Predicting consequences of POP-induced disruption of blubber glucose uptake, mass gain rate and thyroid hormone levels for weaning mass in grey seal pups

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are endocrine disruptors that alter adipose tissue development, regulation and function. Top marine predators are particularly vulnerable because they possess large fat stores that accumulate POPs. However, links between endocrine or adipose tissue function disruption and whole animal energetics have rarely been investigated. We predicted the impact of alterations to blubber metabolic characteristics and circulating thyroid hormone (TH) levels associated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) on suckling mass gain and weaning mass in wild grey seal pups. Glucose uptake by inner blubber was a strong predictor of whole animal mass gain rate, which in turn, resulted in heavier weaning mass. Weaning mass was predicted to increase by 3.7 ± 1.59 (sem) %, through increased mass gain rate, in the absence of the previously reported suppressive effect of dioxin-like PCB (DL-PCBs) on blubber glucose uptake. PBDEs were, conversely, associated with faster mass gain. Alleviation of this effect was predicted to reduce weaning mass by 6.02 ± 1.86% (sem). To better predict POPs effects on energy balance, it is crucial to determine if and how PBDEs promote mass gain in grey seal pups. Weaning mass was negatively related to total T3 (TT3) levels. A 20% (range = 9.3-31.7%) reduction in TT3 by DL-PCBs partially overcame the effect of DL-PCB -mediated reduction in blubber glucose uptake. Overall, DL-PCBs were thus predicted to reduce weaning mass by 1.86 ± 1.60%. Organohalogen impacts on whole-animal energy balance in grey seal pups appear to partially offset each other through opposing effects on different mechanisms. POP effects were generally minor, but the largest POP-induced reductions in weaning mass were predicted to occur in pups that were already small. Since weaning mass is positively related to first-year survival, POPs may disproportionately affect smaller individuals, and could continue to have population-level impacts even when levels are relatively low compared to historical values. Our findings show how in vitro experiments combined with measurements in vivo can help elucidate mechanisms that underpin energy balance regulation and help to quantify the magnitude of disruptive effects by contaminants and other stressors in wildlife.

Obesity-induced changes in human islet G protein-coupled receptor expression: Implications for metabolic regulation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of cell surface receptors that are the targets for many different classes of pharmacotherapy. The islets of Langerhans are central to appropriate glucose homeostasis through their secretion of insulin, and islet function can be modified by ligands acting at the large number of GPCRs that islets express. The human islet GPCRome is not a static entity, but one that is altered under pathophysiological conditions and, in this review, we have compared expression of GPCR mRNAs in human islets obtained from normal weight range donors, and those with a weight range classified as obese. We have also considered the likely outcomes on islet function that the altered GPCR expression status confers and the possible impact that adipokines, secreted from expanded fat depots, could have at those GPCRs showing altered expression in obesity.

Relationships between plasma apelin and adiponectin with normal weight obesity, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness in working adults

Background

A significant proportion of adults have normal weight obesity (NWO), defined as a normal body mass index (BMI) but disproportionately high body fat percentage. Individuals with NWO may have increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders and lower exercise tolerance, but it is unclear if this obesity phenotype is linked with dysregulated production of adipokines or myokines such as adiponectin and apelin, respectively.

Methods

This cross-sectional, secondary analysis included 177 working adults (mean age 49.6 ± 9.9 yrs, 64% female). Plasma high-molecular weight adiponectin and apelin levels were measured by ELISA. Body composition and fat distribution were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Exercise tolerance (VO₂ maximum) was determined by treadmill testing. NWO was defined as a BMI <25 kg/m² and body fat >30% for women or >23% for men. Participants were categorized as lean, NWO, or overweight-obese.

Results

A total of 14.7% of subjects were categorized as lean, 23.7% as having NWO, and 61.6% as having overweight-obesity. Plasma adiponectin levels were elevated in the overweight-obesity group (P < 0.05) compared to the lean and NWO groups, which did not differ from each other (P > 0.05). Adiponectin concentrations were inversely associated with BMI, fat mass, fat mass percent, visceral fat, and trunk to leg fat ratio and positively associated with leg fat mass (all P < 0.001). Plasma apelin levels were similar between the three body composition groups (P < 0.05) and were not significantly associated with any body composition indices. Apelin concentrations were inversely related to VO₂ maximum (β = −0.03 ± 0.01, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Plasma adiponectin and apelin levels did not distinguish between lean and NWO groups. Positive relationships with leg fat mass and adiponectin suggest the importance of assessing body composition and fat distribution when studying adipokines and cardiometabolic disorders. Further investigations are needed to understand relationships between exercise, body composition, and apelin secretion.

