Regulation of gene expression by activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma with rosiglitazone (BRL 49653) in human adipocytes

New insights of acylation stimulating protein in modulating the pathological progression of metabolic syndromes

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, hypertension, and coronary artery diseases which are grouped as metabolic syndrome. Rather than being a storage for energy, the adipocytes could synthesis and secret diverse hormones and molecules, named as adipokines. Under obese status, the adipocytes are dysfunctional with excessively producing the inflammatory related cytokines, such as interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Concerning on the vital role of adipokines, it is proposed that one of the critical pathological factors of obesity is the dysfunctional adipocytic pathways. Among these adipokines, acylation stimulating protein, as an adipokine synthesized by adipocytes during the process of cell differentiation, is shown to activate the metabolism of triglyceride (TG) by regulating the catabolism of glucose and free fatty acid (FFA). Recent attention has paid to explore the underlying mechanism whereby acylation stimulating protein influences the biological function of adipocyte and the pathological development of obesity. In the present review, we summarized the progression of acylation stimulating protein in modulating the physiological and hormonal catabolism which affects fat distribution. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms which acylation stimulating protein regulates the metabolism of adipose tissue and the process of metabolic syndrome were also summarized.

Blocking Mitochondrial Pyruvate Transport Alters Corneal Myofibroblast Phenotype: A New Target for Treating Fibrosis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to critically test the hypothesis that mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) function is essential for maintenance of the corneal myofibroblast phenotype in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Protein and mRNA for canonical profibrotic markers were assessed in cultured cat corneal myofibroblasts generated via transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 stimulation and treated with either the thiazolidinedione (TZD) troglitazone or the MPC inhibitor alpha-cyano-beta-(1-phenylindol-3-yl) acrylate (UK-5099). RNA sequencing was used to gain insight into signaling modules related to instructive, permissive, or corollary changes in gene expression following treatment. A feline photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) model of corneal wounding was used to test the efficacy of topical troglitazone at reducing α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive staining when applied 2 to 4 weeks postoperatively, during peak fibrosis.

Results

Troglitazone caused cultured myofibroblasts to adopt a fibroblast-like phenotype through a noncanonical, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ-independent mechanism. Direct MPC inhibition using UK-5099 recapitulated this effect, but classic inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) did not. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of RNA sequencing data converged on energy substrate utilization and the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition pore as key players in myofibroblast maintenance. Finally, troglitazone applied onto an established zone of active fibrosis post-PRK significantly reduced stromal α-SMA expression.

Conclusions

Our results provide empirical evidence that metabolic remodeling in myofibroblasts creates selective vulnerabilities beyond simply mitochondrial energy production, and that these are critical for maintenance of the myofibroblast phenotype. For the first time, we provide proof-of-concept data showing that this remodeling can be exploited to treat existing corneal fibrosis via inhibition of the MPC.

Leptin signaling in breast cancer and its crosstalk with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ

Obesity may create a mitogenic microenvironment that influences tumor initiation and progression. The obesity-associated adipokine, leptin regulates energy metabolism and has been implicated in cancer development. It has been shown that some cell types other than adipocytes can express leptin and leptin receptors in tumor microenvironments. It has been shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) agonists can affect leptin levels and vice versa leptin can affect PPARs. Activation of PPARs affects the expression of several genes involved in aspects of lipid metabolism. In addition, PPARs regulate cancer cell progression through their action on the tumor cell proliferation, metabolism, and cellular environment. Some studies have shown an association between obesity and several types of cancer, including breast cancer. There is some evidence that suggests that there is crosstalk between PPARs and leptin during the development of breast cancer. Through a systematic review of previous studies, we have reviewed the published relevant articles regarding leptin signaling in breast cancer and its crosstalk with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ.

Novel insights for PI3KC3 in mediating lipid accumulation in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

In this study, the transcriptional regulation of PI3KC3 by three transcription factors (PPARγ, PPARα, and STAT3) and the potential role of PI3KC3 in mediating lipid accumulation were determined in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. The 5'-deletion assay, overexpression assay, site-mutation assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay suggested that PPARα, PPARγ, and STAT3 negatively regulated the promoter activity of pi3kc3. Moreover, the transcriptional inactivation of pi3kc3 was directly mediated by PPARα and PPARγ under fatty acid (FA) treatment. Using primary hepatocytes from yellow catfish, FA incubation significantly increased triacylglyceride (TG) content, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) content, and lipid drops (LDs) content, the mRNA level of pparα, pparγ, stat3, and dnmt3b, the protein level of PPARα, PPARγ, and STAT3, and the methylation level of pi3kc3, but significantly reduced the mRNA and protein level of PI3KC3. Our findings offer new insights into the mechanisms for transcriptional regulation of PI3KC3 and for PI3KC3-mediated lipid accumulation in fish.

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) dietary supplement modulates visceral adipose tissue CB1 mRNA levels along with other adipogenesis-related genes in rat models of diet-induced obesity

PURPOSE

There is increasing evidence for the involvement of dietary bioactive compounds in the cross-talk modulation of endocannabinoid system and some of the key regulators of transcriptional control for adipogenesis.

METHODS

We aimed to characterize the expression of cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptors and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) along with selected adipogenesis-related genes (PPARγ, SREBP-1c and PREF-1), adipocyte-secreted factors (leptin and adiponectin), mitochondrial bioenergetic modulators (PGC-1A and UCP-2), and transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and 2 (TRPV2) channels in visceral adipose tissue of rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) containing either tart cherry seeds alone or tart cherry seeds and juice for 17 weeks. The visceral adipose tissue was weighed and checked the expression of different markers by qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Tart cherry supplements were able to downregulate the HFD-induced mRNA expression of CB1 receptor, SREBP-1c, PPARγ, leptin, TRPV1 and TRPV2 resulting in potential anti-adipogenic effects.

CONCLUSION

The present study points out that the intake of bioactive constituents of tart cherry may attenuate the effect of adipogenesis by acting directly on the adipose tissue and modulating the interplay between CB1, PPARγ and TRPV channel gene transcription.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors as Molecular Links between Caloric Restriction and Circadian Rhythm

The circadian rhythm plays a chief role in the adaptation of all bodily processes to internal and environmental changes on the daily basis. Next to light/dark phases, feeding patterns constitute the most essential element entraining daily oscillations, and therefore, timely and appropriate restrictive diets have a great capacity to restore the circadian rhythm. One of the restrictive nutritional approaches, caloric restriction (CR) achieves stunning results in extending health span and life span via coordinated changes in multiple biological functions from the molecular, cellular, to the whole-body levels. The main molecular pathways affected by CR include mTOR, insulin signaling, AMPK, and sirtuins. Members of the family of nuclear receptors, the three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ take part in the modulation of these pathways. In this non-systematic review, we describe the molecular interconnection between circadian rhythm, CR-associated pathways, and PPARs. Further, we identify a link between circadian rhythm and the outcomes of CR on the whole-body level including oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging. Since PPARs contribute to many changes triggered by CR, we discuss the potential involvement of PPARs in bridging CR and circadian rhythm.

