Targeted disruption of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 causes abrogation of adiponectin binding and metabolic actions

Induction of chemokine expression by adiponectin in vitro is isoform dependent

Adiponectin is reported to have both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Because adiponectin circulates in isoforms of various sizes and some responses to adiponectin are isoform dependent, it was postulated that the proinflammatory effects of adiponectin may be isoform specific. To test this theory, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs), and human glomerular mesangial cells (HMCs) were treated with high-molecular-weight (HMW) or low-molecular-weight (LMW) recombinant human adiponectin, and chemokine production was measured. The PBMCs were isolated from healthy volunteers by density gradient centrifugation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulated whole blood through endotoxin-free Ficoll (General Electric Healthcare Bio-Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden). The MVECs were of dermal origin, and the HMCs were isolated from kidneys not suitable for transplantation. Overnight (16 h) incubation with HMW adiponectin (0.01-1 microg/mL for PBMCs; 5-20 microg/mL for MVECs and HMCs) induced a dose-dependent increase in production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 by PBMCs and MVECs, but it had no effect on HMC chemokine production (n=3-5). LMW adiponectin at the same concentrations did not induce chemokine production in any of the cell types tested, and it did not block cytokine-induced chemokine production by PBMCs or MVECs (n=3-5). These in vitro data suggested that the HMW adiponectin isoform is proinflammatory. To examine the possibility of a relationship between HMW adiponectin and inflammation in vivo, the urine of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and kidney involvement, which was shown previously to contain immunoreactive adiponectin, was examined for the presence of specific adiponectin isoforms by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis. HMW adiponectin was found in the urine of patients with active lupus nephritis. Therefore, HMW adiponectin may contribute to the renal inflammation of SLE.

Effects of adiponectin transgenic expression in liver of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis model mice

We have previously reported that transgenic mice expressing nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (nSREBP-1c) in adipose tissue under the control of aP2 promoter, an inherited lipodystrophic model with insulin resistance and fatty liver, developed with age liver lesions similar to those of human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Because the spontaneous NASH model mice had marked hypoadiponectinemia, here we assessed the effect of adiponectin transgenically expressed in the liver of nSREBP-1c transgenic mice. The nSREBP-1c/adiponectin double-transgenic mice showed hepatic adiponectin production and restored circulating adiponectin levels. Both subtypes of adiponectin receptors proved to be expressed normally in the liver. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha was up-regulated in the double-transgenic mice. Histologic findings similar to those observed in the liver specimens of patients with NASH were observed in the livers from nSREBP-1c transgenic mice at the age of 30 weeks. In contrast, the NASH-like hepatic lesions were obviously attenuated in age-matched double-transgenic mice. Immunoreactivity of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells were increased in nSREBP-1c transgenic mice, but not in the double-transgenic mice. Postload plasma glucose levels were significantly lower in the double-transgenic mice compared with nSREBP-1c transgenic mice, whereas serum leptin levels did not differ significantly in the 2 groups. These observations suggest that hypoadiponectinemia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of NASH associated with insulin resistance and may provide a clue to the novel therapy for human NASH.

Influence of insulin resistance on adiponectin receptor expression in breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

Adipositas and insulin resistance are modifiable risk factors for breast cancer. Adiponectin seems to be an important linkage of these associations. In this study, we investigated the relationship between intratumoral adiponectin receptor expression and insulin resistance as well as intratumoral insulin/IGF receptor expression in breast cancer specimen.

METHODS

Breast cancer tissue and fasting serum were collected from 26 female patients. After microdissection of frozen samples, RNA was isolated and expression of insulin receptor, IGFR1, IGFR2, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 was measured on mRNA level by means of real time RT-PCR. Fasting insulin, glucose and c-peptide serum levels were analysed by ELISA. Insulin resistance was calculated using the HOMA model.

RESULTS

We were able to confirm AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 expression, respectively, in breast cancer specimen. Actually, neither insulin serum level nor whole-body insulin resistance showed any effect on insulin/IGF or adiponectin receptor expression in breast cancer. A strong positive correlation between insulin as well as IGF1 receptor and AdipoR1, but not AdipoR2, expression could be observed. Interestingly, AdipoR2 expression significantly correlated with vascular and lymphovascular invasion of breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

We propose a close relationship between the intratumoral insulin signalling system and AdipoR1 but not AdipoR2 expression. As AdipoR2 but not AdipoR1 expression seems to correlate with invasiveness, we assume different functions of the two adiponectin receptors in breast cancer.

Fenofibrate and PBA prevent fatty acid-induced loss of adiponectin receptor and pAMPK in human hepatoma cells and in hepatitis C virus-induced steatosis

Adiponectin receptors play a key role in steatosis and inflammation; however, very little is known about regulation of adiponectin receptors in liver. Here, we examined the effects of palmitate loading, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and the hypolipidemic agent fenofibrate on adiponectin receptor R2 (AdipoR2) levels and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in human hepatoma Huh7 cells and in Huh.8 cells, a model of hepatitis C-induced steatosis. Palmitate treatment reduced AdipoR2 protein and basal AMPK phosphorylation in Huh7 cells. Fenofibrate treatment preserved AdipoR2 and phosphorylated AMPK (pAMPK) levels in palmitate-treated cells accompanied by reduced triglyceride (TG) accumulation and less activation of ER stress markers CCAAT/enhancer binding (C/EBPbeta) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha. ER stress agents thapsigargin and tunicamycin suppressed AdipoR2 and pAMPK levels in Huh7 cells, while fenofibrate and the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) prevented these changes. AdipoR2 levels were lower in Huh.8 cells and fenofibrate treatment increased AdipoR2 while reducing activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and C/EBPbeta expression without changing TG levels. Taken together, these results suggest that fatty acids and ER stress reduce AdipoR2 protein and pAMPK levels, while fenofibrate and PBA might be important therapeutic agents to correct lipid- and ER stress-mediated loss of AdipoR2 and pAMPK associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Adiponectin: a key adipokine in alcoholic fatty liver

Alcoholic fatty liver is a major risk factor for advanced liver injuries such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. While the underlying mechanisms are multiple, the development of alcoholic fatty liver has been attributed to a combined increase in the rate of de novo lipogenesis and a decrease in the rate of fatty acid oxidation in animal liver. Among various transcriptional regulators, the hepatic SIRT1 (sirtuin 1)-AMPK (AMPK-activated kinase) signaling system represents a central target for the action of ethanol in the liver. Adiponectin is one of the adipocyte-derived adipokines with potent lipid-lowering properties. Growing evidence has demonstrated that the development of alcoholic fatty liver is associated with reduced circulating adiponectin levels, decreased hepatic adiponectin receptor expression, and impaired hepatic adiponectin signaling. Adiponectin confers protection against alcoholic fatty liver via modulation of complex hepatic signaling pathways largely controlled by the central regulatory system, SIRT1-AMPK axis. This review aims to integrate the current research findings of ethanol-mediated dysregulation of adiponectin and its receptors and to provide a comprehensive point of view for understanding the role of adiponectin signaling in the development of alcoholic fatty liver.