Transcriptome profiling of insulin sensitive tissues from GH deficient mice following GH treatment

PURPOSE

Most studies that have examined the transcriptional response to GH have been performed with a single tissue. Thus, the current study performed RNASeq across three insulin-sensitive tissues of GH-treated GH deficient (GHKO) mice.

METHODS

GHKO mice were injected with recombinant human GH (hGH) or vehicle daily for 5 days and adipose, liver, and muscle tissues were collected 4 h after the final injection. RNA was isolated from the tissues and sequenced. Genes that were differentially expressed between GH and vehicle treatments were further analyzed. Enrichment analysis and topology-aware pathway analysis were performed.

RESULTS

GHKO mice treated with hGH had expected phenotypic alterations, with increased body, fat, fluid, liver, and muscle mass, and increased serum IGF-1 and insulin. 55 Genes were differentially expressed in all three tissues, including the canonical GH targets Igf1, Igfals, and Cish. Enrichment analysis confirmed the canonical GH response in select tissues, such as cell proliferation, metabolism, and fibrosis. The JAK/STAT pathway was the only pathway significantly altered in all three tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

As expected, GH caused expression changes of many known target genes, although new candidate GH targets were identified. Liver and muscle appear to be more GH sensitive than adipose tissue due to the larger number of DEG and pathways significantly altered, but adipose still has a characteristic GH response. The diversity of changes uncovered in all three tissues after 5 days of GH treatment highlights the multiplicity of GH's effects in its target tissues.

The roles of NFE2L1 in adipocytes: Structural and mechanistic insight from cell and mouse models

Adipocytes play pivotal roles in maintaining energy homeostasis by storing lipids in adipose tissue (AT), regulating the flux of lipids between AT and the circulation in response to the body's energy requirements and secreting a variety of hormones, cytokines and other factors. Proper AT development and function ensure overall metabolic health. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1, also known as NRF1) belongs to the CNC-bZIP family and plays critical roles in regulating a wide range of essential cellular functions and varies stress responses in many cells and tissues. Human and rodent Nfe2l1 genes can be transcribed into multiple splice variants resulting in various protein isoforms, which may be further modified by a variety of post-translational mechanisms. While the long isoforms of NFE2L1 have been established as master regulators of cellular adaptive antioxidant response and proteasome homeostasis, the exact tissue distribution and physiological function of NFE2L1 isoforms, the short isoforms in particular, are still under intense investigation. With regard to key roles of NFE2L1 in adipocytes, emerging data indicates that deficiency of Nfe2l1 results in aberrant adipogenesis and impaired AT functioning. Intriguingly, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the human NFE2L1 gene is associated with obesity. In this review, we summarize the most significant findings regarding the specific roles of the multiple isoforms of NFE2L1 in AT formation and function. We highlight that NFE2L1 plays a fundamental regulatory role in the expression of multiple genes that are crucial to AT metabolism and function and thus could be an important target to improve disease states involving aberrant adipose plasticity and lipid homeostasis.

Vehicle emissions-exposure alters expression of systemic and tissue-specific components of the renin-angiotensin system and promotes outcomes associated with cardiovascular disease and obesity in wild-type C57BL/6 male mice

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Vehicle emission-exposure increases systemic and adipose renin-angiotensin signaling.

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Emission-exposure promotes renal, vascular, and adipocyte AT1 receptor expression.

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Diet and emission-exposure are associated with adipocyte hypertrophy and weight gain.

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Emission-exposure promotes expression of adipokines and adipose inflammatory factors.

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High-fat diet promotes an obese adipose phenotype, exacerbated by emission-exposure.

Exposure to air pollution from traffic-generated sources is known to contribute to the etiology of inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity; however, the signaling pathways involved are still under investigation. Dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can contribute to CVD and alter lipid storage and inflammation in adipose tissue. Our previous exposure studies revealed that traffic-generated emissions increase RAS signaling, further exacerbated by a high-fat diet. Thus, we investigated the hypothesis that exposure to engine emissions increases systemic and local adipocyte RAS signaling, promoting the expression of factors involved in CVD and obesity. Male C57BL/6 mice (6–8 wk old) were fed either a high-fat (HF, n = 16) or low-fat (LF, n = 16) diet, beginning 30d prior to exposures, and then exposed via inhalation to either filtered air (FA, controls) or a mixture of diesel engine + gasoline engine vehicle emissions (MVE: 100 μg PM/m³) via whole-body inhalation for 6 h/d, 7 d/wk, 30d. Endpoints were assessed via immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR. MVE-exposure promoted vascular adhesion factors (VCAM-1, ICAM-1) expression, monocyte/macrophage sequestration, and oxidative stress in the vasculature, associated with increased angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) expression. In the kidney, MVE-exposure promoted the expression of renin, AT1, and AT2 receptors. In adipose tissue, both HF-diet and MVE-exposure mediated increased epididymal fat pad weight and adipocyte hypertrophy, associated with increased angiotensinogen and AT1 receptor expression; however, these outcomes were further exacerbated in the MVE + HF group. MVE-exposure also induced inflammation, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and leptin, while reducing insulin receptor and glucose transporter, GLUT4, expression in adipose tissue. Our results indicate that MVE-exposure promotes systemic and local adipose RAS signaling, associated with increased expression of factors contributing to CVD and obesity, further exacerbated by HF diet consumption.

