Induction of peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase by 3-thia fatty acid, in hepatoma cells and hepatocytes in culture is modified by dexamethasone and insulin

Mechanisms of hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis during fasting

Fasting is part of many weight management and health-boosting regimens. Fasting causes substantial metabolic adaptations in the liver that include the stimulation of fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. The induction of fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis during fasting is mainly driven by interrelated changes in plasma levels of various hormones and an increase in plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels and is mediated transcriptionally by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α, supported by CREB3L3 (cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3 like 3). Compared with men, women exhibit higher ketone levels during fasting, likely due to higher NEFA availability, suggesting that the metabolic response to fasting shows sexual dimorphism. Here, we synthesize the current molecular knowledge on the impact of fasting on hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis.

PPARalpha/gamma-Independent Effects of PPARalpha/gamma Ligands on Cysteinyl Leukotriene Production in Mast Cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α ligands (Wy-14,643, and fenofibrate) and PPARγ ligands (troglitazone and ciglitazone) inhibit antigen-induced cysteinyl leukotriene production in immunoglobulin E-treated mast cells. The inhibitory effect of these ligands on cysteinyl leukotriene production is quite strong and is almost equivalent to that of the anti-asthma compound zileuton. To develop new aspects for anti-asthma drugs the pharmacological target of these compounds should be clarified. Experiments with bone-marrow-derived mast cells from PPARα knockout mice and pharmacological inhibitors of PPARγ suggest that the inhibitory effects of these ligands are independent of PPARs α and γ. The mechanisms of the PPAR-independent inhibition by these agents on cysteinyl leukotriene production are discussed in this review.

Hypolipidemic effects of silymarin are not mediated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha

Silymarin is widely used in supportive therapy of liver diseases. It has been shown lately that silymarin has beneficial effects on some risk factors of atherosclerosis owing to its hypolipidemic properties. PPARalpha plays a key role in lipid metabolism and homeostasis as its target genes are involved in catabolism of fatty acids by beta-oxidation (e.g. acyl-CoA oxidase) and by omega-oxidation (e.g. cytochrome P4504A). Here we studied the possibility that hypolipidemic effects of silymarin may be mediated by PPARalpha. Rats fed with a high-cholesterol diet with either silymarin or fenofibrate (as a positive control both for PPARalpha expression as well as for lipid determination) were used. The effects of silymarin on expression of PPARalpha both at the mRNA (including selected target genes) as well as the protein level were determined. In parallel, the levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerols were determined. Our results confirmed the hypolipidemic effects of silymarin and demonstrated that these effects are probably not mediated by PPARalpha because of unchanged mRNA levels of PPARalpha target genes. Furthermore, this work shows for the first time that cholesterol itself inhibits expression of CYP4A mRNA.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha-independent effects of peroxisome proliferators on cysteinyl leukotriene production in mast cells

The effects of peroxisome proliferators, the ligands of a nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha, on cysteinyl leukotriene production were investigated in rodent mast cells. Peroxisome proliferators Wy-14,643 (30 microM) and fenofibrate (100 microM) significantly inhibited the cysteinyl leukotriene production that was induced by antigen (Ag) treatment after overnight sensitization to Ag specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 mast cell line. Similar inhibition by these drugs was observed in IgE and Ag-treated mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, A23187-treated RBL-2H3 and A23187-treated mouse peritoneal macrophages. Wy-14,643 (30 microM) and fenofibrate (100 microM) did not affect the release of radioactivity from RBL-2H3 pre-incubated with [(3)H]-arachidonic acid, which is considered an index of phospholipase A(2) activity. Wy-14,643 (30 microM) and fenofibrate (100 microM) did not directly inhibit 5-lipoxygenase activity. Troglitazone was found to directly inhibit the activity of 5-lipoxygenase. The PPARalpha mRNA level was at less than the limit of detection for the realtime polymerase chain reaction both in RBL-2H3 and bone marrow-derived mast cells. Wy-14,643 (30 microM) and fenofibrate (100 microM) did not induce acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA in RBL-2H3, which was reported to be induced by peroxisome proliferators via PPARalpha in hepatocytes. Wy-14,643 (30 microM) and fenofibrate (100 microM) inhibited the cysteinyl leukotriene production in bone marrow-derived mast cells from PPARalpha-null mice. It was concluded that the inhibitory effects of these peroxisome proliferators on cysteinyl leukotriene production are independent of PPARalpha in mast cells.

