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Lin CY, Yeh KY, Lai HH, Her GM. AgRP Neuron-Specific Ablation Represses Appetite, Energy Intake, and Somatic Growth in Larval Zebrafish. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020499. [PMID: 36831035 PMCID: PMC9953713 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal circuits regulating appetite are dominated by arcuate nucleus neurons, which include appetite-promoting and -suppressing neurons that release the orexigenic neuropeptide agouti-related protein (AgRP) and anorexigenic neuropeptide pro-opiomelanocortin, respectively, to compete for melanocortin receptors to modulate feeding behavior. In this study, we expressed novel agrp promoters, including different lengths of the 5' flanking regions of the agrp gene (4749 bp) in the zebrafish genome. We used the agrp promoter to derive the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-nitroreductase (NTR) fusion protein, allowing expression of the green fluorescence signal in the AgRP neurons. Then, we treated the transgenic zebrafish AgRP4.7NTR (Tg [agrp-EGFP-NTR]) with metronidazole to ablate the AgRP neurons in the larvae stage and observed a decline in their appetite and growth. The expression of most orexigenic and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis genes decreased, whereas that of several anorexigenic genes increased. Our findings demonstrate that AgRP is a critical regulator of neuronal signaling for zebrafish appetite and energy intake control. Thus, AgRP4.7NTR can be used as a drug-screening platform for therapeutic targets to treat human appetite disorders, including obesity. Furthermore, the unique agrp promoter we identified can be a powerful tool for research on AgRP neurons, especially AgRP neuron-mediated pathways in the hypothalamus, and appetite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiu-Ya Lin
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City 202, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Yun Yeh
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung City 204, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hung Lai
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Guor Mour Her
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2826-7000 (ext. 67990)
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Niraula A, Fasnacht RD, Ness KM, Frey JM, Cuschieri SA, Dorfman MD, Thaler JP. Prostaglandin PGE2 Receptor EP4 Regulates Microglial Phagocytosis and Increases Susceptibility to Diet-Induced Obesity. Diabetes 2023; 72:233-244. [PMID: 36318114 PMCID: PMC10090268 DOI: 10.2337/db21-1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In rodents, susceptibility to diet-induced obesity requires microglial activation, but the molecular components of this pathway remain incompletely defined. Prostaglandin PGE2 levels increase in the mediobasal hypothalamus during high-fat-diet (HFD) feeding, and the PGE2 receptor EP4 regulates microglial activation state and phagocytic activity, suggesting a potential role for microglial EP4 signaling in obesity pathogenesis. To test the role of microglial EP4 in energy balance regulation, we analyzed the metabolic phenotype in a microglia-specific EP4 knockout (MG-EP4 KO) mouse model. Microglial EP4 deletion markedly reduced weight gain and food intake in response to HFD feeding. Corresponding with this lean phenotype, insulin sensitivity was also improved in HFD-fed MG-EP4 KO mice, though glucose tolerance remained surprisingly unaffected. Mechanistically, EP4-deficient microglia showed an attenuated phagocytic state marked by reduced CD68 expression and fewer contacts with pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron processes. These cellular changes observed in the MG-EP4 KO mice corresponded with an increased density of POMC neurites extending into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). These findings reveal that microglial EP4 signaling promotes body weight gain and insulin resistance during HFD feeding. Furthermore, the data suggest that curbing microglial phagocytic function may preserve POMC cytoarchitecture and PVN input to limit overconsumption during diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzela Niraula
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Rachael D. Fasnacht
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Kelly M. Ness
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jeremy M. Frey
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Sophia A. Cuschieri
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Mauricio D. Dorfman
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Joshua P. Thaler
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Calcaterra V, Magenes VC, Hruby C, Siccardo F, Mari A, Cordaro E, Fabiano V, Zuccotti G. Links between Childhood Obesity, High-Fat Diet, and Central Precocious Puberty. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020241. [PMID: 36832370 PMCID: PMC9954755 DOI: 10.3390/children10020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the existing relationship between excess overweight and central precocious puberty (CPP) has been reported, especially in girls. Different nutritional choices have been associated with different patterns of puberty. In particular, the involvement of altered biochemical and neuroendocrine pathways and a proinflammatory status has been described in connection with a high-fat diet (HFD). In this narrative review, we present an overview on the relationship between obesity and precocious pubertal development, focusing on the role of HFDs as a contributor to activating the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Although evidence is scarce and studies limited, especially in the paediatric field, the harm of HFDs on PP is a relevant problem that cannot be ignored. Increased knowledge about HFD effects will be useful in developing strategies preventing precocious puberty in children with obesity. Promoting HFD-avoiding behavior may be useful in preserving children's physiological development and protecting reproductive health. Controlling HFDs may represent a target for policy action to improve global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Chiara Hruby
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Mari
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Cordaro
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Fabiano
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science “L. Sacco”, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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Ehrhardt RA, Giesy SL, Hileman SM, Houseknecht KL, Boisclair YR. Effects of the central melanocortin system on feed intake, metabolic hormones and insulin action in the sheep. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad398. [PMID: 38035762 PMCID: PMC10734672 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Voluntary feed intake is insufficient to meet the nutrient demands associated with late pregnancy in prolific ewes and early lactation in high-yielding dairy cows. Under these conditions, peripheral signals such as growth hormone and ceramides trigger adaptations aimed at preserving metabolic well-being. Recent work in rodents has shown that the central nervous system-melanocortin (CNS-MC) system, consisting of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and agouti-related peptide (AGRP) acting respectively as agonist and antagonist on central MC receptors, contributes to the regulation of some of the same adaptations. To assess the effects of the CNC-MC on peripheral adaptations in ruminants, ewes were implanted with an intracerebroventricular cannula in the third ventricle and infused over days with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), the α-MSH analog melanotan-I (MTI), or AGRP. Infusion of MTI at 0.03 nmol/h reduced intake, expressed as a fold of maintenance energy requirement (M), from 1.8 to 1.1 M (P < 0.0001), whereas AGRP at 0.3 nmol/h increased intake from 1.8 to 2.0 M (P < 0.01); these doses were used in all subsequent experiments. To assess the effect of MTI on plasma variables, sheep were fed ad libitum and infused with aCSF or MTI or pair-fed to MTI-treated sheep and infused with aCSF (aCSFPF). Feed intake of the MTI and aCSFPF groups was 40% lower than the aCSF group (P < 0.0001). MTI increased plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine in an intake-independent manner (P < 0.05 or less) but was devoid of effects on plasma glucose, insulin, and cortisol. None of these variables were altered by AGRP infusion in sheep fed at a fixed intake of 1.6 M. To assess the effect of CNS-MC activation on insulin action, ewes were infused with aCSF or MTI over the last 3 d of a 14-d period when energy intake was limited to 0.3 M and studied under basal conditions and during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps. MTI had no effect on plasma glucose, plasma insulin, or glucose entry rate under basal conditions but blunted the ability of insulin to inhibit endogenous glucose production during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (P < 0.0001). Finally, MTI tended to reduce plasma leptin in sheep fed at 0.3 M (P < 0.08), and this effect became significant at 0.6 M (P < 0.05); MTI had no effect on plasma adiponectin irrespective of feeding level. These data suggest a role for the CNC-MC in regulating metabolic efficiency and peripheral insulin action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Ehrhardt
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sarah L Giesy
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Stanley M Hileman
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Karen L Houseknecht
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of New England, Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Yves R Boisclair
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Rendell MS. Obesity and diabetes: the final frontier. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:81-94. [PMID: 36710450 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2168643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity is a key target in the treatment and prevention of diabetes and independently to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. We reviewed the options now available and anticipated to deal with obesity. AREAS COVERED We considered the epidemiology, genetics, and causation of obesity and the relationship to diabetes, and the dietary, pharmaceutical, and surgical management of the condition. The literature search covered both popular media via Google Search and the academic literature as indexed on PubMed with search terms including obesity, childhood obesity, adipocytes, insulin resistance, mechanisms of satiety, bariatric surgery, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Although bariatric surgery has been the primary approach to treating obese individuals, the emergence of agents impacting the brain satiety centers now promises effective, non-invasive treatment of obesity for individuals with and without diabetes. The GLP-1 receptor agonists have assumed the primary role in treating obesity with significant weight loss. Long-term results with semaglutide and tirzepatide are now approaching the success seen with bariatric surgery. Future agents combining the benefits of satiety control and thermogenesis to dissipate caloric excess are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Rendell