DNA methylation in the adipose tissue and whole blood of Agent Orange-exposed Operation Ranch Hand veterans: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Between 1962 and 1971, the US Air Force sprayed Agent Orange across Vietnam, exposing many soldiers to this dioxin-containing herbicide. Several negative health outcomes have been linked to Agent Orange exposure, but data is lacking on the effects this chemical has on the genome. Therefore, we sought to characterize the impact of Agent Orange exposure on DNA methylation in the whole blood and adipose tissue of veterans enrolled in the Air Force Health Study (AFHS).

METHODS

We received adipose tissue (n = 37) and whole blood (n = 42) from veterans in the AFHS. Study participants were grouped as having low, moderate, or high TCDD body burden based on their previously measured serum levels of dioxin. DNA methylation was assessed using the Illumina 450 K platform.

RESULTS

Epigenome-wide analysis indicated that there were no FDR-significantly methylated CpGs in either tissue with TCDD burden. However, 3 CpGs in the adipose tissue (contained within SLC9A3, LYNX1, and TNRC18) were marginally significantly (q < 0.1) hypomethylated, and 1 CpG in whole blood (contained within PTPRN2) was marginally significantly (q < 0.1) hypermethylated with high TCDD burden. Analysis for differentially methylated DNA regions yielded SLC9A3, among other regions in adipose tissue, to be significantly differentially methylated with higher TCDD burden. Comparing whole blood data to a study of dioxin exposed adults from Alabama identified a CpG within the gene SMO that was hypomethylated with dioxin exposure in both studies.

CONCLUSION

We found limited evidence of dioxin associated DNA methylation in adipose tissue and whole blood in this pilot study of Vietnam War veterans. Nevertheless, loci in the genes of SLC9A3 in adipose tissue, and PTPRN2 and SMO in whole blood, should be included in future exposure analyses.

Integrating biomaterials and food biopolymers for cultured meat production

Cultured meat has recently achieved mainstream prominence due to the emergence of societal and industrial interest. In contrast to animal-based production of traditional meat, the cultured meat approach entails laboratory cultivation of engineered muscle tissue. However, bioengineers have hitherto engineered tissues to fulfil biomedical endpoints, and have had limited experience in engineering muscle tissue for its post-mortem traits, which broadly govern consumer definitions of meat quality. Furthermore, existing tissue engineering approaches face fundamental challenges in technical feasibility and industrial scalability for cultured meat production. This review discusses how animal-based meat production variables influence meat properties at both the molecular and functional level, and whether current cultured meat approaches recapitulate these properties. In addition, this review considers how conventional meat producers employ exogenous biopolymer-based meat ingredients and processing techniques to mimic desirable meat properties in meat products. Finally, current biomaterial strategies for engineering muscle and adipose tissue are surveyed in the context of emerging constraints that pertain to cultured meat production, such as edibility, sustainability and scalability, and potential areas for integrating biomaterials and food biopolymer approaches to address these constraints are discussed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Laboratory-grown or cultured meat has gained increasing interest from industry and the public, but currently faces significant impediment to market feasibility. This is due to fundamental knowledge gaps in producing realistic meat tissues via conventional tissue engineering approaches, as well as translational challenges in scaling up these approaches in an efficient, sustainable and high-volume manner. By defining the molecular basis for desirable meat quality attributes, such as taste and texture, and introducing the fundamental roles of food biopolymers in mimicking these properties in conventional meat products, this review aims to bridge the historically disparate fields of meat science and biomaterials engineering in order to inspire potentially synergistic strategies that address some of these challenges.

Pathway-level analysis of genome-wide circadian dynamics in diverse tissues in rat and mouse

A computational framework is developed to enable the characterization of genome-wide, multi-tissue circadian dynamics at the level of "functional groupings of genes" defined in the context of signaling, cellular/genetic processing and metabolic pathways in rat and mouse. Our aim is to identify how individual genes come together to generate orchestrated rhythmic patterns and how these may vary within and across tissues. We focus our analysis on four tissues (adipose, liver, lung, and muscle). A genome-wide pathway-centric analysis enables us to develop a comprehensive picture on how the observed circadian variation at the individual gene level, orchestrates functional responses at the pathway level. Such pathway-based "meta-data" analysis enables the rational integration and comparison across platforms and/or experimental designs evaluating emergent dynamics, as opposed to comparisons of individual elements. One of our key findings is that when considering the dynamics at the pathway level, a complex behavior emerges. Our work proposes that tissues tend to coordinate gene's circadian expression in a way that optimizes tissue-specific pathway activity, depending of each tissue's broader role in homeostasis.