Rosiglitazone ameliorates skeletal muscle insulin resistance by decreasing free fatty acids release from adipocytes

Skeletal muscle and white adipose tissue are important organs of glucose-lipid metabolism. However, excessive lipolysis and free fatty acids (FFA) release in adipocytes elevate plasma FFA, leading to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Here, we investigated effects of insulin-resistant adipocytes on skeletal muscle in vitro by simulating body environment using a transwell coculture method. Insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes increased lipolysis and FFA release, which reduced insulin sensitivity in the cocultured C2C12 myotubes. Rosiglitazone (RSG) decreased excessive lipolysis by reducing expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and activity of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), which led to decrease of FFA release from insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Meanwhile, insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes cocultured with insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes was ameliorated after RSG treatment. Taken together, our present study provided direct evidence to better understand insulin resistance between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in type 2 diabetes.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors and Caloric Restriction-Common Pathways Affecting Metabolism, Health, and Longevity

Caloric restriction (CR) is a traditional but scientifically verified approach to promoting health and increasing lifespan. CR exerts its effects through multiple molecular pathways that trigger major metabolic adaptations. It influences key nutrient and energy-sensing pathways including mammalian target of rapamycin, Sirtuin 1, AMP-activated protein kinase, and insulin signaling, ultimately resulting in reductions in basic metabolic rate, inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as increased autophagy and mitochondrial efficiency. CR shares multiple overlapping pathways with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), particularly in energy metabolism and inflammation. Consequently, several lines of evidence suggest that PPARs might be indispensable for beneficial outcomes related to CR. In this review, we present the available evidence for the interconnection between CR and PPARs, highlighting their shared pathways and analyzing their interaction. We also discuss the possible contributions of PPARs to the effects of CR on whole organism outcomes.

Mitochondria in the Pulmonary Vasculature in Health and Disease: Oxygen-Sensing, Metabolism, and Dynamics

In lung vascular cells, mitochondria serve a canonical metabolic role, governing energy homeostasis. In addition, mitochondria exist in dynamic networks, which serve noncanonical functions, including regulation of redox signaling, cell cycle, apoptosis, and mitochondrial quality control. Mitochondria in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) are oxygen sensors and initiate hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Acquired dysfunction of mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics contribute to a cancer-like phenotype in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Acquired mitochondrial abnormalities, such as increased pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) and pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) expression, which increase uncoupled glycolysis (the Warburg phenomenon), are implicated in PAH. Warburg metabolism sustains energy homeostasis by the inhibition of oxidative metabolism that reduces mitochondrial apoptosis, allowing unchecked cell accumulation. Warburg metabolism is initiated by the induction of a pseudohypoxic state, in which DNA methyltransferase (DNMT)-mediated changes in redox signaling cause normoxic activation of HIF-1α and increase PDK expression. Furthermore, mitochondrial division is coordinated with nuclear division through a process called mitotic fission. Increased mitotic fission in PAH, driven by increased fission and reduced fusion favors rapid cell cycle progression and apoptosis resistance. Downregulation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex (MCUC) occurs in PAH and is one potential unifying mechanism linking Warburg metabolism and mitochondrial fission. Mitochondrial metabolic and dynamic disorders combine to promote the hyperproliferative, apoptosis-resistant, phenotype in PAH PASMC, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. Understanding the molecular mechanism regulating mitochondrial metabolism and dynamics has permitted identification of new biomarkers, nuclear and CT imaging modalities, and new therapeutic targets for PAH. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:713-765, 2020.

The Antagonist Effect of Arachidonic Acid on GLUT4 Gene Expression by Nuclear Receptor Type II Regulation

OBJECTIVES

Obesity is a complex disease that has a strong association with diet and lifestyle. Dietary factors can influence the expression of key genes connected to insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and adipose tissue composition. In this study, our objective was to determine gene expression and fatty acid (FA) profiles in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from lean and morbidly obese individuals. We also aimed to study the agonist effect of dietary factors on glucose metabolism.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Lean and low and high insulin resistance morbidly obese subjects (LIR-MO and HIR-MO) were included in this study. The gene expression of liver X receptor type alpha (LXR-α) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) and the FA profiles in VAT were determined. Additionally, the in vivo and in vitro agonist effects of oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), and arachidonic acid (AA) by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor type gamma 2 (PPAR-γ2) on the activity of GLUT4 were studied.

RESULTS

Our results showed a dysregulation of GLUT4 and LXR-α in VAT of morbidly obese subjects. In addition, a specific FA profile for morbidly obese individuals was found. Finally, AA was an PPAR-γ2 agonist that activates the expression of GLUT4.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests a dysregulation of LXR-α and GLUT4 expression in VAT of morbidly obese individuals. FA profiles in VAT could elucidate their possible role in lipolysis and adipogenesis. Finally, AA binds to PPAR-γ2 to activate the expression of GLUT4 in the HepG2 cell line, showing an alternative insulin-independent activation of GLUT4.

Defects in the mitochondrial-tRNA modification enzymes MTO1 and GTPBP3 promote different metabolic reprogramming through a HIF-PPARγ-UCP2-AMPK axis

Human proteins MTO1 and GTPBP3 are thought to jointly catalyze the modification of the wobble uridine in mitochondrial tRNAs. Defects in each protein cause infantile hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with lactic acidosis. However, the underlying mechanisms are mostly unknown. Using fibroblasts from an MTO1 patient and MTO1 silenced cells, we found that the MTO1 deficiency is associated with a metabolic reprogramming mediated by inactivation of AMPK, down regulation of the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and transcription factor PPARγ, and activation of the hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). As a result, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation are uncoupled, while fatty acid metabolism is altered, leading to accumulation of lipid droplets in MTO1 fibroblasts. Unexpectedly, this response is different from that triggered by the GTPBP3 defect, as GTPBP3-depleted cells exhibit AMPK activation, increased levels of UCP2 and PPARγ, and inactivation of HIF-1. In addition, fatty acid oxidation and respiration are stimulated in these cells. Therefore, the HIF-PPARγ-UCP2-AMPK axis is operating differently in MTO1- and GTPBP3-defective cells, which strongly suggests that one of these proteins has an additional role, besides mitochondrial-tRNA modification. This work provides new and useful information on the molecular basis of the MTO1 and GTPBP3 defects and on putative targets for therapeutic intervention.

