rats showed and improved relaxation in response to acetylcholine only when PVAT was present, with this fact possible being related to the decreased gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in this tissue. In conclusion, ABG10+® administration partially improves the metabolic and vascular alterations induced by a high-fat/high-sucrose diet in rats through modifications in the gene expression of proteins and neuropeptides involved in inflammation, fat metabolism and food intake regulation. Further studies are required to assess the bioavailability of ABG between rats and humans.

Protein kinase D1 deletion in adipocytes enhances energy dissipation and protects against adiposity

Nutrient overload in combination with decreased energy dissipation promotes obesity and diabetes. Obesity results in a hormonal imbalance, which among others activates G protein-coupled receptors utilizing diacylglycerol (DAG) as secondary messenger. Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) is a DAG effector, which integrates multiple nutritional and hormonal inputs, but its physiological role in adipocytes is unknown. Here, we show that PKD1 promotes lipogenesis and suppresses mitochondrial fragmentation, biogenesis, respiration, and energy dissipation in an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent manner. Moreover, mice lacking PKD1 in adipocytes are resistant to diet-induced obesity due to elevated energy expenditure. Beiging of adipocytes promotes energy expenditure and counteracts obesity. Consistently, deletion of PKD1 promotes expression of the β3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) in a CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)-α- and δ-dependent manner, which leads to the elevated expression of beige markers in adipocytes and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Finally, deletion of PKD1 in adipocytes improves insulin sensitivity and ameliorates liver steatosis. Thus, depletion of PKD1 in adipocytes increases energy dissipation by several complementary mechanisms and might represent an attractive strategy to treat obesity and its related complications.

Physiology and pathophysiology of the β3-adrenergic receptor

The β₃-adrenergic receptor (β₃-AR) is an important regulator of various physiological functions, such as thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue, lipolysis in white adipose tissue, negative inotropic effect in cardiomyocyte, and relaxation in blood vessel. The activation of β₃-AR by its agonists is shown to have metabolic (antiobesity and antidiabetic) and cardiovascular effects in animal models, highlighting β₃-AR as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of several human diseases. Moreover, a substantial number of studies performed on different populations have identified some β₃-AR polymorphic variants associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other disorders. The clinical phenotypes and functional characteristics of these variants provide insights into potential pathophysiological roles of β₃-AR in the development of these diseases.

Regulation of Human Adipose Tissue Activation, Gallbladder Size, and Bile Acid Metabolism by a β3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist

β3-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonists are approved to treat only overactive bladder. However, rodent studies suggest that these drugs could have other beneficial effects on human metabolism. We performed tissue receptor profiling and showed that the human β3-AR mRNA is also highly expressed in gallbladder and brown adipose tissue (BAT). We next studied the clinical implications of this distribution in 12 healthy men given one-time randomized doses of placebo, the approved dose of 50 mg, and 200 mg of the β3-AR agonist mirabegron. There was a more-than-dose-proportional increase in BAT metabolic activity as measured by [18F]-2-fluoro-D-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (medians 0.0 vs. 18.2 vs. 305.6 mL ⋅ mean standardized uptake value [SUVmean] ⋅ g/mL). Only the 200-mg dose elevated both nonesterified fatty acids (68%) and resting energy expenditure (5.8%). Previously undescribed increases in gallbladder size (35%) and reductions in conjugated bile acids were also discovered. Therefore, besides urinary bladder relaxation, the human β3-AR contributes to white adipose tissue lipolysis, BAT thermogenesis, gallbladder relaxation, and bile acid metabolism. This physiology should be considered in the development of more selective β3-AR agonists to treat obesity-related complications.

Adipocyte ADRB3 Down-Regulated in Chinese Overweight Individuals Adipocyte ADRB3 in Overweight

OBJECTIVES

Activation of β3-adrenoceptor (ADRB3) is essential in the process of human adipose tissue browning, but obese subjects suffered from reduced ability of brown adipose tissue activation. The present study aims to detect the adipocyte ADRB3 expression in overweight individuals and the relationship between adipocyte ADRB3 expression and adiposity in adults.