CL316243 treatment mitigates the inflammation in white adipose tissues of juvenile adipocyte-specific Nfe2l1 knockout mice

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1) is a key transcription factor that regulates cellular adaptive responses to various stresses. Our previous studies revealed that adult adipocyte-specific Nfe2l1-knockout [Nfe2l1(f)-KO] mice show adipocyte hypertrophy and severe adipose inflammation, which can be worsened by rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist. To further assess the crucial roles of NFE2L1 in adipocytes, we investigated the effect of CL316243, a β3 adrenergic agonist that promotes lipolysis via a post-translational mechanism, on adipose inflammation in juvenile Nfe2l1(f)-KO mice. In contrast to adult mice, 4-week-old juvenile Nfe2l1(f)-KO mice displayed a normal fat distribution but reduced fasting plasma glycerol levels and elevated adipocyte hypertrophy and macrophage infiltration in inguinal and gonadal WAT. In addition, Nfe2l1(f)-KO mice had decreased expression of multiple lipolytic genes and reduced lipolytic activity in WAT. While 7 days of CL316243 treatment showed no significant effect on adipose inflammation in Nfe2l1-Floxed control mice, the same treatment dramatically alleviated macrophage infiltration and mRNA expression of inflammation and pyroptosis-related genes in WAT of Nfe2l1(f)-KO mice. Together with previous findings in adult mice, the current study highlights that NFE2L1 plays a fundamental regulatory role in lipolytic gene expression and thus might be an important target to improve adipose plasticity and lipid homeostasis.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Human Bone Marrow and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prolongs Allogenic Skin Graft Survival in Nonhuman Primates

Objective

In the present study, we examined the tolerance-inducing effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) and bone marrow-derived MSCs (hBM-MSCs) on a nonhuman primate model of skin transplantation.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, allogenic and xenogeneic of immunomodulatory properties of human AD-MSCs and BM-MSCs were evaluated by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays. Human MSCs were obtained from BM or AD tissues (from individuals of either sex with an age range of 35 to 65 years) and intravenously injected (2×106 MSCs/kg) after allogeneic skin grafting in a nonhuman primate model. The skin sections were evaluated by H and E staining for histopathological evaluations, particularly inflammation and rejection reaction of grafts after 96 hours of cell injection. At the mRNA and protein levels, cellular mediators of inflammation, such as CD4+IL-17+ (T helper 17; Th17) and CD4+INF-γ+ (T helper 1, Th1) cells, along with CD4+FoxP3+ cells (Treg), as the mediators of immunomodulation, were measured by RT-PCR and flow cytometry analyses.

Results

A significant Treg cells expansion was observed in MSCs-treated animals which reached the zenith at 24 hours and remained at a high concentration for 96 hours; however, Th1 and Th17 cells were significantly decreased. Our results showed that human MSCs significantly decrease Th1 and Th17 cell proliferation by decreasing interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interferon-γ (INF-γ) production and significantly increase Treg cell proliferation by increasing FoxP3 production. They also extend the allogenic skin graft survival in nonhuman primates. Histological evaluations showed no obvious presence of inflammatory cells or skin redness or even bulging after MSCs injection up to 96 hours, compared to the group without MSCs. There were no significant differences between hBM-MSCs and hAD-MSCs in terms of histopathological scores and inflammatory responses (P<0.05).

Conclusion

It seems that MSCs could be regarded as a valuable immunomodulatory tool to reduce the use of immunosuppressive agents.

Manufacturing and banking canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for veterinary clinical application

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have generated a great amount of interest in recent years as a novel therapeutic application for improving the quality of pet life and helping them free from painful conditions and diseases. It has now become critical to address the challenges related to the safety and efficacy of MSCs expanded in vitro. In this study, we establish a standardized process for manufacture of canine adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs), including tissue sourcing, cell isolation and culture, cryopreservation, thawing and expansion, quality control and testing, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of those cells for clinical applications.

RESULTS

After expansion, the viability of AD-MSCs manufactured under our standardized process was above 90 %. Expression of surface markers and differentiation potential was consistent with ISCT standards. Sterility, mycoplasma, and endotoxin tests were consistently negative. AD-MSCs presented normal karyotype, and did not form in vivo tumors. No adverse events were noted in the case treated with intravenously AD-MSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein we demonstrated the establishment of a feasible bioprocess for manufacturing and banking canine AD-MSCs for veterinary clinical use.

