Roles of adiponectin and oxidative stress in obesity-associated metabolic and cardiovascular diseases

Association Between Peripheral Adiponectin and Lipids Levels and the Therapeutic Response to Donepezil Treatment in Han Chinese Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) including donepezil (DNP) are considered to be the most promising therapeutic possibilities of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The response to DNP in AD patients varies and it is valuable to identify the potential markers that can predict the efficacy. Moreover, DNP has been found to affect bone function, but the exact mechanism is still unclear. Lipids and adipokine may link to AD and DNP directly or indirectly and might be potential biomarkers or therapeutic drug targets. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationships among adiponectin (APN), lipids levels, and the response to DNP, and to identify whether the effect of DNP in AD treatment is related to its effect on the level of APN in systemic circulation. The study recruited 85 AD patients with DNP treatment, of whom 47 were DNP responders and 38 were DNP nonresponders. The Mini-Mental State Examination was performed to evaluate the memory impairment. Plasma APN was measured with ELISA. The genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms rs1501299 and rs22417661 in APN for each patient were identified. Plasma lipids were quantified with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Correlations among APN, lipid metabolomics, and DNP responded were evaluated. APN was significantly decreased in DNP responders. Methyl stearate and glycerol-3-phosphate, used for characterizing adipogenic differentiation, were significantly decreased in DNP responders compared to DNP nonresponders. APN and small-molecule lipids can be used as potential biomarkers to evaluate the efficacy of DNP. The results of metabolomics indicated that there was no change in the metabolic pathway of fatty acid metabolism and glucose metabolism in DNP responders, suggesting that APN-related biological function did not decrease in DNP responders. Our result suggests that more attention should be pay to the sources and biological functions of APN in AD with DNP treatment.

Sirt1-PPARS Cross-Talk in Complex Metabolic Diseases and Inherited Disorders of the One Carbon Metabolism

Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) has a NAD (+) binding domain and modulates the acetylation status of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) and Fork Head Box O1 transcription factor (Foxo1) according to the nutritional status. Sirt1 is decreased in obese patients and increased in weight loss. Its decreased expression explains part of the pathomechanisms of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DT2), cardiovascular diseases and nonalcoholic liver disease. Sirt1 plays an important role in the differentiation of adipocytes and in insulin signaling regulated by Foxo1 and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Its overexpression attenuates inflammation and macrophage infiltration induced by a high fat diet. Its decreased expression plays a prominent role in the heart, liver and brain of rat as manifestations of fetal programming produced by deficit in vitamin B12 and folate during pregnancy and lactation through imbalanced methylation/acetylation of PGC1α and altered expression and methylation of nuclear receptors. The decreased expression of Sirt1 produced by impaired cellular availability of vitamin B12 results from endoplasmic reticulum stress through subcellular mislocalization of ELAVL1/HuR protein that shuttles Sirt1 mRNA between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Preclinical and clinical studies of Sirt1 agonists have produced contrasted results in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. A preclinical study has produced promising results in the treatment of inherited disorders of vitamin B12 metabolism.

Adiponectin in onset and progression of T2DM with cardiac dysfunction in rats

Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients have low level of adiponectin, however, till now the role of adiponectin in progression of ‘T2DM with cardiac dysfunction’ in animal model has not been characterized. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to develop and characterize T2DM animal model with cardiac dysfunction and to study the role of cardiac adiponectin expression in cardiac dysfunction. For this, Wistar rats (M/F) were fed a high-fat diet for different time periods: 3, 4 and 5 weeks and given a single, low-dose streptozotocin (25mg/kg), intraperitoneal injection 1 week prior to the experiments. Rats in T2DM group (3 weeks) developed hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, oxidative stress with normoinsulinaemia and mild cardiac dysfunction suggesting onset of T2DM with cardiac dysfunction. Extended high-fat feeding, that is, 4 and 5 weeks induced insulin resistance accompanied with cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac dysfunction and reduced baroreflex sensitivity indicating development of T2DM with cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac adiponectin expression did not change in rats of T2DM group (3 weeks), however, it significantly decreased in rats of two T2DM groups (4 and 5 weeks) along with increased intracellular adhesion molecule-1 levels. Thus, the present study for the first time indicates that in the present T2DM animal model, as T2DM progresses cardiac adiponectin expression also decreases which might be the precipitating factor for cardiac hypertrophy and decrease in baroreflex sensitivity, which induces cardiac dysfunction.

Cardiovascular diseases and metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity: What is the role of inflammatory responses? A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a chronic disease responsible for a high morbidity and mortality rate, with an increasing worldwide prevalence. Obesity is associated with immune responses characterized by chronic systemic inflammation. This article focuses on the mechanisms that explain the proposed link between obesity-associated diseases and inflammation. Also, it describes the role of inflammatory molecules in obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities.

METHODS

More than 200 articles were selected and consulted by an online English search using various electronic search databases. Predefined key-words for the pathogenesis of obesity-induced inflammation and associated diseases, as well as the role of various inflammatory molecules, were used.

RESULTS

We have summarized the data of the articles consulted in this research and we have found that obesity is associated with a low-grade inflammation resulting from the change of adipose tissue (AT). The AT produces a variety of inflammatory molecules called adipocytokines that are involved in the onset of systemic low-grade inflammation which is the link between obesity and associated-chronic abnormalities; such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers. Also, we have searched all the inflammatory molecules involved in this pathogenesis and we have briefly described the role of 16 of them which are the most related to obesity-associated inflammation. The results have shown that there are inflammatory molecules that have a positive relationship with the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases and others have a negative relationship with this pathogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of various metabolic-abnormalities related to obesity. In this regard, the management of obesity may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other metabolic complications by inhibiting inflammatory mechanisms.

The protective effect of recombinant globular adiponectin on testis by modulating autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

This study was to investigate whether recombinant globular adiponectin produced its protective effect on the testis of diabetic mice by modulating autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress. Male mice were randomly divided into control, diabetic, diabetic treated with low and high dose of adiponectin. Mice were killed at the termination after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of adiponectin treatment. Serum levels of glucose, lipids, testosterone, insulin, LH and FSH were measured. The protein expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), Caspase12, Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and p62 was determined by western blotting. The mRNA expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1), p22phox, p47phox, nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The testicular weight, the sperm number and motility, and the serum levels of testosterone and insulin were significantly decreased in diabetic mice (P < 0.05). The expression of Beclin1, LC3, Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, SOD and AdipoR1 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while the expression of GRP78, CHOP, Caspase12, p62, p22phox and p47phox were notably increased in the testes of diabetic mice (P < 0.05). Adiponectin treatment significantly reversed the above-mentioned changes in the testes of diabetic mice, some of which were dose- and time-dependent (P < 0.05). These data suggested that recombinant globular adiponectin may produce the protective effect on the testes of diabetic mice by inducing autophagy and inhibiting ER stress and oxidative stress.

Analysis of serum inflammatory mediators in type 2 diabetic patients and their influence on renal function

Aim

To evaluate the serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without renal alteration (RA) function.

Methods

Serum samples from 76 patients with T2DM and 24 healthy individuals were selected. Patients with T2DM were divided into two groups according to eGFR (> or < 60mL/min/1.73m²). Cytokines, chemokines and adipokines levels were evaluated using the Multiplex immunoassay and ELISA.

Results

TNFR1 and leptin were higher in the T2DM group with RA than in the T2DM group without RA and control group. All patients with T2DM showed increased resistin, IL-8, and MIP-1α compared to the control group. Adiponectin were higher and IL-4 decreased in the T2DM group with RA compared to the control group. eGFR positively correlated with IL-4 and negatively with TNFR1, TNFR2, and leptin in patients with T2DM. In the T2DM group with RA, eGFR was negatively correlated with TNFR1 and resistin. TNFR1 was positively correlated with resistin and leptin, as well as resistin with IL-8 and leptin.