METHODS

Visceral adipose tissue samples were obtained from 85 subjects who underwent abdominal surgery. ADRB3 mRNA and protein expression levels in mature adipocytes and adipose tissue stromal vascular cells were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot assay, respectively. UCP-1mRNA expression levels in mature adipocytes were examined by quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

The data revealed that ADRB3 mRNA (p = 0.021) and protein (p = 0.025) expression levels in mature adipocytes were significantly higher in the normal-weight than in the overweight group. Similar results were also found for ADRB3 mRNA (p = 0.041) and protein (p = 0.025) expressions of stromal vascular cells. An inverse correlation was verified between mature adipocyte ADRB3 mRNA expression and BMI (r = -0.362, p = 0.012). UCP-1 mRNA expression levels in mature adipocytes were higher in the normal-weight group compared with the overweight group (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Adipocyte ADRB3 expression levels were down-regulated before the onset of obesity, which indicated that the reduction of ADRB3 expression might be the cause of compromised adipose tissue browning and obesity rather than the result. Thus, the interference of the ADRB3 pathway in adipocytes may provide a potential treatment target for obesity.

Association of β3-adrenergic receptor rs4994 polymorphisms with the risk of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

The association of ADRB3 polymorphism with the risk of T2DM remains unclear perhaps due to different ethnicities and small study sizes. We systemically evaluated the association of β3-adrenergic receptor(ADRB3)rs4994 and type 2 diabetes(T2DM) by pooling all of the case-control studies reported, and also elucidated the association according to the ethnicity and obesity of the subjects.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Korean scientific database, Chinese medical databases, and the Indian medical database to identify eligible studies for determining the association of ADRB3 rs4994 and T2DM risk. The association was examined in five genetic models: the allelic(AG), recessive(RG), dominant(DG), homozygous(HMG), and heterozygous(HTG) genetic models. Subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity(Asians and others) were assessed.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 17 eligible studies meeting Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium consisting of 4864 patients with T2DM(cases) and 8779 people without diabetes(controls). All models had no heterogeneity or publication bias in the meta-analysis including all subjects. ADRB3 rs4994 polymorphism of all subjects was significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM in all genetic models with random effects: AG(OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.05-1.32), RG(OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.27-2.42), DG(OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.30), HMG (OR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.25-2.52), and HTG(OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23). Furthermore, in sub-group analysis all models except HTG exhibited significant associations between T2DM and ADRB3 in Asians. However, the non-Asian group had no significant association in any genetic models with random effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Middle-age adult Asians with the ADRB3 rs4994 minor alleles are at increased risk of T2DM.

The β3-adrenergic receptor is dispensable for browning of adipose tissues

Brown and brite/beige adipocytes are attractive therapeutic targets to treat metabolic diseases. To maximally utilize their functional potential, further understanding is required about their identities and their functional differences. Recent studies with β₃-adrenergic receptor knockout mice reported that brite/beige adipocytes, but not classical brown adipocytes, require the β₃-adrenergic receptor for cold-induced transcriptional activation of thermogenic genes. We aimed to further characterize this requirement of the β₃-adrenergic receptor as a functional distinction between classical brown and brite/beige adipocytes. However, when comparing wild-type and β₃-adrenergic receptor knockout mice, we observed no differences in cold-induced thermogenic gene expression (Ucp1, Pgc1a, Dio2, and Cidea) in brown or white (brite/beige) adipose tissues. Irrespective of the duration of the cold exposure or the sex of the mice, we observed no effect of the absence of the β₃-adrenergic receptor. Experiments with the β₃-adrenergic receptor agonist CL-316,243 verified the functional absence of β₃-adrenergic signaling in these knockout mice. The β₃-adrenergic receptor knockout model in the present study was maintained on a FVB/N background, whereas earlier reports used C57BL/6 and 129Sv mice. Thus our data imply background-dependent differences in adrenergic signaling mechanisms in response to cold exposure. Nonetheless, the present data indicate that the β₃-adrenergic receptor is dispensable for cold-induced transcriptional activation in both classical brown and, as opposed to earlier studies, brite/beige cells.