Sulfur-substituted and alpha-methylated fatty acids as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activators

FA with varying chain lengths and an alpha-methyl group and/or a sulfur in the beta-position were tested as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)alpha, -delta(beta), and -gamma ligands by transient transfection in COS-1 cells using chimeric receptor expression plasmids, containing cDNAs encoding the ligand-binding domain of PPARalpha, -delta, and -gamma. For PPARalpha, an increasing activation was found with increasing chain length of the sulfur-substituted FA up to C14-S acetic acid (tetradecylthioacetic acid = TTA). The derivatives were poor, and nonsignificant, activators of PPARdelta. For PPARgamma, activation increased with increasing chain length up to C16-S acetic acid. A methyl group was introduced in the alpha-position of palmitic acid, TTA, EPA, DHA, cis9,trans11 CLA, and trans10,cis12 CLA. An increased activation of PPARalpha was obtained for the alpha-methyl derivatives compared with the unmethylated FA. This increase also resulted in increased expression of the two PPARalpha target genes acyl-CoA oxidase and liver FA-binding protein for alpha-methyl TTA, alpha-methyl EPA, and alpha-methyl DHA. Decreased or altered metabolism of these derivatives in the cells cannot be excluded. In conclusion, saturated FA with sulfur in the beta-position and increasing carbon chain length from C9-S acetic acid to C14-S acetic acid have increasing effects as activators of PPARalpha and -gamma in transfection assays. Furthermore, alpha-methyl FA derivatives of a saturated natural FA (palmitic acid), a sulfur-substituted FA (TTA), and PUFA (EPA, DHA, c9,t11 CLA, and t10,c12 CLA) are stronger PPARalpha activators than the unmethylated compounds.

Pathophysiological Factors Affecting CAR Gene Expression

The body defends itself against potentially harmful compounds, such as drugs and toxic endogenous compounds and their metabolites, by inducing the expression of enzymes and transporters involved in their metabolism and elimination. The orphan nuclear receptor CAR (NR1I3 controls phase I (CYP2B, CYP2C, CYP3A), phase II (UGT1A1), and transporter (SLC21A6, MRP2) genes involved in drug metabolism and bilirubin clearance. Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is activated by xenobiotics, such as phenobarbital, but also by toxic endogenous compounds such as bilirubin metabolite(s). To better understand the inter- and intravariability in drug detoxification, we studied the molecular mechanisms involved in CAR gene expression in human hepatocytes. We clearly identified CAR as a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) target gene, and we proposed the hypothesis of a signal transduction where the activation of GR plays a critical function in CAR-mediated cellular response. According to our model, chemicals or pathophysiological factors that affect GR function should decrease CAR function. To test this hypothesis, we recently investigated the effect of microtubule disrupting agents (MIAs) or proinflammatory cytokines. These compounds are well-known inhibitors of GR transactivation property. MIAs activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which phosphorylates and inactivates GR, whereas proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 or IL1beta, induce AP-1 or NF-kB activation, respectively, leading to GR inhibition. As expected, we observed that these molecules inhibit both CAR gene expression and phenobarbital-mediated CYP gene expression in human hepatocytes.

Transcriptional analysis of the orphan nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (NR1I3) gene promoter: identification of a distal glucocorticoid response element

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3) transcriptionally activates cytochrome P450 2B6, 2C9, and 3A4 when activated by xenobiotics, such as phenobarbital. Information on the human CAR promoter was obtained by searching the NCBI human genome database. A contig (NT026945) corresponding to a fragment of chromosome 1q21 was found to contain the complete CAR gene. These data were confirmed using chromosomal in situ hybridization. Both primer extension and 5'-rapid amplification of the cDNA end PCR analysis were carried out to determine the transcriptional start site of human CAR, which was found to be 32 nucleotides downstream of a potential TATA box (CATAAAA). In addition, we found that the 5'-untranslated region of CAR mRNA is 110 nucleotides shorter than previously reported. Using genomic PCR, we amplified and cloned approximately 4.9 kb (-4711/+144) of the CAR gene promoter. The activity of this promoter was measured by transient transfection. Deletion analysis suggested the presence of a glucocorticoid responsive element in its distal region (-4477/-4410). From cotransfection experiments, mutagenesis, and gel shift assays, we identified a glucocorticoid response element at -4447/-4432 that was recognized and transactivated by the human glucocorticoid receptor. Finally, using the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrated that the glucocorticoid receptor binds to the distal region of CAR promoter in cultured hepatocytes only in the presence of dexamethasone. Identification of this functional element provides a rational mechanistic basis for CAR induction by glucocorticoids. CAR appears to be a primary glucocorticoid receptor-response gene.