Conclusion

Increased levels of TNFR1, adipokines, chemokines and decrease of IL-4 play important role in the inflammatory process developed in T2DM and decreased renal function. We also suggest that TNFR1 is a strong predictor of renal dysfunction in patients with T2DM.

Hypothalamic POMC deficiency increases circulating adiponectin despite obesity

Objective

The steep rise in the prevalence of obesity and its related metabolic syndrome have become a major worldwide health concerns. Melanocortin peptides from hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc) POMC neurons induce satiety to limit food intake. Consequently, Arc Pomc-deficient mice (ArcPomc^−/−) exhibit hyperphagia and obesity. Previous studies demonstrated that the circulating levels of adiponectin, a protein abundantly produced and secreted by fat cells, negatively correlate with obesity in both rodents and humans. However, we found that ArcPomc^−/− mice have increased circulating adiponectin levels despite obesity. Therefore, we investigated the physiological function and underlying mechanisms of hypothalamic POMC in regulating systemic adiponectin levels.

Methods

Circulating adiponectin was measured in obese ArcPomc^−/− mice at ages 4–52 weeks. To determine whether increased adiponectin was a direct result of ArcPomc deficiency or a secondary effect of obesity, we examined plasma adiponectin levels in calorie-restricted mice with or without a history of obesity and in ArcPomc^−/− mice before and after genetic restoration of Pomc expression in the hypothalamus. To delineate the mechanisms causing increased adiponectin in ArcPomc^−/− mice, we determined sympathetic outflow to adipose tissue by assessing epinephrine, norepinephrine, and tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels and measured the circulating adiponectin in the mice after acute norepinephrine or propranolol treatments. In addition, adiponectin mRNA and protein levels were measured in discrete adipose tissue depots to ascertain which fat depots contributed the most to the high level of adiponectin in the ArcPomc^−/− mice. Finally, we generated compound Adiopoq^−/−:ArcPomc^−/− mice and compared their growth, body composition, and glucose homeostasis to the individual knockout mouse strains and their wild-type controls.

Results

Obese ArcPomc^−/− female mice had unexpectedly increased plasma adiponectin compared to wild-type siblings at all ages greater than 8 weeks. Despite chronic calorie restriction to achieve normal body weights, higher adiponectin levels persisted in the ArcPomc^−/− female mice. Genetic restoration of Pomc expression in the Arc or acute treatment of the ArcPomc^−/− female mice with melanotan II reduced adiponectin levels to control littermate values. The ArcPomc^−/− mice had defective thermogenesis and decreased epinephrine, norepinephrine, and tyrosine hydroxylase protein levels in their fat pads, indicating reduced sympathetic outflow to adipose tissue. Injections of norepinephrine into the ArcPomc^−/− female mice reduced circulating adiponectin levels, whereas injections of propranolol significantly increased adiponectin levels. Despite the beneficial effects of adiponectin on metabolism, the deletion of adiponectin alleles in the ArcPomc^−/− mice did not exacerbate their metabolic abnormalities.

Conclusion

In summary, to the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that despite obesity, the ArcPomc^−/− mouse model has high circulating adiponectin levels, which demonstrated that increased fat mass is not necessarily correlated with hypoadiponectinemia. Our investigation also found a previously unknown physiological pathway connecting POMC neurons via the sympathetic nervous system to circulating adiponectin, thereby shedding light on the biological regulation of adiponectin.

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Obese female hypothalamic-specific Pomc-deficient mice have unexpectedly elevated circulating adiponectin.

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Restoration of Pomc expression in the hypothalamus reduces plasma adiponectin.

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Low sympathetic output to subcutaneous fat depots in the Pomc-deficient mice contributes to high adiponectin levels.

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Deletion of adiponectin in hypothalamic-specific Pomc-deficient mice does not alter their metabolic phenotype.

Structurally Related Edaravone Analogues: Synthesis, Antiradical, Antioxidant, and Copper-Chelating Properties

Background::

The current therapeutic options available to patients diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are limited and edaravone is a compound that has gained significant interest for its therapeutic potential in this condition.

Objectives: :

The current work was thus undertaken to synthesize and characterize a series of edaravone analogues.

Methods:

A total of 17 analogues were synthesized and characterized for their antioxidant properties, radical scavenging potential and copper-chelating capabilities.

Results:

Radical scavenging and copper-chelating properties were notably observed for edaravone. Analogues bearing hydrogen in position 1 and a phenyl at position 3 and a phenyl in both positions of pyrazol-5 (4H)-one displayed substantial radical scavenging, antioxidants and copper-chelating properties. High accessibility of electronegative groups combined with higher electronegativity and partial charge of the carbonyl moiety in edaravone might explain the observed difference in the activity of edaravone relative to the closely related analogues 6 and 7 bearing hydrogen at position 1 and a phenyl at position 3 (6) and a phenyl in both positions (7).

Conclusion:

Overall, this study reveals a subset of edaravone analogues with interesting properties. Further investigation of these compounds is foreseen in relevant models of oxidative stress-associated diseases in order to assess their therapeutic potential in such conditions.

Biomarkers panels can predict fatigue, depression and pain in persons living with HIV: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Persons living with HIV experience high symptom burden that can negatively impact medication adherence, work productivity, and quality of life. Symptoms are highly subjective, which can lead to under- or improper treatment. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine relationships between circulating biomarkers representative of inflammatory, coagulation, and vascular function pathways and prevalent HIV symptoms.

SETTING AND SAMPLE

Adults >18 years who were diagnosed with HIV and spoke English for this cross-sectional study were recruited from community clinics and organizations.

METHODS

Symptom burden was measured with the HIV Symptom Index; depression with the Patient Health Questionnaire. Human multiplex kits were used to determine serum concentrations of select biomarkers representing inflammatory, coagulation, and vascular function pathways. The biomarkers were included as features in machine learning models to determine which biomarkers predicted the most prevalent HIV symptoms (fatigue and muscle/joint pain) and the symptom of depression.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 32) were representative of the local population of people with HIV, being mostly Black (54.4%) and male (60.6%). Depression was predicted by age, gender, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and inflammation. Muscle/joint pain was predicted by adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A (SAA). Fatigue was predicted by adiponectin, SAA, and soluble interleukin-1 receptor type II (sIL-1RII).

CONCLUSION

Biomarker clusters can be a tool to monitor symptoms. Adding an objective measure to subjective patient experiences could improve management and monitoring of symptoms. Defining a biomarker cluster for the objective assessment of HIV symptoms warrants further investigation; however, the presence of comorbid conditions needs to be controlled.

Detailed Investigation of the Outstanding Peroxyl Radical Scavenging Activity of Two Novel Amino-Pyridinol-Based Compounds

The ability of two novel amino-pyridinol based compounds (NPyr6 and NPyr7) as peroxyl radical scavengers was investigated in silico. The gathered data indicate that they are exceptionally efficient in that role. However, solvent polarity influences their relative efficiency for that purpose. NPyr6 was identified as the best peroxyl radical scavenger in lipid solution, while NPyr7 takes that place in aqueous solution. Both compounds present two acid-base equilibria, which influence their reactivity in aqueous solution. The associated pKa values were estimated. Several reaction mechanisms were explored. Hydrogen transfer from the phenolic group was identified as the chemical route with the highest contribution to the antioxidant behavior of the investigated compounds in both, nonpolar medium and aqueous solution (at 2 ≤ pH ≤ 10). At higher pH other reaction pathways become the most relevant ones. In addition, their bioavailability, cell permeability, safety, and manufacturability were evaluated. According to these, particularly toxicity, NPyr7 seems to be a better candidate for use as an oral drug to fight oxidative stress than NPyr6.