Community-based population data indicates the significant alterations of insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and urine ACR in IFG combined IGT group among prediabetic population

AIMS

To investigate alterations of insulin resistance (IR), chronic inflammation and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in Chinese community-based prediabetic population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

252 prediabetics [prediabetes (PD), including impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 91; impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 123; IFG+IGT, 38] and 38 newly diagnosed-diabetics (NDDM) aged over 35 years older were screened from 2336 community individuals. 123 age and gender matched individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were selected as controls. Serum adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and urine ACR were determined, HOMA-IR and Gutt's index were calculated to evaluate IR and insulin sensitivity, respectively.

RESULTS

The data displayed significant difference of serum adiponectin, IL-6, ACR and Gutt's index among PD, NDDM and NGT groups. Adiponectin level and Gutt's index decreased, but IL-6 level and ACR increased gradually among NGT, PD and NDDM groups (P<0.01). Unlike adiponectin and IL-6, ACR analysis indicates a gradual increase from NGT, IFG, IGT, IFG+IGT to NDDM individuals (P<0.01). Gutt's index showed significant difference between IFG and NDDM, IFG+IGT and NDDM (P<0.01), but HOMA-IR index did not.

CONCLUSIONS

IR, chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction dose exist in prediabetic individuals, especially in IFG+IGT population. Gutt's index and ACR might seem to be more sensitive than adiponectin and HOMA-IR index as IR and chronic inflammation maker in prediabetic population.

Radiolucency below the crown of mandibular horizontal incompletely impacted third molars and acute inflammation in men with diabetes

Although mandibular third molar has a high risk of infection extending any complications, the influence of diabetes on radiolucency and acute inflammation in pericoronitis remains unclear. The present study was to evaluate whether radiolucency below the crown is related to acute inflammation in mandibular horizontal incompletely impacted third molars and to review the records of 140 men more than 45 years with and without diabetes. The odds ratio of exhibiting acute inflammation was 3.38 (95% CI: 1.13-10.16, p < 0.05) and that of exhibiting severe acute inflammation was 15.38 (95% CI: 3.56-66.49, p < 0.0001), indicating an association of acute pericoronitis in diabetes. The frequency of radiolucency below the crown and below the root in diabetics was similar to that in nondiabetics. However, the odds ratio of exhibiting both radiolucency below the crown and acute inflammation under the diabetic condition was 4.85 (95% CI: 1.60-14.73, p < 0.01), whereas that of diabetics showing both radiolucency below the root and acute inflammation was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.06-3.74, p = 0.74). Radiolucency below the crown and acute inflammation were associated with diabetes, but that below root and acute inflammation were not associated with diabetes, indicating that the region below the crown carries susceptibility to acute pericoronitis, whereas the periodontium shows a protective effect against acute pericoronitis.

Insulin resistance and fuel homeostasis: the role of AMP-activated protein kinase

The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related disorders of the metabolic syndrome (MS) has reached epidemic proportions. Insulin resistance (IR) is a major perturbation that characterizes these disorders. Extra-adipose accumulation of lipid, particularly within the liver and skeletal muscle, is closely linked with the development of IR. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway plays an important role in the regulation of both lipid and glucose metabolism. Through its effects to increase fatty acid oxidation and inhibit lipogenesis, AMPK activity in the liver and skeletal muscle could be expected to ameliorate lipid accumulation and associated IR in these tissues. In addition, AMPK promotes glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and suppresses glucose output from the liver via insulin-independent mechanisms. These characteristics make AMPK a highly attractive target for the development of strategies to curb the prevalence and costs of T2D. Recent insights into the regulation of AMPK and mechanisms by which it modulates fuel metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle are discussed here. In addition, we consider the arguments for and against the hypothesis that dysfunctional AMPK contributes to IR. Finally we review studies which assess AMPK as an appropriate target for the prevention and treatment of T2D and MS.

Adiponectin: from obesity to cardiovascular disease

Adiponectin is an adipokine whose biosynthesis is deranged in obesity and diabetes mellitus, predisposing to atherosclerosis. Evidence suggests that adiponectin has anti-atherogenic properties by improving endothelial function and having anti-inflammatory effects in the vascular wall. In addition, adiponectin modifies vascular intracellular redox signalling and exerts indirect antioxidant effects on human myocardium. However, its clinical role in cardiovascular disease is obscure. Adiponectin's positive prognostic value in coronary artery disease had been widely supported over the last years, but this view has been questioned recently. High adiponectin levels are paradoxically associated with poorer prognosis in heart failure syndrome. These controversial findings seem surprising as adiponectin has been viewed overall as an anti-atherogenic molecule. Therefore, any certain conclusion about adiponectin's role in cardiovascular disease seems premature. Despite the rapidly accumulating literature on this adipokine, it is still unclear whether adiponectin is a key mediator or a bystander in cardiovascular disease. It is still uncertain whether adiponectin levels have any clinical significance for risk stratification in cardiovascular disease or they just reflect the activation of complex and opposing underlying mechanisms. Circulating adiponectin levels should be interpreted with caution, as they may have completely different prognostic value, depending on the underlying disease state.

AMPK-dependent hormonal regulation of whole-body energy metabolism

AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine protein kinase central to the regulation of energy balance at both the cellular and whole-body levels. In its classical role as an intracellular metabolic stress-sensing kinase, AMPK switches on fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake in muscle, while switching off hepatic gluconeogenesis. AMPK also has a broader role in metabolism through the control of appetite. Regulation of AMPK activity at the whole-body level is coordinated by a growing number of hormones and cytokines secreted from adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, pancreas and the gut including leptin, adiponectin, insulin, interluekin-6, resistin, TNF-alpha and ghrelin. Understanding how these secreted signalling proteins regulate AMPK activity to control fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, gluconeogenesis and appetite may yield therapeutic treatments for metabolic disorders such as diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity.