Liver X receptors as insulin-mediating factors in fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis

The nuclear receptor liver X receptor (LXR) alpha, an important regulator of cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, was analyzed after insulin stimulation in liver in vitro and in vivo. A time- and dose-dependent increase in LXRalpha steady-state mRNA level was seen after insulin stimulation of primary rat hepatocytes in culture. A maximal induction of 10-fold was obtained when hepatocytes were exposed to 400 nm insulin for 24 h. Cycloheximide, a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis, prevented induction of LXRalpha mRNA expression by insulin, indicating that the induction is dependent on de novo synthesis of proteins. Stabilization studies using actinomycin D indicated that insulin stimulation increased the half-life of LXRalpha transcripts in cultured primary hepatocytes. Complementary studies where rats and mice were injected with insulin induced LXRalpha mRNA levels and confirmed our in vitro studies. Furthermore, deletion of both the LXRalpha and LXRbeta genes (double knockout) in mice markedly suppressed insulin-mediated induction of an entire class of enzymes involved in both fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism. The discovery of insulin regulation of LXR in hepatic tissue as well as gene targeting studies in mice provide strong evidence that LXRs plays a central role not only in cholesterol homeostasis, but also in fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, LXRs appear to be important insulin-mediating factors in regulation of lipogenesis.

Regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase expression by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha ligands, glucocorticoids, and insulin

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) catalyzes phosphorylation and inactivation of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). Two isoforms of this mitochondrial kinase (PDK2 and PDK4) are induced in a tissue-specific manner in response to starvation and diabetes. Inactivation of PDC by increased PDK activity promotes gluconeogenesis by conserving three-carbon substrates. This helps maintain glucose levels during starvation, but is detrimental in diabetes. Factors that regulate PDK2 and PDK4 expression were examined in Morris hepatoma 7800 C1 cells. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) agonist WY-14,643 and the glucocorticoid dexamethasone increased PDK4 mRNA levels. Neither compound affected the half-life of the PDK4 message, suggesting that both increase gene transcription. Fatty acids caused an increase in the PDK4 message comparable to that induced by WY-14,643. Insulin prevented and reversed the stimulatory effects of dexamethasone on PDK4 gene expression, but was less effective against the stimulatory effects of WY-14,643 and fatty acids. Insulin also decreased the abundance of the PDK2 message. The findings suggest that decreased levels of insulin and increased levels of fatty acids and glucocorticoids promote PDK4 gene expression in starvation and diabetes. The decreased level of insulin is likely responsible for the increase in PDK2 mRNA level in starvation and diabetes.

Nutritionally induced changes in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha gene expression in liver of suckling rats are dependent on insulinaemia

It was previously found that the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) was markedly augmented in the liver of suckling rats, in comparison to the fetuses and most notably to adult rats and it paralleled similar changes in hepatic lipid concentration. To determine whether these changes could be related to the high lipid content of the maternal milk and/or to hormonal status, the role of changes in nutrient availability and in plasma insulin concentration on liver expression during the perinatal stage in vivo in the rat was studied. When suckling rats were weaned on day 17, instead of on day 20, the level of hepatic PPARalpha mRNA decreased earlier than in rats weaned later. When 10-day-old rats were force-fed with either glucose or Intralipid or a combination of both diets, it was found that, at similar low levels of plasma insulin, a high level of FFA stimulated PPARalpha expression, whereas, at similar high plasma FFA concentrations, an elevated insulin level attenuated the increase in PPARalpha expression. It is proposed that both the high lipid intake and decreased plasma insulin level are responsible for the high PPARalpha expression detected in rat neonates.

The biochemistry of hypo- and hyperlipidemic fatty acid derivatives: metabolism and metabolic effects

A selection of amphipatic hyper- and hypolipidemic fatty acid derivatives (fibrates, thia- and branched chain fatty acids) are reviewed. They are probably all ligands for the peroxisome proliferation activation receptor (PPARalpha) which has a low selectivity for its ligands. These compounds give hyper- or hypolipidemic responses depending on their ability to inhibit or stimulate mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in the liver. The hypolipidemic response is explained by the following metabolic effects: Lipoprotein lipase is induced in liver where it is normally not expressed. Apolipoprotein CIII is downregulated. These two effects in liver lead to a facilitated (re)uptake of chylomicrons and VLDL, thus creating a direct transport of fatty acids from the gut to the liver. Fatty acid metabolizing enzymes in the liver (CPT-I and II, peroxisomal and mitochondrial beta-oxidation enzymes, enzymes of ketogenesis, and omega-oxidation enzymes) are induced and create an increased capacity for fatty acid oxidation. The increased oxidation of fatty acids "drains" fatty acids from the body, reduces VLDL formation, and ultimately explains the antiadiposity and improved insulin sensitivity observed after administration of peroxisome proliferators.