Cryopreserved human adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction maintains fracture healing potential via angiogenesis and osteogenesis in an immunodeficient rat model

Background

Novel therapeutic strategies for the healing of nonunion, which has serious effects on the quality of life of patients, are needed. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of local transplantation of human stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells on fracture healing in a rat non-healing fracture model and compared the effects between freshly isolated (F) and cryopreserved (C)-SVFs.

Methods

Non-healing fracture model was induced in the femur of female immunodeficient rats (F344/N Jcl rnu/rnu) with cauterizing periosteum. Immediately after the creation of non-healing fracture, rats received local transplantation of F and C-SVFs suspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or the same volume of PBS without cells using the same scaffold as a control group. During 8 weeks post-surgery, radiologic, histological, immunohistochemical, and biomechanical analyses were performed to evaluate fracture healing. The comparison of radiological results was performed with a chi-square test, and the multiple comparisons of immunohistochemical, histological, and biomechanical results among groups were made using a one-way analysis of variance. A probability value of 0.05 was considered to denote statistical significance.

Results

At week 8, in 60% of animals receiving F-SVF cells and in 50% of animals receiving C-SVF cells, the fracture radiologically healed with bone union whereas nonunion was observed in the control group. The healing potential was also confirmed by histological and biomechanical assessments. One of the mechanisms underlying healing involving intrinsic angiogenesis/osteogenesis was enhanced in F- and C-SVF groups compared with that in the control group. Human cell-derived vasculogenesis/osteogenesis, which was also confirmed in an in vitro differentiation assay, was also enhanced in the F- and C-SVF groups compared with that in the control groups and could be another mechanism for healing.

Conclusions

SVF cells can enhance bone healing and cryopreserved cells have almost equal potential as fresh cells. SVF cells can be used for improving nonunion bone fracture healing as an alternative to other mesenchymal stem cells and the effect of SVF cells can be maintained under cryopreservation.

The role of miRNAs in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance

PURPOSE

This review aims to summarize the key findings of several miRNAs and their roles in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance, characterize the disease pathogenesis, and establish a new theoretical basis for diagnosing, treating, and preventing polycystic ovary syndrome.

METHODS

Relevant scientific literature was covered from 1992 to 2020 by searching the PubMed database with search terms: insulin/insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, microRNAs, and metabolic diseases. References of relevant studies were cross-checked.

RESULTS

The related miRNAs (including differentially expressed miRNAs) and their roles in pathogenesis, and possible therapeutic targets and pathways, are discussed, highlighting controversies and offering thoughts for future directions.

CONCLUSION

We found abundant evidence on the role of differentially expressed miRNAs with its related phenotypes in PCOS. Considering the essential role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of PCOS, the alterations of associated miRNAs need more research attention. We speculate that race/ethnicity or PCOS phenotype and differences in methodological differences might lead to inconsistencies in research findings; thus, several miRNA profiles need to be investigated further to qualify for the potential therapeutic targets for PCOS-IR.

Vascularized adipocyte organoid model using isolated human microvessel fragments

Tissue organoids are proving valuable for modeling tissue health and disease in a variety of applications. This is due, in part, to the dynamic cell-cell interactions fostered within the 3D tissue-like space. To this end, the more that organoids recapitulate the different cell-cell interactions found in native tissue, such as that between parenchyma and the microvasculature, the better the fidelity of the model. The microvasculature, which is comprised of a spectrum of cell types, provides not only perfusion in its support of tissue health, but also important cellular interactions and biochemical dynamics important in tissue phenotype and function. Here, we incorporate whole, intact human microvessel fragments isolated from adipose tissue into organoids to form both MSC and adipocyte vascularized organoids. Isolated microvessels retain their native structure and cell composition, providing a more complete representation of the microvasculature within the organoids. Microvessels expanded via sprouting angiogenesis within organoids comprised of either MSCs or MSC-derived adipocytes and grew out of the organoids when placed in a 3D collagen matrix. In MSC organoids, a ratio of 50 MSCs to 1 microvessel fragment created the optimal vascularization response. We developed a new differentiation protocol that enabled the differentiation of MSCs into adipocytes while simultaneously promoting microvessel angiogenesis. The adipocyte organoids contained vascular networks, were responsive in a lipolysis assay, and expressed the functional adipocyte markers adiponectin and PPARγ. The presence of microvessels promoted insulin receptor expression by adipocytes and modified IL-6 secretion following a TNF-alpha challenge. Overall, we demonstrate a robust method for vascularizing high cell-density organoids with potential implications for other tissues as well.