- The Association of Diabetes Investigators, Newport Coast, CA, USA
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Bouyakdan K, Manceau R, Robb JL, Rodaros D, Fulton S, Alquier T. Role of astroglial ACBP in energy metabolism flexibility and feeding responses to metabolic challenges in male mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13218. [PMID: 36471907 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP), also known as diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), has recently emerged as a hypothalamic and brainstem gliopeptide regulating energy balance. Previous work has shown that the ACBP-derived octadecaneuropeptide exerts strong anorectic action via proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron activation and the melanocortin-4 receptor. Importantly, targeted ACBP loss-of-function in astrocytes promotes hyperphagia and diet-induced obesity while its overexpression in arcuate astrocytes reduces feeding and body weight. Despite this knowledge, the role of astroglial ACBP in adaptive feeding and metabolic responses to acute metabolic challenges has not been investigated. Using different paradigms, we found that ACBP deletion in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes does not affect weight loss when obese male mice are transitioned from a high fat diet to a chow diet, nor metabolic parameters in mice fed with a normal chow diet (e.g., energy expenditure, body temperature) during fasting, cold exposure and at thermoneutrality. In contrast, astroglial ACBP deletion impairs meal pattern and feeding responses during refeeding after a fast and during cold exposure, thereby showing that ACBP is required to stimulate feeding in states of increased energy demand. These findings challenge the general view that astroglial ACBP exerts anorectic effects and suggest that regulation of feeding by ACBP is dependent on metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Bouyakdan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal Diabetes Research Center, and Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences and Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Romane Manceau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal Diabetes Research Center, and Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences and Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josephine L Robb
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal Diabetes Research Center, and Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences and Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Demetra Rodaros
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal Diabetes Research Center, and Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences and Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stephanie Fulton
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal Diabetes Research Center, and Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences and Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thierry Alquier
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal Diabetes Research Center, and Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences and Nutrition, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Banik S. Genetic, Epigenetic, and Molecular Biology of Obesity: From Pathology to Therapeutics the Way Forward. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF INDIA 2022; 70:11-12. [DOI: 10.5005/japi-11001-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Choi Y, Min HY, Hwang J, Jo YH. Magel2 knockdown in hypothalamic POMC neurons innervating the medial amygdala reduces susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/11/e202201502. [PMID: 36007929 PMCID: PMC9418835 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperphagia and obesity profoundly affect the health of children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The Magel2 gene among the genes in the Prader-Willi syndrome deletion region is expressed in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC). Knockout of the Magel2 gene disrupts POMC neuronal circuits and functions. Here, we report that loss of the Magel2 gene exclusively in ARCPOMC neurons innervating the medial amygdala (MeA) causes a reduction in body weight in both male and female mice fed with a high-fat diet. This anti-obesity effect is associated with an increased locomotor activity. There are no significant differences in glucose and insulin tolerance in mice without the Magel2 gene in ARCPOMC neurons innervating the MeA. Plasma estrogen levels are higher in female mutant mice than in controls. Blockade of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), but not estrogen receptor-α (ER-α), reduces locomotor activity in female mutant mice. Hence, our study provides evidence that knockdown of the Magel2 gene in ARCPOMC neurons innervating the MeA reduces susceptibility to diet-induced obesity with increased locomotor activity through activation of central GPER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Choi
- Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Hyeon-Young Min
- Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Jiyeon Hwang
- Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Young-Hwan Jo
- Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA .,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
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Prida E, Álvarez-Delgado S, Pérez-Lois R, Soto-Tielas M, Estany-Gestal A, Fernø J, Seoane LM, Quiñones M, Al-Massadi O. Liver Brain Interactions: Focus on FGF21 a Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113318. [PMID: 36362103 PMCID: PMC9658462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 is a pleiotropic hormone secreted mainly by the liver in response to metabolic and nutritional challenges. Physiologically, fibroblast growth factor 21 plays a key role in mediating the metabolic responses to fasting or starvation and acts as an important regulator of energy homeostasis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, in part by its direct action on the central nervous system. Accordingly, pharmacological recombinant fibroblast growth factor 21 therapies have been shown to counteract obesity and its related metabolic disorders in both rodents and nonhuman primates. In this systematic review, we discuss how fibroblast growth factor 21 regulates metabolism and its interactions with the central nervous system. In addition, we also state our vision for possible therapeutic uses of this hepatic-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Prida
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sara Álvarez-Delgado
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Raquel Pérez-Lois
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mateo Soto-Tielas
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana Estany-Gestal
- Unidad de Metodología de la Investigación, Fundación Instituto de Investigación de Santiago (FIDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Johan Fernø
- Hormone Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5201 Bergen, Norway
| | - Luisa María Seoane
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mar Quiñones
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.Q.); (O.A.-M.); Tel.: +34-981955708 (M.Q.); +34-981955522 (O.A.-M.)
| | - Omar Al-Massadi
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (CHUS/SERGAS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.Q.); (O.A.-M.); Tel.: +34-981955708 (M.Q.); +34-981955522 (O.A.-M.)
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Venkatesh K, Mishra C, Pradhan SK. Integrative molecular characterization and in silico analyses of caprine MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R genes. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Role of the Melanocortin System in Gonadal Steroidogenesis of Zebrafish. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202737. [PMID: 36290123 PMCID: PMC9597712 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In teleost, as in other vertebrates, stress affects reproduction. A key component of the stress response is the pituitary secretion of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which binds to the melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) in the adrenal glands and activates cortisol biosynthesis. In zebrafish, Mc2r was identified in male and female gonads, while ACTH has been shown to have a physiological role in modulating reproductive activity. In this study, the hypothesis that other melanocortins may also affect how the zebrafish gonadal function is explored, specifically steroid biosynthesis, given the presence of members of the melanocortin signaling system in zebrafish gonads. Using cell culture, expression analysis, and cellular localization of gene expression, our new observations demonstrated that melanocortin receptors, accessory proteins, antagonists, and agonists are expressed in both the ovary and testis of zebrafish (n = 4 each sex). Moreover, melanocortin peptides modulate both basal and gonadotropin-stimulated steroid release from zebrafish gonads (n = 15 for males and n = 50 for females). In situ hybridization in ovaries (n = 3) of zebrafish showed mc1r and mc4r in follicular cells and adjacent to cortical alveoli in the ooplasm of previtellogenic and vitellogenic oocytes. In zebrafish testes (n = 3), mc4r and mc1r were detected exclusively in germ cells, specifically in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. Our results suggest that melanocortins are, directly or indirectly, involved in the endocrine control of vitellogenesis in females, through modulation of estradiol synthesis via autocrine or paracrine actions in zebrafish ovaries. Adult zebrafish testes were sensitive to low doses of ACTH, eliciting testosterone production, which indicates a potential role of this peptide as a paracrine regulator of testicular function.