Central action of xenin affects the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins in mouse white adipose tissue

Xenin is a gastrointestinal hormone that reduces food intake when administered centrally and it has been hypothesized that central action of xenin participates in the regulation of whole-body metabolism. The present study was performed to address this hypothesis by investigating the central effect of xenin on the expression of genes and proteins that are involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism in white adipose tissue (WAT). Male obese ob/ob mice received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of xenin (5μg) twice 12h apart. Food intake and body weight change during a 24-h period after the first injection were measured. Epididymal WAT was collected at the end of the 24-h treatment period and levels of lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins were measured. Xenin treatment caused significant reductions in food intake and body weight compared to control vehicle treatment. Levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN) protein were significantly reduced by xenin treatment, while levels of adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) and beta-3 adrenergic receptor (Adrb3) mRNA and phosphorylated hormone sensitive lipase (Ser⁶⁶⁰-pHSL and Ser⁵⁶³-pHSL) were significantly increased by xenin treatment. These findings suggest that central action of xenin causes alterations in lipid metabolism in adipose tissue toward reduced lipogenesis and increased lipolysis, possibly contributing to xenin-induced body weight reduction. Thus, enhancing central action of xenin and its downstream targets may be possible targets for the treatment of obesity by reducing the amount of stored fat in adipose tissue.

β3-Adrenergic receptors, adipokines and neuroendocrine activation during stress induced by repeated immune challenge in male and female rats

The main hypothesis of the study is that stress associated with repeated immune challenge has an impact on β₃-adrenergic receptor gene expression in the brain. Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with increasing doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for five consecutive days. LPS treatment was associated with body weight loss and increased anxiety-like behavior. In LPS-treated animals of both sexes, β₃-receptor gene expression was increased in the prefrontal cortex but not the hippocampus. LPS treatment decreased β₃-receptor gene expression in white adipose tissue with higher values in males compared to females. In the adipose tissue, LPS reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, leptin and adiponectin gene expression, but increased interleukin-6 expression, irrespective of sex. Repeated immune challenge resulted in increased concentrations of plasma aldosterone and corticosterone with higher values of corticosterone in females compared to males. Concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in plasma were unaffected by LPS, while DHEA levels in the frontal cortex were lower in the LPS-treated animals compared to the controls. Thus, changes of DHEA levels in the brain take place irrespective of the changes of this neurosteroid in plasma. We have provided the first evidence on stress-induced increase in β₃-adrenergic receptor gene expression in the brain. Greater reduction of β₃-adrenergic receptor expression in the adipose tissue and of the body weight gain by repeated immune challenge in male than in female rats suggests sex differences in the role of β₃-adrenergic receptors in the metabolic functions. LPS-induced changes in adipose tissue regulatory factors and hormone concentrations might be important for coping with chronic infections.

The Gene-Diet Associations in Postmenopausal Women with Newly Diagnosed Dyslipidemia

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between polymorphisms of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor - PPAR gamma-2 (Pro12Ala, C1431T) and beta 3-adrenergic receptor - ADRB3 (Trp64Arg) and dietary habits in a group of postmenopausal women who were not under hypolipidemic treatment.

DESIGN

Genetic, nutritional and anthropometric parameters were measured in 213 dyslipidemic (LDL ≥115 mg/dL) and 58 normolipidemic (LDL<115) postmenopausal women. The PCR-RFLP method were used to determine the distributions of selected alleles and genotype frequencies. Dietary intake of basic components and fatty acids was obtained from a 7-day weighed food record and the bio-impedance method was used to determine nutritional status.