AMP-activated protein kinase in the regulation of hepatic energy metabolism: from physiology to therapeutic perspectives

As the liver is central in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis and energy storage, knowledge of the physiology as well as physiopathology of hepatic energy metabolism is a prerequisite to our understanding of whole-body metabolism. Hepatic fuel metabolism changes considerably depending on physiological circumstances (fed vs. fasted state). In consequence, hepatic carbohydrate, lipid and protein synthesis/utilization are tightly regulated according to needs. Fatty liver and hepatic insulin resistance (both frequently associated with the metabolic syndrome) or increased hepatic glucose production (as observed in type 2 diabetes) resulted from alterations in substrates oxidation/storage balance in the liver. Because AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is considered as a cellular energy sensor, it is important to gain understanding of the mechanism by which hepatic AMPK coordinates hepatic energy metabolism. AMPK has been implicated as a key regulator of physiological energy dynamics by limiting anabolic pathways (to prevent further ATP consumption) and by facilitating catabolic pathways (to increase ATP generation). Activation of hepatic AMPK leads to increased fatty acid oxidation and simultaneously inhibition of hepatic lipogenesis, cholesterol synthesis and glucose production. In addition to a short-term effect on specific enzymes, AMPK also modulates the transcription of genes involved in lipogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis. The identification of AMPK targets in hepatic metabolism should be useful in developing treatments to reverse metabolic abnormalities of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.

Endocytosis of adiponectin receptor 1 through a clathrin- and Rab5-dependent pathway

In eukaryotic cells, receptor endocytosis is a key event regulating signaling transduction. Adiponectin receptors belong to a new receptor family that is distinct from G-protein-coupled receptors and has critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Here, we analyzed the endocytosis of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and found that they are both internalized into transferrin-positive compartments that follow similar traffic routes. Blocking clathrin-mediated endocytosis by expressing Eps15 mutants or depleting K(+) trapped AdipoR1 at the plasma membrane, and K(+) depletion abolished adiponectin internalization, indicating that the endocytosis of AdipoR1 and adiponectin is clathrin-dependent. Depletion of K(+) and overexpression of Eps15 mutants enhance adiponectin-stimulated AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, suggesting that the endocytosis of AdipoR1 might downregulate adiponectin signaling. In addition, AdipoR1 colocalizes with the small GTPase Rab5, and a dominant negative Rab5 abrogates AdipoR1 endocytosis. These data indicate that AdipoR1 is internalized through a clathrin- and Rab5-dependent pathway and that endocytosis may play a role in the regulation of adiponectin signaling.

Gender differences in age-related endothelial function in the murine aorta

We investigated differences in aortic endothelial function among young (5 months) and old (20 months) male or female mice. Aortas isolated from male-old mice exhibited: (a) impaired relaxation to both acetylcholine (ACh) (P<0.01 vs. male-young or female-old) and A23187 (P<0.01 vs. male-young; P<0.001 vs. female-old), but unimpaired relaxation to sodium nitroprusside, and (b) increased superoxide generation (indicated by NBT reduction) (P<0.001 vs. male-young; P<0.01 vs. female-old) and increased 3-nitrotyrosine expression (marker for ONOO(-)) (P<0.01 vs. male-young or female-old). The protein expression of gp91phox, an NAD(P)H oxidase subunit, was upregulated in aortas from old mice (vs. young ones of the same gender) (males P<0.01; females P<0.05). The plasma adiponectin level (P<0.001) and the aortic Cu/Zn-SOD and EC-SOD protein expressions (each, P<0.01) were increased in females (vs. age-matched males). Aortic total SOD activities were lower in male-old than in either male-young (P<0.01) or female-old (P<0.001) mice. In aortas from male-young, female-young, and female-old mice, NADH [NAD(P)H oxidase substrate] and diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC; a SOD inhibitor) (whether applied alone or together) reduced ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation (P<0.01 or P<0.001) and increased ACh-induced superoxide generation (P<0.05 or P<0.001). Tempol (a SOD mimetic) enhanced ACh-induced relaxation (P<0.05) and reduced ACh-induced superoxide generation (P<0.01) only in male-old aortas. These results suggest: (i) the impaired endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation in male-old mice is due to enhanced superoxide production via NADPH oxidase, and (ii) the relative preservation of endothelial function in female-old aortas may be due to enhanced superoxide scavenging (via increases in Cu/Zn-SOD and EC-SOD proteins and total SOD activity).

Characterization of a preclinical model of chronic ischemic wound

Chronic ischemic wounds presenting at wound clinics are heterogeneous with respect to etiology, age of the wound, and other factors complicating wound healing. In addition, there are ethical challenges associated with collecting repeated biopsies from a patient to develop an understanding of the temporal dynamics of the mechanisms underlying chronic wounds. The need for a preclinical model of ischemic wound is therefore compelling. The porcine model is widely accepted as an excellent preclinical model for human wounds. A full-thickness bipedicle flap approach was adopted to cause skin ischemia. Closure of excisional wounds placed on ischemic tissue was severely impaired resulting in chronic wounds. Histologically, ischemic wounds suffered from impaired re-epithelialization, delayed macrophage recruitment and poorer endothelial cell abundance and organization. Compared with the pair-matched nonischemic wound, unique aspects of the ischemic wound biology were examined on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 by systematic screening of the wound tissue transcriptome using high-density porcine GeneChips. Ischemia markedly potentiated the expression of arginase-1, a cytosolic enzyme that metabolizes the precursor of nitric oxide l-arginine. Ischemia also induced the SOD2 in the wound tissue perhaps as survival response of the challenged tissue. Human chronic wounds also demonstrated elevated expression of SOD2 and arginase-1. This study provides a thorough database that may serve as a valuable reference tool to develop novel hypotheses aiming to elucidate the biology of ischemic chronic wounds in a preclinical setting.

