Metabolism and atherogenic disease association of lysophosphatidylcholine

Lysophosphatidylcholine induces oxidative stress and calcium-mediated cell death in human blood platelets

Platelets are essential component of circulation that plays a major role in hemostasis and thrombosis. During activation and its demise, platelets release platelet-derived microvesicles, with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) being a prominent component in their lipid composition. LPC, an oxidized low-density lipoprotein, is involved in cellular metabolism, but its higher level is implicated in pathologies like atherosclerosis, diabetes, and inflammatory disorders. Despite this, its impact on platelet function remains relatively unexplored. To address this, we studied LPC's effects on washed human platelets. A multimode plate reader was employed to measure reactive oxygen species and intracellular calcium using H2DCF-DA and Fluo-4-AM, respectively. Flow cytometry was utilized to measure phosphatidylserine expression, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) formation using FITC-Annexin V, JC-1, and CoCl2/calcein-AM, respectively. Additionally, platelet morphology and its ultrastructure were observed via phase contrast and electron microscopy. Sonoclot and light transmission aggregometry were employed to examine fibrin formation and platelet aggregation, respectively. The findings demonstrate that LPC induced oxidative stress and increased intracellular calcium in platelets, resulting in increased phosphatidylserine expression and reduced ΔΨm. LPC triggered caspase-independent platelet death and mPTP opening via cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium, along with microvesiculation and reduced platelet counts. LPC increased the platelet's size, adopting a balloon-shaped morphology, causing membrane fragmentation and releasing its cellular contents, while inducing a pro-coagulant phenotype with increased fibrin formation and reduced integrin αIIbβ3 activation. Conclusively, this study reveals LPC-induced oxidative stress and calcium-mediated platelet death, necrotic in nature with pro-coagulant properties, potentially impacting inflammation and repair mechanisms during vascular injury.

Large-scale, comprehensive plasma metabolomic analyses reveal potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of early-stage coronary atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Coronary atherosclerosis (CAS) is a prevalent and chronic life-threatening disease. However, the detection of CAS at an early stage is difficult because of the lack of effective noninvasive diagnostic methods. The present study aimed to characterize the plasma metabolome of early-stage CAS patients to discover metabolomic biomarkers, develop a novel metabolite-based model for accurate noninvasive diagnosis of early-stage CAS, and explore the underlying metabolic mechanisms involved.

METHODS

A total of 100 patients with early-stage CAS and 120 age- and sex-matched control subjects were recruited from the Chinese Han population and further randomly divided into training (n = 120) and test sets (n = 100). The metabolomic profiles of the plasma samples were analyzed by an integrated untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry approach, including two separation modes and two ionization modes. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were employed to identify potential biomarkers and construct an early-stage CAS diagnostic model.

RESULTS

The integrated analytical method established herein improved metabolite coverage compared with single chromatographic separation and MS ionization mode. A total of 80 metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers of early-stage CAS, and these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid, fatty acid, sphingolipid, and amino acid metabolism. An effective diagnostic model for early-stage CAS was established, incorporating 11 metabolites and achieving areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 0.984 and 0.908 in the training and test sets, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study not only successfully developed an effective noninvasive diagnostic model for identifying early-stage CAS but also provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of CAS.

Validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography method for determining lysophosphatidylcholine content in bovine pulmonary surfactant medication

Pulmonary surfactant replacement therapy is a promising improvement in neonatal care for infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is an undesirable component that can hinder surfactant proteins from enhancing the adsorption of surfactant lipids to balance surface tensions by creating a saturated coating on the interior of the lungs. A novel normal-phase liquid chromatography method utilizing UV detection and non-toxic solvents was developed and validated for the first time to analyze LPC in the complex matrix of pulmonary surfactant medication. The analytical method validation included evaluation of system suitability, repeatability, intermediate precision, linearity, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), stability and robustness. The method yielded detection and quantification limits of 4.4 and 14.5 μg/ml, respectively. The calibration curve was modified linearly within the LOQ to 1.44 mg/ml range, with a determination coefficient of 0.9999 for standards and 0.9997 for sample solutions. Given the lack of reliable published data on LPC analysis in pulmonary surfactant medications, this newly developed method demonstrates promising results and offers advantages of HPLC methodology, including simplicity, accuracy, specificity, sensitivity and an exceptionally low LOD and LOQ. These attributes contribute to considering this achievement as an innovative method.

Integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics reveal vascular protective effects of Ilex pubescens on thromboangiitis obliterans

BACKGROUND

Ilex pubescens Hook. et Arn (IP), traditionally known for its properties of promoting blood circulation, swelling and pain relief, heat clearing, and detoxification, has been used in the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). Despite its traditional applications, the specific mechanisms by which IP exerts its therapeutic effects on TAO remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms in the therapeutic effects of IP on TAO, employing network pharmacology and metabolomic approaches.