RESULTS

Nearly 79% of analyzed women were in the first-time-diagnosed dyslipidemic state. The dyslipidemic subjects were characterized with higher intake of energy, fat, and saturated fatty acids (SFA). The analysis of the same polymorphisms showed association at the P value <0.05 with nutrients (fat, SFA, and polyunsaturated fatty acid - PUFA and saccharose) and elevated LDL level. Higher PUFA intake in a group of women with the protective Ala12/X polymorphism did not increase the risk of dyslipidemia even though they were characterized by visceral distribution of fat. The Arg64/X polymorphism and higher intake of energy, fat, and arachidic acid intake (C20:0) were associated with dyslipidemic state.

CONCLUSION

Both nutritional and genetic factors are related to lipid profile. The identification of gene-diet associations is likely to provide useful information about the etiology of postmenopausal dyslipidemia and help in effective treatment.

Disruption of beta3 adrenergic receptor increases susceptibility to DIO in mouse

The brown adipose tissue (BAT) mediates adaptive changes in metabolic rate by responding to the sympathetic nervous system through β-adrenergic receptors (AR). Here, we wished to define the role played by the ARβ₃ isoform in this process. This study focused on the ARβ₃ knockout mice (ARβ₃KO), including responsiveness to cold exposure, diet-induced obesity, intolerance to glucose, dyslipidaemia and lipolysis in white adipose tissue (WAT). ARβ₃KO mice defend core temperature during cold exposure (4°C for 5 h), with faster BAT thermal response to norepinephrine (NE) infusion when compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Despite normal BAT thermogenesis, ARβ₃KO mice kept on a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% fat) for 8 weeks exhibited greater susceptibility to diet-induced obesity, markedly increased epididymal adipocyte area with clear signs of inflammation. The HFD-induced glucose intolerance was similar in both groups but serum hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were less intense in ARβ₃KO animals when compared with WT controls. Isoproterenol-induced lipolysis in isolated white adipocytes as assessed by glycerol release was significantly impaired in ARβ₃KO animals despite normal expression of key proteins involved in lipid metabolism. In conclusion, ARβ₃ inactivation does not affect BAT thermogenesis but increases susceptibility to diet-induced obesity by dampening WAT lipolytic response to adrenergic stimulation.

Visceral Fat: Higher Responsiveness of Fat Mass and Gene Expression to Calorie Restriction than Subcutaneous Fat

Visceral fat accumulation is accompanied by several metabolic disorders. Here, we investigate the improvement of visceral fat accumulation in the early phase of diet. Hyperlipidemic obese patients received a low-calorie diet (1000 kcal/day) for 14 days. Visceral and subcutaneous fat accumulation was analyzed using ultrasonography. After 14 days of the diet, the average visceral fat of obese patients obviously decreased (P < 0.05), as well as the visceral fat-related secreted proteins, whereas subcutaneous fat did not decrease in these patients. These results show that visceral fat is reduced significantly in the early phase of diet therapy in humans. Therefore, to clarify its mechanism, we analyzed the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in visceral and subcutaneous fat using obese rats. The Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats, as an obese model, were divided into two groups: fasting and non-fasting. The gene expressions in visceral and subcutaneous fat were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (AR), hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma, and uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 genes increased by 3.2-, 2.3-, 2.2-, and 2-fold in visceral fat (P < 0.01), but remained almost unchanged in subcutaneous fat. Taken together, the responsiveness of lipid metabolism-related genes to fasting is more sensitive in visceral fat than in subcutaneous fat in rats, suggesting that the different responsiveness to calorie restriction in fat tissues is due to the different induction of metabolism-related gene expression.