Impact of small-molecule glucokinase activator on glucose metabolism and beta-cell mass

We investigated the effect of glucokinase activator (GKA) on glucose metabolism and beta-cell mass. We analyzed four mouse groups: wild-type mice and beta-cell-specific haploinsufficiency of glucokinase gene (Gck(+/-)) mice on a high-fat (HF) diet. Each genotype was also treated with GKA mixed in the HF diet. Rodent insulinoma cells and isolated islets were used to evaluate beta-cell proliferation by GKA. After 20 wk on the above diets, there were no differences in body weight, lipid profiles, and liver triglyceride content among the four groups. Glucose tolerance was improved shortly after the GKA treatment in both genotypes of mice. beta-Cell mass increased in wild-type mice compared with Gck(+/-) mice, but a further increase was not observed after the administration of GKA in both genotypes. Interestingly, GKA was able to up-regulate insulin receptor substrate-2 (Irs-2) expression in insulinoma cells and isolated islets. The administration of GKA increased 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation in insulinoma cells, and 3 d administration of GKA markedly increased BrdU incorporation in mice treated with GKA in both genotypes, compared with those without GKA. In conclusion, GKA was able to chronically improve glucose metabolism for mice on the HF diet. Although chronic GKA administration failed to cause a further increase in beta-cell mass in vivo, GKA was able to increase beta cell proliferation in vitro and with a 3-d administration in vivo. This apparent discrepancy can be explained by a chronic reduction in ambient blood glucose levels by GKA treatment.

Transcriptomic and network component analysis of glycerol kinase in skeletal muscle using a mouse model of glycerol kinase deficiency

Glycerol kinase (GK) is at the interface of fat and carbohydrate metabolism and has been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of GK in fat metabolism and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle (an important end organ tissue in T2DM). Microarray analysis determined that there were 525 genes that were differentially expressed (1.2-fold, p value<0.05) between knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmed the differential expression of genes including glycerol kinase (Gyk), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit, polypeptide 1 (p85 alpha) (Pik3r1), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), and growth factor receptor bound protein 2-associated protein 1 (Gab1). Network component analysis demonstrated that transcription factor activities of myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD), myogenic regulatory factor 5 (MYF5), myogenin (MYOG), nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 1 (NUR77) are decreased in the Gyk KO whereas the activity of paired box 3 (PAX3) is increased. The activity of MYOD was confirmed using a DNA binding assay. In addition, myoblasts from Gyk KO had less ability to differentiate into myotubes compared to WT myoblasts. These findings support our previous studies in brown adipose tissue and demonstrate that the role of Gyk in muscle is due in part to its non-metabolic (moonlighting) activities.

Chemical genomics of cancer chemopreventive dithiolethiones

3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T) and its analogues 4-methyl-5-pyrazinyl-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (OLT) and 5-tert-butyl-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (TBD) are chemopreventive agents that block or diminish early stages of carcinogenesis by inducing activities of detoxication enzymes. While OLT has been used in clinical trials, TBD has been shown to be more efficacious and possibly less toxic than OLT in animals. Here, we utilize a robust and high-resolution chemical genomics procedure to examine the pharmacological structure-activity relationships of these compounds in livers of male rats by microarray analyses. We identified 226 differentially expressed genes that were common to all treatments. Functional analysis identified the relation of these genes to glutathione metabolism and the nuclear factor, erythroid derived 2-related factor 2 pathway (Nrf2) that is known to regulate many of the protective actions of dithiolethiones. OLT and TBD were shown to have similar efficacies and both were weaker than D3T. In addition, we identified 40 genes whose responses were common to OLT and TBD, yet distinct from D3T. As inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) has been associated with the effects of OLT on CYP expression, we determined the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values for inhibition of CYP1A2. The rank order of inhibitor potency was OLT >> TBD >> D3T, with IC(50) values estimated as 0.2, 12.8 and >100 microM, respectively. Functional analysis revealed that OLT and TBD, in addition to their effects on CYP, modulate liver lipid metabolism, especially fatty acids. Together, these findings provide new insight into the actions of clinically relevant and lead dithiolethione analogues.

Adiponectin suppresses hepatic SREBP1c expression in an AdipoR1/LKB1/AMPK dependent pathway

Adiponectin, one of the insulin-sensitizing adipokines, has been shown to activate fatty acid oxidation in liver and skeletal muscle, thus maintaining insulin sensitivity. However, the precise roles of adiponectin in fatty acid synthesis are poorly understood. Here we show that adiponectin administration acutely suppresses expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 1c, the master regulator which controls and upregulates the enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, in the liver of +Lepr(db)/+Lepr(db) (db/db) mouse as well as in cultured hepatocytes. We also show that adiponectin suppresses SREBP1c by AdipoR1, one of the functional receptors for adiponetin, and furthermore that suppressing either AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) via its upstream kinase LKB1 deletion cancels the negative effect of adiponectin on SREBP1c expression. These data show that adiponectin suppresses SREBP1c through the AdipoR1/LKB1/AMPK pathway, and suggest a possible role for adiponectin in the regulation of hepatic fatty acid synthesis.

The L-4F mimetic peptide prevents insulin resistance through increased levels of HO-1, pAMPK, and pAKT in obese mice

We examined mechanisms by which L-4F reduces obesity and diabetes in obese (ob) diabetic mice. We hypothesized that L-4F reduces adiposity via increased pAMPK, pAKT, HO-1, and increased insulin receptor phosphorylation in ob mice. Obese and lean mice were divided into five groups: lean, lean-L-4F-treated, ob, ob-L-4F-treated, and ob-L-4F-LY294002. Food intake, insulin, glucose adipocyte stem cells, pAMPK, pAKT, CB1, and insulin receptor phosphorylation were determined. Subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were determined by MRI and hepatic lipid content by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. SAT and VAT volumes decreased in ob-L-4F-treated animals compared with control. L-4F treatment decreased hepatic lipid content and increased the numbers of small adipocytes (P < 0.05) and phosphorylation of insulin receptors. L-4F decreased CB1 in SAT and VAT and increased pAKT and pAMPK in endothelium. L-4F-mediated improvement in endothelium was prevented by LY294002. Inhibition of pAKT and pAMPK by LY294002 was associated with an increase in glucose levels. Upregulation of HO-1 by L-4F produced adipose remodeling and increased the number of small differentiated adipocytes. The anti-obesity effects of L-4F are manifested by a decrease in visceral fat content with reciprocal increases in adiponectin, pAMPK, pAKT, and phosphorylation of insulin receptors with improved insulin sensitivity.