Cross-talk between fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism mediated by liver X receptor-alpha

LXR alpha (liver X receptor, also called RLD-1) is a nuclear receptor, highly expressed in tissues that play a role in lipid homeostasis. In this report we show that fatty acids are positive regulators of LXR alpha gene expression and we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation. In cultured rat hepatoma and primary hepatocyte cells, fatty acids and the sulfur-substituted fatty acid analog, tetradecylthioacetic acid, robustly induce LXR alpha (up to 3.5- and 7-fold, respectively) but not LXR beta (also called OR-1) mRNA steady state levels, with unsaturated fatty acids being more effective than saturated fatty acids. RNA stability and nuclear run-on studies demonstrate that changes in the transcription rate of the LXR alpha gene account for the major part of the induction of LXR alpha mRNA levels. A similar induction of protein level was also seen after treatment of primary hepatocytes with the same fatty acids. Consistent with such a transcriptional effect, transient transfection studies with a luciferase reporter gene, driven by 1.5 kb of the 5'-flanking region of the mouse (m)LXR alpha gene, show a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha-dependent increase in luciferase activity upon treatment with tetradecylthioacetic acid and the synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha activator, Wy 14.643, suggesting that the mLXR alpha 5'-flanking region contains the necessary sequence elements for fatty acid responsiveness. In addition, in vivo LXR alpha expression was induced by fatty acids, consistent with the in vitro cell culture data. These observations demonstrate that LXR alpha expression is controlled by fatty acid signaling pathways and suggest an important cross-talk between fatty acid and cholesterol regulation of lipid metabolism.

Dexamethasone stimulates leptin release from human adipocytes: unexpected inhibition by insulin

In the present study we have examined the effect of dexamethasone on ob gene mRNA expression and leptin release from isolated human subcutaneous adipocytes. Dexamethasone stimulated leptin release from cultured adipocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A two-fold increase in leptin release was detectable by 36 h of treatment with 10(-7) M dexamethasone. Leptin release was preceded by a significant 83 +/- 30% increase in ob mRNA after 24 h exposure to the compound. Co-incubation of cells with dexamethasone (10(-7) M) and insulin (10(-7) or 10(-9) M) completely blocked the dexamethasone-stimulated increase in ob mRNA and leptin release. These data demonstrate that insulin and glucocorticoids regulate leptin synthesis and release from human adipocytes in vitro.

Retinoid X receptor (RXR alpha) gene expression is regulated by fatty acids and dexamethasone in hepatic cells

This work describes the molecular mechanism of fatty acid and hormonal modulation of retinoid X receptor (RXR alpha) in rat liver. We examined the effects of different fatty acids (myristic-, stearic-, linolenic-, oleic-, arachidonic- and tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA)) and the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone on RXR alpha mRNA and protein steady-state levels in hepatoma cells and cultured hepatocytes. Fatty acids induced the RXR alpha gene expression where TTA showed the most inductive effect (three-fold induction). Dexamethasone alone resulted in a stronger induction (up to seven-fold in hepatocytes), and in combination with fatty acids, an additive or synergistic effect was observed. The RXR alpha protein level in cultured hepatocytes showed a similar pattern of regulation, with a slight inductive effect of fatty acids and an additive or synergistic effect was observed in combination with dexamethasone. Our results indicate that the RXR alpha gene expression is under distinct regulation by fatty acids and dexamethasone acid which strongly suggests a coupling with the lipid metabolizing system and the retinoid signaling pathway.