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Metabolic Hormones in Schizophrenia Patients with Antipsychotic-Induced Metabolic Syndrome. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101655. [PMID: 36294794 PMCID: PMC9604670 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common complication of schizophrenia that is quite exacerbated by long-term use of (atypical) antipsychotics. The mechanism of MetS has neuronal, neuroendocrine, and neuroimmunological components and shows some overlap with those of aspects of schizophrenia. We examined 195 patients with schizophrenia (90 with and 105 without MetS) for the association of serum levels of ghrelin, insulin, and leptin with metabolic abnormalities. Serum glucose levels and lipid profiles were routinely measured with colorimetric enzymatic methods and hormone levels with multiplex analyzers. Leptin levels were highly significantly increased (p < 0.001) in people with MetS (9.966 [5.882; 21.496] vs. 6.35 [2.005; 11.753], Me [Q1; Q3]) and ghrelin levels were actually significantly decreased (p = 0.045). Insulin levels did not differ significantly between those with and without MetS (p = 0.162). In Spearman’s correlation analysis between the hormone levels, body characteristics, and biochemical parameters, significant correlations were seen somewhat more often in people without MetS than in those with MetS and also less often for ghrelin than for the other hormones. We conclude that evidence exists for a role in the development of MetS especially for leptin, but that less is supporting a role for ghrelin.
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Sodium butyrate reduces overnutrition-induced microglial activation and hypothalamic inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 111:109083. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Hinney A, Körner A, Fischer-Posovszky P. The promise of new anti-obesity therapies arising from knowledge of genetic obesity traits. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:623-637. [PMID: 35902734 PMCID: PMC9330928 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-022-00716-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial and complex disease that often manifests in early childhood with a lifelong burden. Polygenic and monogenic obesity are driven by the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Polygenic variants are frequent and confer small effect sizes. Rare monogenic obesity syndromes are caused by defined pathogenic variants in single genes with large effect sizes. Most of these genes are involved in the central nervous regulation of body weight; for example, genes of the leptin-melanocortin pathway. Clinically, patients with monogenic obesity present with impaired satiety, hyperphagia and pronounced food-seeking behaviour in early childhood, which leads to severe early-onset obesity. With the advent of novel pharmacological treatment options emerging for monogenic obesity syndromes that target the central melanocortin pathway, genetic testing is recommended for patients with rapid weight gain in infancy and additional clinical suggestive features. Likewise, patients with obesity associated with hypothalamic damage or other forms of syndromic obesity involving energy regulatory circuits could benefit from these novel pharmacological treatment options. Early identification of patients affected by syndromic obesity will lead to appropriate treatment, thereby preventing the development of obesity sequelae, avoiding failure of conservative treatment approaches and alleviating stigmatization of patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy and University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Antje Körner
- Leipzig University, Medical Faculty, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Centre of Paediatric Research (CPL), Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE Child, Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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65
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Yuan XC, Tao YX. Ligands for Melanocortin Receptors: Beyond Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones and Adrenocorticotropin. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101407. [PMID: 36291616 PMCID: PMC9599618 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of melanocortins in 1916 has resulted in more than 100 years of research focused on these peptides. Extensive studies have elucidated well-established functions of melanocortins mediated by cell surface receptors, including MSHR (melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor) and ACTHR (adrenocorticotropin receptor). Subsequently, three additional melanocortin receptors (MCRs) were identified. Among these five MCRs, MC3R and MC4R are expressed primarily in the central nervous system, and are therefore referred to as the neural MCRs. Since the central melanocortin system plays important roles in regulating energy homeostasis, targeting neural MCRs is emerging as a therapeutic approach for treating metabolic conditions such as obesity and cachexia. Early efforts modifying endogenous ligands resulted in the development of many potent and selective ligands. This review focuses on the ligands for neural MCRs, including classical ligands (MSH and agouti-related peptide), nonclassical ligands (lipocalin 2, β-defensin, small molecules, and pharmacoperones), and clinically approved ligands (ACTH, setmelanotide, bremelanotide, and several repurposed drugs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230061, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Correspondence:
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LaPierre MP, Lawler K, Godbersen S, Farooqi IS, Stoffel M. MicroRNA-7 regulates melanocortin circuits involved in mammalian energy homeostasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5733. [PMID: 36175420 PMCID: PMC9522793 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33367-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate physiological responses by repressing the expression of gene networks. We found that global deletion of microRNA-7 (miR-7), the most enriched miRNA in the hypothalamus, causes obesity in mice. Targeted deletion of miR-7 in Single-minded homolog 1 (Sim1) neurons, a critical component of the hypothalamic melanocortin pathway, causes hyperphagia, obesity and increased linear growth, mirroring Sim1 and Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) haplo-insufficiency in mice and humans. We identified Snca (α-Synuclein) and Igsf8 (Immunoglobulin Superfamily Member 8) as miR-7 target genes that act in Sim1 neurons to regulate body weight and endocrine axes. In humans, MIR-7-1 is located in the last intron of HNRNPK, whose promoter drives the expression of both genes. Genetic variants at the HNRNPK locus that reduce its expression are associated with increased height and truncal fat mass. These findings demonstrate that miR-7 suppresses gene networks involved in the hypothalamic melanocortin pathway to regulate mammalian energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P LaPierre
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katherine Lawler
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Svenja Godbersen
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - I Sadaf Farooqi
- University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Markus Stoffel
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, 8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Reynaud S, Laurin SA, Ciolek J, Barbe P, Van Baelen AC, Susset M, Blondel F, Ghazarian M, Boeri J, Vanden Driessche M, Upert G, Mourier G, Kessler P, Konnert L, Beroud R, Keck M, Servent D, Bouvier M, Gilles N. From a Cone Snail Toxin to a Competitive MC4R Antagonist. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12084-12094. [PMID: 36063022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) plays a role in energy homeostasis and represents a target for treating energy balance disorders. For decades, synthetic ligands have been derived from MC4R endogenous agonists and antagonists, such as setmelanotide used to treat rare forms of genetic obesity. Recently, animal venoms have demonstrated their capacity to provide melanocortin ligands with toxins from a scorpion and a spider. Here, we described a cone snail toxin, N-CTX-Ltg1a, with a nanomolar affinity for hMC4R but unrelated to any known toxins or melanocortin ligands. We then derived from the conotoxin the linear peptide HT1-0, a competitive antagonist of Gs, G15, and β-arrestin2 pathways with a low nanomolar affinity for hMC4R. Similar to endogenous ligands, HT1-0 needs hydrophobic and basic residues to bind hMC4R. Altogether, it represents the first venom-derived peptide of high affinity on MC4R and paves the way for the development of new MC4R antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Reynaud
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Suli-Anne Laurin
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Justyna Ciolek
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Peggy Barbe
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Van Baelen
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Michaël Susset
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Florian Blondel
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Marine Ghazarian
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Julia Boeri
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Margot Vanden Driessche
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Grégory Upert
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Gilles Mourier
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Pascal Kessler
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Laure Konnert
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 Rue des Platanes, 38120 Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Rémy Beroud
- Smartox Biotechnology, 6 Rue des Platanes, 38120 Saint-Egrève, France
| | - Mathilde Keck
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Denis Servent
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gilles
- Health and Life Sciences Department, Université Paris Saclay, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), CEA Saclay, Bat 152, 91191 Gif sur Yvette, France
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68
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Sohn YB. Genetic obesity: an update with emerging therapeutic approaches. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 27:169-175. [PMID: 36203267 PMCID: PMC9537668 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2244188.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the genetic contribution, childhood obesity can be classified into 3 groups: common polygenic obesity, syndromic obesity, and monogenic obesity. More genetic causes of obesity are being identified along with the advances in the genetic testing. Genetic obesities including syndromic and monogenic obesity should be suspected and evaluated in children with early-onset morbid obesity and hyperphagia under 5 years of age. Patients with syndromic obesity have early-onset severe obesity associated specific genetic syndromes including Prader-Willi syndrome, Bardet-Biedle syndrome, and Alstrom syndrome. Syndromic obesity is often accompanied with neurodevelopmental delay or dysmorphic features. Nonsyndromic monogenic obesity is caused by variants in single gene which are usually involved in the regulation of hunger and satiety associated with the hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin pathway in central nervous system. Unlike syndromic obesity, patients with monogenic obesity usually show normal neurodevelopment. They would be presented with hyperphagia and early-onset severe obesity with additional clinical symptoms including short stature, red hair, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, pituitary insufficiencies, diabetes insipidus, increased predisposition to infection or intractable recurrent diarrhea. Identifying patients with genetic obesity is critical as new innovative therapies including melanocortin 4 receptor agonist have become available. Early genetic evaluation enables to identify treatable obesity and provide timely intervention which may eventually achieve favorable outcome by establishing personalized management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Bae Sohn
- Department of Medical Genetics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Address for correspondence: Young Bae Sohn Department of Medical Genetics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Korea
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69
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Signaling pathways in obesity: mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:298. [PMID: 36031641 PMCID: PMC9420733 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and global public health challenge. Characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the body, obesity sharply increases the risk of several diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and is linked to lower life expectancy. Although lifestyle intervention (diet and exercise) has remarkable effects on weight management, achieving long-term success at weight loss is extremely challenging, and the prevalence of obesity continues to rise worldwide. Over the past decades, the pathophysiology of obesity has been extensively investigated, and an increasing number of signal transduction pathways have been implicated in obesity, making it possible to fight obesity in a more effective and precise way. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the pathogenesis of obesity from both experimental and clinical studies, focusing on signaling pathways and their roles in the regulation of food intake, glucose homeostasis, adipogenesis, thermogenesis, and chronic inflammation. We also discuss the current anti-obesity drugs, as well as weight loss compounds in clinical trials, that target these signals. The evolving knowledge of signaling transduction may shed light on the future direction of obesity research, as we move into a new era of precision medicine.