Differentiation of Human Deceased Donor, Adipose-Derived, Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Functional Beta Cells

There is an emerging need for the rapid generation of functional beta cells that can be used in cell replacement therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Differentiation of stem cells into insulin-producing cells provides a promising strategy to restore pancreatic endocrine function. Stem cells can be isolated from various human tissues including adipose tissue (AT). Our study outlines a novel, non-enzymatic process to harvest mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from research-consented, deceased donor AT. Following their expansion, MSC were characterised morphologically and phenotypically by flow cytometry to establish their use for downstream differentiation studies. MSC were induced to differentiate into insulin-producing beta cells using a step-wise differentiation medium. The differentiation was evaluated by analysing the morphology, dithizone staining, immunocytochemistry, and expression of pancreatic beta cell marker genes. We stimulated the beta cells with different concentrations of glucose and observed a dose-dependent increase in gene expression. In addition, an increase in insulin and c-Peptide secretion as a function of glucose challenge confirmed the functionality of the differentiated beta cells. The differentiation of adipose-derived MSC into beta cells has been well established. However, our data demonstrates, for the first time, that the ready availability and properties of MSC isolated from deceased donor adipose tissue render them well-suited as a source for increased production of functional beta cells. Consequently, these cells can be a promising therapeutic approach for cell replacement therapy to treat patients with T1D.

Histological Changes in Adipose Tissue: An Alarm When Methamphetamine Is Targeted for Weight Loss Purposes

BACKGROUND

Methamphetamine (METH) may be administered for weight loss purposes and to understand the METH side-effects more in details, this study aimed at determining the effect of METH on changes in adipose tissue in experimental rats.

METHODS

Forty five male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to three equal groups. Group 1 was experimental receiving METH [0.4 mg/kg, subcutaneously (S/C), 0.6 mL/rat] for 3 weeks, group 2 was the sham group receiving normal saline (0.6 mL/rat, S/C) and the 3^rd group was the control receiving distilled water, identically. The elevated plus maze test was used to confirm cognitive impairment and distraction as anxiety and to verify addiction to METH by assessing the percent time spent in open arm (OAT), the percent time spent in closed arm (CAT), the percent time spent in central parts and head dipping over the side of the maze. Adipose tissue was assessed histologically 7, 14 and 21-days after interventions.

RESULTS

A significant increase in anxiety level, and histologically inflammation, degeneration and necrosis in adipose tissue were visible after METH use.

CONCLUSION

METH use resulted in a significant inflammation and necrosis in adipose tissue denoting to the dangers of METH use, when recreationally targeted for weight loss purposes.

Accelerated subcutaneous abdominal stem cell adipogenesis predicts insulin sensitivity in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether subcutaneous (SC) abdominal adipose stem cell differentiation into adipocytes in vitro predicts insulin sensitivity (Si) in vivo in normal-weight women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Eight normal-weight women with PCOS and 8 age- and body mass index-matched controls.

INTERVENTION(S)

Women underwent circulating hormone/metabolic determinations, intravenous glucose tolerance testing, total-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and SC abdominal fat biopsy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

PPARγ and CEBPa gene expression and lipid content of adipocytes matured in vitro were compared between women with PCOS and control women, and correlated with patient characteristics, systemic Si, and adipose insulin resistance (adipose-IR).

RESULT(S)

Serum androgen levels, adipose-IR, and percentage of android fat were greater in women with PCOS than control women. Stem cell PPARγ and CEBPa gene expression increased maximally by day 12 without a female-type effect. In control cells, gene expression positively correlated with fasting serum insulin levels (both genes) and adipose-IR (CEBPa) and negatively correlated with Si (CEBPa). Conversely, CEBPa gene expression in PCOS cells negatively correlated with adipose-IR and serum free testosterone, whereas total lipid accumulation in these cells positively corelated with Si.

CONCLUSION

In normal-weight women with PCOS, accelerated SC abdominal adipose stem cell differentiation into adipocytes in vitro favors Si in vivo, suggesting a role for hyperandrogenism in the evolution of metabolic thrift to enhance fat storage through increased cellular glucose uptake.

Assessment of mitochondrial physiology of murine white adipose tissue by mechanical permeabilization and lipid depletion

White adipose tissue (WAT) represents a major site of triacylglycerol energy storage and is directly associated with metabolic disorders. Mitochondria regulate cellular energy expenditure and are active in WAT. Although isolated mitochondria have been classically used to assess their functions, several artifacts can be introduced by this approach. Furthermore, important limitations exist in the available methods to determine mitochondrial physiology in permeabilized WAT. Here, we established and validated a method for functional evaluation of mice mesenteric WAT (mWAT) mitochondria by using MEchanical Permeabilization and LIpid DEpletion (MEPLIDE) coupled to high-resolution respirometry. We observed that mild stirring of mWAT for 20 min at room temperature with 4% fatty acid-free albumin (FAF-BSA) followed by 50 min without FAF-BSA selectively permeabilized white adipocytes plasma membrane. In these conditions, mWAT mitochondria were intact, exhibiting succinate-induced respiratory rates that were sensitive to classical oxidative phosphorylation modulators. Finally, the respiratory capacity of mWAT in female mice was significantly higher than in males, an observation that agrees with reported data. Therefore, the functional assessment of mWAT mitochondria through MEPLIDE coupled to high resolution respirometry proposed here will contribute to a better understanding of WAT biology in several pathophysiological contexts.