Functional Analysis of Promoters from Three Subtypes of the PI3K Family and Their Roles in the Regulation of Lipid Metabolism by Insulin in Yellow Catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

In the present study, the length of 360, 1848 and 367 bp sequences of promoters from three subtypes of PI3K family (PI3KCa, PI3KC2b and PI3KC3) of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were cloned and characterized. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that PI3KCa, PI3KC2b and PI3KC3 had different structures in their core promoter regions. The promoter regions of PI3KCa and PI3KC2b had CpG islands but no CAAT and TATA box. In contrast, the promoter of PI3KC3 had the canonical TATA and CAAT box but no CpG island. The binding sites of several transcription factors, such as HNF1, STAT and NF-κB, were predicted on PI3KCa promoter. The binding sites of transcription factors, such as FOXO1, PPAR-RXR, STAT, IK1, HNF6 and HNF3, were predicted on PI3KC2b promoter and the binding sites of FOXO1 and STAT transcription factors were predicted on PI3KC3 promoter. Deletion analysis indicated that these transcriptional factors were the potential regulators to mediate the activities of their promoters. Subsequent mutation analysis and electrophoretic mobility-shift assay (EMSA) demonstrated that HNF1 and IK1 directly bound with PI3KCa and PI3KC2b promoters and negatively regulated the activities of PI3KCa and PI3KC2b promoters, respectively. Conversely, FOXO1 directly bound with the PI3KC2b and PI3KC3 promoters and positively regulated their promoter activities. In addition, AS1842856 (AS, a potential FOXO1 inhibitor) incubation significantly reduced the relative luciferase activities of several plasmids of PI3KC2b and PI3KC3 but did not significantly influence the relative luciferase activities of the PI3KCa plasmids. Moreover, by using primary hepatocytes from yellow catfish, AS incubation significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of PI3KCa, PI3KC2b and PI3KC3 and reduced triacylglyceride (TG) accumulation and insulin-induced TG accumulation, as well as the activities and the mRNA levels of several genes involved in lipid metabolism. Thus, the present study offers new insights into the mechanisms for transcriptional regulation of PI3Ks and for PI3Ks-mediated regulation of lipid metabolism by insulin in fish.

PPARγ activation regulates lipid droplet formation and lactate production in rat Sertoli cells

Sertoli cells provide the structural and nutritional support for germ cell development; they actively metabolize glucose and convert it to lactate, which is an important source of energy for germ cells. Furthermore, Sertoli cells can oxidize fatty acids, a metabolic process that is assumed to fulfill their own energy requirements. Fatty acids are stored as triacylglycerides within lipid droplets. The regulation of fatty acid storage in conjunction with the regulation of lactate production may thus be relevant to seminiferous tubule physiology. Our aim is to evaluate a possible means of regulation by the PPARγ activation of lipid droplet formation and lactate production. Sertoli cell cultures obtained from 20-day-old rats were incubated with Rosiglitazone (10 μM), a PPARγ activator, for various periods of time (6, 12, 24 and 48 h). Increased triacylglycerides levels and lipid droplet content were observed, accompanied by a rise in the expression of genes for proteins involved in fatty acid storage, such as the fatty acid transporter Cd36, glycerol-3-phosphate-acyltransferases 1 and 3, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and perilipins 1, 2 and 3, all proteins that participate in lipid droplet formation and stabilization. However, PPARγ activation increased lactate production, accompanied by an augmentation in glucose uptake and Glut2 expression. These results taken together suggest that PPARγ activation in Sertoli cells participates in the regulation of lipid storage and lactate production thereby ensuring simultaneously the energetic metabolism for the Sertoli and germ cells.

Electroacupuncture Reduces Weight Gain Induced by Rosiglitazone through PPARγ and Leptin Receptor in CNS

We investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on protecting the weight gain side effect of rosiglitazone (RSG) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats and its possible mechanism in central nervous system (CNS). Our study showed that RSG (5 mg/kg) significantly increased the body weight and food intake of the T2DM rats. After six-week treatment with RSG combined with EA, body weight, food intake, and the ratio of IWAT to body weight decreased significantly, whereas the ratio of BAT to body weight increased markedly. HE staining indicated that the T2DM-RSG rats had increased size of adipocytes in their IWAT, but EA treatment reduced the size of adipocytes. EA effectively reduced the lipid contents without affecting the antidiabetic effect of RSG. Furthermore, we noticed that the expression of PPARγ gene in hypothalamus was reduced by EA, while the expressions of leptin receptor and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were increased. Our results suggest that EA is an effective approach for inhibiting weight gain in T2DM rats treated by RSG. The possible mechanism might be through increased levels of leptin receptor and STAT3 and decreased PPARγ expression, by which food intake of the rats was reduced and RSG-induced weight gain was inhibited.

Mitochondrial UCP2 in the central regulation of metabolism

Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is a mitochondrial anion carrier protein, which uncouples the oxidative phosphorylation from ATP production by dissipating the proton gradient generated across the mitochondrial inner membrane. UCP2 regulates not only mitochondrial ATP production, but also the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), considered important second-messenger signals within the cell. The importance of UCP2 was firstly reported in macrophages and pancreatic beta cells. However, several studies have revealed the important role of UCP2 in the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the regulation of homeostatic mechanisms including food intake, energy expenditure, glucose homeostasis and reward behaviors. The mechanisms by which central UCP2 affect these processes seem to be associated with synaptic and mitochondrial plasticity. In this review, we will describe recent findings on central UCP2 and discuss its role in CNS regulation of homeostasis.

The prelude on novel receptor and ligand targets involved in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Metabolic disorders are a group of disorders, due to the disruption of the normal metabolic process at a cellular level. Diabetes Mellitus and Tyrosinaemia are the majorly reported metabolic disorders. Among them, Diabetes Mellitus is a one of the leading metabolic syndrome, affecting 5 to 7 % of the population worldwide and mainly characterised by elevated levels of glucose and is associated with two types of physiological event disturbances such as impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Up to now, various treatment strategies are like insulin, alphaglucosidase inhibitors, biguanides, incretins were being followed. Concurrently, various novel therapeutic strategies are required to advance the therapy of Diabetes mellitus. For the last few decades, there has been an extensive research in understanding the metabolic pathways involved in Diabetes Mellitus at the cellular level and having the profound knowledge on cell-growth, cell-cycle, and apoptosis at a molecular level provides new targets for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. Receptor signalling has been involved in these mechanisms, to translate the information coming from outside. To understand the various receptors involved in these pathways, we must have a sound knowledge on receptors and ligands involved in it. This review mainly summarises the receptors and ligands which are involved the Diabetes Mellitus. Finally, researchers have to develop the alternative chemical moieties that retain their affinity to receptors and efficacy. Diabetes Mellitus being a metabolic disorder due to the glucose surfeit, demands the need for regular exercise along with dietary changes.