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70
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Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Signaling in Cancer-Induced Cachexia: From Molecular Pathways to the Clinics. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172671. [PMID: 36078078 PMCID: PMC9454487 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cachexia is a metabolic syndrome consisting of massive loss of muscle mass and function that has a severe impact on the quality of life and survival of cancer patients. Up to 20% of lung cancer patients and up to 80% of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed with cachexia, leading to death in 20% of them. The main drivers of cachexia are cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1/GDF15) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Besides its double-edged role as a tumor suppressor and activator, TGF-β causes muscle loss through myostatin-based signaling, involved in the reduction in protein synthesis and enhanced protein degradation. Additionally, TGF-β induces inhibin and activin, causing weight loss and muscle depletion, while MIC-1/GDF15, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, leads to anorexia and so, indirectly, to muscle wasting, acting on the hypothalamus center. Against this background, the blockade of TGF-β is tested as a potential mechanism to revert cachexia, and antibodies against TGF-β reduced weight and muscle loss in murine models of pancreatic cancer. This article reviews the role of the TGF-β pathway and to a minor extent of other molecules including microRNA in cancer onset and progression with a special focus on their involvement in cachexia, to enlighten whether TGF-β and such other players could be potential targets for therapy.
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71
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Speakman JR, Elmquist JK. Obesity: an evolutionary context. LIFE METABOLISM 2022; 1:10-24. [PMID: 36394061 PMCID: PMC9642988 DOI: 10.1093/lifemeta/loac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
People completely lacking body fat (lipodystrophy/lipoatrophy) and those with severe obesity both show profound metabolic and other health issues. Regulating levels of body fat somewhere between these limits would, therefore, appear to be adaptive. Two different models might be contemplated. More traditional is a set point (SP) where the levels are regulated around a fixed level. Alternatively, dual-intervention point (DIP) is a system that tolerates fairly wide variation but is activated when critically high or low levels are breached. The DIP system seems to fit our experience much better than an SP, and models suggest that it is more likely to have evolved. A DIP system may have evolved because of two contrasting selection pressures. At the lower end, we may have been selected to avoid low levels of fat as a buffer against starvation, to avoid disease-induced anorexia, and to support reproduction. At the upper end, we may have been selected to avoid excess storage because of the elevated risks of predation. This upper limit of control seems to have malfunctioned because some of us deposit large fat stores, with important negative health effects. Why has evolution not protected us against this problem? One possibility is that the protective system slowly fell apart due to random mutations after we dramatically reduced the risk of being predated during our evolutionary history. By chance, it fell apart more in some people than others, and these people are now unable to effectively manage their weight in the face of the modern food glut. To understand the evolutionary context of obesity, it is important to separate the adaptive reason for storing some fat (i.e. the lower intervention point), from the nonadaptive reason for storing lots of fat (a broken upper intervention point). The DIP model has several consequences, showing how we understand the obesity problem and what happens when we attempt to treat it.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Speakman
- Corresponding author. John R Speakman, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, China. E-mail:
| | - Joel K Elmquist
- Joel K. Elmquist, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, Center for Hypothalamic Research, University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA. E-mail:
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Liu Z, Hruby VJ. MC4R biased signalling and the conformational basis of biological function selections. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4125-4136. [PMID: 35818295 PMCID: PMC9344818 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The MC4R, a GPCR, has long been a major target for obesity treatment. As the most well‐studied melanocortin receptor subtype, the evolutionary knowledge pushes the drug development and structure–activity relationship (SAR) moving forward. The past decades have witnessed the evolution of scientists' view on GPCRs gradually from the control of a single canonical signalling pathway via a bilateral ‘active‐inactive’ model to a multi‐state alternative model where the ligands' binding affects the selection of the downstream signalling. This evolution brings the concept of biased signalling and the beginning of the next generation of peptide drug development, with the aim of turning from receptor subtype specificity to signalling pathway selectivity. The determination of the value structures of the MC4R revealed insights into the working mechanism of MC4R activation upon binding of agonists. However, new challenge has risen as we seek to unravel the mystery of MC4R signalling selection. Thus, more biased agonists and ligands with representative biological functions are needed to solve the rest of the puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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73
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Bechtel W. Reductionistic Explanations of Cognitive Information Processing: Bottoming Out in Neurochemistry. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:944303. [PMID: 35859708 PMCID: PMC9292585 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.944303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A common motivation for engaging in reductionistic research is to ground explanations in the most basic processes operative in the mechanism responsible for the phenomenon to be explained. I argue for a different motivation—directing inquiry to the level of organization at which the components of a mechanism enable the work that results in the phenomenon. In the context of reductionistic accounts of cognitive information processing I argue that this requires going down to a level that is largely overlooked in these discussions, that of chemistry. In discussions of cognitive information processing, the brain is often viewed as essentially an electrical switching system and many theorists treat electrical switching as the level at which mechanistic explanations should bottom out. I argue, drawing on examples of peptidergic and monoaminergic neurons, that how information is processed is determined by the specific chemical reactions occurring in individual neurons. Accordingly, mechanistic explanations of cognitive information processing need to take into account the chemical reactions involved.