Adiponectin and alcoholic fatty liver disease

Worldwide, one of the most prevalent forms of chronic disease is alcoholic fatty liver, which may progress to more severe forms of liver injury including steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The molecular mechanisms by which ethanol consumption causes accumulation of hepatic lipid are multiple and complex. Chronic ethanol exposure is thought to cause enhanced hepatic lipogenesis and impaired fatty acid oxidation by inhibiting key hepatic transcriptional regulators such as AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), PPAR-gamma coactivator alpha (PGC-1alpha), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1). Adiponectin is an adipose-derived hormone with a variety of beneficial biological functions. Increasing evidence suggests that altered adiponectin production in adipose tissue and impaired expression of hepatic adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs) are associated with the development of alcoholic liver steatosis in several rodent models. More importantly, studies have demonstrated a protective role of adiponectin against alcoholic liver steatosis. The hepato-protective effect of adiponectin is largely mediated by the coordination of multiple signaling pathways in the liver, leading to enhanced fat oxidation, reduced lipid synthesis and prevention of hepatic steatosis. This review begins with an assessment of the current understanding of the role of adiponectin and its receptors in the regulation of lipid homeostasis in liver, with emphasis on their relationship to the development of alcoholic liver steatosis. Following sections will review hepatic signaling molecules involved in the protective actions of adiponectin against alcoholic fatty liver and summarize the current knowledge of regulatory mechanisms of adiponectin expression and secretion in response to chronic ethanol exposure. We will conclude with a discussion of potential strategies for treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), including nutritional and pharmacological modulation of adiponectin and its receptors.

Adipocytokines and liver disease

Adipose tissue is a massive source of bioactive substances known as adipocytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, resistin, leptin, and adiponectin. Recent advances in medical research view obesity as a chronic low-grade inflammatory state. Hypertrophied adipocytes in obesity release chemokines that induce macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue. Accumulated macrophages in obese adipose tissue produce proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide, and these inflammatory changes induce adipocytokine dysregulation. The latter is characterized by a decrease in insulinsensitizing and anti-inflammatory adipocytokines, and an increase in proinflammatory adipocytokines. Adipocytokine dysregulation induces obesity-related metabolic disorders, the so-called metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Recent studies have revealed that obesity is an independent risk factor for chronic liver diseases, such as NASH, alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis C, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A common mechanism underlying these hepatic clinical states is thought to be adipocytokine dysregulation. In this review, we discuss the association of adipocytokines, especially leptin, adiponectin, TNF-alpha, and resistin, with liver diseases.

Adiponectin deficiency increases allergic airway inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodeling

Obesity is associated with an increased incidence and severity of asthma, as well as other lung disorders, such as pulmonary hypertension. Adiponectin (APN), an antiinflammatory adipocytokine, circulates at lower levels in the obese, which is thought to contribute to obesity-related inflammatory diseases. We sought to determine the effects of APN deficiency in a murine model of chronic asthma. Allergic airway inflammation was induced in APN-deficient mice (APN(-/-)) using sensitization without adjuvant followed by airway challenge with ovalbumin. The mice were then analyzed for changes in inflammation and lung remodeling. APN(-/-) mice in this model develop increased allergic airway inflammation compared with wild-type mice, with greater accumulation of eosinophils and monocytes in the airways associated with elevated lung chemokine levels. Surprisingly, APN(-/-) mice developed severe pulmonary arterial muscularization and pulmonary arterial hypertension in this model, whereas wild-type mice had only mild vascular remodeling and comparatively less pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our findings demonstrate that APN modulates allergic inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodeling in a model of chronic asthma. These data provide a possible mechanism for the association between obesity and asthma, and suggest a potential novel link between obesity, inflammatory lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension.

PAQRs: a counteracting force to ceramides?

In recent years, sphingolipids have garnered increasing attention for their roles in modulating intracellular signaling events. Circulating factors associated with obesity promote excess accumulation of ceramide or glucosylceramide derivatives, which impair insulin action in peripheral tissues. In this issue, Villa et al. (p. 866) provide evidence that, in yeast, the progestin and adipoQ receptor superfamily of receptors mediate their effects via a novel ceramidase activity, generating sphingoid base as a second messenger.

APPL1: role in adiponectin signaling and beyond

Adiponectin, an adipokine secreted by the white adipose tissue, plays an important role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and controlling energy homeostasis in insulin-sensitive tissues. A decrease in the circulating level of adiponectin has been linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin exerts its effects through two membrane receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. APPL1 is the first identified protein that interacts directly with adiponectin receptors. APPL1 is an adaptor protein with multiple functional domains, the Bin1/amphiphysin/rvs167, pleckstrin homology, and phosphotyrosine binding domains. The PTB domain of APPL1 interacts directly with the intracellular region of adiponectin receptors. Through this interaction, APPL1 mediates adiponectin signaling and its effects on metabolism. APPL1 also functions in insulin-signaling pathway and is an important mediator of adiponectin-dependent insulin sensitization in skeletal muscle. Adiponectin signaling through APPL1 is necessary to exert its anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects on endothelial cells. APPL1 also acts as a mediator of other signaling pathways by interacting directly with membrane receptors or signaling proteins, thereby playing critical roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell survival, endosomal trafficking, and chromatin remodeling. This review focuses mainly on our current understanding of adiponectin signaling in various tissues, the role of APPL1 in mediating adiponectin signaling, and also its role in the cross-talk between adiponectin/insulin-signaling pathways.

Adiponectin receptors are expressed in hypothalamus and colocalized with proopiomelanocortin and neuropeptide Y in rodent arcuate neurons

Adiponectin is involved in the control of energy homeostasis in peripheral tissues through Adipor1 and Adipor2 receptors. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that this adipocyte-secreted hormone may also act at the hypothalamic level to control energy homeostasis. In the present study, we observed the gene and protein expressions of Adipor1 and Adipor2 in rat hypothalamus using different approaches. By immunohistochemistry, Adipor1 expression was ubiquitous in the rat brain. By contrast, Adipor2 expression was more limited to specific brain areas such as hypothalamus, cortex, and hippocampus. In arcuate and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei, Adipor1, and Adipor2 were expressed by neurons and astrocytes. Furthermore, using transgenic green fluorescent protein mice, we showed that Adipor1 and Adipor2 were present in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Finally, adiponectin treatment by intracerebroventricular injection induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in the rat hypothalamus. This was confirmed by in vitro studies using hypothalamic membrane fractions. In conclusion, Adipor1 and Adipor2 are both expressed by neurons (including POMC and NPY neurons) and astrocytes in the rat hypothalamic nuclei. Adiponectin is able to increase AMPK phosphorylation in the rat hypothalamus. These data reinforced a potential role of adiponectin and its hypothalamic receptors in the control of energy homeostasis.