The association of adiponectin with metabolic syndrome and clinical outcome in patients with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease

Adiponectin is the most abundant circulating adipokine, and it has insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Although it has been speculated that kidney function decline associated with elevated adiponectin is attributable to decreased renal clearance and compensatory responses to adiponectin resistance, it is unclear how elevated adiponectin affects clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and whether the effects are the same as those in the general population. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine whether the association between serum adiponectin levels and clinical outcomes in non-diabetic CKD patients is independent of adiposity and metabolic syndrome. We enrolled 196 non-diabetic CKD patients with eGFR ranging between 10 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, these patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of metabolic syndrome. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or renal events (renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy [RRT] or 50% reduction in eGFR). During the mean follow-up period of 5 years, 48 (24.5%) incident cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were observed, and 33 (16.8%) deaths occurred. The mean eGFR was 29.8 ± 12.8 mL/min/1.73m2. The baseline median adiponectin concentration in the cohort was 29.4(interquartile range, 13.3-108.7) μg/ml. Adiponectin levels were inversely related to body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.29; P < 0.001) and waist circumference (r = -0.35; P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted Cox regression model, the hazard ratios (HRs) were 2.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-4.02; P = 0.03) for RRT and 1.66 (95% CI, 1.03-2.65; P = 0.04) for composite renal outcome. The risks remained consistent within different subgroups. However, no association was observed with mortality risk. In conclusion, higher adiponectin levels are associated with a higher risk of ESRD independent of conventional risk factors, BMI, and metabolic syndrome components.

Annexins in Adipose Tissue: Novel Players in Obesity

Obesity and the associated comorbidities are a growing health threat worldwide. Adipose tissue dysfunction, impaired adipokine activity, and inflammation are central to metabolic diseases related to obesity. In particular, the excess storage of lipids in adipose tissues disturbs cellular homeostasis. Amongst others, organelle function and cell signaling, often related to the altered composition of specialized membrane microdomains (lipid rafts), are affected. Within this context, the conserved family of annexins are well known to associate with membranes in a calcium (Ca²⁺)- and phospholipid-dependent manner in order to regulate membrane-related events, such as trafficking in endo- and exocytosis and membrane microdomain organization. These multiple activities of annexins are facilitated through their diverse interactions with a plethora of lipids and proteins, often in different cellular locations and with consequences for the activity of receptors, transporters, metabolic enzymes, and signaling complexes. While increasing evidence points at the function of annexins in lipid homeostasis and cell metabolism in various cells and organs, their role in adipose tissue, obesity and related metabolic diseases is still not well understood. Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is a potent pro-resolving mediator affecting the regulation of body weight and metabolic health. Relevant for glucose metabolism and fatty acid uptake in adipose tissue, several studies suggest AnxA2 to contribute to coordinate glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation and to associate with the fatty acid transporter CD36. On the other hand, AnxA6 has been linked to the control of adipocyte lipolysis and adiponectin release. In addition, several other annexins are expressed in fat tissues, yet their roles in adipocytes are less well examined. The current review article summarizes studies on the expression of annexins in adipocytes and in obesity. Research efforts investigating the potential role of annexins in fat tissue relevant to health and metabolic disease are discussed.

Thiophenols, Promising Scavengers of Peroxyl Radicals: Mechanisms and kinetics

The activity of 12 thiophenols as primary antioxidants in aqueous solution has been studied using density functional theory. Twelve different substituted thiophenols were tested as peroxyl radicals scavengers. Single electron transfer (SET) and formal hydrogen transfer (FHT) were investigated. The SET mechanism was found to be the main mechanism, with rate constants that are close to the diffusion limit, which means that these thiophenolic compounds have the capacity to scavenge peroxyl radicals before they can damage biomolecules. All 12 thiophenolic compounds react faster with methylperoxyl than with hydroperoxyl radicals. In addition, it was found that pH plays an important role in the reactivity of these compounds. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Adiponectin, Obesity, and Cancer: Clash of the Bigwigs in Health and Disease

Adiponectin is one of the most important adipocytokines secreted by adipocytes and is called a “guardian angel adipocytokine” owing to its unique biological functions. Adiponectin inversely correlates with body fat mass and visceral adiposity. Identified independently by four different research groups, adiponectin has multiple names; Acrp30, apM1, GBP28, and AdipoQ. Adiponectin mediates its biological functions via three known receptors, AdipoR1, AdipoR2, and T-cadherin, which are distributed throughout the body. Biological functions of adiponectin are multifold ranging from anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory to anti-cancer. Lower adiponectin levels have been associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. A plethora of experimental evidence supports the role of obesity and increased adiposity in multiple cancers including breast, liver, pancreatic, prostrate, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. Obesity mediates its effect on cancer progression via dysregulation of adipocytokines including increased production of oncogenic adipokine leptin along with decreased production of adiponectin. Multiple studies have shown the protective role of adiponectin in obesity-associated diseases and cancer. Adiponectin modulates multiple signaling pathways to exert its physiological and protective functions. Many studies over the years have shown the beneficial effect of adiponectin in cancer regression and put forth various innovative ways to increase adiponectin levels.

Protective Effects of Licochalcone A Ameliorates Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Via Promotion of the Sirt-1/AMPK Pathway in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Licochalcone A is a chalcone isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis. It showed anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties in mice with acute lung injuries and regulated lipid metabolism through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in hepatocytes. However, the effects of licochalcone A on reducing weight gain and improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are unclear. Thus, the present study investigated whether licochalcone A ameliorated weight loss and lipid metabolism in the liver of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD to induce obesity and NAFLD, and then were injected intraperitoneally with licochalcone A. In another experiment, a fatty liver cell model was established by incubating HepG2 hepatocytes with oleic acid and treating the cells with licochalcone A to evaluate lipid metabolism. Our results demonstrated that HFD-induced obese mice treated with licochalcone A had decreased body weight as well as inguinal and epididymal adipose tissue weights compared with HFD-treated mice. Licochalcone A also ameliorated hepatocyte steatosis and decreased liver tissue weight and lipid droplet accumulation in liver tissue. We also found that licochalcone A significantly regulated serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and free fatty acids, and decreased the fasting blood glucose value. Furthermore, in vivo and in vitro, licochalcone A significantly decreased expression of the transcription factor of lipogenesis and fatty acid synthase. Licochalcone A activated the sirt-1/AMPK pathway to reduce fatty acid chain synthesis and increased lipolysis and β-oxidation in hepatocytes. Licochalcone A can potentially ameliorate obesity and NAFLD in mice via activation of the sirt1/AMPK pathway.

Neuropeptide B and neuropeptide W as new serum predictors of nutritional status and of clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with the use of pens or insulin pumps

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between neuropeptide B (NPB), neuropeptide W (NPW), nutritional and antioxidant status and selected fat- and bone-derived factors in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) treated using pens (T1DM pen group) or insulin pumps (T1DM pump group) in order to investigate the potential role of NPB and NPW in the clinical outcomes of T1DM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with T1DM and twenty-five healthy controls (CONTR) participated in the study. Assessments of NPB, NPW, total antioxidant status (TAS), leptin, adiponectin, osteocalcin, and free soluble receptor activator for nuclear factor κB (free sRANKL) were conducted.

