Involvement of calmodulin- and protein kinase C-related mechanism in an induction process of peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation-related enzymes by hypolipidemic peroxisome proliferators

Effects of WY-14643 on peroxisomal enzyme activity and hormone secretion in immortalized human trophoblast cells

In our previous report, clofibric acid increased both the enzyme activities of peroxisomes (catalase and fatty acyl-CoA oxidase) and the secretion of progesterone in immortalized human extravillous trophoblast cells (TCL-1) (F. Hashimoto et al., Biochem. Pharm., 68, 313 (2004)). WY-14643 is reported to be stronger inducer of peroxisomes in rodents than clofibric acid. Therefore, the effects of WY-14643 on the activities of peroxisomal enzymes and hormone secretion in TCL-1 were studied. After incubation for 3 d with WY-14643, WY-14643 (>/=0.15 mM) suppressed the rate of increase in DNA and protein. The specific activities of catalase were increased by 0.1 mM WY-14643. The specific activities of fatty acyl-CoA oxidase were hardly changed by WY-14643. The concentration of progesterone in the medium was increased by 0.1 mM WY-14643, but human chorionic gonadotropin was decreased by 0.2 mM WY-14643. After a discontinuous Nycodenz-density gradient centrifugation of the light mitochondrial fraction of the cells, catalase activity was distributed in lower density fractions than cytochrome-c oxidase (a mitochondria marker enzyme) activity, but the distribution was not changed by WY-14643. These results suggest that WY-14643 inhibits the proliferation of trophoblast cells. The density of peroxisomes in human trophoblast cells is lower than that of mitochondria, and it is not affected by WY-14643. WY-14643 may increase the progesterone secretion. Effects of WY-14643 on metabolism of human trophoblast cells are different from those of clofibric acid.

Clofibrate-induced relocation of phosphatidylcholine transfer protein to mitochondria in endothelial cells

The phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP) is a specific transporter of phosphatidylcholine (PC) between membranes. To get more insight into its physiological function, we have studied the localization of PC-TP by microinjection of fluorescently labeled PC-TP in foetal bovine heart endothelial (FBHE) cells and by expression of an enhanced yellow fluorescent protein-PC-TP fusion protein in FBHE cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and HepG2 cells. Analysis by confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that PC-TP was evenly distributed throughout the cytosol with an apparently elevated level in nuclei. By measuring the fluorescence recovery after bleaching it was established that PC-TP is highly mobile throughout the cell, with its transport into the nucleus being hindered by the nuclear envelope. Given the proposed function of PC-TP in lipid metabolism, we have tested a number of compounds (phorbol ester, bombesin, A23187, thrombin, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, oleate, clofibrate, platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and hydrogen peroxide) for their ability to affect intracellular PC-TP distribution. Only clofibrate (100 microM) was found to have an effect, with PC-TP moving to mitochondria within 5 min of stimulation. This relocation did not occur with PC-TP(S110A), lacking the putative protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent phosphorylation site, and was restricted to the primary endothelial cells. Relocation did not occur in HepG2 cells, possibly due to the fact that clofibrate does not induce PKC activation in these cells.

Cell biology of peroxisomes and their characteristics in aquatic organisms

The general characteristics of peroxisomes in different organisms, including aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, are reviewed, with special emphasis on different aspects of the organelle biogenesis and mechanistic aspects of peroxisome proliferation. Peroxisome proliferation and peroxisomal enzyme inductions elicited by xenobiotics or physiological conditions have become useful tools to study the mechanisms of peroxisome biogenesis. During peroxisome proliferation, the induction of peroxisomal proteins is heterogeneous, enzymes that show increased activity being involved in different aspects of lipid homeostasis. The process of peroxisome biogenesis is coordinately triggered by a whole array of structurally dissimilar compounds known as peroxisome proliferators, and investigating the effect of some of these compounds that commonly appear as pollutants in the environment on the peroxisomes of aquatic animals inhabiting marine and estuarine habitats seems interesting. It is also important to determine whether peroxisome proliferation in these animals is a phenomenon that might occur under normal physiological or season-related conditions and plays a metabolic or functional role. This would help set the basis for understanding the process of peroxisome biogenesis in aquatic animals.

