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Nucera S, Ruga S, Cardamone A, Coppoletta AR, Guarnieri L, Zito MC, Bosco F, Macrì R, Scarano F, Scicchitano M, Maiuolo J, Carresi C, Mollace R, Cariati L, Mazzarella G, Palma E, Gliozzi M, Musolino V, Cascini GL, Mollace V. MAFLD progression contributes to altered thalamus metabolism and brain structure. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1207. [PMID: 35075185 PMCID: PMC8786899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05228-5] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), commonly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, represents a continuum of events characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation which can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and in some severe cases hepatocellular carcinoma. MAFLD might be considered as a multisystem disease that affects not only the liver but involves wider implications, relating to several organs and systems, the brain included. The present study aims to investigate changes associated with MAFLD-induced alteration of thalamic metabolism in vivo. DIAMOND (Diet-induced animal model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) mice were fed a chow diet and tap water (NC NW) or fat Western Diet (WD SW) for up to 28 weeks. At the baseline and weeks 4, 8, 20, 28 the thalamic neurochemical profile and total cerebral brain volume were evaluated longitudinally in both diet groups using 1H-MRS. To confirm the disease progression, at each time point, a subgroup of animals was sacrificed, the livers excised and placed in formalin. Liver histology was assessed and reviewed by an expert liver pathologist. MAFLD development significantly increases the thalamic levels of total N-acetylaspartate, total creatine, total choline, and taurine. Furthermore, in the WD SW group a reduction in total cerebral brain volume has been observed (p < 0.05 vs NC NW). Our results suggest that thalamic energy metabolism is affected by MAFLD progression. This metabolic imbalance, that is quantifiable by 1H-MRS in vivo, might cause structural damage to brain cells and dysfunctions of neurotransmitter release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Nucera
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Cardamone
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Coppoletta
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lorenza Guarnieri
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Zito
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Bosco
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Macrì
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Scarano
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Miriam Scicchitano
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Jessica Maiuolo
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Carresi
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Mollace
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Cariati
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mazzarella
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Micaela Gliozzi
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Musolino
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucio Cascini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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Ogbole OO, Noleto-Dias C, Kamdem RST, Akinleye TE, Nkumah A, Ward JL, Beale MH. γ-Glutamyl-β-phenylethylamine, a novel α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory compound from Termitomyces robustus, an edible Nigerian mushroom. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:4681-4691. [PMID: 34878952 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.2012774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Termitomyces species are known edible mushrooms in Nigeria, believed to have exceptional culinary and nutraceutical properties. Methanol extract from fruiting bodies of Termitomyces robustus was evaluated for antidiabetic activity using in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase assays. The isolation and structural elucidation of metabolites from the T. robustus extract afforded five compounds including a new natural product γ-glutamyl-β-phenylethylamine 3 and four known phenyl derivatives: tryptophan 1, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid 2, 4-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid 4, and phenyllactic acid 5. Structures were elucidated from analyses of spectroscopic data (1 D and 2 D NMR, HRESIMS) and all isolated compounds were tested for α-amylase and α-glycosidase inhibitory activity. The in vitro assay established crude extract to possess α- amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50 of 78.05 µg/mL and 86.10 µg/mL, respectively. The isolated compounds compared favourably with the standard drug, acarbose with IC50 ranging from 6.18-15.08 µg/mL and 18.28-44.63 µg/mL for α-amylase and glucosidase, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omonike O Ogbole
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.,Department of Computational and Analytical Sciences, Rothamsted Research, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Clarice Noleto-Dias
- Department of Computational and Analytical Sciences, Rothamsted Research, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ramsay S T Kamdem
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Higher Teachers Training College, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon.,Institute of Organic and Analytical Chemistry, Bremen-University, Bremen, Germany