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74
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Setmelanotide in obesity: a profile of its use. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-022-00929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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75
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Mikhailova EV, Derkach KV, Shpakov AO, Romanova IV. Melanocortin 1 Receptors in the Hypothalamus of Mice within the Norm and in Diet-Induced Obesity. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093022040263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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76
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Kühnen P, Biebermann H, Wiegand S. Pharmacotherapy in Childhood Obesity. Horm Res Paediatr 2022; 95:177-192. [PMID: 34351307 DOI: 10.1159/000518432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing number of obese children and adolescence is a major problem in health-care systems. Currently, the gold standard for the treatment of these patients with obesity is a multicomponent lifestyle intervention. Unfortunately, this strategy is not leading to a substantial and long-lasting weight loss in the majority of patients. This is the reason why there is an urgent need to establish new treatment strategies for children and adolescents with obesity to reduce the risk for the development of any comorbidities like cardiovascular diseases or diabetes mellitus type 2. SUMMARY In this review, we outline available pharmacological therapeutic options for children and compare the available study data with the outcome of conservative treatment approaches. KEY MESSAGES We discussed, in detail, how knowledge about underlying molecular mechanisms might support the identification of effective antiobesity drugs in the future and in which way this might modulate current treatment strategies to support children and adolescence with obesity to lose body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanna Wiegand
- Center for Social-Pediatric Care/Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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77
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Zhou Q, Liu Y, Feng R, Zhang W. NUCB2: roles in physiology and pathology. J Physiol Biochem 2022; 78:603-617. [PMID: 35678998 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00895-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nucleobindin2 (NUCB2) is a member of nucleobindin family which was first found in the nucleus of the hypothalamus, and had a relationship in diet and energy homeostasis. Its location in normal tissues such as stomach and islet further confirms that it plays a vital role in the regulation of physiological functions of the body. Besides, NUCB2 participates in tumorigenesis through activating various signal-pathways, more and more studies indicate that NUCB2 might impact tumor progression by promoting or inhibiting proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metastasis, and invasion of tumor cells. In this review, we comprehensively stated NUCB2's expression and functions, and introduced the role of NUCB2 in physiology and pathology and its mechanism. What is more, pointed out the potential direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ranran Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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78
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Campos A, Cifuentes L, Hashem A, Busebee B, Hurtado-Andrade MD, Ricardo-Silgado ML, McRae A, De la Rosa A, Feris F, Bublitz JT, Hensrud D, Camilleri M, Kellogg TA, Eckel-Passow JE, Olson J, Acosta A. Effects of Heterozygous Variants in the Leptin-Melanocortin Pathway on Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Outcomes: a 15-Year Case-Control Study. Obes Surg 2022; 32:2632-2640. [PMID: 35654930 PMCID: PMC9721531 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-022-06122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heterozygous variants in the leptin-melanocortin pathway are associated with obesity. However, their effect on the long-term outcomes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is still unknown. METHODS In this matched case-control study, 701 participants from the Mayo Clinic Biobank with a history of RYGB were genotyped. Sixty-three patients had a heterozygous variant in the leptin-melanocortin pathway. After excluding patients with potential confounders, carriers were randomly matched (on sex, age, body mass index [BMI], and years since surgery) with two non-carrier controls. The electronic medical record of carriers and matched non-carriers was reviewed for up to 15 years after RYGB. RESULTS A total of 50 carriers and 100 matched non-carriers with a history of RYGB were included in the study. Seven different genes (LEPR, PCSK1, POMC, SH2B1, SRC1, MC4R, and SIM1) in the leptin-melanocortin pathway were identified. At the time of surgery, the mean age was 50.8 ± 10.6 years, BMI 45.6 ± 7.3 kg/m2, and 79% women. There were no differences in postoperative years of follow-up, Roux limb length, or gastric pouch size between groups. Fifteen years after RYGB, the percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL) in carriers was - 16.6 ± 10.7 compared with - 28.7 ± 12.9 in non-carriers (diff = 12.1%; 95% CI, 4.8 to 19.3) and the percentage of weight regain after maximum weight loss was 52.7 ± 29.7 in carriers compared with 29.8 ± 20.7 in non-carriers (diff = 22.9%; 95% CI, 5.3 to 40.5). The nadir %TBWL was lower - 32.1 ± 8.1 in carriers compared with - 36.8 ± 10.4 in non-carriers (diff = 4.8%; 95% CI 1.8 to 7.8). CONCLUSIONS Carriers of a heterozygous variant in the leptin-melanocortin pathway have a progressive and significant weight regain in the mid- and long-term after RYGB. Genotyping patients experiencing significant weight regain after RYGB could help implement multidisciplinary and individualized weight loss interventions to improve weight maintenance after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Campos
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Lizeth Cifuentes
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Anas Hashem
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Bradley Busebee
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Maria D Hurtado-Andrade
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Maria L Ricardo-Silgado
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Alison McRae
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Alan De la Rosa
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Fauzi Feris
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Joshua T Bublitz
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Donald Hensrud
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michael Camilleri
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Todd A Kellogg
- Division of Endocrine & Metabolic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jeanette E Eckel-Passow
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Janet Olson
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Andres Acosta
- Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Charlton 8-142, 200 First St. S.W, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA.
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Zhao Y, Wang QY, Zeng LT, Wang JJ, Liu Z, Fan GQ, Li J, Cai JP. Long-Term High-Fat High-Fructose Diet Induces Type 2 Diabetes in Rats through Oxidative Stress. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112181. [PMID: 35683981 PMCID: PMC9182436 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term consumption of a Western diet is a major cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the effects of diet on pancreatic structure and function remain unclear. Rats fed a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet were compared with rats fed a normal diet for 3 and 18 months. Plasma biochemical parameters and inflammatory factors were used to reflect metabolic profile and inflammatory status. The rats developed metabolic disorders, and the size of the islets in the pancreas increased after 3 months of HFHF treatment but decreased and became irregular after 18 months. Fasting insulin, C-peptide, proinsulin, and intact proinsulin levels were significantly higher in the HFHF group than those in the age-matched controls. Plasmatic oxidative parameters and nucleic acid oxidation markers (8-oxo-Gsn and 8-oxo-dGsn) became elevated before inflammatory factors, suggesting that the HFHF diet increased the degree of oxidative stress before affecting inflammation. Single-cell RNA sequencing also verified that the transcriptional level of oxidoreductase changed differently in islet subpopulations with aging and long-term HFHF diet. We demonstrated that long-term HFHF diet and aging-associated structural and transcriptomic changes that underlie pancreatic islet functional decay is a possible underlying mechanism of T2DM, and our study could provide new insights to prevent the development of diet-induced T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.-Y.W.); (Z.L.); (G.-Q.F.); (J.L.)
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qing-Yu Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.-Y.W.); (Z.L.); (G.-Q.F.); (J.L.)
| | - Lv-Tao Zeng
- Peking University Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China;
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450066, China;
| | - Zhen Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.-Y.W.); (Z.L.); (G.-Q.F.); (J.L.)
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Guo-Qing Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.-Y.W.); (Z.L.); (G.-Q.F.); (J.L.)
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.-Y.W.); (Z.L.); (G.-Q.F.); (J.L.)
| | - Jian-Ping Cai
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing 100730, China; (Y.Z.); (Q.-Y.W.); (Z.L.); (G.-Q.F.); (J.L.)