Lipid metabolism as a target for potassium channel effectors

K(+) channel effectors are widely used in the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmia. In addition, a constantly growing body of literature reveals that some of these substances, despite their direct effect on K(+) channels, may influence cellular lipid metabolism. As a result, membrane lipid content and cellular concentrations of lipid messengers are changed. Due to the dependence of K(+) channel activity on membrane lipids, these observations seem to be of particular importance not only to characterize secondary effects of K(+) channel effectors but also to understand the long-term effects of these agents on K(+) channel activity.

Changes in isoprenoid lipid synthesis by gemfibrozil and clofibric acid in rat hepatocytes

We studied whether gemfibrozil and clofibric acid alter isoprenoid lipid synthesis in rat hepatocytes. After incubation of the cells with the agent for 74 hr, [(14)C]acetate or [(3)H]mevalonate was added, and the cells were further incubated for 4 hr. Gemfibrozil and clofibric acid increased ubiquinone synthesis from [(14)C]acetate and [(3)H]mevalonate. The effect of gemfibrozil was greater than that of clofibric acid. Also, gemfibrozil decreased dolichol synthesis from [(14)C]acetate and [(3)H]mevalonate. However, clofibric acid increased dolichol synthesis from [(3)H]mevalonate. Gemfibrozil decreased cholesterol synthesis from [(14)C]acetate and [(3)H]mevalonate. Clofibric acid decreased cholesterol synthesis from [(14)C]acetate, but did not affect synthesis from [(3)H]mevalonate. These results suggest that both agents, at different rates, activate the synthetic pathway of ubiquinone, at least from mevalonate. Gemfibrozil may inhibit the synthetic pathway of dolichol, at least from mevalonate. Contrary to gemfibrozil, clofibric acid may activate the synthetic pathway of dolichol from mevalonate. Gemfibrozil may inhibit the synthetic pathway of cholesterol from mevalonate in addition to the pathway from acetate to mevalonate inhibited by both agents.

Peroxisome-proliferator regulates key enzymes of the tryptophan-NAD+ pathway

Structually diverse peroxisome-proliferators (PPs) were investigated regarding their effects on NAD+ level and two key enzyme activities in the tryptophan (Trp)-NAD+ pathway in the liver of rats (Sprague-Dawley male) fed PP-containing diets freely for 2 weeks. All PPs, except for thyroxine, significantly increased hepatic NAD+ level in concert with hepatic hypertrophy. Activity of quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase (QAPRTase), one of the key enzymes in the Trp-NAD+ pathway, was increased by the PPs which caused significant increase in the hepatic NAD+. On the other hand, alpha-amino-beta-carboxymuconate-epsilon-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSDase), another key enzyme in the Trp-NAD+ pathway, was drastically inhibited by all PPs except for linolenic acid, which was only slightly inhibitory. Most PPs investigated activated peroxisomal marker enzymes such as palmitoyl-CoA oxidase, catalase, and PPAR-alpha(peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor-alpha)-dependent enzymes, such as malic enzyme and l-3-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. NAD+ was also increased in the rat hepatocytes cultured in the medium supplemented with PPs. These data suggested that regulation of the key enzymes in the Trp-NAD+ pathway was associated with PPAR-alpha directly or indirectly, and as a consequence the hepatic NAD+ was increased by PPs.

Increased peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation and enhanced expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha in diabetic rat liver

To determine whether the increased fatty acid beta-oxidation in the peroxisomes of diabetic rat liver is mediated by a common peroxisome proliferation mechanism, we measured the activation of long-chain (LC) and very long chain (VLC) fatty acids catalyzed by palmitoyl CoA ligase (PAL) and lignoceryl CoA ligase and oxidation of LC (palmitic acid) and VLC (lignoceric acid) fatty acids by isotopic methods. Immunoblot analysis of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO), and Northern blot analysis of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-alpha), ACO, and PAL were also performed. The PAL activity increased in peroxisomes and mitochondria from the liver of diabetic rats by 2.6-fold and 2.1 -fold, respectively. The lignoceroyl-CoA ligase activity increased by 2.6-fold in diabetic peroxisomes. Palmitic acid oxidation increased in the diabetic peroxisomes and mitochondria by 2.5-fold and 2.7-fold, respectively, while lignoceric acid oxidation increased by 2.0-fold in the peroxisomes. Immunoreactive ACO protein increased by 2-fold in the diabetic group. The mRNA levels for PPAR-alpha, ACO and PAL increased 2.9-, 2.8- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in the diabetic group. These results suggest that the increased supply of fatty acids to liver in diabetic state stimulates the expression of PPAR-alpha and its target genes responsible for the metabolism of fatty acids.