RESULTS

NPB, NPW, leptin, and TAS were lower (by 33%, p < 0.013; 34%, p < 0.008; 290%, p < 0.00004; 21%, p < 0.05; respectively), while adiponectin was by 51% higher (p < 0.006) in T1DM vs. CONTR, while osteocalcin and free sRANKL levels were similar in both groups. NPW was lower in the T1DM pen group both vs. the T1DM pump group (36% lower, p < 0.0009) and vs. the CONTR group (35% lower, p < 0.002). In the T1DM pen group, but not in the T1DM pump group or the CONTR group, the Cole index and TAS levels explain (besides NPB) the variation in NPW values. ROC curves showed that serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, NPB and NPW (but not osteocalcin or free sRANKL) were predictive indicators for T1DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurements of NPB and NPW, besides leptin and adiponectin, are worth considering in the detailed prognosis of nutritional status in T1DM, primarily in the T1DM pen-treated population.

Diabetes and dyslipidaemia are associated with oxidative stress independently of inflammation in long-term antiretroviral-treated HIV-infected patients

AIM

Ageing HIV-infected patients controlled by antiretroviral therapy (ART) frequently present age-related comorbidities, such as cardiovascular (CV) events, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of these comorbidities was evaluated in a cohort of long-term-monitored ART-controlled HIV-infected patients, then followed by a search into whether oxidative stress, like inflammation, might be associated with metabolic parameters and/or comorbidities.

METHODS

Included were 352 long-term ART patients who started with protease inhibitors (PIs) in 1997-1999. They were evaluated at their final visit, 11 years later, for previous CV events, prevalence of diabetes, LDL-related and atherogenic (high TG/HDL) dyslipidaemias, hypertension and CKD. Also measured were circulating biomarkers to explore oxidative stress (Lp-PLA2, oxLDL, oxLDL/LDL ratio, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities), inflammation/immune activation (hsCRP, hsIL-6, D dimer, soluble CD14, β2 microglobulin, cystatin C), adipokines and insulin resistance. Levels were compared in patients with and without each comorbidity or condition using non-parametric correlation tests and multivariate adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

At the final visit, 81.5% of patients were male and were aged (median, IQR) 49 years (45-56); BMI was 23.0 kg/m² (21.1-25.4), CD4+ lymphocytes were 620 cells/mm³ (453-790) and 91.5% had undetectable HIV-1 viral loads. The prevalence of diabetes was 11%, and LDL-related dyslipidaemia 28%, atherogenic dyslipidaemia 9%, hypertension 28%, CKD 9% and previous CV events 9%. Diabetes and atherogenic dyslipidaemia were associated with increased oxidative stress and independently with inflammation. LDL-related dyslipidaemia and impaired fasting glucose were associated with increased oxidative stress. No association of these biomarkers was detected with hypertension, CKD and previous CV events.

CONCLUSION

In long-term-treated HIV-infected patients with frequent comorbid conditions, oxidative stress could be contributing to diabetes and LDL-related and atherogenic dyslipidaemias independently of inflammation.

Beneficial Effects of Adiponectin on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerotic Progression: Mechanisms and Perspectives

Circulating adiponectin concentrations are reduced in obese individuals, and this reduction has been proposed to have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. We focus on the effects of adiponectin on glucose and lipid metabolism and on the molecular anti-atherosclerotic properties of adiponectin and also discuss the factors that increase the circulating levels of adiponectin. Adiponectin reduces inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, which leads to an improvement of insulin resistance. Adiponectin-induced improvement of insulin resistance and adiponectin itself reduce hepatic glucose production and increase the utilization of glucose and fatty acids by skeletal muscles, lowering blood glucose levels. Adiponectin has also β cell protective effects and may prevent the development of diabetes. Adiponectin concentration has been found to be correlated with lipoprotein metabolism; especially, it is associated with the metabolism of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride (TG). Adiponectin appears to increase HDL and decrease TG. Adiponectin increases ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and decreases hepatic lipase, which may elevate HDL. Increased LPL mass/activity and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor and reduced apo-CIII may increase VLDL catabolism and result in the reduction of serum TG. Further, adiponectin has various molecular anti-atherosclerotic properties, such as reduction of scavenger receptors in macrophages and increase of cholesterol efflux. These findings suggest that high levels of circulating adiponectin can protect against atherosclerosis. Weight loss, exercise, nutritional factors, anti-diabetic drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, and anti-hypertensive drugs have been associated with an increase of serum adiponectin level.

The use of telmisartan in patients with refractory arterial hypertension and obesity

Aim.To evaluate the effectiveness of telmisartan as a component of triple antihypertensive therapy in patients with obesity and refractory arterial hypertension.

Material and methods.The study included 30 patients with obesity and refractory arterial hypertension. All patients received an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor) in an adequate dosage as part of a triple antihypertensive therapy that also includes a calcium antagonist and thiazide diuretic. Participants were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the main group, telmisartan (Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories) was prescribed at a dosage of 80 mg/day instead of the previously taken ARB or ACE inhibitor. In the control group, patients continued to receive a previously prescribed ARB or an ACE inhibitor. The primary end point was a decrease in mean daily systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) according to 24-hour blood pressure monitoring at 10 mm Hg and more than 20 weeks after the start of the study. The secondary end point was a decrease in the concentration of inflammatory markers and an increase in the level of adiponectin by 15%.

Results.After 20 weeks, in the telmisartan group, we noted a significant decrease in the average daily SBP and DBP: in the main group from 145,9±5,4/95,6±4,8 mm Hg to 134,8±3,0/84,9±4,2 mm Hg, in the control group with 147,2±4,9/96,4±5,6 mm Hg to 142,4±4,3/96,9±62 mm Hg. We also determined an increase in the serum adiponectin concentration from 9,3±5,6 μg/ml to 13,4±6,6 μg/ml in the main group and a decrease from 8,8±5,2 μg/ml to 8,6±5,6 μg/ml in the control group, as well as a decrease in the concentration of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (main group from 8,8±3,0 to 6,0±2,8 mg/l and the control group from 7,4±3,8 to 6,9±4,9 mg/l) and interleukin-6 (main group from 16,2±6,1 to 12,3±2,8 pg/ml, control group from 22,5±4,2 to 19,9±5,2 pg/ml).

Conclusion.Telmisartan can be considered as a drug of choice as part of multi-component therapy in the treatment of patients with obesity and refractor arterial hypertension.

Effect of a high sucrose and high fat diet in BDNF (+/-) mice on oxidative stress markers in adipose tissues

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a high fat and a high sucrosediet in wild type and BDNF (+/-) mice on oxidative stress in epididymal and subcutaneousadipose tissues by measuring different markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes. Wild type (WT) and BDNF (+/-) male mice were divided into six groups receiving fed control diet (CD), high sucrose diet (HSD), or high fat diet (HFD) for four months. Levels of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) increased in the HFD-fed BDNF (+/-) mice, while 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) levels increased in the CD and HFD-fed BDNF (+/-) groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in subcutaneous tissue compared to epididymal adipose tissue, independently of diet type. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was reduced by HFD (p < 0.05), butglutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was increased by HSD in epididymal adipose tissuein BDNF (+/-) mice (p < 0.05). GSH-Px activities was increased by CD and HFD in subcutaneous adipose tissue of BDNF (+/-) (p < 0.05). SOD2 and GSH-Px3 expressions were only decreased by HSD in epididymal and subcutaneous adipose tissues of BDNF (+/-) mice (p < 0.05). In conclusion, reduced BDNF may increase OS in epididymal adipose tissue, but not in subcutaneous adipose tissue following HSD and HFD.