Thia fatty acids, metabolism and metabolic effects

(1) The chemical properties of thia fatty acids are similar to normal fatty acids, but their metabolism (see below: points 2-6) and metabolic effects (see below: points 7-15) differ greatly from these and are dependent upon the position of the sulfur atom. (2) Long-chain thia fatty acids and alkylthioacrylic acids are activated to their CoA esters in endoplasmatic reticulum. (3) 3-Thia fatty acids cannot be beta-oxidized. They are metabolized by extramitochondrial omega-oxidation and sulfur oxidation in the endoplasmatic reticulum followed by peroxisomal beta-oxidation to short sulfoxy dicarboxylic acids. (4) 4-Thia fatty acids are beta-oxidized mainly in mitochondria to alkylthioacryloyl-CoA esters which accumulate and are slowly converted to 2-hydroxy-4-thia acyl-CoA which splits spontaneously to an alkylthiol and malonic acid semialdehyde-CoA ester. The latter presumably is hydrolyzed and metabolized to acetyl-CoA and CO2. (5) Both 3- and 4-thiastearic acid are desaturated to the corresponding thia oleic acids. (6) Long-chain 3- and 4-thia fatty acids are incorporated into phospholipids in vivo, particularly in heart, and in hepatocytes and other cells in culture. (7) Long-chain 3-thia fatty acids change the fatty acid composition of the phospholipids: in heart, the content of n-3 fatty acids increases and n-6 fatty acids decreases. (8) 3-Thia fatty acids increase fatty acid oxidation in liver through inhibition of malonyl-CoA synthesis, activation of CPT I, and induction of CPT-II and enzymes of peroxisomal beta-oxidation. Activation of fatty acid oxidation is the key to the hypolipidemic effect of 3-thia fatty acids. Also other lipid metabolizing enzymes are induced. (9) Fatty acid- and cholesterol synthesis is inhibited in hepatocytes. (10) The nuclear receptors PPAR alpha and RXR alpha are induced by 3-thia fatty acids. (11) The induction of enzymes and of PPAR alpha and RXR alpha are increased by dexamethasone and counteracted by insulin. (12) 4-Thia fatty acids inhibit fatty acid oxidation and induce fatty liver in vivo. The inhibition presumably is explained by accumulation of alkylthioacryloyl-CoA in the mitochondria. This metabolite is a strong inhibitor of CPT-II. (13) Alkylthioacrylic acids inhibits both fatty acid oxidation and esterification. Inhibition of esterification presumably follows accumulation of extramitochondrial alkylthioacryloyl-CoA, an inhibitor of microsomal glycerophosphate acyltransferase. (14) 9-Thia stearate is a strong inhibitor of the delta 9-desaturase in liver and 10-thia stearate of dihydrosterculic acid synthesis in trypanosomes. (15) Some attempts to develop thia fatty acids as drugs are also reviewed.

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARS) and their effects on lipid metabolism and adipocyte differentiation

The three types of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR), alpha, beta (or delta), and gamma, each with a specific tissue distribution, compose a subfamily of the nuclear hormone receptor gene family. Although peroxisome proliferators, including fibrates and fatty acids, activate the transcriptional activity of these receptors, only prostaglandin J2 derivatives have been identified as natural ligands of the PPAR gamma subtype, which also binds thiazolidinedione antidiabetic agents with high affinity. Activated PPARs heterodimerize with RXR and alter the transcription of target genes after binding to specific response elements or PPREs, consisting of a direct repeat of the nuclear receptor hexameric DNA core recognition motif spaced by one nucleotide. The different PPARs can be considered key messengers responsible for the translation of nutritional, pharmacological and metabolic stimuli into changes in the expression of genes, more specifically those genes involved in lipid metabolism. PPAR alpha is involved in stimulating beta-oxidation of fatty acids. In rodents, a PPAR alpha-mediated change in the expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism lies at the basis of the phenomenon of peroxisome proliferation, a pleiotropic cellular response, mainly limited to liver and kidney and which can lead to hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition to their role in peroxisome proliferation in rodents, PPAR is also involved in the control of HDL cholesterol levels by fibrates and fatty acids in rodents and humans. This effect is, at least partially, based on a PPAR-mediated transcriptional regulation of the major HDL apolipoproteins, apo A-I and apo A-II. The hypotriglyceridemic action of fibrates and fatty acids also involves PPARs and can be summarized as follows: (1) an increased lipolysis and clearance of remnant particles, due to changes in LPL and apo C-III levels, (2) a stimulation of cellular fatty acid uptake and their conversion to acyl-CoA derivatives by the induction of FAT, FATP and ACS activity, (3) an induction of fatty acid beta-oxidation pathways, (4) a reduction in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis, and finally (5) a decrease in VLDL production. Hence, both enhanced catabolism of triglyceride-rich particles as well as reduced secretion of VLDL particles are mechanisms that contribute to the hypolipidemic effect of fibrates and FFAs. Whereas for PPAR beta no function so far has been identified, PPAR gamma triggers adipocyte differentiation by inducing the expression of several genes critical for adipogenesis.