UCP2, a mitochondrial protein regulated at multiple levels

An ever-increasing number of studies highlight the role of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in a broad range of physiological and pathological processes. The knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of UCP2 regulation is becoming fundamental in both the comprehension of UCP2-related physiological events and the identification of novel therapeutic strategies based on UCP2 modulation. The study of UCP2 regulation is a fast-moving field. Recently, several research groups have made a great effort to thoroughly understand the various molecular mechanisms at the basis of UCP2 regulation. In this review, we describe novel findings concerning events that can occur in a concerted manner at various levels: Ucp2 gene mutation (single nucleotide polymorphisms), UCP2 mRNA and protein expression (transcriptional, translational, and protein turn-over regulation), UCP2 proton conductance (ligands and post-transcriptional modifications), and nutritional and pharmacological regulation of UCP2.

Adiposopathy: how do diet, exercise and weight loss drug therapies improve metabolic disease in overweight patients?

An increase in bodyweight is generally associated with an increased risk of excessive fat-related metabolic diseases (EFRMD), including Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia. However, not all patients who are overweight have EFRMD, and not all patients with EFRMD are significantly overweight. The adipocentric paradigm provides the basis for a unifying, pathophysiological process whereby fat gain in susceptible patients leads to fat dysfunction ('sick fat'), and wherein pathological abnormalities in fat function (adiposopathy) are more directly related to the onset of EFRMD than increases in fat mass (adiposity) alone. But just as worsening fat function worsens EFRMD, improved fat function improves EFRMD. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists increase the recruitment, proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes ('healthy fat') and cause apoptosis of hypertrophic and dysfunctional (including visceral) adipocytes resulting in improved fat function and improved metabolic parameters associated with EFRMD. Weight loss interventions, such as a hypocaloric diet and physical exercise, in addition to agents such as orlistat, sibutramine and cannabinoid receptor antagonists, may have favorable effects upon fat storage (lipogenesis and fat distribution), nutrient metabolism (such as free fatty acids), favorable effects upon adipose tissue factors involved in metabolic processes and inflammation, and enhanced 'cross-talk' with other major organ systems. In some cases, weight loss therapeutic agents may even affect metabolic parameters and adipocyte function independently of weight loss alone, suggesting that the benefit of these agents in improving EFRMD may go beyond their efficacy in weight reduction. This review describes how adiposopathy interventions may affect fat function, and thus improve EFRMD.

Targeting the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ to Counter the Inflammatory Milieu in Obesity

Adipose tissue, which was once viewed as a simple organ for storage of triglycerides, is now considered an important endocrine organ. Abnormal adipose tissue mass is associated with defects in endocrine and metabolic functions which are the underlying causes of the metabolic syndrome. Many adipokines, hormones secreted by adipose tissue, regulate cells from the immune system. Interestingly, most of these adipokines are proinflammatory mediators, which increase dramatically in the obese state and are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Drugs that target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects in animal models of diabetes. These findings, and the link between inflammation and the metabolic syndrome, will be reviewed here.

Eicosanoids and adipokines in breast cancer: from molecular mechanisms to clinical considerations

Chronic inflammation is one of the foremost risk factors for different types of malignancies, including breast cancer. Additional risk factors of this pathology in postmenopausal women are weight gain, obesity, estrogen secretion, and an imbalance in the production of adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin. Various signaling products of transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappaB, in particular inflammatory eicosanoids, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokines, are thought to be involved in chronic inflammation-induced cancer. Together, these key components have an influence on inflammatory reactions in malignant tissue damage when their levels are deregulated endogenously. Prostaglandins (PGs) are well recognized in inflammation and cancer, and they are solely biosynthesized through cyclooxygenases (COXs) from arachidonic acid. Concurrently, ROS give rise to bioactive isoprostanes from arachidonic acid precursors that are also involved in acute and chronic inflammation, but their specific characteristics in breast cancer are less demonstrated. Higher aromatase activity, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme, is intimately connected to tumor growth in the breast through estrogen synthesis, and is interrelated to COXs that catalyze the formation of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory PGs such as PGE(2), PGF(2α), PGD(2), and PGJ(2) synchronously under the influence of specific mediators and downstream enzymes. Some of the latter compounds upsurge the intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration and appear to be associated with estrogen synthesis. This review discusses the role of COX- and ROS-catalyzed eicosanoids and adipokines in breast cancer, and therefore ranges from their molecular mechanisms to clinical aspects to understand the impact of inflammation.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma Ligands: Potential Pharmacological Agents for Targeting the Angiogenesis Signaling Cascade in Cancer

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) has currently been considered as molecular target for the treatment of human metabolic disorders. Experimental data from in vitro cultures, animal models, and clinical trials have shown that PPAR-γ ligand activation regulates differentiation and induces cell growth arrest and apoptosis in a variety of cancer types. Tumor angiogenesis constitutes a multifaceted process implicated in complex downstream signaling pathways that triggers tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. In this aspect, accumulating in vitro and in vivo studies have provided extensive evidence that PPAR-γ ligands can function as modulators of the angiogenic signaling cascade. In the current review, the crucial role of PPAR-γ ligands and the underlying mechanisms participating in tumor angiogenesis are summarized. Targeting PPAR-γ may prove to be a potential therapeutic strategy in combined treatments with conventional chemotherapy; however, special attention should be taken as there is also substantial evidence to support that PPAR-γ ligands can enhance angiogenic phenotype in tumoral cells.

PPAR Gamma: Coordinating Metabolic and Immune Contributions to Female Fertility

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) regulates cellular functions such as adipogenesis and immune cell activation. However, new information has indicated additional roles of PPARG directing the cyclic changes that occur within ovarian tissue of female mammals, including those that facilitate the release of oocytes each estrous cycle. In addition to ovarian PPARG expression and function, many PPARG actions within adipocytes and macrophages have additional direct and indirect implications for ovarian function and female fertility. This encompasses the regulation of lipid uptake and transport, insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and the regulation of inflammatory mediator synthesis and release. This review discusses the developing links between PPARG activity and female reproductive function, and highlights several mechanisms that may facilitate such a relationship.

In vivo and in vitro evidence that PPARγ ligands are antagonists of leptin signaling in breast cancer

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development and progression of breast cancer. Leptin, a cytokine mainly produced by adipocytes, plays a crucial role in mammary carcinogenesis and is elevated in hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. The antidiabetic thiazolidinediones inhibit leptin gene expression through ligand activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and exert antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on breast carcinoma. In this study, we investigated the ability of PPARγ ligands to counteract leptin stimulatory effects on breast cancer growth in either in vivo or in vitro models. The results show that activation of PPARγ prevented the development of leptin-induced MCF-7 tumor xenografts and inhibited the increased cell-cell aggregation and proliferation observed on leptin exposure. PPARγ ligands abrogated the leptin-induced up-regulation of leptin gene expression and its receptors in breast cancer. PPARγ-mediated repression of leptin gene involved the recruitment of nuclear receptor corepressor protein and silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors corepressors on the glucocorticoid responsive element site in the leptin gene expression regulatory region in the presence of glucocorticoid receptor and PPARγ. In addition, PPARγ ligands inhibited leptin signaling mediated by MAPK/STAT3/Akt phosphorylation and counteracted leptin stimulatory effect on estrogen signaling. These findings suggest that PPARγ ligands may have potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of breast cancer.