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-58115080
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80
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Tao YX. Mutations in melanocortin-4 receptor: From fish to men. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:215-257. [PMID: 35595350 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus, is a critical regulator of energy homeostasis, including both food intake and energy expenditure. Shortly after the publication in 1997 of the Mc4r knockout phenotypes in mice, including increased food intake and severe obesity, the first mutations in MC4R were reported in humans in 1998. Studies in the subsequent two decades have established MC4R mutation as the most common monogenic form of obesity, especially in early-onset severe obesity. Studies in animals, from fish to mammals, have established the conserved physiological roles of MC4R in all vertebrates in regulating energy balance. Drug targeting MC4R has been recently approved for treating morbid genetic obesity. How the MC4R can be exploited for animal production is highly worthy of active investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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81
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Talbert EE, Guttridge DC. Emerging signaling mediators in the anorexia-cachexia syndrome of cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:397-403. [PMID: 35190301 PMCID: PMC9035074 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The cachexia syndrome in cancer is characterized by weight loss resulting from the combination of anorexia and atrophy of adipose and skeletal muscle. For decades, inflammatory circulatory factors have been identified to regulate wasting, but inhibitors of these factors have not yielded the same clinical benefit as in animal models. Therefore, additional mediators of cachexia likely regulate this syndrome, and such factors might be more suitable for targeted intervention. We highlight several anorexia-cachexia signaling mediators, including activin A, myostatin, GDF15, and lipocalin-2. We discuss current evidence that these factors associate with cachexia in cancer patients, and summarize translational efforts including essential early-phase clinical trials. We conclude with thoughts on targeted and personalized approaches for future anti-cachexia treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Talbert
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Denis C Guttridge
- Department of Pediatrics, Darby Children's Research Institute, and the Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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82
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Gimenez LE, Noblin TA, Williams SY, Mullick Bagchi S, Ji RL, Tao YX, Jeppesen CB, Conde-Frieboes KW, Sawyer TK, Grieco P, Cone RD. Demonstration of a Common DPhe 7 to DNal(2') 7 Peptide Ligand Antagonist Switch for Melanocortin-3 and Melanocortin-4 Receptors Identifies the Systematic Mischaracterization of the Pharmacological Properties of Melanocortin Peptides. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5990-6000. [PMID: 35404053 PMCID: PMC9059122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides containing a 3-(2-naphthyl)-d-alanine residue in position 7 (DNal(2')7), reported as melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) subtype-specific agonists in two separate publications, were found to lack significant MC3R agonist activity. The cell lines used at the University of Arizona for pharmacological characterization of these peptides, consisting of HEK293 cells stably transfected with human melanocortin receptor subtypes MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, or MC5R, were then obtained and characterized by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While the MC1R cell line correctly expressed only hMCR1, the three other cell lines were mischaracterized with regard to receptor subtype expression. The demonstration that a 3-(2-naphthyl)-d-alanine residue in position 7, irrespective of the melanocortin peptide template, results primarily in the antagonism of MC3R and MC4R then allowed us to search the published literature for additional errors. The erroneously characterized DNal(2')7-containing peptides date back to 2003; thus, our analysis suggests that systematic mischaracterization of the pharmacological properties of melanocortin peptides occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E. Gimenez
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
| | - Terry A. Noblin
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Savannah Y. Williams
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | | | - Ren-Lei Ji
- Department
of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department
of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | | | | | - Tomi K. Sawyer
- Courage
Therapeutics, 64 Homer
Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02459, United States
| | - Paolo Grieco
- #Department of Pharmacy and ∇CIRPEB, Centro Interuniversitario
di Ricerca sui
Peptidi Bioattivi, University of Naples,
Federico II, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Roger D. Cone
- Life
Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department
of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,
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83
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Wabitsch M, Farooqi S, Flück CE, Bratina N, Mallya UG, Stewart M, Garrison J, van den Akker E, Kühnen P. Natural History of Obesity Due to POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR Deficiency and the Impact of Setmelanotide. J Endocr Soc 2022; 6:bvac057. [PMID: 35528826 PMCID: PMC9070354 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Rare homozygous or biallelic variants in POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR can disrupt signaling through the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) pathway, resulting in hyperphagia and severe early-onset obesity. In pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials, treatment with the MC4R agonist setmelanotide reduced hunger and weight in patients with obesity due to proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency. Objective To characterize the historical weight trajectory in these patients. Methods This analysis included data from 2 pivotal single-arm, open-label, Phase 3 trials (NCT02896192, NCT03287960). These were multicenter trials. Patients had obesity due to POMC/PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency. During the trial, patients were treated with setmelanotide. Historical data on measured weight and height were obtained during screening. Results A total of 17 patients (POMC, n = 8; PCSK1, n = 1; LEPR, n = 8) with historical weight and height data were included in this analysis. Before setmelanotide treatment, patients with obesity due to POMC/PCSK1 or LEPR deficiency were above the 95th percentile for weight throughout childhood, demonstrated continuous weight gain, and did not show long-term weight loss upon interventions (eg, diet, surgery, exercise). Setmelanotide treatment attenuated weight and body mass index trajectories over the observation period of 1 year. Conclusion In patients with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency, traditional interventions for weight loss had limited impact on the trajectory of severe early-onset obesity. However, setmelanotide treatment attenuated weight and body mass index trajectories and led to weight loss associated with health benefits in most individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wabitsch
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sadaf Farooqi
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christa E Flück
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics and Department of BioMedical Research, Bern University Hospital Inselspital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natasa Bratina
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | | | - Erica van den Akker
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children’s Hospital and Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Kühnen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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84
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Jovanovic P, Riera CE. Olfactory system and energy metabolism: a two-way street. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:281-291. [PMID: 35177346 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory perception guides daily decisions regarding food consumption, social interactions, and predator avoidance in all mammalian species. Volatile inputs, comprising odorants and pheromones, are relayed to the olfactory bulb (OB) from nasal sensory neurons cells and transferred to secondary processing regions within the brain. Olfaction has recently been shown to shape homeostatic and maladaptive processes of energy intake and expenditure through neuronal circuits involving the medial basal hypothalamus. Reciprocally, gastrointestinal hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, the secretion of which depends on satiety and adiposity levels, might also influence olfactory sensitivity to alter food-seeking behaviors. Here, in addition to reviewing recent updates on identifying these neuronal networks, we also discuss how bidirectional neurocircuits existing between olfactory and energy processing centers can become dysregulated during obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Jovanovic
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Department and Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Celine E Riera
- Center for Neural Science and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Department and Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Movement Disorder Program, 127 South San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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85
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Goit RK, Taylor AW, Yin Lo AC. The central melanocortin system as a treatment target for obesity and diabetes: A brief overview. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 924:174956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Gurtan A, Dominy J, Khalid S, Vong L, Caplan S, Currie T, Richards S, Lamarche L, Denning D, Shpektor D, Gurinovich A, Rasheed A, Hameed S, Saeed S, Saleem I, Jalal A, Abbas S, Sultana R, Rasheed SZ, Memon FUR, Shah N, Ishaq M, Khera AV, Danesh J, Frossard P, Saleheen D. Analyzing human knockouts to validate GPR151 as a therapeutic target for reduction of body mass index. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010093. [PMID: 35381001 PMCID: PMC9022822 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel drug targets for sustained reduction in body mass index (BMI) are needed to curb the epidemic of obesity, which affects 650 million individuals worldwide and is a causal driver of cardiovascular and metabolic disease and mortality. Previous studies reported that the Arg95Ter nonsense variant of GPR151, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, is associated with reduced BMI and reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Here, we further investigate GPR151 with the Pakistan Genome Resource (PGR), which is one of the largest exome biobanks of human homozygous loss-of-function carriers (knockouts) in the world. Among PGR participants, we identify eleven GPR151 putative loss-of-function (plof) variants, three of which are present at homozygosity (Arg95Ter, Tyr99Ter, and Phe175LeufsTer7), with a cumulative allele frequency of 2.2%. We confirm these alleles in vitro as loss-of-function. We test if GPR151 plof is associated with BMI, T2D, or other metabolic traits and find that GPR151 deficiency in complete human knockouts is not associated with clinically significant differences in these traits. Relative to Gpr151+/+ mice, Gpr151-/- animals exhibit no difference in body weight on normal chow and higher body weight on a high-fat diet. Together, our findings indicate that GPR151 antagonism is not a compelling therapeutic approach to treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Gurtan
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John Dominy
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shareef Khalid
- Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Linh Vong
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shari Caplan
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Treeve Currie
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sean Richards
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lindsey Lamarche
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniel Denning
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Diana Shpektor
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anastasia Gurinovich
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Asif Rasheed
- Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
- TopMed Hospital, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | | | - Subhan Saeed
- Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Imran Saleem
- Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Anjum Jalal
- Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Abbas
- Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | - Nabi Shah
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Amit V. Khera
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John Danesh
- BHF Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Cambridge University & Health Data Research UK, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Danish Saleheen
- Center for Non-Communicable Diseases, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Cardiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Downie CG, North KE. The dynamic genetic architecture of early childhood BMI. Nat Metab 2022; 4:308-309. [PMID: 35315438 PMCID: PMC8969174 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00546-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina G Downie
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kari E North
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- CVD Genetic Epidemiology Computational Laboratory, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Helgeland Ø, Vaudel M, Sole-Navais P, Flatley C, Juodakis J, Bacelis J, Koløen IL, Knudsen GP, Johansson BB, Magnus P, Kjennerud TR, Juliusson PB, Stoltenberg C, Holmen OL, Andreassen OA, Jacobsson B, Njølstad PR, Johansson S. Characterization of the genetic architecture of infant and early childhood body mass index. Nat Metab 2022; 4:344-358. [PMID: 35315439 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00549-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Early childhood obesity is a growing global concern; however, the role of common genetic variation on infant and child weight development is unclear. Here, we identify 46 loci associated with early childhood body mass index at specific ages, matching different child growth phases, and representing four major trajectory patterns. We perform genome-wide association studies across 12 time points from birth to 8 years in 28,681 children and their parents (27,088 mothers and 26,239 fathers) in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. Monogenic obesity genes are overrepresented near identified loci, and several complex association signals near LEPR, GLP1R, PCSK1 and KLF14 point towards a major influence for common variation affecting the leptin-melanocortin system in early life, providing a link to putative treatment strategies. We also demonstrate how different polygenic risk scores transition from birth to adult profiles through early child growth. In conclusion, our results offer a fine-grained characterization of a changing genetic landscape sustaining early childhood growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øyvind Helgeland
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marc Vaudel
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Pol Sole-Navais
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christopher Flatley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julius Juodakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bacelis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingvild L Koløen
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Bente B Johansson
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ted Reichborn Kjennerud
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petur B Juliusson
- Department of Health Registry Research and Development, National Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Oddgeir L Holmen
- HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- NORMENT Centre, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pål R Njølstad
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Stefan Johansson
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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89
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Engel DF, Velloso LA. The timeline of neuronal and glial alterations in experimental obesity. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108983. [PMID: 35143850 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In experimental models, hypothalamic dysfunction is a key component of the pathophysiology of diet-induced obesity. Early after the introduction of a high-fat diet, neurons, microglia, astrocytes and tanycytes of the mediobasal hypothalamus undergo structural and functional changes that impact caloric intake, energy expenditure and systemic glucose tolerance. Inflammation has emerged as a central component of this response, and as in other inflammatory conditions, there is a time course of events that determine the fate of distinct cells involved in the central regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis. Here, we review the work that identified key mechanisms, cellular players and temporal features of diet-induced hypothalamic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane F Engel
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Licio A Velloso
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Brazil.