Cold Exposure Induces Proliferation of Mature Brown Adipocyte in a ß3-Adrenergic Receptor-Mediated Pathway

Hyperplasia of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a fundamental mechanism for adaptation to survive in the cold environment in rodents. To determine which cell types comprising BAT contribute to tissue hyperplasia, immunohistochemical analysis using a proliferative marker Ki67 was performed on the BAT from 6-week-old C57BL/6J mice housed at 23°C (control) or 10°C (cold) for 5 days. Interestingly, in the control group, the cell proliferative marker Ki67 was detected in the nuclei of uncoupling protein 1-positive mature brown adipocytes (7.2% ± 0.4% of brown adipocyte), as well as in the non-adipocyte stromal-vascular (SV) cells (19.6% ± 2.3% of SV cells), which include preadiopocytes. The percentage of Ki67-positive brown adipocytes increased to 25.6% ± 1.8% at Day 1 after cold exposure and was significantly higher than the non-cold acclimated control until Day 5 (21.8% ± 1.7%). On the other hand, the percentage of Ki67-positive SV cells gradually increased by a cold exposure and peaked to 42.1% ± 8.3% at Day 5. Injection of a ß3-adrenergic receptor (ß3-AR) agonist for continuous 5 days increased the number of Ki67-positive brown adipocytes even at Day 1 but not that of SV cells. In addition, the ß3-AR antagonist, but not ß1-AR antagonist, attenuated the cold exposure-induced increase in the number of Ki67-positive brown adipocytes. These results suggest that mature brown adipocytes proliferate immediately after cold exposure in a ß3-AR-mediated pathway. Thus, proliferation of mature brown adipocytes as well as preadipocytes in SV cells may contribute to cold exposure-induced BAT hyperplasia.

Fto-Deficiency Affects the Gene and MicroRNA Expression Involved in Brown Adipogenesis and Browning of White Adipose Tissue in Mice

Genetic variants in the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene Fto are linked to the onset of obesity in humans. The causal role of the FTO protein in obesity is supported by evidence obtained from transgenic mice; however, the underlying molecular pathways pertaining to the role of FTO in obesity have yet to be established. In this study, we investigate the Fto gene in mouse brown adipose tissue and in the browning process of white adipose tissue. We analyze distinct structural and molecular factors in brown and white fat depots of Fto-deficient mice under normal and obesogenic conditions. We report significant alterations in the morphology of adipose tissue depots and the expression of mRNA and microRNA related to brown adipogenesis and metabolism in Fto-deficient mice. Furthermore, we show that high-fat feeding does not attenuate the browning process of Fto-deficient white adipose tissue as observed in wild-type tissue, suggesting a triggering effect of the FTO pathways by the dietary environment.

Associations between Dietary Patterns, ADRβ2 Gln27Glu and ADRβ3 Trp64Arg with Regard to Serum Triglyceride Levels: J-MICC Study

Interactions between dietary patterns and 2 β-adrenergic receptor (ADRβ) gene polymorphisms (ADRβ2 Gln27Glu and ADRβ3 Trp64Arg) were examined with regard to the effects on serum triglyceride levels. The cross-sectional study comprised 1720 men and women (aged 35–69 years) enrolled in the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study. Genotyping was conducted using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based invader assay. We used 46 items from a validated short food frequency questionnaire and examined major dietary patterns by factor analysis. We identified four dietary patterns: healthy, Western, seafood and bread patterns. There was no significant association between any dietary pattern and serum triglyceride levels. After a separate genotype-based analysis, significant interactions between ADRβ3 Trp64Arg genotype and the bread pattern (p for interaction = 0.01) were associated with serum triglyceride levels; specifically, after adjusting for confounding factors, Arg allele carriers with the bread pattern had lower serum triglycerides (p for trend = 0.01). However, the Trp/Trp homozygous subjects with the bread pattern showed no association with serum triglycerides (p for trend = 0.55). Interactions between other dietary patterns and ADRβ polymorphisms were not significant for serum triglyceride levels. Our findings suggest that ADRβ3 polymorphism modifies the effects of the bread pattern on triglyceride levels.

Polymorphism of Trp64Arg in β3-adrenergic receptor gene among Bolivian people in rural areas at high and low altitudes

Background: To investigate whether population differences in food and/or lifestyle could affect the distribution frequencies of polymorphism in the gene for β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR), the frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism was studied among Bolivian people living in rural areas of high (about 4000 m above sea level) and low (about 300 m above sea level) altitudes.