[A Multifaceted Approach regarding the Association of the DsbA-L Gene with the Risk of Obesity-related Diseases Based on Clinical Pharmacogenetics]

Adiponectin, the most abundant adipose tissue-derived adipocytokine, improves insulin sensitivity and has anti-inflammatory properties. Disulfide-bond A oxidoreductase-like protein (DsbA-L) is a key molecule in the multimerization of adiponectin (i.e., activation of adiponectin). In mice, liver-specific knockout of the Dsba-L gene impaired the mitochondrial function in hepatocytes and exacerbated the high-fat-diet-induced fatty liver. In addition, the DsbA-L mRNA level is negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) in humans. We recently investigated the clinical impact of the DsbA-L gene on lifestyle-related diseases in Japanese subjects. We confirmed the influence of the common DsbA-L rs1917760 polymorphism on the multimerization of adiponectin, as well as the association of the polymorphism with the risk of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, using prediction models based on a non-linear mixed effect model and/or structural equation models among elderly participants in a health screening program. We also observed a decreasing effect of DsbA-L polymorphism on the DsbA-L mRNA level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and an increasing effect of the polymorphism on the prevalence of excessive weight among schizophrenia patients at a high risk for obesity. These findings suggest that DsbA-L may be a key molecule associated with the development and progression of obesity and its related diseases. Therefore, genotyping the DsbA-L polymorphism and identifying patients at a high risk of developing obesity may help prevent obesity and its complications by facilitating targeted prevention and treatment programs for high-risk individuals.

New insights into oxidative stress and inflammation during diabetes mellitus-accelerated atherosclerosis

Oxidative stress and inflammation interact in the development of diabetic atherosclerosis. Intracellular hyperglycemia promotes production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased formation of intracellular advanced glycation end-products, activation of protein kinase C, and increased polyol pathway flux. ROS directly increase the expression of inflammatory and adhesion factors, formation of oxidized-low density lipoprotein, and insulin resistance. They activate the ubiquitin pathway, inhibit the activation of AMP-protein kinase and adiponectin, decrease endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity, all of which accelerate atherosclerosis. Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota and changes in microRNA expression that influence the regulation of target genes that occur in diabetes interact with increased ROS and inflammation to promote atherosclerosis. This review highlights the consequences of the sustained increase of ROS production and inflammation that influence the acceleration of atherosclerosis by diabetes. The potential contributions of changes in the gut microbiota and microRNA expression are discussed.

Treatment of hypertension in obese patients: focus on telmisartan

The article discusses the role of telmisartan in the treatment of arterial hypertension in patients with metabolic syndrome. Telmisartan is second-generation type 1 angiotensin II receptor blocker, which has unique pleiotropic effects due to partial affinity for receptors that activate the proliferation of subtype y peroxisomes (PPARy) located in adipose tissue. The interrelation of metaflamation, a specific chronic inflammatory process with pathogenetic mechanisms of development of cardiovascular diseases, including arterial hypertension, is also described in study. The role of the adiponectin peptide is considered, which synthesis is stimulated by partial PPARy receptor agonists (as mentioned above — telmisartan). It has a positive effect on fat and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as cardioprotective properties. The conclusion contains the results of numerous randomized studies and meta-analyzes confirming the high efficacy of telmisartan in the treatment of arterial hypertension in patients with morbid obesity.

Dietary Methionine Restriction Upregulates Endogenous H2 S via miR-328-3p: A Potential Mechanism to Improve Liver Protein Metabolism Efficiency in a Mouse Model of High-fat-diet-induced Obesity

SCOPE

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) promotes multifaceted health benefits. Moreover, lower rate of protein synthesis by dietary MR is associated with life span extension. The goal of this work is to explore how dietary MR would affect protein metabolism in a mouse model of high-fat-diet-induced obesity (DIO).

METHODS AND RESULTS

DIO mice (male C57BL/6) are subjected to dietary MR for 22 weeks. High-throughput sequencing technology, qRT-PCR analysis, and the dual luciferase reporter assay are performed to verify that MiR-328-3p directly targets cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) to modulate endogenous H₂ S production. Moreover, indicators of endogenous H₂ S, fractional synthesis rate (FSR), fractional growth rate (FGR), fractional degradation rate (FDR), and protein retention efficiency (PRE) are analyzed. MR results in an increase in endogenous H₂ S to relieve oxidative stress and ER stress to improve protein homeostasis and metabolic efficiency in DIO mice.

CONCLUSION

Results show that dietary MR increases endogenous H₂ S production via miR-328-3p. Furthermore, these results suggest the potential involvement of endogenous H₂ S on the efficiency of protein metabolism in dietary MR.

Liver and intestinal protective effects of Castanea sativa Mill. bark extract in high-fat diet rats

The effects of Castanea sativa Mill. have been studied in high fat diet (HFD) overweight rats. Natural Extract of Chestnut bark (Castanea sativa Mill.) (ENC^®), rich in ellagitannins, has been studied in 120 male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided in four groups. Two groups were controls: regular (RD) and HDF diet. Two groups received ENC^® (20 mg/kg/day): RD + ENC^® and HFD + ENC^®. At baseline and at 7, 14 and 21 days, weight gain, serum lipids, plasma cytokines, liver histology, microsomial enzymes and oxidation, intestinal oxidative stress and contractility were studied. HFD increased body weight, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, induced hepatocytes microvescicular steatosis, altered microsomial, increased liver and intestinal oxidative stress, deranged intestinal contractility. In HFD-fed rats, ENC^® exerted antiadipose and antioxidative activities and normalized intestinal contractility, suggesting a potential approach to overweight management associated diseases.

Melatonin and its metabolites vs oxidative stress: From individual actions to collective protection

Oxidative stress (OS) represents a threat to the chemical integrity of biomolecules including lipids, proteins, and DNA. The associated molecular damage frequently results in serious health issues, which justifies our concern about this phenomenon. In addition to enzymatic defense mechanisms, there are compounds (usually referred to as antioxidants) that offer chemical protection against oxidative events. Among them, melatonin and its metabolites constitute a particularly efficient chemical family. They offer protection against OS as individual chemical entities through a wide variety of mechanisms including electron transfer, hydrogen transfer, radical adduct formation, and metal chelation, and by repairing biological targets. In fact, many of them including melatonin can be classified as multipurpose antioxidants. However, what seems to be unique to the melatonin's family is their collective effects. Because the members of this family are metabolically related, most of them are expected to be present in living organisms wherever melatonin is produced. Therefore, the protection exerted by melatonin against OS may be viewed as a result of the combined antioxidant effects of the parent molecule and its metabolites. Melatonin's family is rather exceptional in this regard, offering versatile and collective antioxidant protection against OS. It certainly seems that melatonin is one of the best nature's defenses against oxidative damage.

Comprehensive Investigation of the Antioxidant and Pro-oxidant Effects of Phenolic Compounds: A Double-Edged Sword in the Context of Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress (OS) is a health-threatening process that is involved, at least partially, in the development of several diseases. Although antioxidants can be used as a chemical defense against OS, they might also exhibit pro-oxidant effects, depending on environmental conditions. In this work, such a dual behavior was investigated for phenolic compounds (PhCs) within the framework of the density functional theory and based on kinetic data. Multiple reaction mechanisms were considered in both cases. The presence of redox metals, the pH, and the possibility that PhCs might be transformed into benzoquinones were identified as key aspects in the antioxidant versus pro-oxidant effects of these compounds. The main virtues of PhCs as antioxidants are their radical trapping activity, their regeneration under physiological conditions, and their behavior as OH-inactivating ligands. The main risks of PhCs as pro-oxidants are predicted to be the role of phenolate ions in the reduction of metal ions, which can promote Fenton-like reactions, and the formation of benzoquinones that might cause protein arylation at cysteine sites. Although the benefits seem to overcome the hazards, to properly design chemical strategies against OS using PhCs, it is highly recommended to carefully explore their duality in this context.