PPARs in the Renal Regulation of Systemic Blood Pressure

Recent research has revealed roles for the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) family of transcription factors in blood pressure regulation, expanding the possible therapeutic use of PPAR ligands. PPARalpha and PPARgamma modulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a major regulator of systemic blood pressure and interstitial fluid volume by transcriptional control of renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT-R1). Blockade of RAAS is an important therapeutic target in hypertension management and attenuates microvascular damage, glomerular inflammation and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients and also show antidiabetic effects. The mechanisms underlying the benefits of RAAS inhibition appear to involve PPARgamma-regulated pathways. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of PPARs in the transcriptional control of the RAAS and the possible use of PPAR ligands in the treatment of RAAS dependent hypertension.

The role of the PAX8/PPARgamma fusion oncogene in the pathogenesis of follicular thyroid cancer

When identified at early stages, most well-differentiated thyroid cancers are readily treated and yield excellent outcomes. Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) however, when diagnosed at a late stage, may be very resistant to treatment, and exhibits 10-year survival rates less than 40%. Despite substantial progress in recent years, we still have limited understanding of the molecular and biological interrelationships between the various subtypes of benign and malignant follicular thyroid neoplasms. In contrast to the wealth of information available regarding papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the triggering mechanisms of FTC development and the major underlying genetic alterations leading to follicular thyroid carcinogenesis remain obscure. Recent studies have focused on a chromosomal translocation, t(2;3) (q13;p25), fusing PAX8, a transcription factor that is essential for normal thyroid gland development, with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a member of the steroid/thyroid nuclear receptor family. This chromatin rearrangement results in the expression of a PAX8/PPARgamma fusion protein, designated PPFP, whose incidence is relatively common in FTC and may represent an initiating event in the genesis of FTC. Here we review progress on the studies of PPFP that assess its involvement in FTC tumorigenesis.

A novel intronic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma enhancer in the uncoupling protein (UCP) 3 gene as a regulator of both UCP2 and -3 expression in adipocytes

Uncoupling Proteins (UCPs) are integral ion channels residing in the inner mitochondrial membrane. UCP2 is ubiquitously expressed, while UCP3 is found primarily in muscles and adipose tissue. Although the exact molecular mechanism of action is controversial, it is generally agreed that both homologues function to facilitate mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. UCP2 and -3 expression is activated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), but so far no PPAR response element has been reported in the vicinity of the Ucp2 and Ucp3 genes. Using genome-wide profiling of PPARgamma occupancy in 3T3-L1 adipocytes we demonstrate that PPARgamma associates with three chromosomal regions in the vicinity of the Ucp3 locus and weakly with a site in intron 1 of the Ucp2 gene. These sites are isolated from the nearest neighboring sites by >900 kb. The most prominent PPARgamma binding site in the Ucp2 and Ucp3 loci is located in intron 1 of the Ucp3 gene and is the only site that facilitates PPARgamma transactivation of a heterologous promoter. This site furthermore transactivates the endogenous Ucp3 promoter, and using chromatin conformation capture we show that it loops out to specifically interact with the Ucp2 promoter and intron 1. Our data indicate that PPARgamma transactivation of both UCP2 and -3 is mediated through this novel enhancer in Ucp3 intron 1.

Cross-Talk between PPARgamma and Insulin Signaling and Modulation of Insulin Sensitivity

PPARγ activation in type 2 diabetic patients results in a marked improvement in insulin and glucose parameters, resulting from an improvement of whole-body insulin sensitivity. Adipose tissue is the major mediator of PPARγ action on insulin sensitivity. PPARγ activation in mature adipocytes induces the expression of a number of genes involved in the insulin signaling cascade, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. PPARγ is the master regulator of adipogenesis, thereby stimulating the production of small insulin-sensitive adipocytes. In addition to its importance in adipogenesis, PPARγ plays an important role in regulating lipid, metabolism in mature adipocytes by increasing fatty acid trapping. Finally, adipose tissue produces several cytokines that regulate energy homeostasis, lipid and glucose metabolism. Disturbances in the production of these factors may contribute to metabolic abnormalities, and PPARγ activation is also associated with beneficial effects on expression and secretion of a whole range of cytokines.

The adipose renin-angiotensin system: role in cardiovascular disease

Several reviews have highlighted the importance of local tissue production of components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) [Bader, M., Ganten, D., 2008. Update on tissue renin-angiotensin systems. J. Mol. Med. 86, 615-621; Krop, M., Danser, A.H., 2008. Circulating versus tissue renin-angiotensin system: on the origin of (pro)renin. Curr. Hypertens. Rep. 10, 112-118; Paul, M., Poyan Mehr, A., Kreutz, R., 2006. Physiology of local renin-angiotensin systems. Physiol. Rev. 86, 747-803]. While the concept of tissue RAS is gaining more widespread acceptance, the concept of local angiotensin II (AngII) production, acting in coordinate or independently of the endocrine RAS, continues to be debated. The primary reasons that local AngII production has been studied by many investigators are that components of the RAS are expressed by multiple cell types, and that the endocrine RAS cannot fully explain all effects of AngII. Moreover, through the development and study of genetically altered models for over-expression or knockdown of individual RAS components within specific cell types, it is becoming increasingly more evident that local RAS contribute to effects of AngII in normal physiology and disease. The purpose of this review is to define the presence and physiological significance of a local RAS in adipose tissue in relation to cardiovascular disease.

Bioinformatics analysis of targeted metabolomics--uncovering old and new tales of diabetic mice under medication

Metabolomics is a powerful tool for identifying both known and new disease-related perturbations in metabolic pathways. In preclinical drug testing, it has a high potential for early identification of drug off-target effects. Recent advances in high-precision high-throughput mass spectrometry have brought the metabolomic field to a point where quantitative, targeted, metabolomic measurements with ready-to-use kits allow for the automated in-house screening for hundreds of different metabolites in large sets of biological samples. Today, the field of metabolomics is, arguably, at a point where transcriptomics was about 5 yr ago. This being so, the field has a strong need for adapted bioinformatics tools and methods. In this paper we describe a systematic analysis of a targeted quantitative characterization of more than 800 metabolites in blood plasma samples from healthy and diabetic mice under rosiglitazone treatment. We show that known and new metabolic phenotypes of diabetes and medication can be recovered in a statistically objective manner. We find that concentrations of methylglutaryl carnitine are oppositely impacted by rosiglitazone treatment of both healthy and diabetic mice. Analyzing ratios between metabolite concentrations dramatically reduces the noise in the data set, allowing for the discovery of new potential biomarkers of diabetes, such as the N-hydroxyacyloylsphingosyl-phosphocholines SM(OH)28:0 and SM(OH)26:0. Using a hierarchical clustering technique on partial eta(2) values, we identify functionally related groups of metabolites, indicating a diabetes-related shift from lysophosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylcholine levels. The bioinformatics data analysis approach introduced here can be readily generalized to other drug testing scenarios and other medical disorders.