Polymorphisms of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 are associated with phenotypes of type 2 diabetes in Koreans

OBJECTIVE

Adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) are considered as candidate genes for type 2 diabetes because they mediate the metabolic effects of adiponectin on target tissues. We investigated whether common polymorphisms of ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 are associated with type 2 diabetes or its related phenotypes in Koreans.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

By sequencing of the DNA samples from 24 unrelated Korean subjects, we selected seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from ADIPOR1 and four SNPs from ADIPOR2 for genotyping in 757 type 2 diabetic patients and 644 nondiabetic subjects.

RESULTS

None of the SNPs were associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, g.-7309A>G (rs75172865) in ADIPOR1 was associated with lower insulin resistance, measured by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Thereafter, we transfected three different human cell lines with plasmids harbouring g.-7309A>G and found that this variant reduced the promoter activity of ADIPOR1. In ADIPOR2, g.-63442G (novel SNP) and g.33447T (rs1044471) were associated with smaller waist circumference.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the SNPs in either ADIPOR1 or ADIPOR2 were associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes in Koreans. However, the altered activity of the ADIPOR1 promoter was associated with insulin resistance and SNPs of ADIPOR2 were associated with waist circumference.

Insulin resistance, inflammation, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the major cause of abnormal liver function in the western world, is often associated with obesity and diabetes. In obese individuals, fat accumulation in the abdominal region affects both lipid and glucose metabolism, and a liver loaded with fat is insulin resistant. Insulin resistance (IR) is often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, and numerous mediators released from immune cells and adipocytes contribute to development of IR. Recent results showing an important role for these mediators in NAFLD are providing us with a better understanding of this highly prevalent disease with implications for novel therapy development. This review highlights new aspects in development of liver steatosis and the relevance of various cytokines and adipocytokines in NAFLD.

Overexpression of adiponectin receptors potentiates the antiinflammatory action of subeffective dose of globular adiponectin in vascular endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

A decreased plasma level of adiponectin is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome and correlated with endothelial dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the regulated expression of the newly identified adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and 2) and their roles in the endothelial expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunohistochemical study and quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that globular adiponectin suppressed the TNF-alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner in mouse aorta and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of AdipoR1 and 2 in ECs significantly enhanced the suppressive effect of a subeffective dose of adiponectin on TNF-alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression and NF-kappaB activation. Promoter reporter assays and small interfering RNA revealed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha may function as an important pathway downstream of adiponectin and its receptors. Furthermore, overexpression of AdipoRs in rat carotid arteries markedly decreased the induction of ICAM-1 in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide novel evidence that upregulation of AdipoRs in ECs potentiates the antiinflammatory effect of adiponectin; modulating adiponectin receptors may have potential therapeutic applications for cardiovascular complications associated with metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Angiotensin receptor blockers in the treatment of NASH/NAFLD: could they be a first-class option?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition pathogenically linked to metabolic syndrome (MS) by insulin resistance (IR), and characterized by hepatic steatosis in the absence of significant alcohol use, hepatotoxicity, and/or other known liver diseases.The principles of NAFLD therapy target IR: the key point of MS. As the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in IR, and subsequently in NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an attempt to block the deleterious effects of RAS overexpression seems a logical target. While many potential therapies tested in NASH target only the consequences of this condition, or try to "get rid" of excessive fat, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) could act as an elegant tool for adequate correction of the various imbalances that act in harmony in NASH/NAFLD. Indeed, by inhibiting RAS we can improve the intracellular insulin signaling pathway, better control adipose tissue proliferation and adipokine production, and produce more balanced local and systemic levels of various cytokines. At the same time, by controlling the local RAS in the liver we might be able to prevent at least fibrosis and also slow down the vicious cycle that links steatosis to necroinflammation. By targeting the pancreatic effects of angiotensin we should be able to preserve an adequate insulin secretion and acquire a better metabolic balance.In our opinion there are two major advantages of ARBs that make them a possible therapeutic option for treating NASH and MS: their specific antihypertensive effect, and their impact on liver fibrosis. In light of this, and based on the current evidence (including existent human studies), we can speculate that some ARBs like telmisartan, candesartan, and losartan can be beneficial in treating NASH/NAFLD and its consequences, and further larger controlled clinical trials will bring consistent data into this field.

Adiponectin stimulates phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase alpha in renal glomeruli

Adiponectin receptor ADIPOR1 activates the intracellular second messenger AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) that participates in the control of the oxidative stress and apoptosis. This study reveals the presence of a functional ADIPOR1 receptor in all the cells of the renal glomeruli. Isolated glomeruli were incubated in vitro with adiponectin and proteins analysed by western blot. Electron microscopy using immunogold labeling was carried out on kidney sections. ADIPOR1 and catalytic AMPK sub-units alpha1 and alpha2 were revealed in normal rat glomeruli and incubation of freshly isolated rat glomeruli with either adiponectin or AICAR led to the activation by phosphorylation of catalytic AMPK. Electron microscopy localized with high resolution these proteins at the plasma membrane of the three glomerular cells, namely the endothelial, the mesangial and the podocyte cells, as well as on Bowman's capsule epithelial cells. It is concluded that glomerular cells express a functional adiponectin receptor ADIPOR1 which, through activation of AMPK, may play important roles in the control of oxidative stress and cell survival within the glomerulus.

The adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 activate ERK1/2 through a Src/Ras-dependent pathway and stimulate cell growth

Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived cytokine that has attracted much attention because of its insulin-sensitizing effects in liver and skeletal muscle. Two adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1/R2, have been cloned, but relatively little is known about their intracellular signaling mechanisms. We found that full-length adiponectin rapidly and robustly activates the ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in primary vascular smooth muscle, vascular endothelial cells, and hepatocytes. In a HEK293 cell model, we found that downregulating AdipoR1/R2 simultaneously, but not individually, by RNA interference attenuated adiponectin-induced ERK1/2 activation, suggesting that either receptor was sufficient to mediate the response. Downregulation of T-cadherin, another adiponectin binding protein, enhanced the response. Downregulation of APPL1, an adapter protein and putative mediator of AdipoR1/R2 signaling, impaired adiponectin-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. Inhibiting PKA modestly attenuated ERK1/2 activation, while inhibition of Src family tyrosine kinases with PP2 abolished the response. The small GTPase inhibitor Clostridium difficile toxin B also produced complete inhibition. Adiponectin caused rapid, PP2-sensitive activation of Ras, but not the cAMP-regulated small GTPase, Rap1, suggesting that Src-dependent Ras activation is the dominant mechanism of adiponectin-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. To test whether Ras-ERK1/2 signaling by adiponectin was physiologically relevant, we determined the effects of overexpressing AdipoR1, adiponectin, or both on the rate of HEK293 cell growth. Overexpression of adiponectin alone, but not AdipoR1 alone, supported growth under serum-free conditions, while simultaneous expression of both led to further enhancement. These results suggest that adiponectin can exert proliferative effects by activating Ras signaling pathways.