Effects of chain length and sulphur position of thia fatty acids on their incorporation into phospholipids in 7800 C1 hepatoma cells and isolated rat hepatocytes, and their effects on fatty acid composition of phospholipids

Incorporation of thia fatty acids and their effects on the fatty acid composition in phospholipids has been investigated in 7800 C1 hepatoma cells and cultured hepatocytes. 3-Thia fatty acids of chain lengths from dodecyl-to hexadecyl-thioacetic acid were incorporated into phospholipids during a 3-day incubation. Longer and shorter 3-thia fatty acids were barely detectable. Tetradecylthioacetic acid, 3-thia stearate, and their delta9- desaturated derivatives were maximally incorporated into whole-cell phospholipids. The amount of tetradecylthioacetic acid incorporated into phospholipids of hepatoma cells remained almost identical in cells cultured for 3 days or adapted over a period of 1 year. Delta9-desaturated metabolites of long chain thia fatty acids (C13-to C16-S-acetic acid) were identified by GC-MS in phospholipids. 3-Thia stearate appeared to be the best substrated for delta9 desaturase. Incubation of hepatoma cells with thia fatty acids led to alterations in the amount of normal fatty acids in total phospholipids. The amounts of 16:0 and 18:1 decreased and 18:2 (n-6) and 20:5 (n-3) increased. Changes in the normal fatty acid composition of phospholipids were seen both with thia acids incorporated into phospholipids and those not incorporated. These effects, therefore, may be only partially dependent on displacement of normal fatty acids by thia fatty acids. Morris 7800 C1 hepatoma cell acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) and peroxisomal acyl-CpA oxidase (ACO) were induced by thia fatty acids of all chain lengths, and with the sulphur atom(s) in different positions. Control experiments with hepatocytes revealed a similar incorporation of thia fatty acids in these physiologically more normal cells.

Regulation of rat liver apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein A-II and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase gene expression by fibrates and dietary fatty acids

The regulation by fibrates and dietary fatty acids of the hepatic gene expression of apolipoproteins (apo) A-I and A-II, the major protein constituents of high-density lipoproteins, as well as of acyl-CoA oxidase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathway, was studied in vivo in the rat and in vitro in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. In primary hepatocytes, different fibrates decreased apo A-I and increased acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA levels, whereas apo A-II mRNA only decreased in level after treatment with fenofibric acid, but not after bezafibrate, gemfibrozil or Wy-14643 treatment. Treatment with fenofibric acid counteracted the increase in apo A-I mRNA levels observed after dexamethasone or all-trans retinoic acid treatment, whereas simultaneous addition of fenofibric acid together with all-trans retinoic acid or dexamethasone resulted in a superinduction of acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA. Addition of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosanohexaenoic acid and eicosanopentaenoic acid, or the fatty acid derivative alpha-bromopalmitate, decreased apo A-I and increased acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, whereas apo A-II mRNA did not change significantly. Nuclear run-on experiments demonstrated that fenofibric acid and alpha-bromopalmitate decreased apo A-I and increased acyl-CoA oxidase gene expression at the transcriptional level. When rats were fed isocaloric diets enriched in saturated fat (hydrogenated coconut oil), n-6 PUFAs (safflower oil) or n-3 PUFAs (fish oil), a significant decrease in liver apo A-I and apo A-II mRNA levels was only observed after fish oil feeding. Compared to feeding low fat, liver acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA increased after fat feeding, but this effect was most pronounced (twofold) in rats fed fish oil. Results from these studies indicate that fish oil feeding reduces rat liver apo A-I and apo A-II gene expression, similar to results obtained after feeding fenofibrate. Fibrates and n-3 fatty acids (and the fatty acid derivative, alpha-bromopalmitate) down-regulate apo A-I and induce acyl-CoA oxidase gene expression through a direct transcriptional action on the hepatocyte. In contrast, only fenofibric acid, but not the other fibrates or fatty acids tested, decrease apo A-II gene expression in vitro.