Studies on the mechanism of fibrate-inhibited expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in cultured hepatocytes from cynomolgus monkey

Fibrates are widely used drugs in hyperlipidemic disorders. In addition to lowering serum triglyceride levels, fibrates have also been shown to reduce elevated plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels in vivo. We demonstrate that fibrates suppress PAI-1 synthesis in cultured cynomolgus monkey hepatocytes in a concentration-dependent way (0.1 to 1.0 mmol/L) and independent of their lipid-lowering effect. Different fibrates showed different potency in suppressing PAI-1 production: gemfibrozil and clofibric acid, at a concentration of 1 mmol/L, reduced PAI-1 synthesis over 24 hours to 52 +/- 20% and 60 +/- 5%, while clofibrate and bezafibrate lowered PAI-1 synthesis to only 86 +/- 17% and 84 +/- 15% of control values, respectively. These changes in PAI-1 production by fibrates correlated with changes in PAI-1 mRNA levels and were also visible at the level of gene transcription. Fibrates did not lower basal PAI-1 synthesis but attenuated an acceleration of PAI-1 production during culture. The suppressing effect of fibrates on PAI-1 synthesis could not be mimicked with activators or inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC). Furthermore, fibrates did not inhibit the increase in PAI-1 synthesis induced by epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor-beta. These results make mechanisms involving PKC modulation or growth factor receptor inactivation as a mode of action of fibrates unlikely. The suppressing effect of fibrates on PAI-1 synthesis could involve the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and its heterodimeric partner, the retinoid X receptor (RXR). The alpha forms of PPAR and RXR were both found to be expressed in cynomolgus monkey hepatocytes. the ligand for RXR alpha, 9-cis retinoic acid, suppressed PAI-1 synthesis to the same extent as gemfibrozil, while a combination of gemfibrozil and 9-cis retinoic acid had no more effect on PAI-1 synthesis than any of these compounds alone at optimal concentrations. In conclusion, fibrates downregulate an induced PAI-1 production in cynomolgus monkey hepatocytes independent of a decrease in triglyceride levels. A possible involvement of PPAR alpha/RXR alpha in this down-regulation is discussed.

Differential alterations of ethanolamine and choline phosphoglyceride metabolism by clofibrate and retinoic acid in human fibroblasts are not mediated by phorbol ester-sensitive protein kinase C

Peroxisomal proliferators and retinoids have been reported to interact to regulate lipid metabolism, particularly beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Based on postulated interactions of these agents at the levels of receptors and response elements, we examined whether interactions exist between the peroxisomal proliferator, clofibrate (CLF), and retinoic acid (RA) in modulation of phospholipid turnover in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Treatment of cultured cells with either 25 microM CLF or 1 microM RA alone decreased [14C]ethanolamine incorporation into ethanolamine phosphoglycerides (EPG) by 20-30%, and simultaneous exposure to both agents resulted in additive inhibition. By contrast, [3H]choline incorporation into phospholipid was stimulated 5-30% by incubation with either agent; when CLF and RA were administered together, the stimulatory effects were additive. Different types of pulse-chase studies examining effects on uptake, biosynthesis, and degradation of labelled phospholipids indicated stimulation of EPG degradation and inhibition of phosphatidylcholine degradation by CLF; no effect on catabolism of either phospholipid was observed with RA. Combinations of modifiers of protein kinase activity [4 beta-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (beta-TPA), 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride, N-(2'-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide hydrochloride, bis-indolylmaleimide, staurosporine indicated that beta-TPA-responsive protein kinases were not involved. Accordingly, CLF and RA regulate biosynthesis and degradation of ethanolamine and choline phosphoglycerides in cultured skin fibroblasts by different mechanisms that do not involve classical protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, even though turnover of phospholipids generating lipid activators of PKC occurs.