Globular adiponectin stimulates glucose transport in type 2 diabetic muscle

BACKGROUND

Adiponectin acts as an insulin sensitizer in rodent models. The direct effect of adiponectin in intact type 2 diabetic muscle is unknown. We examined whether adiponectin stimulates glucose transport in isolated skeletal muscle strips from type 2 diabetic men.

METHODS

We obtained open muscle biopsies from 12 men with type 2 diabetes (56 +/- 1 years, 30.5 +/- 1.1 kg/m(2)), and from 15 non-diabetic men (59 +/- 1 years, 28.0 +/- 1.0 kg/m(2)). Skeletal muscle strips were isolated and exposed to globular adiponectin (2.5 microg/mL), insulin (120 nM) and/or AICAR (1 mM) in vitro for 1 h. Glucose transport was analysed by accumulation of intracellular 3-O-methyl [(3)H] glucose, phosphorylation of Akt-Ser(473) and Akt-Thr(308) was determined using phosphospecific antibodies, and adiponectin receptor 1 and 2 content was measured using specific antibodies.

RESULTS

Globular adiponectin increased glucose transport rate by 1.3-fold (P < 0.01) in type 2 diabetic, but not in non-diabetic muscle. Insulin-stimulated glucose transport rate was unaltered by exposure to globular adiponectin in either group. AICAR increased glucose transport and enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose transport in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic muscles. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt-Ser(473) or Akt-Thr(308) was comparable in type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic muscles, and unaltered by the addition of globular adiponectin in either group. Adiponectin receptor expression was similar in skeletal muscle from type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic men.

CONCLUSIONS

Globular adiponectin directly increases glucose transport in skeletal muscle from type 2 diabetic patients. This may occur via Akt-independent signalling routes.

Association of ADIPOR2 with liver function tests in type 2 diabetic subjects

OBJECTIVE

Adiponectin protects against liver dysfunction in insulin-resistant states such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but the role of adiponectin receptors in this disorder is largely unknown. We studied whether common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 are associated with liver function tests (LFTs) in human subjects with various degrees of insulin resistance.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Serum alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferases, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), -8503 G/A (rs6666089) and +5843 C/T (rs1342387) SNPs in ADIPOR1, -64,241 T/G (rs1029629) and +33447 C/T (rs1044471) SNPs in ADIPOR2 were assessed in 700 white subjects from a population-based study.

RESULTS

In nondiabetic subjects, the at-risk alleles for the common -64,241 T/G and +33447 C/T SNPs in ADIPOR2 were associated with increased circulating adiponectin (P < 0.05 to P < 0.005), but not with LFT. Conversely, in T2DM subjects (who are at risk for liver dysfunction), the same alleles were associated with increased serum ALT and AST (P < 0.05 to P < 0.0001), but not with circulating adiponectin. No significant associations with these parameters were evident for the common -8503 G/A and +5843 C/T SNPs in ADIPOR1. In a replication study, the -64,241 T/G and +33447 C/T SNPs in ADIPOR2 were associated with ALT and AST (P < 0.05 to P < 0.0001) in pooled obese and T2DM subjects.

DISCUSSION

Common SNPs in ADIPOR2 are associated with LFT in T2DM subjects, which suggests a possible role of this receptor in liver dysfunction associated with insulin resistance.

The link between abdominal obesity and the metabolic syndrome

The clustering of cardiovascular risk factors associated with abdominal obesity is well established. Although currently lacking a universal definition, the metabolic syndrome describes a constellation of metabolic abnormalities, including abdominal obesity, and was originally introduced to characterize a population at high cardiovascular risk. Adipose tissue is a dynamic endocrine organ that secretes several inflammatory and immune mediators known as adipokines. Dysregulation of adipokine secretion, free fatty acid toxicity, and the site-specific differences in abdominal (visceral) versus subcutaneous fat support abdominal obesity as a causal factor mediating the insulin resistance, increased risk of diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in the metabolic syndrome.

Adipokines and insulin resistance

Obesity is associated with an array of health problems in adult and pediatric populations. Understanding the pathogenesis of obesity and its metabolic sequelae has advanced rapidly over the past decades. Adipose tissue represents an active endocrine organ that, in addition to regulating fat mass and nutrient homeostasis, releases a large number of bioactive mediators (adipokines) that signal to organs of metabolic importance including brain, liver, skeletal muscle, and the immune system--thereby modulating hemostasis, blood pressure, lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. In the present review, we summarize current data on the effect of the adipose tissue-derived hormones adiponectin, chemerin, leptin, omentin, resistin, retinol binding protein 4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, vaspin, and visfatin on insulin resistance.

MCD-induced steatohepatitis is associated with hepatic adiponectin resistance and adipogenic transformation of hepatocytes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

In these studies, we tested the hypothesis that increased lipid intake would exacerbate the severity of nutritional steatohepatitis.

METHODS

C57Bl/6J mice were fed methionine-and-choline deficient (MCD) diets containing 20% (high) or 5% (low) fat by weight for 3 weeks and compared to lipid-matched controls.

RESULTS

MCD feeding increased serum ALT levels and induced hepatic steatosis, lobular inflammation and ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, irrespective of dietary fat content. Hepatic triglyceride accumulation was similar between high and low-fat MCD-fed mice, but lipoperoxide levels were approximately 3-fold higher in the high-fat MCD-fed animals. Serum adiponectin levels increased in MCD-fed mice, although to a lesser extent in high-fat fed animals. AMPK phosphorylation was correspondingly increased in muscle of MCD-fed mice, but hepatic AMPK phosphorylation decreased, and there was little evidence of PPAR alpha activation, suggesting impaired adiponectin action in the livers of MCD-fed animals. Hepatocyte PPAR gamma mRNA levels increased in MCD-fed mice, and were associated with increased aP2 expression, indicating adipogenic transformation of hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased dietary lipid intake did not alter steatohepatitis severity in MCD-fed mice despite increased lipoperoxide accumulation. Instead, steatohepatitis was associated with impaired hepatic adiponectin action, and adipogenic transformation of hepatocytes in both low and high-fat MCD-fed mice.