Energy restriction enhances therapeutic efficacy of the PPARgamma agonist, rosiglitazone, through regulation of visceral fat gene expression

AIM

Consumption of a palatable diet can induce hyperphagia, leading to weight gain (dietary obesity) and insulin resistance in rats. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) can also induce hyperphagia in rats but conversely have an insulin-sensitizing effect. The aim of this study was to investigate whether preventing TZD-induced hyperphagia (i.e. energy restriction) in dietary obese (DIO) rats would enhance the insulin-sensitizing effects of treatment at a therapeutic dose; and, within this paradigm, to produce an original survey of candidate TZD-gene targets in the clinically relevant visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) depot.

METHODS

DIO rats that were either freely fed or energy restricted (i.e. pair-fed to the level of untreated controls) were treated with rosiglitazone maleate (RSG; 3 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks, the restricted group controlling for treatment-induced hyperphagia and weight gain. The outcome measures were circulating concentrations of various biochemical markers of insulin resistance, and gene expression was measured in epididymal WAT.

RESULTS

In both freely fed and pair-fed groups, compared to untreated DIO controls, RSG reduced plasma levels of insulin (-29% and -43%; p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), free fatty acids (FFAs; -45% and -48%; p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) and triglycerides (TGs; -63% and -72%; both p < 0.001), reflected in improved insulin sensitivity, as measured by homeostasis model assessment (-29% and -43%; p < 0.01 and p < 0.0001). RSG also increased the expression of the fatty acid transport/synthesis genes, fatty acid transport protein (2.4-3.2-fold), epidermal fatty acid-binding protein (FABP; 1.7-2.0-fold), heart FABP (25-29-fold) and fatty acid synthase (2.3-2.9-fold; all p < 0.05) in both groups. Adipocyte FABP was also increased by RSG treatment, but only in combination with energy restriction (1.52-fold; p < 0.05) as was hexokinase II expression (p < 0.001). In contrast, the drug had no effect on expression of several genes associated with lipolysis. Although obesity-induced hyperleptinaemia was normalized only in the energy-restricted group, leptin messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was reduced in both treated groups (all p < 0.01). Resistin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha expression was also reduced, though in the latter case, only with energy restriction (p < 0.05). Other adipokines were unaffected by RSG treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our results clearly show that energy restriction enhances the therapeutic efficacy of TZDs and suggest that this occurs, at least in part, through a modulatory effect on gene expression in visceral WAT. These findings improve our understanding of the underlying mechanistic basis for the clinical usefulness of dietary restriction as an adjunct to TZD therapy in type 2 diabetes.

Cilostazol increases 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation with improved glucose uptake associated with activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma transcription

In the present study, we assessed that cilostazol stimulates differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts into adipocytes, and to improve insulin sensitivity in conjunction with PPARgamma transcriptional activity. Upon treatment of COS-7 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with cilostazol (10 and 30 microM), endogenous PPARgamma transcriptional activity was significantly elevated in both cells as did rosiglitazone (10 microM), and these effects were suppressed by 5 microM GW9662, an antagonist of PPARgamma activity. Cilostazol-induced 3T3-L1 fibroblast differentiation into adipocytes in concert with increases in expression of PPARgamma responsive genes such as CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C-EBPalpha), aP2, which were accompanied by increased adiponectin and decreased resistin expressions as did rosiglitazone. These variables were strongly suppressed by GW9662, indicative of a PPARgamma-mediated signaling. GLUT4 protein expression and glucose uptake were significantly elevated by cilostazol as was by rosiglitazone, which were also attenuated by GW9662, indicative of improvement of insulin sensitivity. Signaling pathways involved in the cilostazol-stimulated PPARgamma transcription activity in HUVECs included phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)/AKT. Taken together, it is suggested that cilostazol increases differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts into adipocytes, and improves insulin sensitivity by stimulating PPARgamma transcription.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands as investigational modulators of angiogenesis

PPAR-gamma ligands constitute important insulin sensitizers that have already been approved for the treatment of human metabolic disorders. They also exert pleiotropic effects on cell proliferation and cancer and are now being explored in preclinical studies. Angiogenesis constitutes a multifaceted process that is implicated in tumor development and other benign disease states that are associated with diabetes. Recent data have further extended the crucial role of PPAR-gamma ligands as potential angiogenesis modulators, in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes the latest knowledge of the role of PPAR-gamma ligands in angiogenesis that are related to both malignant and non-malignant disease states. Taking into careful consideration the data so far, PPAR-gamma could be considered as a therapeutic target for diverse disease states in which excessive angiogenesis is implicated, including cancer and diabetes complications.

The potential of antidiabetic thiazolidinediones for anticancer therapy

The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are a class of synthetic compounds for treatment of insulin-resistant Type 2 diabetes mellitus. TZDs are known activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma), and exert their antidiabetic action largely through this nuclear receptor family. Moreover, increasing experimental evidences of PPAR-gamma-independent effects are accumulating. Apart from the established metabolic actions, TZD treatment exerts additional biological effect such as control of cell growth, differentiation, motility and programmed cell death. In this context, considerable interest has focused on TZDs as potential chemopreventive agents in oncology; however, despite encouraging observation on the potential anticancer effect of these drugs in several in vitro experimental models, controversial results have been obtained with animal models and in pilot clinical trials. This review summarises the molecular mechanisms of the antineoplastic actions of TZDs and the relevance of these findings in human pathology and therapy.

Involvement of PPAR nuclear receptors in tissue injury and wound repair

Tissue damage resulting from chemical, mechanical, and biological injury, or from interrupted blood flow and reperfusion, is often life threatening. The subsequent tissue response involves an intricate series of events including inflammation, oxidative stress, immune cell recruitment, and cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In addition, fibrotic repair characterized by myofibroblast transdifferentiation and the deposition of ECM proteins is activated. Failure to initiate, maintain, or stop this repair program has dramatic consequences, such as cell death and associated tissue necrosis or carcinogenesis. In this sense, inflammation and oxidative stress, which are beneficial defense processes, can become harmful if they do not resolve in time. This repair program is largely based on rapid and specific changes in gene expression controlled by transcription factors that sense injury. PPARs are such factors and are activated by lipid mediators produced after wounding. Here we highlight advances in our understanding of PPAR action during tissue repair and discuss the potential for these nuclear receptors as therapeutic targets for tissue injury.