Targeted disruption of the alpha isoform of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gene in mice results in abolishment of the pleiotropic effects of peroxisome proliferators

To gain insight into the function of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms in rodents, we disrupted the ligand-binding domain of the alpha isoform of mouse PPAR (mPPAR alpha) by homologous recombination. Mice homozygous for the mutation lack expression of mPPAR alpha protein and yet are viable and fertile and exhibit no detectable gross phenotypic defects. Remarkably, these animals do not display the peroxisome proliferator pleiotropic response when challenged with the classical peroxisome proliferators, clofibrate and Wy-14,643. Following exposure to these chemicals, hepatomegaly, peroxisome proliferation, and transcriptional-activation of target genes were not observed. These results clearly demonstrate that mPPAR alpha is the major isoform required for mediating the pleiotropic response resulting from the actions of peroxisome proliferators. mPPAR alpha-deficient animals should prove useful to further investigate the role of this receptor in hepatocarcinogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and cell cycle regulation.

Transcriptional and post-transcriptional analysis of peroxisomal protein encoding genes from rat treated with an hypolipemic agent, ciprofibrate. Effect of an intermittent treatment and influence of obesity

The treatment of rats with ciprofibrate, a potent peroxisome proliferator, led to increased levels of the peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) mRNA. How ciprofibrate functions to elevate ACO mRNA is not known. To help determine the mechanism of ciprofibrate action, in vitro transcription assays were performed. It was determined that ciprofibrate was responsible for a 3.5-fold stimulation of the rate of ACO transcription within 24 hr of ingestion. It was also observed that the transcription rate stimulation following a 2-week ciprofibrate treatment of Wistar rats was maintained following 4 weeks of ciprofibrate withdrawal. Re-introduction of the drug after the 4-week pause resulted in greater stimulation than was initially observed. The results demonstrate that the effect of ciprofibrate is rapid and persists at least twice as long as the initial treatment period. In Zucker rats, both lean and obese, ACO mRNA levels were examined following 2 weeks of ciprofibrate treatment (1 or 3 mg/kg body weight/day). The presence of increased blood levels of triglycerides did not increase ciprofibrate action on transcription, although basal levels of transcription of peroxisomal enzymes were higher in obese rats. The increase in the ACO mRNA level was greater than the transcription rate stimulation suggesting a post-transcriptional regulation.

Dexamethasone and insulin demonstrate marked and opposite regulation of the steady-state mRNA level of the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) in hepatic cells. Hormonal modulation of fatty-acid-induced transcription

Fatty acids and the peroxisomal proliferator, 3-tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) stimulate transcription of peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes. Recently, we have shown that their actions are markedly modulated by dexamethasone and insulin which show synergistic and inhibitory effects, respectively. In this study, we describe the regulation of the peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), a member of the steroid-hormone-receptor superfamily, in a similar manner by hormones and fatty acids, supporting the hypothesis that PPAR may act as a ligand-activated transcription factor. Northern-blot analysis of steady-state mRNA levels revealed three different specific transcripts for PPAR of 10.2, 4.6 and 1.8 kb, and the former two being regulated in hepatic tissue, hepatocytes and hepatoma cells. Dexamethasone produced a pronounced overall stimulatory effect (15.3-fold) in rat hepatocytes, while insulin blocked this action completely. Minor inductions of PPAR mRNA (up to twofold induction) were observed when different fatty acids were administrated alone. However, in combination with dexamethasone, additive or synergistic actions, mounting to 24-fold stimulation, were observed, while insulin always exerted an over-riding down-regulatory effect. In non-fasting rats receiving dexamethasone, elevation of serum insulin, a slight increase in serum free fatty acids accompanied by PPAR mRNA level increases of 2.4-fold and stimulation of liver peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA were observed. Our results suggest that PPAR mRNA expression is under strict hormonal control and that the fatty acids and hormones affect PPAR mRNA levels in a manner analogous to the regulation of the peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes. The PPAR gene-regulating unit apparently contains hormone-response elements (HRE) for dexamethasone and insulin, which are thus functionally important for PPAR transcription in liver cells, making a significant enhancement or inhibition of the physiological actions of fatty acids possible.