DEHP deregulates adipokine levels and impairs fatty acid storage in human SGBS-adipocytes

DEHP is a plasticizer which has been used in plastic products of everyday use for decades. Studies in mice and murine cell culture models identified DEHP as an endocrine disruptor that may also act as an obesogen. As this is of high concern in respect of the worldwide obesity epidemic, our aim is the translation of these findings into a human model system. On the basis of DOHaD, we investigated the influence of an environmentally relevant dose of DEHP [50 µg/ml] on adipogenesis in the human cell culture model SGBS. Pre-adipocytes were exposed to DEHP and differentiated into mature adipocytes. At different stages of differentiation, markers of adipogenesis like GLUT4, FABP4, LPL and PPARs, and of signaling pathways like AMPK/ACC2, JAK/STAT and MAPK were analyzed. Functional markers like adipokine secretion and triglyceride content as well as ROS production were measured in mature adipocytes. We found significantly lower expression levels of adipogenic markers, a reduction in lipid accumulation, higher leptin- and reduced adiponectin levels in the supernatant of treated adipocytes. Moreover, ROS production was significantly elevated after DEHP-exposure. In conclusion, DEHP led to lower grade of adipogenic differentiation in human SGBS-adipocytes under the chosen conditions.

Adiponectin and colon cancer: evidence for inhibitory effects on viability and migration of human colorectal cell lines

Adiponectin (Acrp30) is an adipokine widely studied for its beneficial metabolic and anti-inflammatory properties. Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers worldwide. The aim of present study was to explore the effects of Acrp30 on both CaCo-2 and HCT116 colorectal cancer cells in terms of viability, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. In addition, since colorectal cancer represents a typical inflammation-related cancer, we investigated whether Acrp30 treatment modifies the migration and the expression of crucial proteins in the EMT transition. Finally, we analyzed the expression of cytokines in CaCo-2 cells. We found that Acrp30 reduces the survival rate of both CaCo-2 and HCT116 cells through induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress already after 24 h of treatment. In addition, wound-healing assay indicated that Acrp30 exposure statistically inhibits CaCo-2 and HCT116 cell migration. Western blot analysis performed on E-cadherin and vimentin, two EMT crucial markers in carcinogenesis, indicated that Acrp30 does not influence EMT transition. Finally, we found a reduction of mRNA levels corresponding to the anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine together with an increase of the pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-8 cytokines. This study provides new insight into Acrp30 molecular effects on colorectal cancer cells. Indeed, even if further studies are necessary to clarify the precise role of Acrp30 in colorectal cancer, our data strongly suggest that Acrp30 negatively regulates cell survival and migration in association with induction of oxidative stress and regulation of cytokines expression in both CaCo-2 and HCT116 colorectal cells.

Correlation of adipokines and markers of oxidative stress in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and their newborns

AIM

We have shown that some markers of oxidative stress were higher in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study examines the relationship between adipokines and oxidative stress and their potential effects in pregnant women.

METHODS

Three markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostane and xanthine oxidase) and three adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin) were measured in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta of 208 pregnant women.

RESULTS

Among all these women, 105 were diagnosed with GDM while the other 103 were controls. Leptin, resistin, malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase and 8-isoprostane in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta were significantly higher while maternal adiponectin significantly lower in women with GDM (P < 0.05). Adipokines in maternal plasma, cord plasma and placenta were positively correlated with markers of oxidative stress. Both markers of oxidative stress and adipokines were correlated inversely with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance whereas positively with quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (P < 0.01). Adiponectin is negatively correlated with leptin and resistin. Placental/cord leptin and cord resistin levels were higher in the macrosomia while maternal adiponectin level was lower (P < 0.05) than normal birthweight newborns. Both markers of oxidative stress and adipokines in maternal and cord plasma are negatively correlated with newborn birthweight (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Adipokines interact with markers of oxidative stress, both of which lead to insulin resistance, GDM and macrosomia. It has long been known that placenta involves in the development of GDM. Adipokines might participate in this process and need to be confirmed by further studies.

Are Obese Patients at an Increased Risk of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Compared to Non-obese Patients?

PURPOSE

Factors associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure such as chronic cough, morbid obesity, and constipation may be related to pelvic floor dysfunction. In this study, we compared anorectal manometry values and clinical data of class II and III morbidly obese patients referred to bariatric surgery with that of non-obese patients.

METHODS

We performed a case-matched study between obese patients referred to bariatric surgery and non-obese patients without anorectal complaints. The groups were matched by age and gender. Men and nulliparous women with no history of abdominal or anorectal surgery were included in the study. Anorectal manometry was performed by the stationary technique, and clinical evaluation was based on validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

Mean age was 44.8 ± 12.5 years (mean ± SD) in the obese group and 44.1 ± 11.8 years in the non-obese group (p = 0.829). In the obese group, 65.4% of patients had some degree of fecal incontinence. Mean squeeze pressure was significantly lower in obese than in non-obese patients (155.6 ± 64.1 vs. 210.1 ± 75.9 mmHg, p = 0.004), and there was no significant difference regarding mean rest pressure in obese patients compared to non-obese ones (63.7 ± 23.1 vs. 74.1 ± 21.8 mmHg, p = 0.051). There were no significant differences in anorectal manometry values between continent and incontinent obese patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of fecal incontinence among obese patients was high regardless of age, gender, and body mass index. Anal squeeze pressure was significantly lower in obese patients compared to non-obese controls.

Prazosin protects myocardial cells against anoxia-reoxygenation injury via the extracellular signal‑regulated kinase signaling pathway

Ischemic heart disease (including coronary arterial atherosclerosis, or vascular cavity stenosis or occlusion) remains the leading cause of disease-associated mortality worldwide. Prazosin, a receptor blocker of postsynaptic adrenaline, is essential in expanding peripheral arteries, which decreases peripheral vascular resistance, and regulates anti-hypertensive action. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of prazosin have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of prazosin on myocardial cells against anoxia-reoxygenation injury in a mouse model. The regulatory effects of prazosin on blood lipid levels and blood pressure were investigated in experimental mice. Furthermore, inflammation responses and oxidative stress in myocardial cells were analyzed in mice treated with prazosin. Apoptotic myocardial cells were investigated in experimental mice treated with prazosin. In addition, apoptotic gene expression levels were evaluated in myocardial cells. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) expression and phosphorylation was investigated in myocardial cells in mice with anoxia-reoxygenation injury following prazosin treatment. The activity and expression levels of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT), activator protein 1 (AP-1) and necrosis factor (NF)-κB were observed in myocardial cells. Furthermore, histological analyses were performed to investigate the benefits of prazosin treatment on anoxia-reoxygenation injury. The results of the present study identified that prazosin decreased the expression levels of inflammatory factors, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10 and IL-1 in the serum of mice exhibiting hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. Oxidative stress was observed to be improved and the apoptosis rate was decreased in myocardial cells in anoxia-reoxygenation injury model mice treated with prazosin. ERK expression and phosphorylation was upregulated, and expression levels of NF-AT, AP-1 and NF-κB were downregulated in the myocardial cells of mice treated with prazosin. Blood lipid levels and blood pressure of the anoxia-reoxygenation injury model mice were markedly improved following treatment with prazosin. Histological analysis indicated that the area, circumference fragmentation and segmentation of myocardial cells were significantly improved following prazosin treatment. Thus, these results indicate that prazosin treatment decreases inflammation responses, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of myocardial cells via regulation of the ERK signaling pathway. The findings indicate that prazosin may present as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of hypoxia/reoxygenation injury.

Antiobesity and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Orally Administered Bonito Extracts on Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

Background

The condensed fermentative extract of bonito (BoE), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), has claimed its health conditioning effects against lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We evaluated the antiobesity and anti-inflammatory effects of BoE on mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Mice (9 weeks of age) were maintained for 11 weeks on HFD with or without BoE (50 mg or 500 mg/kg).