Methods: Genomic DNA samples of Bolivian subjects (n=508) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for part of the β3-AR gene. The amplified PCR products were digested with restriction enzyme NciI and analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Results: We found no significant difference in the frequency of Arg allele in the β3-AR gene between 331 native low-altitude Bolivian subjects (18.1%) and 177 native high-altitude Bolivian subjects (17.5%). Body mass index was not associated with Trp64Arg polymorphism among native Bolivian adults. The frequency of this allele in the complete Bolivian population (18%) was lower than that reported in Pima Indians (32%), is comparable to the Japanese (19%) and is higher than several ethnic groups, including Finns (12%) and French (4%).

Conclusions: Our data indicate that the altitude-related lifestyle of a population has had little influence on the frequency of Trp64Arg polymorphism and obesity in Bolivian natives.

β3-Adrenoceptor agonists for overactive bladder syndrome: Role of translational pharmacology in a repositioning clinical drug development project

β3-Adrenoceptor agonists were originally considered as a promising drug class for the treatment of obesity and/or type 2 diabetes. When these development efforts failed, they were repositioned for the treatment of the overactive bladder syndrome. Based on the example of the β3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron, but also taking into consideration evidence obtained with ritobegron and solabegron, we discuss challenges facing a translational pharmacology program accompanying clinical drug development for a first-in-class molecule. Challenges included generic ones such as ligand selectivity, species differences and drug target gene polymorphisms. Challenges that are more specific included changing concepts of the underlying pathophysiology of the target condition while clinical development was under way; moreover, a paucity of public domain tools for the study of the drug target and aspects of receptor agonists as drugs had to be addressed. Nonetheless, a successful first-in-class launch was accomplished. Looking back at this translational pharmacology program, we conclude that a specifically tailored and highly flexible approach is required. However, several of the lessons learned may also be applicable to translational pharmacology programs in other indications.

[The investigation the combined effect of SNP rs9939609 (gene FTO) and rs4994 (gene ADRB3) polymorphisms on risk of obesity]

The genetic factor plays a significant role in the development of obesity, by present time the association of hundreds genetic polymorphisms with the risk of this disease is established. However, the combined influence of genetic polymorphisms remains practically unstudied. We aimed to investigate the combined effect SNP rs9939609 (gene FTO) and rs4994 (gene ADRB3) polymorphisms on risk of obesity. A case-control study was conducted, including255 obese case (BMI>30 kg/m2) and 427 non obese controls (BMI<30 kg/m2). Genotyping was performed using allele-specific amplification, detection results in real time using TaqMan-probes complementary DNA polymorphic sites. It has been shown, that presence of one mutant allele of rs9939609 (gene FTO) and rs4994 (gene ADRB3) leads to statistically significant association with obesity. Presence of two mutant alleles in different polymorphic variants increases risk of obesity by 15%, presence of three mutant alleles - by 2.63 fold. The quantity surveyed, suffering obesity, increased depending on the number of mutant alleles in studied genetic polymorphisms. Presence of one or two mutant alleles in one polymorphic variant increased the number of patients with obesity by 13.4%, presence of two or three mutant alleles in different polymorphic variants -by 18-19%.

[Current trends in nutrigenomics of obesity]

One of the most general chronic illness in the world is obesity, which lead to progression of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome and other diseases. Slow body weight gain, that leads to overweight, is a long-term aftereffect of a long-term positive energy balance, which occurs as a result of physical activity reduction and calorie intake increasing. Trend in the reduction of physical activity and increasing the caloric value of food intake is probably the main reason of increasing patients with obesity, but it's necessary to mention that this tendency occurs because of genetic variation in population. The volume of scientific information, relevant to the problem of genetic predisposition testing to obesity, is highly increasing. This article provides an overview of recent data on the genetics of obesity and the role of genetic testing of candidate genes polymorphisms, as well as genes associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders (FTO, ADRB2, ADRB3, PPARG and a number of others). The role of nutrigenomics in personalization of diet treatment for obesity.