Obesity, kidney dysfunction, and inflammation: interactions in hypertension

Obesity contributes 65-75% of the risk for human primary (essential) hypertension (HT) which is a major driver of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Kidney dysfunction, associated with increased renal sodium reabsorption and compensatory glomerular hyperfiltration, plays a key role in initiating obesity-HT and target organ injury. Mediators of kidney dysfunction and increased blood pressure include (i) elevated renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA); (ii) increased antinatriuretic hormones such as angiotensin II and aldosterone; (iii) relative deficiency of natriuretic hormones; (iv) renal compression by fat in and around the kidneys; and (v) activation of innate and adaptive immune cells that invade tissues throughout the body, producing inflammatory cytokines/chemokines that contribute to vascular and target organ injury, and exacerbate HT. These neurohormonal, renal, and inflammatory mechanisms of obesity-HT are interdependent. For example, excess adiposity increases the adipocyte-derived cytokine leptin which increases RSNA by stimulating the central nervous system proopiomelanocortin-melanocortin 4 receptor pathway. Excess visceral, perirenal and renal sinus fat compress the kidneys which, along with increased RSNA, contribute to renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, although obesity may also activate mineralocorticoid receptors independent of aldosterone. Prolonged obesity, HT, metabolic abnormalities, and inflammation cause progressive renal injury, making HT more resistant to therapy and often requiring multiple antihypertensive drugs and concurrent treatment of dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, and inflammation. More effective anti-obesity drugs are needed to prevent the cascade of cardiorenal, metabolic, and immune disorders that threaten to overwhelm health care systems as obesity prevalence continues to increase.

Bioaccumulation of pesticide contaminants in tissue matrices of dogs suffering from malignant canine mammary tumors in Punjab, India

The unprecedented application of pesticides in Punjab, India during green revolution has lead to an environmental crisis due to the accumulation of persistent organic and pesticide pollutants in the environment and biota of this region. The present study aimed at estimating the abundance of pesticide contaminants in three biological matrices of 36 dogs suffering from malignant canine mammary tumor (mCMT) and 6 tumor free control dogs from Punjab, India. Presence of individual and total pesticides in canine biological samples, age and bodyweight of canine patients was assessed as a potential risk factor for mCMT using logistic regression analysis. Chi-square test was employed to determine tissue-specific accumulations of individual pesticides. Spearman's correlation coefficient was estimated to determine the association between the levels of total pesticides in different tissue matrices and with age and bodyweight of mCMT cases. Gas chromatography-ECD analysis of serum, mammary tissue and adjoining mammary adipose tissue revealed fourteen different pesticides including γ-HCH, α-HCH, dieldrin, aldrin, heptachlor, butachlor, p,p-DDT, o,p-DDT, p,p-DDD, p,p-DDE, L-cyhalothrin, permethrin, fipronil, and fenitrothion. Heptachlor, γ-HCH, aldrin and p,p-DDT were more frequently detected, whereas, p,p-DDE and o,p-DDT were the least common. Differential accumulation of pesticides in tissue matrices, particularly between serum and mammary tissue/adipose tissue was observed. We could not find any association between the total pesticide concentrations among serum, mammary tissue and mammary adipose tissue in mCMT cases. We found that the odds for individual pesticide for serum, mammary tissue and adipose tissue were associated with high uncertainties; however, the total pesticide concentration in mammary tissue was near non-significantly associated with higher risk of mCMT with low uncertainty. Statistically non-significant higher odds of CMT occurrence with increase in age was noticed No association between the concentration of total pesticides in different matrices and age and bodyweight of canine subjects was found.

Differential expression profile of microRNA in yak skeletal muscle and adipose tissue during development

BACKGROUND

miRNAs play an important role in regulating normal animal development. Muscle tissue and fat metabolism are important for maintaining energy balance in animals. Yak has important agricultural and economic importance as it provides milk, meat, and hair. It is used for transportation as well. However, the miRNA expression profiles of their muscle and adipose tissue are currently unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the regulatory roles of miRNAs in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissues of yak.

METHODS

A total of 12 small RNA libraries were constructed from the skeletal muscle and adipose samples from yak aged 0.5, 2.5, 4.5, and 7.5 years. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were used to determine the dynamic expression profile of miRNA, and a miRNA regulatory network related to muscle and adipose tissue development was established.