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90
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Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has tripled over the past four decades, imposing an enormous burden on people's health. Polygenic (or common) obesity and rare, severe, early-onset monogenic obesity are often polarized as distinct diseases. However, gene discovery studies for both forms of obesity show that they have shared genetic and biological underpinnings, pointing to a key role for the brain in the control of body weight. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with increasing sample sizes and advances in sequencing technology are the main drivers behind a recent flurry of new discoveries. However, it is the post-GWAS, cross-disciplinary collaborations, which combine new omics technologies and analytical approaches, that have started to facilitate translation of genetic loci into meaningful biology and new avenues for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth J. F. Loos
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XNovo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA ,grid.59734.3c0000 0001 0670 2351Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Giles S. H. Yeo
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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91
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Understanding the genetic basis for cholangiocarcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:137-165. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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92
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Gomez GA, Rundle CH, Xing W, Kesavan C, Pourteymoor S, Lewis RE, Powell DR, Mohan S. Contrasting effects of <i>Ksr2</i>, an obesity gene, on trabecular bone volume and bone marrow adiposity. eLife 2022; 11:82810. [PMID: 36342465 PMCID: PMC9640193 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological obesity and its complications are associated with an increased propensity for bone fractures. Humans with certain genetic polymorphisms at the kinase suppressor of ras2 (KSR2) locus develop severe early-onset obesity and type 2 diabetes. Both conditions are phenocopied in mice with <i>Ksr2</i> deleted, but whether this affects bone health remains unknown. Here we studied the bones of global <i>Ksr2</i> null mice and found that <i>Ksr2</i> negatively regulates femoral, but not vertebral, bone mass in two genetic backgrounds, while the paralogous gene, <i>Ksr1</i>, was dispensable for bone homeostasis. Mechanistically, KSR2 regulates bone formation by influencing adipocyte differentiation at the expense of osteoblasts in the bone marrow. Compared with <i>Ksr2</i>'s known role as a regulator of feeding by its function in the hypothalamus, pair-feeding and osteoblast-specific conditional deletion of <i>Ksr2</i> reveals that <i>Ksr2</i> can regulate bone formation autonomously. Despite the gains in appendicular bone mass observed in the absence of <i>Ksr2</i>, bone strength, as well as fracture healing response, remains compromised in these mice. This study highlights the interrelationship between adiposity and bone health and provides mechanistic insights into how <i>Ksr2</i>, an adiposity and diabetic gene, regulates bone metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles H Rundle
- VA Loma Linda Healthcare SystemLoma LindaUnited States,Loma Linda University Medical CenterLoma LindaUnited States
| | - Weirong Xing
- VA Loma Linda Healthcare SystemLoma LindaUnited States,Loma Linda University Medical CenterLoma LindaUnited States
| | - Chandrasekhar Kesavan
- VA Loma Linda Healthcare SystemLoma LindaUnited States,Loma Linda University Medical CenterLoma LindaUnited States
| | | | | | | | - Subburaman Mohan
- VA Loma Linda Healthcare SystemLoma LindaUnited States,Loma Linda University Medical CenterLoma LindaUnited States
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93
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Galiniak S, Podgórski R, Rachel M, Mazur A. Serum levels of hormones regulating appetite in patients with cystic fibrosis - a single-center, cross-sectional study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:992667. [PMID: 36313742 PMCID: PMC9606394 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.992667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF), which is the most common inherited genetically determined disease caused by a mutation in the gene for the CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein. Pulmonary failure is the leading cause of death in this population, while the dysregulation of endocrine system creates significant disorders, including malnutrition, underweight, and CF-related diabetes. Therefore, the objective of our study was to determine the following hormones in the serum of patients with CF: ghrelin, putative peptide YY (PYY), Agouti-signaling protein (ASP), and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). To our knowledge, serum levels of PYY, ASP, and α-MSH have not yet been assessed in CF. For this purpose, we measured hormone levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 38 patients from the local CF care center, as well as 16 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Moreover, we estimated the correlations between the tested hormones and the parameters of the patients' clinical status. In this study, we found sinificantly reduced serum levels of ghrelin and ASP in patients with CF (p<0.01). There was no difference in PYY and α-MSH levels between participants with CF and healthy subjects. Furthermore, there was no difference in hormone levels between females and males with CF. The type of gene mutation (homozygous or heterozygous for ΔF508) had no effect on hormone levels. Ghrelin was negatively correlated with age, body mass index, and C-reactive protein. PYY was negatively associated with the age of the patients. Hormone dysregulation in CF may contribute to decreased appetite, as well as many other disturbed processes. Therefore, ghrelin appears to play a key role in the regulation of energy management of CF. Future multicenter and multidisciplinary studies should focus on an unequivocal understanding of the role of these hormones in CF.