The emerging functions of UCP2 in health, disease, and therapeutics

The uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are attracting an increased interest as potential therapeutic targets in a number of important diseases. UCP2 is expressed in several tissues, but its physiological functions as well as potential therapeutic applications are still unclear. Unlike UCP1, UCP2 does not seem to be important to thermogenesis or weight control, but appears to have an important role in the regulation of production of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of inflammation, and inhibition of cell death. These are central features in, for example, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease, and experimental evidence suggests that an increased expression and activity of UCP2 in models of these diseases has a beneficial effect on disease progression, implicating a potential therapeutic role for UCP2. UCP2 has an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes by inhibiting insulin secretion in islet beta cells. At the same time, type 2 diabetes is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis where an increased expression of UCP2 appears to be beneficial. This illustrates that therapeutic applications involving UCP2 likely will have to regulate expression and activity in a tissue-specific manner.

Uncoupling proteins: targets of endocrine disruptors?

The roles of uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are discussed. Particular attention has been paid to the roles of UCP2 to UCP5 as agents mediating thermogenesis, and to the concept of limited or "mild" uncoupling as a means of reducing oxidative stress. The role of the endocrine system, thyroid hormones and catecholamines, in regulating expression of UCPs is also discussed.

Adiponectin receptor gene expression in human skeletal muscle cells is not regulated by fibrates and thiazolidinediones

BACKGROUND

Thiazolidinediones as PPARgamma agonists and fibrates as PPARalpha agonists improve insulin sensitivity in insulin-responsive tissues. Recent data show an induction of adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) by PPARalpha and PPARgamma agonists in human macrophages.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we examined the effects of thiazolidinediones and fibrates on the expression of adiponectin receptors in human skeletal muscle cells, an important cell type in the context of insulin resistance.

RESULTS AND METHODS

In vitro differentiated human myotubes treated with troglitazone or rosiglitazone (20 h) showed no significant changes in AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA expression. PPARgamma activation was controlled by determination of PPARgamma mRNA induction. Likewise, differentiated myotubes treated with Wy-14,643 or fenofibrate (20 h) revealed no significant regulation of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA. PPARalpha activation was assessed by measuring PDHK4 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

Induction of AdipoR gene expression in human skeletal muscle cells is not involved in the insulin-sensitizing effects of thiazolidinediones or fibrates.

The effect of PPARgamma ligands on the adipose tissue in insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is frequently accompanied by obesity and both obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with a mild chronic inflammation. Elevated levels of various cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, are typically found in the adipose tissue in these conditions. It has been suggested that many cytokines produced in the adipose tissue are derived from infiltrated inflammatory cells. However, the adipose tissue itself has proven to be an important endocrine organ, secreting several hormones and cytokines, usually referred to as adipokines. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma is essential for adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. In recent years, PPARgamma and its ligands, the thiazolidinediones (TZD), have achieved great attention due to their insulin sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Treatment with TZDs result in improved insulin signaling and adipocyte differentiation, increased adipose tissue influx of free fatty acids and inhibition of cytokine expression and action. As a result, PPARgamma plays a central role in maintaining a functional and differentiated adipose tissue.

[PPAR gamma: a novel pharmacological target against retinal and choroidal neovascularization]

PPARg (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) is a nuclear receptor that regulates the transcription of numerous genes involved in the differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis of various cell types. It was initially discovered in adipocytes as a differentiation agent, then was characterized in vascular endothelium and recently in choroidal and retinal endothelial cells. Agonists that bind to PPARgamma and stimulate its transcriptional activity are endogenous lipids such as lysophosphatidic acid and 15-d-PGJ2 as well as the synthetic pharmacological compounds, thiazolidinediones, used for treating type 2 diabetes. These ligands prevent choroidal and retinal neovascularization in several experimental animal models, notably through the inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor expression. Because of the high affinity and the low molecular weight of agonists, suitable for good bioavailability, PPARgamma could potentially be a novel pharmacological target of angiostatic agents, particularly useful to treat age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Gene expression and adiposity are modified by soy protein in male Zucker diabetic fatty rats

It has earlier been demonstrated that soy protein diets ameliorate the diabetic phenotype in obese Zucker rats. In this study, we further investigated physiological changes related to adiposity in male Zucker diabetic fatty rats consuming soy-based diets and compared these diets with the insulin-sensitizing drug, rosiglitazone. Transcript abundance of known genes was assessed in the livers to identify potential molecular connections between soy diets and adiposity. Male Zucker diabetic fatty rats were assigned to casein (C) protein, low-isoflavone soy (LIS) protein, high-isoflavone soy (HIS) protein, or C + rosiglitazone (CR) diets. Compared with the C diet, the LIS diet decreased plasma lipids and increased body weight, but did not change liver weight or carcass adiposity. HIS decreased plasma lipids, liver weight, and body weight. CR decreased plasma lipids and increased carcass adiposity and body weight with no effect on liver weight. In LIS livers, 15 genes involved in signaling and lipid metabolism were up-regulated 2-fold or higher. In HIS livers, seven genes had a 2-fold or higher change in abundance. However, in CR livers, none of the genes was significantly changed compared with the C diet. There appears to be a distinct change in gene expression associated with soy diets as compared with C-based diets and rosiglitazone treatment.

Increased Akt protein expression is associated with decreased ceramide content in skeletal muscle of troglitazone-treated mice

Although it is generally believed that thiazolidinediones ameliorate insulin resistance by lowering circulating free fatty acids, direct effects of these drugs in skeletal muscle may also contribute to their antidiabetic action. We report that troglitazone administration to mice for 1 day increased the protein expression of Akt (two-fold induction, P<0.001) in skeletal muscle without significant changes in the levels of free fatty acids in plasma. Increased Akt protein expression was associated with reduced phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase abundance and with a fall in the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which in turn resulted in an increase in the content of muscular malonyl-CoA (2.4-fold, P<0.05) and lactate (1.4-fold, P<0.05). Troglitazone treatment did not affect the mRNA levels of either Akt1 or Akt2, suggesting that a transcriptional mechanism was not involved, but caused a dramatic reduction in the content of muscular ceramides (76%, P<0.001), lipid-derived second messengers known to increase Akt degradation. Our data indicate that troglitazone treatment inhibited de novo ceramide synthesis, since the content of its precursor, palmitoyl-CoA, was reduced (55%, P=0.05). These results were confirmed in C2C12 myotubes, where troglitazone treatment increased Akt protein expression and prevented the reduction of this protein and the increase in ceramide levels caused by palmitate. These findings implicate ceramide as an important intermediate in the regulation of Akt after troglitazone treatment.