Undernutrition during suckling in rats elevates plasma adiponectin and its receptor in skeletal muscle regardless of diet composition: a protective effect?

OBJECTIVE

Nutrition during critical periods in early life may increase the subsequent risk of obesity, hypertension and metabolic diseases in adulthood. Few studies have focused on the long-term consequences of poor nutrition during the suckling period on the susceptibility to developing obesity when exposed to a palatable cafeteria-style high-fat diet (CD) after weaning.

DESIGN

This study examined the impact of early undernutrition, followed by CD exposure, on blood pressure, hormones and genes important for insulin sensitivity and metabolism and skeletal muscle mRNA expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1), carnitine palmitoyl-transferase I (CPT-1), cytochrome c oxidase 4 (COX4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). Following normal gestation, Sprague-Dawley rat litters were adjusted to 18 (undernourished) or 12 (control) pups. Rats were weaned (day 21) onto either palatable CD or standard chow.

RESULTS

Early undernourished rats were significantly lighter than control by 17 days, persisting into adulthood only when animals were fed chow after weaning. Regardless of litter size, rats fed CD had doubled fat mass at 15 weeks of age, and significant elevations in plasma leptin, insulin and adiponectin. Importantly, undernutrition confined to the suckling period, elevated circulating adiponectin regardless of post-weaning diet. Blood pressure was reduced in early undernourished rats fed chow, and increased by CD. Early undernutrition was associated with long-term elevations in the expression of AdipoR1, CPT-1, COX4 and PPARalpha in skeletal muscle.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the important role of early nutrition on body weight and metabolism, suggesting early undernourishment enhances insulin sensitivity and fatty-acid oxidation. The long-term potential benefit of limiting nutrition in the early postnatal period warrants further investigation.

Impaired adiponectin-AMPK signalling in insulin-sensitive tissues of hypertensive rats

AIMS

Adiponectin improves insulin sensitivity by decreasing lipid accumulation in insulin-sensitive tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these effects are altered in hypertension.

MAIN METHODS

Adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) and adiponectin-related enzymes were measured by real-time PCR and Western-blot in insulin-sensitive tissues of 10-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Intrahepatic and intramyocellular triglycerides were determined by enzymatic methods.

KEY FINDINGS

SHR showed overweight, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Circulating concentrations of adiponectin as well as the mRNA and protein expression of adiponectin in epididymal and subcutaneous fat depots were significantly increased in hypertensive rats. Adiponectin mRNA levels were strongly associated with PPARgamma mRNA levels in both epididymal (r=0.54, P<0.05) and subcutaneous (r=0.93, P<0.0001) fat. The expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT1), were increased in skeletal muscle of SHR. These changes were not observed in the liver of SHR. In addition, in spite of the hyperadiponectinemia, SHR showed similar activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and a lower phosphorylation degree of its downstream ACC in liver and skeletal muscle. Accordingly, SHR exhibited a significant increase in intrahepatic (approximately 40%) and intramyocellular (approximately 60%) lipid accumulation.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings suggest that dysregulation of the adiponectin downstream effectors contributes to increased intrahepatic and intramyocellular triglycerides in SHR. Hyperadiponectinemia together with overexpression of adiponectin receptors in skeletal muscle may reflect a defective compensatory mechanism to overcome adiponectin resistance in hypertensive rats.

Physiological, pharmacological, and nutritional regulation of circulating adiponectin concentrations in humans

Adiponectin is an adipocyte hormone that links visceral adiposity with insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. It is unique among adipocyte-derived hormones in that its circulating concentrations are inversely proportional to adiposity, and low adiponectin concentrations predict the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consequently, in the decade since its discovery, adiponectin has generated immense interest as a potential therapeutic target for the metabolic syndrome and diabetes. This review summarizes current research regarding the regulation of circulating adiponectin concentrations by physiological, pharmacological, and nutritional factors, with an emphasis on human studies. In humans, plasma adiponectin concentrations are influenced by age and gender, and are inversely proportional to visceral adiposity. In vitro studies suggest that adiponectin production may be determined primarily by adipocyte size and insulin sensitivity, with larger, insulin-resistant adipocytes producing less adiponectin. While adiponectin concentrations are unchanged after meal ingestion, they are increased by significant weight loss, such as after bariatric surgery. In addition, adiponectin production is inhibited by a number of hormones, including testosterone, prolactin, glucocorticoids and growth hormone, and by inflammation and oxidative stress in adipose tissue. Smoking decreases, while moderate alcohol consumption increases, circulating adiponectin concentrations. Dietary fatty acid composition in rodents influences adiponectin production via ligand-activated nuclear receptors (PPARs); however, current evidence in humans is equivocal. In addition to PPAR agonists (such as thiazolidinediones and fibrates), a number of pharmacological agents (angiotensin receptor type 1 blockers, ACE inhibitors, and cannabinoid receptor antagonists) used in treatment of the metabolic syndrome also increase adiponectin concentrations in humans.

Hepatic AdipoR2 signaling plays a protective role against progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice

It is unclear how hepatic adiponectin resistance and sensitivity mediated by the adiponectin receptor, AdipoR2, contributes to the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of this study was to examine the roles of hepatic AdipoR2 in NASH, using an animal model. We fed C57BL/6 mice a methionine-deficient and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for up to 8 weeks and analyzed changes in liver pathology caused by either an AdipoR2 short hairpin RNA-expressing adenovirus or an AdipoR2-overexpressing adenovirus. Inhibition of hepatic AdipoR2 expression aggravated the pathological state of NASH at all stages: fatty changes, inflammation, and fibrosis. In contrast, enhancement of AdipoR2 expression in the liver improved NASH at every stage, from the early stage to the progression of fibrosis. Inhibition of AdipoR2 signaling in the liver diminished hepatic peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha signaling, with decreased expression of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) and catalase, leading to an increase in lipid peroxidation. Hepatic AdipoR2 overexpression had the opposite effect. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in liver increases hepatic production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 at all stages of NASH; adiponectin/AdipoR2 signaling ameliorated TGF-beta-induced ROS accumulation in primary cultured hepatocytes, by enhancing PPAR-alpha activity and catalase expression.

CONCLUSION

The adiponectin resistance and sensitivity mediated by AdipoR2 in hepatocytes regulated steatohepatitis progression by changing PPAR-alpha activity and ROS accumulation, a process in which TGF-beta signaling is implicated. Thus, the liver AdipoR2 signaling pathway could be a promising target in treating NASH.