A Multiple Interaction Analysis Reveals ADRB3 as a Potential Candidate for Gallbladder Cancer Predisposition via a Complex Interaction with Other Candidate Gene Variations

Gallbladder cancer is the most common and a highly aggressive biliary tract malignancy with a dismal outcome. The pathogenesis of the disease is multifactorial, comprising the combined effect of multiple genetic variations of mild consequence along with numerous dietary and environmental risk factors. Previously, we demonstrated the association of several candidate gene variations with GBC risk. In this study, we aimed to identify the combination of gene variants and their possible interactions contributing towards genetic susceptibility of GBC. Here, we performed Multifactor-Dimensionality Reduction (MDR) and Classification and Regression Tree Analysis (CRT) to investigate the gene–gene interactions and the combined effect of 14 SNPs in nine genes (DR4 (rs20576, rs6557634); FAS (rs2234767); FASL (rs763110); DCC (rs2229080, rs4078288, rs7504990, rs714); PSCA (rs2294008, rs2978974); ADRA2A (rs1801253); ADRB1 (rs1800544); ADRB3 (rs4994); CYP17 (rs2486758)) involved in various signaling pathways. Genotyping was accomplished by PCR-RFLP or Taqman allelic discrimination assays. SPSS software version 16.0 and MDR software version 2.0 were used for all the statistical analysis. Single locus investigation demonstrated significant association of DR4 (rs20576, rs6557634), DCC (rs714, rs2229080, rs4078288) and ADRB3 (rs4994) polymorphisms with GBC risk. MDR analysis revealed ADRB3 (rs4994) to be crucial candidate in GBC susceptibility that may act either alone (p < 0.0001, CVC = 10/10) or in combination with DCC (rs714 and rs2229080, p < 0.0001, CVC = 9/10). Our CRT results are in agreement with the above findings. Further, in-silico results of studied SNPs advocated their role in splicing, transcriptional and/or protein coding regulation. Overall, our result suggested complex interactions amongst the studied SNPs and ADRB3 rs4994 as candidate influencing GBC susceptibility.

[Genetic Association of ADRA2A and ADRB3 Genes with Metabolic Syndrome among the Tatars]

An association study was performed for genetic polymorphisms in ADRB3 (rs4994) and ADRA2A (rs1800544, rs553668) genes to estimate their effect on quantitative parameters, including glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR index in women from the Tatar population of Russia. It has been shown that CT and CC are associated with metabolic syndrome and increased insulin. It was shown that ADRA2A (rs1800544) gene polymorphism was associated with high levels of insulin and an increased HOMA-IR index in GG- and GC-genotype carriers.

Effect of Zingiber officinale Supplementation on Obesity Management with Respect to the Uncoupling Protein 1 -3826A>G and ß3-adrenergic Receptor Trp64Arg Polymorphism

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) supplementation on some obesity-associated parameters, with nutrigenetics approach. Accordingly, 80 eligible obese women (aged 18-45 years) were randomly assigned to receive either ginger (2-g ginger rhizomes powder as two 1-g tablets per day) or placebo supplements (corn starch with the same amount) for 12 weeks. Subjects were tested for changes in body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, body composition, appetite score, and dietary intake. Moreover, participants were genotyped for the -3826A>G and Trp64Arg polymorphisms of uncoupling protein 1 and ß3-adrenergic receptor genes, respectively. Over 12 weeks, ginger supplementation resulted in a slight but statistically significant decrease in all anthropometric measurements and total appetite score as compared with placebo group, which were more pronounced in subjects with the AA genotype for uncoupling protein 1 and Trp64Trp genotype for ß3-adrenergic receptor gene. However, there was no significant difference in changes of body composition and total energy and macronutrients intake between groups. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ginger consumption has potential in managing obesity, accompanying with an intervention-genotype interaction effect. However, further clinical trials need to explore ginger's efficacy as an anti-obesity agent in the form of powder, extract, or its active components.