Results

Compared with untreated mice, BoE50 or BoE500 mice achieved maximum weight reductions of 7.4% (males) and 11.4% (females), and visceral fat in male BoE500 mice was more decreased among all mice (P = 0.00459). Furthermore, an antiobesity gene uncoupling protein-1 was significantly induced in the visceral fat tissues of male BoE500 (P = 0.0110) and female BoE50 and BoE500 mice (P = 0.0110 and P = 0.0110, resp.). Finally, we detected reduced amount of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (P = 0.0250) in the sera of female BoE50 and interleukin- (IL-) 5 (P = 0.0120), IL-6 (P = 0.0118), and IL-13 (P = 0.0243) in female BoE500 mice.

Conclusion

The antiobesity and anti-inflammatory effects of BoE were demonstrated with our examination system and any toxic adverse effects were not observed in mice during the 3-month investigation.

A Bioactive Chemical Markers Based Strategy for Quality Assessment of Botanical Drugs: Xuesaitong Injection as a Case Study

Current chemical markers based quality assessment methods largely fail to reflect intrinsic chemical complexity and multiple mechanisms of action of botanical drugs (BD). The development of novel quality markers is greatly needed. Here we propose bioactive chemical markers (BCM), defined as a group of chemo-markers that exhibit similar pharmacological activities comparable to the whole BD, which can therefore be used to effectively assess the quality of BD. As a proof-of-concept, a BCM-based strategy was developed and applied to Xuesaitong Injection (XST) for assessing the efficacy and consistency of different batches. Firstly, systemic characterization of chemical profile of XST revealed a total number of 97 compounds. Secondly, notoginsenoside R₁, ginsenoside Rg₁, Re, Rb₁ and Rd were identified as BCM of XST on treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases according to Adjusted Efficacy Score following an in vivo validation. Analytical method for quantification of BCM was then developed to ensure the efficacy of XST. Finally, chemical fingerprinting was developed and used to evaluate the batch-to-batch consistency. Our present case study on XST demonstrates that BCM-based strategy offers a rational approach for quality assessment of BD and provides a workflow for chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) study of BD required by regulatory authority.

Adiponectin inhibits oxidization-induced differentiation of T helper cells through inhibiting costimulatory CD40 and CD80

Adiponectin is a multifunctional adipokine that has several oligomeric forms in the blood stream, which broadly regulates innate and acquired immunity. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to observe the differentiation of T helper (Th) cells and expression of costimulatory signaling molecules affected by adiponectin. The mRNA and protein expression levels of adiponectin and its receptors in oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol-treated endothelial cells were assayed by real time PCR and immunofluorescence. The endothelial cells were then treated with adiponectin with or without adipoR1 or adipoR2 siRNA and co-cultured with T lymphocytes. The distribution of Th1, Th2 and Th17 subsets were assayed by flow cytometry. The effects of adiponectin on costimulatory signaling molecules HLA-DR, CD80, CD86 and CD 40 was also assayed by flow cytometry. The results showed that endothelial cells expressed adiponectin and its receptor adipoR1 and adipoR2, but not T-cadherin. Adiponectin suppressed Th1 and Th17 differentiation through adipoR1 receptor, contributed to the inhibition of CD80 and CD40, and inhibited differentiation of Th1 and Th17 by inhibiting antigen presenting action.

Bixin ameliorates high fat diet-induced cardiac injury in mice through inflammation and oxidative stress suppression

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is known as an essential complication of diabetes, a main reason leading to mortality for diabetic patients, and novel therapeutic strategies for treatment are urgently required. Bixin (BX), isolated from the seeds of Bixa orellana, is a carotenoid, possessing anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant activities. In our study, we attempted to calculate the role of bixin in cardiac injury progression, and reveal the possible molecular mechanism. Bixin treatment ameliorated cardiac dysfunction through inhibiting fibrosis, inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. It reduced fibrosis levels via collagen deposition down-regulation. Inflammatory response was attenuated by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion via Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathway inactivation in mice induced by high fat diet. Also, in in vitro studies, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated cardiac muscle cells exhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines over-expression, which was reduced by bixin through blocking TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, oxidative stress triggered by high fat in vivo and LPS in vitro was down-regulated for bixin administration via nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway activation. Our study suggested that bixin might be a novel and protective agent with therapeutic activity against cardiac injury by suppressing fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Elevated Plasma miR-29a Levels Are Associated with Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Atherosclerosis Patients

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease, have become a major public health problem all over the world. MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a) modulates expression levels of collagen, inflammatory reaction and other extracellular matrix mRNAs, while adiponectin (APN), a circulating protein secreted by adipocytes, has anti-inflammatory properties. Both play multifaceted roles in angiogenesis or vascular remodelling. However, little is known about plasma miR-29a and APN levels in patients with atherosclerosis. We therefore investigated the relationship between the plasma levels of miR-29a or APN and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in atherosclerosis patients (n = 85, cIMT ≥ 1.2 mm) and the controls (n = 85, cIMT < 1.2 mm). We found that the atherosclerosis group showed higher miR-29a levels (31.15 ± 3.99 vs. 26.39 ± 1.05 Ct, P < 0.001) and lower APN levels (15.93 ± 4.61 vs. 21.80 ± 7.74 ng/ml, P < 0.001), compared with control group. Thus, increased cIMT was associated with higher plasma miR-29a levels (r = 0.688, P < 0.001) and with lower plasma APN levels (r = -0.494, P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that higher miR-29a levels (OR: 1.136, 95% CI: 1.042-1.240, P = 0.004) increased the risk for atherosclerosis, whereas higher APN levels appeared to be protective (OR: 0.122, 95% CI: 0.055-0.271, P < 0.001). The present study indicates that elevated miR-29a levels and reduced APN levels are associated with atherosclerosis.

Receptor for hyaluronan mediated motility (RHAMM/HMMR) is a novel target for promoting subcutaneous adipogenesis

Hyaluronan, CD44 and the Receptor for Hyaluronan-Mediated Motility (RHAMM, gene name HMMR) regulate stem cell differentiation including mesenchymal progenitor differentiation. Here, we show that CD44 expression is required for subcutaneous adipogenesis, whereas RHAMM expression suppresses this process. We designed RHAMM function blocking peptides to promote subcutaneous adipogenesis as a clinical and tissue engineering tool. Adipogenic RHAMM peptides were identified by screening for their ability to promote adipogenesis in culture assays using rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, mouse pre-adipocyte cell lines and primary human subcutaneous pre-adipocytes. Oil red O uptake into fat droplets and adiponectin production were used as biomarkers of adipogenesis. Positive peptides were formulated in either collagen I or hyaluronan (Orthovisc) gels then assessed for their adipogenic potential in vivo following injection into dorsal rat skin and mammary fat pads. Fat content was quantified and characterized using micro CT imaging, morphometry, histology, RT-PCR and ELISA analyses of adipogenic gene expression. Injection of screened peptides increased dorsal back subcutaneous fat pad area (208.3 ± 10.4 mm²versus control 84.11 ± 4.2 mm²; p < 0.05) and mammary fat pad size (45 ± 11 mg above control background, p = 0.002) in female rats. This effect lasted >5 weeks as detected by micro CT imaging and perilipin 1 mRNA expression. RHAMM expression suppresses while blocking peptides promote expression of PPARγ, C/EBP and their target genes. Blocking RHAMM function by peptide injection or topical application is a novel and minimally invasive method for potentially promoting subcutaneous adipogenesis in lipodystrophic diseases and a complementary tool to subcutaneous fat augmentation techniques.