Triglyceridemia and peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor-α expression are not connected in fenofibrate-treated pregnant rats

To investigate the response to fenofibrate in pregnant rats, 0 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg of fenofibrate per kilogram body weight oral doses were given twice a day from day 16 of gestation and studied at day 20. Virgin rats were studied in parallel. Whereas in pregnant rats plasma triglycerides significantly increased, in virgin rats, fenofibrate decreased plasma triglycerides which accumulated in liver. Fenofibrate faithfully modulated the hepatic expression of PPARalpha responsive genes. Fenofibrate increased mRNA contents corresponding to both acyl-CoA oxidase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR), and lowered mRNA amounts of apolipoproteins B and C-III, both in virgin and pregnant rats. However, genes related to hepatic lipogenesis, such as PPARy and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), showed an augmented expression by fenofibrate in virgin rats, but not in pregnant animals. We propose that the opposite effects of fenofibrate treatment in virgin and pregnant rats are a consequence of the enhanced capability for VLDL-triglyceride production in the latter, further promoted by the elevated amount of free fatty acids (FFA), which reach the liver in treated pregnant rats and were not sufficiently oxidized and/or stored, and therefore would have to be canalized as triglycerides to the plasma. Thus, the present study shows how fenofibrate, in spite of efficiently exerting its expected molecular effects in the liver (i.e., to induce fatty acid and lipoprotein catabolism, and to reduce TG-rich lipoprotein secretion), was unable to reverse the typical hypertriglyceridaemia of gestation.

Rosiglitazone improves postprandial triglyceride and free fatty acid metabolism in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Increased postprandial lipemia is part of diabetic dyslipidemia and is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. We investigated the effects of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist rosiglitazone on postprandial lipemia in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized, 8-week, crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was performed in which rosiglitazone at 4 mg was administrated twice daily in 19 patients with type 2 diabetes. Standardized 6-h oral fat-loading tests were performed after each treatment period. Postprandial curves were calculated as the total area under the curve (AUC) and the incremental area under the curve (dAUC).

RESULTS

Rosiglitazone did not change fasting plasma triglycerides compared with placebo (1.97 +/- 0.22 vs. 1.88 +/- 0.20 mmol/l, respectively) but decreased postprandial triglyceride levels, leading to significantly lower triglyceride dAUC (-37%, P < 0.05), without changing total triglyceride AUC. Significant postprandial triglyceride reductions in the chylomicron fraction (Svedberg flotation rate [Sf] >400) were achieved with rosiglitazone, which resulted in a significant lower triglyceride AUC (-22%) in this fraction. The postprandial triglyceride increase in VLDL1 (Sf 60-400) was also lower after rosiglitazone (-27%), but this did not result in a significant lower triglyceride AUC. In VLDL2 (Sf 20-60), there were no significant differences in triglyceride AUC and triglyceride dAUC between rosiglitazone and placebo. Rosiglitazone decreased free fatty acid (FFA) AUC (-12%) and FFA dAUC (-18%) compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Rosiglitazone improves the metabolism of large triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and decreases postprandial FFA concentrations in type 2 diabetes. This may have clinical implications, as these effects may contribute to cardiovascular risk reduction.

mRNA levels of SREBP-1c do not coincide with the changes in adipose lipogenic gene expression

Physiological differences in lipid metabolism exist according to adipose sites. To delineate at which step such gene regulation could occur, mRNA levels of various proteins involved in the overall lipogenic process were determined in subcutaneous (SC) and retroperitoneal (RP) adipose tissues. Fatty acid synthase, malic enzyme, ATP citrate lyase, insulin-sensitive glucose transporter, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA levels were coordinately reduced (by up to 50-fold) during fasting in RP and in SC relative to fed rats, and restored or overexpressed (by up to 5- to 6-fold) during refeeding. The response was most often delayed and lower in SC compared to RP. This could contribute to site-specific differences. Interestingly, SREBP-1c mRNA levels were markedly decreased by fasting in SC but remained unchanged in RP. Refeeding tended to restore levels close to fed group values. We conclude that mRNA levels of SREBP-1c do not coincide with the expected changes in adipose lipogenic gene expression of fasted/refed rats.

The effects of rosiglitazone on fatty acid and triglyceride metabolism in type 2 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We investigated the effects of rosiglitazone on NEFA and triglyceride metabolism in type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study of rosiglitazone in diet-treated type 2 diabetic subjects, we measured arteriovenous differences and tissue blood flow in forearm muscle and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, used stable isotope techniques, and analysed gene expression. Responses to a mixed meal containing [1,1,1-(13)C]tripalmitin were assessed.

RESULTS

Rosiglitazone induced insulin sensitisation without altering fasting NEFA concentrations (-6.6%, p=0.16). Postprandial NEFA concentrations were lowered by rosiglitazone compared with placebo (-21%, p=0.04). Adipose tissue NEFA release was not decreased in the fasting state by rosiglitazone treatment (+24%, p=0.17) and was associated with an increased fasting hormone-sensitive lipase rate of action (+118%, p=0.01). Postprandial triglyceride concentrations were decreased by rosiglitazone treatment (-26%, p<0.01) despite unchanged fasting concentrations. Rosiglitazone did not change concentrations of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants. Adipose tissue blood flow increased with rosiglitazone (+32%, p=0.03). Postprandial triglyceride [(13)C]palmitic acid concentrations were unchanged, whilst NEFA [(13)C]palmitic acid concentrations were decreased (p=0.04). In muscle, hexokinase II mRNA expression was increased by rosiglitazone (+166%, p=0.001) whilst the expression of genes involved in insulin signalling was unchanged. Adipose tissue expression of FABP4, LPL and FAT/CD36 was increased.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Rosiglitazone decreases postprandial NEFA and triglyceride concentrations. This may represent decreased spillover of NEFAs from adipose tissue depots. Decreased delivery of NEFAs to the liver may lead to lowered postprandial triglyceride concentrations. Upregulation of hexokinase II expression in muscle may contribute to insulin sensitisation by rosiglitazone.

The brown adipose cell: a model for understanding the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disease that occurs when insulin secretion can no longer compensate insulin resistance in peripheral tissues. At the molecular level, insulin resistance correlates with impaired insulin signalling. This review provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of insulin action and resistance in brown adipose tissue and pinpoints the role of this tissue in the control of glucose homeostasis. Brown adipocytes are target cells for insulin and IGF-I action, especially during late foetal development when insulin supports survival and promotes both adipogenic and thermogenic differentiation. The main pathway involved in insulin induction of adipogenic differentiation, monitored by fatty acid synthase expression, is the cascade insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt. Glucose transport in these cells is maintained mainly by the activity of GLUT4. Acute insulin treatment stimulates glucose transport largely by mediating translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane, involving the activation of IRS-2/PI3K, and the downstream targets Akt and protein kinase C zeta. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) caused insulin resistance on glucose uptake by impairing insulin signalling at the level of IRS-2. Activation of stress kinases and phosphatases by this cytokine contribute to insulin resistance. Furthermore, brown adipocytes are also target cells for rosiglitazone action since they show a high expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, and rosiglitazone increased the expression of the thermogenic uncoupling protein 1. Rosiglitazone ameliorates insulin resistance provoked by TNF-alpha, completely restoring insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in parallel to the insulin signalling cascade. Accordingly, foetal brown adipocytes represent a model for investigating insulin action, as well as for the mechanism by which rosiglitazone increase insulin sensitivity under situations that mimic insulin resistance.