Effects of perfluorooctanoic acid--a potent peroxisome proliferator in rat--on Morris hepatoma 7800C1 cells, a rat cell line

In this study, Morris hepatoma 7800C1 cells (from rat) were exposed to 500 microM perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the culture medium for 7 days. This treatment resulted in inductions of catalase, lauroyl-CoA oxidase (which catalyzes the first step in peroxisomal beta-oxidation) and of cytochrome P-450IVA (specialized for omega- and omega-1 hydroxylation of fatty acids). Northern blot analysis revealed that the level of mRNA for peroxisomal fatty acyl-CoA oxidase was enhanced in cells treated with PFOA. Inductions of the enzymes mentioned above are generally connected with peroxisome proliferation in vivo. This work also includes a comparison between the activities of catalase, lauroyl-CoA oxidase, DT-diaphorase and glutathione transferase in rat liver homogenate and 7800C1 cells in order to investigate to what extent this cell line differs from the situation in vivo. The findings suggest that the cells selectively lost most of their peroxisomes during transformation into a cell line and subsequent propagation. The control activities of catalase and lauroyl-CoA oxidase (marker enzymes for peroxisomes) were only about 2% of the corresponding enzyme activities in rat liver. In addition, a morphological study revealed that the frequency of peroxisomes in 7800C1 cells is very low. The control activity of glutathione transferase in 7800C1 cells was 11% of the corresponding activity in rat liver homogenate, whereas the level of DT-diaphorase was virtually the same in 7800C1 cells as in rat liver. Electron microscopic investigation of the control cultures revealed all signs of viable cells, with well-developed cell organelles. Treatment of 7800C1 cells with 500 microM PFOA has little effect on cellular morphology.

Impact of cytochrome P450 system on lipoprotein metabolism. Effect of abnormal fatty acids (3-thia fatty acids)

Fatty acid omega-hydroxylation, peroxisomal and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and related lipid-metabolizing enzymes are constitutive activities of mammalian cells. The past 5 years have witnessed an increased interest in the modulation of these pathways and functions by a new group of abnormal fatty acids (sulfur-substituted fatty acid analogs), due to the metabolic and nutritional aspects related to human health and disease, and possible treatment of certain inherited peroxisomal and mitochondrial disorders. The purpose of this review is to present an overview of current knowledge in the field and to provide an account of recent developments, particularly with respect to the chemical nature of the biologically active factors and their possible mechanism of action.

The effects of long-term administration of 3-thia fatty acid, a peroxisome proliferator, to Morris 7800 C1 hepatoma cells

Morris 7800 C1 hepatoma cells were grown in the presence of 80 microM tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA), a peroxisome proliferator, for 1 year (long-term-treated cells). The growth of the Morris 7800 C1 hepatoma cells was inhibited in cells treated with TTA for up to 8 days. Treatment of the cells with TTA for 1 year did not reduce growth further. The growth inhibition was easily reversed by insulin (0.4 microM). Peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) (EC 1.3.99.3) activity was increased 5.5 times in cells treated with TTA for 3 days. In the cells treated with TTA for 1 year the ACO activity was increased only two times. A similar ACO mRNA half-life (two times the control) was found in cells treated with TTA for 1 year and for 3 days. This implies a loss of effect of TTA on the transcription rate of the ACO gene in long-term-treated cells.

Hormonal and substrate regulation of 3-thia fatty acid metabolism in Morris 7800 C1 hepatoma cells

The 3-thia fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) has recently been shown to inhibit growth rate and increase peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) (EC 1.3.99.3) activity in the Morris 7800 C1 hepatoma cells. Dexamethasone potentiates and insulin antagonizes these effects of TTA. We demonstrate here the metabolism of the 3-thia acids in these cells and the influence of insulin and dexamethasone on this. (1) The Morris 7800 C1 hepatoma cells exhibited a low omega-hydroxylation activity of the 3-thia acid (and lauric acid). The combination of TTA and dexamethasone induced the omega-hydroxylation and ACO activities in these cells. TTA alone induced ACO activity, but not omega-hydroxylation activity. Insulin counteracted the induction of both enzyme activities. These results indicate that these two enzyme activities are under similar but independent regulation. (2) Hepatoma cells grown with 80 microM TTA in the medium accumulated phospholipids containing the 3-thia fatty acid. After 7 days, TTA accounted for approx. 40% of the total fatty acids in the phospholipids. In addition, TTA affected the incorporation of endogenous fatty acids into phospholipids by decreasing the amounts of palmitic (C16:0) and vaccenic (C18:1(n-7)) acid and increasing the amounts of linoleic (C18:2(n-6)) and alpha-linolenic (C18:3(n-3)) acid in the phospholipids. (3) Dexamethasone increased the incorporation of labelled TTA into both phospholipids and triacylglycerol. Most of the labelled triacylglycerol formed was secreted into the medium. Insulin increased the incorporation of labelled TTA into triacylglycerol, but not into phospholipids. The labelled triacylglycerol formed was retained in the cells.