Hepatocarcinogenic potential of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in rodents and its implications on human risk

The plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), to which humans are extensively exposed, was found to be hepatocarcinogenic in rats and mice. DEHP is potentially set free from objects made of synthetic materials (e.g., those used in medicine). Chronically, the greatest amounts are transferred to persons undergoing hemodialysis (up to 3.1 mg/kg b.w. per day) who would thus be considered the individuals most endangered by tumorigenesis. Although toxicokinetics seem to play a certain unclear role in the course of DEHP-related toxicity, toxicodynamic factors appear more decisive. DEHP is a representative of "peroxisome proliferators" (PP), a distinct group of substances that, in rodents, do not only induce peroxisomes but also specific enzymes in other organelles, organ growth, and DNA synthesis. The cluster of the characteristic effects of PP is generally, although perhaps not quite appropriately summarized as "peroxisome proliferation," and is strongest in the liver. The lowest observed effect level (LOEL) and the no observed effect level (NOEL) of peroxisome proliferation in the rat, as determined by the induction of specific enzymes (peroxisomal beta-oxidation, carnitine-acetyl-transferase, cytochrome P-452), DNA synthesis, and hepatomegaly, may be assumed as 50 and 25 mg/kg b.w. per day, respectively. DEHP and other carcinogenic PP are neither genotoxic nor tumor initiators, but they appear to be tumor promoters, also implicating a threshold level for the carcinogenic effect. Although a causal relationship between a particular effect of peroxisome proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis is as yet unknown, peroxisome proliferation as a whole phenomenon appears to be associated with the potential of tumor induction, as shown by comparison of the relative strength of individual PP and by comparison of species and organ specificities. Likewise, LOEL and NOEL of rodent carcinogenesis, that is, 300 and 50 to 100 mg/kg b.w. per day, respectively, are above but not too far from the corresponding values for the investigated parameters of peroxisome proliferation. Thus, with respect to dose alone, worst-case exposure in hemodialysis patients is at least 16-fold below the LOEL of any characterized PP-specific effect of DEHP and approximately 100-fold below that of DEHP-related tumorigenesis. Also, primates are less responsive to PP than rats with respect to the investigated biochemical and morphological parameters. If this lower primate responsiveness is extrapolated to estimate carcinogenicity in humans, we might thus arrive at an even larger safety margin than when based on exposure alone. Doses of PP hypolipidemics that had clearly induced several indicators of peroxisome proliferation in rats did not cause any clear-cut enhancements in the peroxisomes of patients, even though most of these hypolipidemics were considerably stronger PP than DEHP. Thus, an actual threat to humans by DEHP seems rather unlikely. Accordingly, hepatocarcinogenesis was neither enhanced in workers exposed to DEHP nor in patients treated with hypolipidemics.

Molecular organization of hepatocyte peroxisomes

The matrix of peroxisomes has been considered to be homogeneous. However, a fine network of tubules is visible in electron micrographs at very high magnification. This substructure becomes more positive in a high-contrast photocopy and with an imaging-plate method. Clofibrate, bezafibrate, and aspirin increase peroxisomes. In proliferated peroxisomes, the density of matrix is low and the fine network is more visible. The effect of proliferators is more significant in males than in females. This sex difference may involve the action of estrogen, growth hormone, cytochrome P-450 and thyroxine. Mg-ATPase is localized on the limiting membrane of peroxisomes. Even on the membrane of irregular projections of proliferated peroxisomes, Mg-ATPase is evident cytochemically. Carnitine acetyltransferase is detectable in the matrix of proliferated peroxisomes. Withdrawal of proliferators results in a rapid decrease of peroxisomes. This may indicate the existence of peroxisome suppressors. Alternatively, dynamic transformation of vesicular to tubular types in peroxisome reticulum may occur. Such transformation has been described in lysosomes and mitochondria.

Cetaben is an exceptional type of peroxisome proliferator

1. Cetaben in contrast to fibrates affect differently peroxisomal constituents. 2. Changes in large scale of liver non-peroxisomal parameters were compared after 10 days administration of equal doses (200 mg/kg/day) of cetaben and clofibric acid to male Wistar rats. 3. Clofibric acid treatment increased markedly the activities of FAD-glycerol-3-P dehydrogenase, beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, cytochrome-c oxidase, malic enzyme, NAD-glycerol-3-P dehydrogenase, ethoxycoumarin deethylase, p-nitroanisole demethylase and amounts of cytochrome P-450 and b5. 4. However no analogical changes were observed after cetaben treatment in the livers of experimental animals. 5. Both drugs increased the activities of alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase-1 and acetylcarnitine transferase--enzymes with proven mitochondrial and peroxisomal location. 6. Cetaben contrary to clofibric acid does not increase solubilization of peroxisomal enzymes. 7. Enhanced acetylcarnitine transferase and alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase-1 activities were distributed in mitochondria as well as in peroxisomes after clofibric acid treatment, however, only peroxisomes were enriched after cetaben administration. 8. The results obtained suggest that cetaben represents an exceptional type of peroxisome proliferator, specifically affecting peroxisomes, without having a negative influence on the processes of peroxisome biogenesis.