| | - Toluwanimi E Akinleye
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Abraham Nkumah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Jane L Ward
- Department of Computational and Analytical Sciences, Rothamsted Research, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Michael H Beale
- Department of Computational and Analytical Sciences, Rothamsted Research, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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Central Role of Glutamate Metabolism in the Maintenance of Nitrogen Homeostasis in Normal and Hyperammonemic Brain. Biomolecules 2016; 6:biom6020016. [PMID: 27023624 PMCID: PMC4919911 DOI: 10.3390/biom6020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is present in the brain at an average concentration—typically 10–12 mM—far in excess of those of other amino acids. In glutamate-containing vesicles in the brain, the concentration of glutamate may even exceed 100 mM. Yet because glutamate is a major excitatory neurotransmitter, the concentration of this amino acid in the cerebral extracellular fluid must be kept low—typically µM. The remarkable gradient of glutamate in the different cerebral compartments: vesicles > cytosol/mitochondria > extracellular fluid attests to the extraordinary effectiveness of glutamate transporters and the strict control of enzymes of glutamate catabolism and synthesis in well-defined cellular and subcellular compartments in the brain. A major route for glutamate and ammonia removal is via the glutamine synthetase (glutamate ammonia ligase) reaction. Glutamate is also removed by conversion to the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) via the action of glutamate decarboxylase. On the other hand, cerebral glutamate levels are maintained by the action of glutaminase and by various α-ketoglutarate-linked aminotransferases (especially aspartate aminotransferase and the mitochondrial and cytosolic forms of the branched-chain aminotransferases). Although the glutamate dehydrogenase reaction is freely reversible, owing to rapid removal of ammonia as glutamine amide, the direction of the glutamate dehydrogenase reaction in the brain in vivo is mainly toward glutamate catabolism rather than toward the net synthesis of glutamate, even under hyperammonemia conditions. During hyperammonemia, there is a large increase in cerebral glutamine content, but only small changes in the levels of glutamate and α-ketoglutarate. Thus, the channeling of glutamate toward glutamine during hyperammonemia results in the net synthesis of 5-carbon units. This increase in 5-carbon units is accomplished in part by the ammonia-induced stimulation of the anaplerotic enzyme pyruvate carboxylase. Here, we suggest that glutamate may constitute a buffer or bulwark against changes in cerebral amine and ammonia nitrogen. Although the glutamate transporters are briefly discussed, the major emphasis of the present review is on the enzymology contributing to the maintenance of glutamate levels under normal and hyperammonemic conditions. Emphasis will also be placed on the central role of glutamate in the glutamine-glutamate and glutamine-GABA neurotransmitter cycles between neurons and astrocytes. Finally, we provide a brief and selective discussion of neuropathology associated with altered cerebral glutamate levels.
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Bains W. Transglutaminse 2 and EGGL, the protein cross-link formed by transglutaminse 2, as therapeutic targets for disabilities of old age. Rejuvenation Res 2013; 16:495-517. [PMID: 23968147 PMCID: PMC3869435 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2013.1452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the protein matrix that surrounds and penetrates the tissues and binds the body together, contributes significantly to functional aging of tissues. ECM proteins become increasingly cross-linked with age, and this cross-linking is probably important in the decline of the ECM's function. This article reviews the role of ε-(γ-glutamyl)-lysine (EGGL), a cross-link formed by transglutaminase enzymes, and particularly the widely expressed isozyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2), in the aging ECM. There is little direct data on EGGL accumulation with age, and no direct evidence of a role of EGGL in the aging of the ECM with pathology. However, several lines of circumstantial evidence suggest that EGGL accumulates with age, and its association with pathology suggests that this might reflect degradation of ECM function. TG activity increases with age in many circumstances. ECM protein turnover is such that some EGGL made by TG is likely to remain in place for years, if not decades, in healthy tissue, and both EGGL and TG levels are enhanced by age-related diseases. If further research shows EGGL does accumulate with age, removing it could be of therapeutic benefit. Also reviewed is the blockade of TG and active removal of EGGL as therapeutic strategies, with the conclusion that both have promise. EGGL removal may have benefit for acute fibrotic diseases, such as tendinopathy, and for treating generalized decline in ECM function with old age. Extracellular TG2 and EGGL are therefore therapeutic targets both for specific and more generalized diseases of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Bains
- SRF Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge , Cambridge, United Kingdom
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