RESULTS

miR-1-3p and miR-143-3p showed the highest expression during yak skeletal muscle and fat development, respectively. The MAPK and Ras signaling pathways were the pivotal pathways. miR-181-5p, miR-542-3p, and miR-424-5p may have key roles in skeletal muscle development, and CREBRF, GRB10, CDK1, RFX3, and EPC2 were the core target genes. While miR-127-5p, miR-379-3p, and miR-494-3p may play important regulatory roles in adipose deposition, and ETV1, XPO7, and C5AR2 were the core target genes.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable resources for further study of the molecular mechanisms underlying yak skeletal muscle and adipose tissue development, and also a basis for studying the interactions between genes and miRNAs.

Lipidomics of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), such as adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs), are potential sources for cell-based therapeutic strategies. However, there is little knowledge about the lipid composition of these stem cells and the mechanisms of their differentiation. Lipids have important biological and physiological functions that are critical for understanding the regulation and control of stem cell fate. This study sought to analyze the lipidome of rabbit ADSCs and MDSCs and their adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. The MSCs were isolated and were characterized by flow cytometry. Lipids were extracted from both MSCs and differentiated cells, and the lipids were subsequently analyzed with a hybrid triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The results showed a total of 1687 lipid species. MSCs exhibited different lipid profiles as well as changes in lipid composition after differentiation. Furthermore, the expression levels of N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) 54:7+NH4 (-FA 17:0(NH4)) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) 42:6+Na were higher in the adipogenic lineages in of both MSC types, and NAPE 58:2+NH4 (-FA 17:0 (NH4)) and NAPE 56:2+NH4 (-FA 17:0 (NH4)) had higher levels in the osteogenic lineages, suggesting lipid similarities in cells differentiated from different stem cell sources.

Mental stress promotes the proliferation of endometriotic lesions in mice

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the womb lining begins to grow in other sites, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Endometriosis can cause pelvic pain, adhesion formation, and infertility. Here, we investigated the relationship between deterioration of endometriosis and inflammation of intraperitoneal adipose tissue in mice. We created a mouse model of endometriosis, then subjected these mice to stress loading. In the experimental mice, we measured protein expression levels of prostaglandin-E2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α using ELISA kits. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure mRNA expression levels of inflammation-related enzymes and cytokines in lesions and adipose tissues. This study sugest that endometriotic lesions may progress in the presence of psychological stress in the presence of endometriosis. In addition, inflammation of the adipose tissue around the uterus may be involved in the development of endometriosis. However, this needs further consideration. Reducing or avoiding stress as much as possible may prevent the progression of endometriosis.

Adipose depot gene expression and intelectin-1 in the metabolic response to cancer and cachexia

BACKGROUND

Cancer cachexia is a poorly understood metabolic consequence of cancer. During cachexia, different adipose depots demonstrate differential wasting rates. Animal models suggest adipose tissue may be a key driver of muscle wasting through fat-muscle crosstalk, but human studies in this area are lacking. We performed global gene expression profiling of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose from weight stable and cachectic cancer patients and healthy controls.

METHODS

Cachexia was defined as >2% weight loss plus low computed tomography-muscularity. Biopsies of SAT and VAT were taken from patients undergoing resection for oesophago-gastric cancer, and healthy controls (n = 16 and 8 respectively). RNA was isolated and reverse transcribed. cDNA was hybridised to the Affymetrix Clariom S microarray and data analysed using R/Bioconductor. Differential expression of genes was assessed using empirical Bayes and moderated-t-statistic approaches. Category enrichment analysis was used with a tissue-specific background to examine the biological context of differentially expressed genes. Selected differentially regulated genes were validated by qPCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for intelectin-1 was performed on all VAT samples. The previously-described cohort plus 12 additional patients from each group also had plasma I = intelectin-1 ELISA carried out.

RESULTS

In VAT vs. SAT comparisons, there were 2101, 1722, and 1659 significantly regulated genes in the cachectic, weight stable, and control groups, respectively. There were 2200 significantly regulated genes from VAT in cachectic patients compared with controls. Genes involving inflammation were enriched in cancer and control VAT vs. SAT, although different genes contributed to enrichment in each group. Energy metabolism, fat browning (e.g. uncoupling protein 1), and adipogenesis genes were down-regulated in cancer VAT (P = 0.043, P = 5.4 × 10^-6 and P = 1 × 10^-6 respectively). The gene showing the largest difference in expression was ITLN1, the gene that encodes for intelectin-1 (false discovery rate-corrected P = 0.0001), a novel adipocytokine associated with weight loss in other contexts.

CONCLUSIONS

SAT and VAT have unique gene expression signatures in cancer and cachexia. VAT is metabolically active in cancer, and intelectin-1 may be a target for therapeutic manipulation. VAT may play a fundamental role in cachexia, but the down-regulation of energy metabolism genes implies a limited role for fat browning in cachectic patients, in contrast to pre-clinical models.