Cellular binding proteins for fatty acids and retinoids: similar or specialized functions?

The cellular fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP) and cellular retinoid (retinol, retinoic acid)-binding proteins (CRtBP) are structurally and functionally-defined groups within an evolutionarily conserved gene family. CRtBP are expressed in both fully differentiated and developing tissues in a manner that supports a relationship to the action of retinoic acid in morphogenesis and cellular differentiation. The FABP are, by contrast, expressed only in fully differentiated tissues in a manner compatible with a major function in the metabolism of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) for energy production or storage. The precise function(s) of FABP and CRtBP remain imperfectly understood, while subspecialization of function(s) within the two groups is suggested by the complex diversity in both of structurally distinct members that display striking tissue and temporal specificity of expression in addition to ligand specificity. Notwithstanding this considerable apparent functional diversity among the FABP and CRtBP, available evidence supports a dual set of generic functions for both protein groups in a) promoting cellular flux of poorly water-soluble ligands and their subsequent metabolic utilization or transformation, and b) sequestration of ligands in a manner that limits their association with alternative binding sites within the cell, of which members of the steroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily (HNR) are a potentially important category. Theoretical as well as experimental models probing diffusional fluxes of LCFA in vitro and in living cells have provided support for a function for FABP in intracellular LCFA transport. Protein-bound ligand also appears to provide the substrate for metabolic transformation of retinoids bound to CRtBP, but convincing evidence is lacking for an analogous mechanism in the direct facilitation of fatty acid utilization by FABP. An emerging relationship between FABP and CRtBP function centers on their binding of, and induction by, ligands which activate or transform specific HNR-the retinoic acid receptors and the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor in the case of CRtBP and FABP, respectively. Evidence consistent with both a 'promotive' role (provision of ligands for HNR) and a 'protective' role (limiting availability of free ligand for HNR association) has been advanced for CRtBP. Available data supports a 'protective' function for cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins (CRABP) and liver FABP (L-FABP) and points to the existence of ligand-defined, lipid-binding-protein-HNR relationships in which CRABP serve to attenuate the induction of gene expression by retinoic acid, and in which L-FABP may modulate a cellular adaptive multigene response to increased LCFA flux or compromised LCFA utilization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mechanisms of regulation of liver fatty acid-binding protein

Liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) expression is modulated by developmental, hormonal, dietary, and pharmacological factors. The most pronounced induction is seen after treatment with peroxisome proliferators, which induce L-FABP coordinately with microsomal cytochrome P-450 4A1 and the enzymes of peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation. These effects of peroxisome proliferators may be mediated by a receptor which has been shown to be activated by peroxisome proliferators in mammalian cell transfection studies. However, the peroxisome proliferators tested thus far do not bind to this receptor, known as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), and its endogenous ligand(s) also remain unknown. Peroxisome proliferators inhibit mitochondrial beta-oxidation, and one hypothesis is that the dicarboxylic fatty acid metabolites of accumulated LCFA, formed via the P-450 4A1 omega-oxidation pathway, serve as primary inducers of L-FABP and peroxisomal beta-oxidation. We have tested this hypothesis in primary hepatocyte cultures exposed to clofibrate (CF). Inhibition of P-450 4A1 markedly diminished, via a pre-translational mechanism, the CF induction of L-FABP and peroxisomal beta-oxidation. In further experiments, long-chain dicarboxylic acids, the final products of the P-450 4A1 omega-oxidation pathway, but not LCFA, induced L-FABP and peroxisomal beta-oxidation pre-translationally. These results suggest a role, in part, for long-chain dicarboxylic acids in mediating the peroxisome proliferator induction of L-FABP and peroxisomal beta-oxidation. We also found that LCFA, which undergo rapid hepatocellular metabolism, could become inducers of L-FABP and peroxisomal beta-oxidation under conditions where their metabolism was inhibited.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)