Manganese supplementation increases adiponectin and lowers ICAM-1 and creatinine blood levels in Zucker type 2 diabetic rats, and downregulates ICAM-1 by upregulating adiponectin multimerization protein (DsbA-L) in endothelial cells

Blood and tissue levels of manganese (Mn) are lower in type 2 diabetic and atherosclerosis patients compared with healthy subjects. Adiponectin has anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic properties. Impairment in Disulfide bond A-like protein (DsbA-L) is associated with low adiponectin levels and diabetes. This study investigates the hypothesis that the beneficial effects of Mn supplementation are mediated by adiponectin and DsbA-L. At 6 weeks of age, Male Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF) were randomly divided into two groups: diabetic controls and Mn-supplemented diabetic rats. Each rat was supplemented with Mn (D+Mn, 16 mg/kg BW) or water (placebo, D+P) daily for 7 weeks by oral gavage. For cell culture studies, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) or 3T3L1 adipocytes were pretreated with Mn (0-10 µM MnCl₂) for 24 h, followed by high glucose (HG, 25 mM) or normal glucose (5 mM) exposure for another 24 h. Mn supplementation resulted in higher adiponectin (p = 0.01), and lower ICAM-1 (p = 0.04) and lower creatinine (p = 0.04) blood levels compared to those in control ZDF rats. Mn-supplemented rats also caused reduced oxidative stress (ROS) and NADPH oxidase, and higher DsbA-L expression in the liver (p = 0.03) of ZDF rats compared to those in livers of control rats; however, Fe levels in liver were lower but not significant (p = 0.08). Similarly, treatment with high glucose (25 mM) caused a decrease in DsbA-L, which was prevented by Mn supplementation in HUVEC and adipocytes. Mechanistic studies with DsbA-L siRNA showed that the beneficial effects of Mn supplementation on ROS, NOX4, and ICAM-1 expression were abolished in DsbA-L knock-down HUVEC. These studies demonstrate that DsbA-L-linked adiponectin mediates the beneficial effects observed with Mn supplementation and provides evidence for a novel mechanism by which Mn supplementation can increase adiponectin and reduce the biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.

Annexin A6 regulates adipocyte lipid storage and adiponectin release

Lipid storage and adipokine secretion are critical features of adipocytes. Annexin A6 (AnxA6) is a lipid-binding protein regulating secretory pathways and its role in adiponectin release was examined. The siRNA-mediated AnxA6 knock-down in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes impaired proliferation, and differentiation of AnxA6-depleted cells to mature adipocytes was associated with higher soluble adiponectin and increased triglyceride storage. The latter was partly attributed to reduced lipolysis. Accordingly, AnxA6 overexpression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes lowered cellular triglycerides and adiponectin secretion. Indeed, serum adiponectin was increased in AnxA6 deficient mice. Expression analysis identified AnxA6 protein to be more abundant in intra-abdominal compared to subcutaneous adipose tissues of mice and men. AnxA6 protein levels increased in white adipose tissues of obese mice and here, levels were highest in subcutaneous fat. AnxA6 protein in adipocytes was upregulated by oxidative stress which might trigger AnxA6 induction in adipose tissues and contribute to impaired fat storage and adiponectin release.

Adiponectin-Resistance in Obesity

The decrease in adiponectin levels are negatively correlated with chronic subclinical inflammation markers in obesity. The hypertrophic adipocytes cause obesity-linked insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, macrophage polarization is a key determinant regulating adiponectin receptor (AdipoR1/R2) expression and differential adiponectin-mediated macrophage inflammatory responses in obese individuals. In addition to decrease in adiponectin concentrations, the decline in AdipoR1/R2 mRNA expression leads to a decrement in adiponectin binding to cell membrane, and this turns into attenuation in the adiponectin effects. Within the receptor complex, adaptor protein-containing pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine-binding domain, and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1) is the intracellular binding partner of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. The expression levels of APPL1 or APPL2 lead to an altered adiponectin activity. Despite normal or high adiponectin levels, an impaired post receptor signaling due to APPL1/APPL2 may alter adiponectin efficiency and activity. However, APPL2 blocks adiponectin signaling through AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 by competitive inhibition of APPL1. APPL1 is also an important mediator of adiponectin dependent insulin sensitization. In this context, adiponectin resistance is associated with insulin resistance and is thought to be partly due to the down-regulation of the AdipoRs in high-fat diet fed subjects. Actually, adiponectin resistance occurs very rapidly after saturated fatty acid feeding, this metabolic disturbance is not due to a decrease in AdipoR1 protein content. Intra-abdominal adipose tissue-AdipoR2 expression is reduced in obesity, whereas AdipoR1 expression is not changed. Adiponectin resistance together with insulin resistance forms a vicious cycle. The elevated adiponectin levels with adiponectin resistance is a compensatory response in the condition of an unusual discordance between insulin resistance and adiponectin unresponsiveness.Additionally, different mechanisms are involved in vascular adiponectin resistance at different stages of obesity. Nevertheless, diet-induced hyperlipidemia is the leading cause of vascular adiponectin resistance. Leptin/adiponectin imbalance may also be an important marker of the elevated risk of developing abdominal obesity-associated cardiovascular diseases.

Particulate matter exposure is associated with inflammatory gene methylation in obese subjects

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity are becoming more widespread with alarming projections for the coming years. Obesity may increase susceptibility to the adverse effects of PM exposure, exacerbating the effects on cardiovascular diseases and altering the biomarkers of vascular inflammation. The associated biological mechanisms have not been fully understood yet; the common denominator in the pathogenesis of the co-morbidities of obesity is the presence of an active, low-grade inflammatory process. DNA methylation has been shown to regulate inflammatory pathways that are responsible for the development of cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate, in a population of overweight/obese subjects, the effects of PM on blood DNA methylation in genes associated to inflammatory response.

METHODS

Using bisulfite pyrosequencing, we measured DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 186 overweighted/obese subjects. In particular, we quantified DNA methylation in a set of 3 candidate genes, including CD14, TLR4 and TNF-α, because of the important roles that these genes play in the inflammatory pathway. Personal exposure to PM₁₀ was estimated for each subject based on the local PM₁₀ concentrations, measured by monitoring stations at residential address. Repeated measure models were used to evaluate the association of PM10 with each genes, accounting for possible correlations among the genes that regulate the same inflammatory pathway.

RESULTS

We found an inverse association between the daily PM₁₀ exposure and the DNA methylation of inflammatory genes, measured in peripheral blood of healthy overweight/obese subjects. Considering different exposure time-windows, the effect on CD14 and TLR4 methylation was observed, respectively, in days 4-5-6, and days 6-7-8. TNF-α methylation was not associated to PM₁₀.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support a picture in which PM₁₀ exposure and transcriptional regulation of inflammatory gene pathway in obese subjects are associated.

Metabolomics Reveals that Momordica charantia Attenuates Metabolic Changes in Experimental Obesity

Momordica charantia L., also known as bitter melon, has been shown to ameliorate obesity and insulin resistance. However, metabolic changes regulated by M. charantia in obesity are not clearly understood. In this study, serums obtained from obese and M. charantia-treated mice were analyzed by using gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and multivariate statistical analysis was performed by Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. The results from this study indicated that body weight fat and insulin levels of obese mice are dramatically suppressed by 8 weeks of dietary supplementation of M. charantia. Metabolomic data revealed that overproductions of energy and nutrient metabolism in obese mice were restored by M. charantia treatment. The antiinflammatory and inhibition of insulin resistance effect of M. charantia in obesity was illustrated with the restoration of free fatty acids and eicosanoids. The findings achieved in this study further strengthen the therapeutic value of using M. charantia to treat obesity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.