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94
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Han J, Liang X, Guo Y, Wu X, Li Z, Hong T. Agouti-related protein as the glucose signaling sensor in the central melanocortin circuits in regulating fish food intake. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1010472. [PMID: 36387900 PMCID: PMC9663815 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1010472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Agouti-related protein (AgRP) is a neuropeptide synthesized by AgRP/NPY neurons and transcribed as 132 amino acids in humans and 142 amino acids (AgRP1) in Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) fish. AgRP neurons are activated by hormonal signals of energy deficits and inhibited by signals of energy surpluses and have been demonstrated to have the ability to sense the dynamics of blood glucose concentrations as the "glucose sensor" in mammals. It is widely recognized that AgRP is an endogenous antagonist of the melanocortin-3 and -4 receptors (MC3R and MC4R) in the hypothalamus, exhibiting potent orexigenic activity and control of energy homeostasis. Most fish, especially carnivorous fish, cannot make efficient use of carbohydrates. When carbohydrates like corn or wheat bran are added as energy sources, they often cause feeding inhibition and metabolic diseases. When fishmeal is replaced by plant protein, this does not completely eliminate carbs, limiting the utilization of carbohydrates and plant proteins in aquaculture. Our previous study showed that AgRP, and not neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the principal protein molecule that correlates well with feeding behavior in Japanese seabass from anorexia to adaptation. The Ghrelin/Leptin-mTOR-S6K1-NPY/AgRP/POMC feed intake regulatory pathway responds to the plant-oriented protein which contains glucose. However, its regulatory function and mechanism are still not clear. This review offers an integrative overview of how glucose signals converge on a molecular level in AgRP neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. This is in order to control fish food intake and energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Han
- Institute of Food and Nutrition Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofang Liang
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofang Liang, ; Yanzhi Guo,
| | - Yanzhi Guo
- Department of Research Management, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofang Liang, ; Yanzhi Guo,
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqi Li
- Institute of Food and Nutrition Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
| | - Tiannuo Hong
- Institute of Food and Nutrition Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, China
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95
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Šket R, Kotnik P, Bizjan BJ, Kocen V, Mlinarič M, Tesovnik T, Debeljak M, Battelino T, Kovač J. Heterozygous Genetic Variants in Autosomal Recessive Genes of the Leptin-Melanocortin Signalling Pathway Are Associated With the Development of Childhood Obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:832911. [PMID: 35574020 PMCID: PMC9105721 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.832911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Monogenic obesity is a severe, genetically determined disorder that affects up to 1/1000 newborns. Recent reports on potential new therapeutics and innovative clinical approaches have highlighted the need for early identification of individuals with rare genetic variants that can alter the functioning of the leptin-melanocortin signalling pathway, in order to speed up clinical intervention and reduce the risk of chronic complications. Therefore, next-generation DNA sequencing of central genes in the leptin-melanocortin pathway was performed in 1508 children and adolescents with and without obesity, aged 2-19 years. The recruited cohort comprised approximately 5% of the national paediatric population with obesity. The model-estimated effect size of rare variants in the leptin-melanocortin signalling pathway on longitudinal weight gain between carriers and non-carriers was derived. In total, 21 (1.4%) participants had known disease-causing heterozygous variants (DCVs) in the genes under investigation, and 62 (4.1%) participants were carriers of rare variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS). The estimated frequency of potential genetic variants associated with obesity (including rare VUS) ranged between 1/150 (VUS and DCV) and 1/850 (DCV) and differed significantly between participants with and without obesity. On average, the variants identified would result in approximately 7.6 kg (7.0-12.9 kg at the 95th percentile of body weight) (girls) and 8.4 kg (8.2-14.4 kg) (boys) of additional weight gain in carriers at age 18 years compared with subjects without obesity. In conclusion, children with a genetic predisposition to obesity can be promptly identified and may account for more than 6% of obesity cases. Early identification of genetic variants in the LEPR, PCSK1, POMC, MC3R and MC4R genes could reduce the societal burden and improve the clinical management of early severe childhood obesity and its implementation should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Šket
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Primož Kotnik
- Department of Pediatrics Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Jenko Bizjan
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valentina Kocen
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Mlinarič
- Department of Pediatrics Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tine Tesovnik
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maruša Debeljak
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Battelino
- Department of Pediatrics Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Kovač
- Clinical Institute of Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana (UMC), Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Jernej Kovač,
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96
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Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) Administration Sex-Specifically Affects Blood Insulin Levels and Liver Steatosis in Obese Ay Mice. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123440. [PMID: 34943946 PMCID: PMC8700098 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
FGF21 is a promising candidate for treating obesity, diabetes, and NAFLD; however, some of its pharmacological effects are sex-specific in mice with the Ay mutation that evokes melanocortin receptor 4 blockade, obesity, and hepatosteatosis. This suggests that the ability of FGF21 to correct melanocortin obesity may depend on sex. This study compares FGF21 action on food intake, locomotor activity, gene expression, metabolic characteristics, and liver state in obese Ay males and females. Ay mice were administered FGF21 for seven days, and metabolic parameters and gene expression in different tissues were assessed. Placebo-treated females were more obese than males and had lower levels of blood insulin and liver triglycerides, and higher expression of genes for insulin signaling in the liver, white adipose tissue (WAT) and muscles, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver. FGF21 administration did not affect body weight, and increased food intake, locomotor activity, expression of Fgf21 and Ucp1 in brown fat and genes related to lipolysis and insulin action in WAT regardless of sex; however, it decreased hyperinsulinemia and hepatic lipid accumulation and increased muscle expression of Cpt1 and Irs1 only in males. Thus, FGF21’s beneficial effects on metabolic disorders associated with melanocortin obesity are more pronounced in males.
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97
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Lindberg I, Fricker LD. Obesity, POMC, and POMC-processing Enzymes: Surprising Results From Animal Models. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6333651. [PMID: 34333593 PMCID: PMC8489426 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Peptides derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) are well-established neuropeptides and peptide hormones that perform multiple functions, including regulation of body weight. In humans and some animals, these peptides include α- and β-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). In certain rodent species, no β-MSH is produced from POMC because of a change in the cleavage site. Enzymes that convert POMC into MSH include prohormone convertases (PCs), carboxypeptidases (CPs), and peptidyl-α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM). Humans and mice with inactivating mutations in either PC1/3 or carboxypeptidase E (CPE) are obese, which was assumed to result from defective processing of POMC into MSH. However, recent studies have shown that selective loss of either PC1/3 or CPE in POMC-expressing cells does not cause obesity. These findings suggest that defects in POMC processing cannot alone account for the obesity observed in global PC1/3 or CPE mutants. We propose that obesity in animals lacking PC1/3 or CPE activity depends, at least in part, on deficient processing of peptides in non-POMC-expressing cells either in the brain and/or the periphery. Genetic background may also contribute to the manifestation of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Lindberg
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
- Correspondence: I. Lindberg, PhD, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Lloyd D Fricker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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98
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Parra-Montes de Oca MA, Sotelo-Rivera I, Gutiérrez-Mata A, Charli JL, Joseph-Bravo P. Sex Dimorphic Responses of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis to Energy Demands and Stress. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:746924. [PMID: 34745011 PMCID: PMC8565401 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.746924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid-axis (HPT) is one of the main neuroendocrine axes that control energy expenditure. The activity of hypophysiotropic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) neurons is modulated by nutritional status, energy demands and stress, all of which are sex dependent. Sex dimorphism has been associated with sex steroids whose concentration vary along the life-span, but also to sex chromosomes that define not only sexual characteristics but the expression of relevant genes. In this review we describe sex differences in basal HPT axis activity and in its response to stress and to metabolic challenges in experimental animals at different stages of development, as well as some of the limited information available on humans. Literature review was accomplished by searching in Pubmed under the following words: "sex dimorphic" or "sex differences" or "female" or "women" and "thyrotropin" or "thyroid hormones" or "deiodinases" and "energy homeostasis" or "stress". The most representative articles were discussed, and to reduce the number of references, selected reviews were cited.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Patricia Joseph-Bravo
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Mexico
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99
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Zou R, Wang X, Li S, Chan HCS, Vogel H, Yuan S. The role of metal ions in G protein‐coupled receptor signalling and drug discovery. WIRES COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rongfeng Zou
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
- AlphaMol Science Ltd Shenzhen China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
| | - Shu Li
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
| | - H. C. Stephen Chan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
| | - Horst Vogel
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
- AlphaMol Science Ltd Shenzhen China
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Shuguang Yuan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen China
- AlphaMol Science Ltd Shenzhen China
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100
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Farooqi S. Putting a brake on hunger. Science 2021; 372:792-793. [PMID: 34016769 DOI: 10.1126/science.abi8942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Farooqi
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Box 289, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
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