Central Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Browns White Fat via Sympathetic Action in Male Mice

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has multiple metabolic actions, including the induction of browning in white adipose tissue. Although FGF21 stimulated browning results from a direct interaction between FGF21 and the adipocyte, browning is typically associated with activation of the sympathetic nervous system through cold exposure. We tested the hypothesis that FGF21 can act via the brain, to increase sympathetic activity and induce browning, independent of cell-autonomous actions. We administered FGF21 into the central nervous system via lateral ventricle infusion into male mice and found that the central treatment increased norepinephrine turnover in target tissues that include the inguinal white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. Central FGF21 stimulated browning as assessed by histology, expression of uncoupling protein 1, and the induction of gene expression associated with browning. These effects were markedly attenuated when mice were treated with a β-blocker. Additionally, neither centrally nor peripherally administered FGF21 initiated browning in mice lacking β-adrenoceptors, demonstrating that an intact adrenergic system is necessary for FGF21 action. These data indicate that FGF21 can signal in the brain to activate the sympathetic nervous system and induce adipose tissue thermogenesis.

The Impact of Gene Polymorphisms on the Success of Anticholinergic Treatment in Children with Overactive Bladder

AIM

To determine the impact of gene polymorphisms on detrusor contraction-relaxation harmony in children with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Toilet trained children older than 5 years of age with LUTS and normal neurological examination underwent videourodynamic study. The control group was composed of age matched children with no voiding complaints. The study group who filled out the voiding dysfunction symptom score before and after the treatment received standard oxybutynin treatment and was reevaluated 1 year after treatment. Genomic DNA was isolated from all patients and subjected to PCR for amplification. Genotyping of ARGHEF10, ROCK2, ADRB3, and CYP3A4 was carried out with Polymerase Chain Reaction- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

RESULTS

34 (45%) and 42 (55%) patients were enrolled in the study and control group, respectively. ARGEF10 GG, ADRB3 TC, and CYP3A4 AG genotype patients displayed insignificant difference between pre- and posttreatment voiding dysfunction symptom score and bladder volumes.

CONCLUSIONS

The polymorphism of genes in the cholinergic pathway did not significantly differ clinical parameters. On the other hand, polymorphic patients in the adrenergic pathway seemed to suffer from clinical disappointment. For this reason, we think that the neglected adrenergic pathway could be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of anticholinergic resistant LUTS in children.

Bardoxolone Methyl Prevents Fat Deposition and Inflammation in Brown Adipose Tissue and Enhances Sympathetic Activity in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Obesity results in changes in brown adipose tissue (BAT) morphology, leading to fat deposition, inflammation, and alterations in sympathetic nerve activity. Bardoxolone methyl (BARD) has been extensively studied for the treatment of chronic diseases. We present for the first time the effects of oral BARD treatment on BAT morphology and associated changes in the brainstem. Three groups (n = 7) of C57BL/6J mice were fed either a high-fat diet (HFD), a high-fat diet supplemented with BARD (HFD/BARD), or a low-fat diet (LFD) for 21 weeks. BARD was administered daily in drinking water. Interscapular BAT, and ventrolateral medulla (VLM) and dorsal vagal complex (DVC) in the brainstem, were collected for analysis by histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. BARD prevented fat deposition in BAT, demonstrated by the decreased accumulation of lipid droplets. When administered BARD, HFD mice had lower numbers of F4/80 and CD11c macrophages in the BAT with an increased proportion of CD206 macrophages, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. BARD increased phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase in BAT and VLM. In the VLM, BARD increased energy expenditure proteins, including beta 3-adrenergic receptor (β₃-AR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). Overall, oral BARD prevented fat deposition and inflammation in BAT, and stimulated sympathetic nerve activity.