METHODS

In this study, a rat TAO model was established by injecting sodium laurate through the femoral artery, followed by the oral administration of IP for 7 days. Plasma coagulation parameters were measured to assess the therapeutic effects of IP. The potential influence on the femoral artery and gastrocnemius muscle was histopathologically evaluated. Network pharmacology was employed to predict relevant targets and model pathways for TAO. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS) was used for the metabolic profile analysis of rat plasma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to verify the mechanisms by which IP promotes blood circulation in TAO.

RESULTS

The study revealed that IP improved blood biochemical function in TAO and played a significant role in vascular protection and maintaining normal blood vessels and gastrocnemius morphologies. Network pharmacology showed that IP compounds play a therapeutic role in modulating lipids and atherosclerosis. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the pathways involved in sphingolipid metabolism and steroid biosynthesis were significantly disrupted. The joint analysis showed a strong correlation between lysophosphatidylcholine and IP components, including triterpenoid and iridoid components, which support the curative action of IP through the modulation of sphingolipid metabolism. Furthermore, decreased expression levels of SPHK1/S1PR1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were observed in the IP-treated group, suggesting that IP exerts a protective effect on the vasculature primarily by regulating of the SPHK1/S1PR1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that IP protects the vasculature against injury and treats TAO by regulating the steady-state disturbance of the sphingolipid pathway. These findings suggest that IP promotes vasculature by modulating sphingolipid metabolism and SPHK1/S1PR1 signaling pathway and reduce levels of inflammatory factors, offering new insights into its therapeutic potential.

Combined UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS and AP-MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging Method for Phospholipidomics in Obese Mouse Kidneys: Alleviation by Feeding Sea Cucumber Phospholipids

Sea cucumber phospholipids have ameliorative effects on various diseases related to lipid metabolism. However, it is unclear whether it can ameliorate obesity-associated glomerulopathy (ORG) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The present study applied UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS and atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AP-MALDI MSI) to investigate the effects of sea cucumber phospholipids, including plasmalogen PlsEtn and plasmanylcholine PakCho, on phospholipid profiles in the HFD-induced ORG mouse kidney. Quantitative analysis of 135 phospholipids revealed that PlsEtn and PakCho significantly modulated phospholipid levels. Notably, PlsEtn modulated kidney overall phospholipids better than PakCho. Imaging the "space-content" of 9 phospholipids indicated that HFD significantly increased phospholipid content within the renal cortex. Furthermore, PlsEtn and PakCho significantly decreased the expression of transport-related proteins CD36, while elevating the expression of fatty acid β-oxidation-related protein PPAR-α in the renal cortex. In conclusion, sea cucumber phospholipids reduced renal lipid accumulation, ameliorated renal damage, effectively regulated the content and distribution of renal phospholipids, and improved phospholipid homeostasis, exerting an anti-OGR effect.

Serum lipidomic profiling of dairy calves fed milk replacers containing animal or vegetable fats

Vegetable fat blends are commonly used as fat sources in milk replacers (MR) for calves, but their composition differs considerably from that of bovine milk fat. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum lipid profile of pre-weaned calves fed twice-daily MR containing 30% fat (% DM). Upon arrival, 30 male Holstein-Friesian calves (BW = 45.6 ± 4.0 kg, age = 2.29 ± 0.8 d) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental diets (n = 15 per treatment): one MR was derived from either vegetable fats (VG; 80% rapeseed and 20% coconut fats) or animal fats (AN; 65% Packer's lard and 35% dairy cream). The 2 MR formulas contained 30% fat, 24% CP, and 36% lactose. Calves were housed indoors in individual pens with ad libitum access to chopped straw and water. Daily milk allowances were 6.0 L from d 1 to 5, 7.0 L from d 6 to 9, and 8.0 L from d 10 to 35, divided into 2 equal meals and prepared at 13.5% solids. An untargeted liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) method was employed to analyze the lipid profiles in the serum of calves sampled from the jugular vein at 35 d of age. In total, 594 lipids were characterized, comprising 25 different lipid classes. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed significant separation between VG and AN, indicating different lipid profiles in the serum. An orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) classification model was used to further validate the distinction between the 2 treatment groups. The model exhibited a robust class separation and high predictive accuracy. Using a Volcano plot (fold change threshold ≥1.5 and false discovery rate ≤0.05), it was observed that calves fed AN had higher levels of 39 lipid species in serum than calves fed VG, whereas 171 lipid species were lower in the AN group. Lipid classes, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), sphingomyelin (SM), triglycerides (TG), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), were different. In particular, PC and PE were observed at lower levels in calves fed AN, possibly indicating shifts in cell membrane characteristics, intracellular signaling, and liver functions. In addition, a decrease in certain triglyceride (TG) species was observed in calves fed AN, including a decrease in TG species such as TG 36:0 and TG 38:0, possibly related to variations in the content of certain fatty acids (FA) within the AN MR, such as C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, and C18:0 compared with the VG MR. Calves fed AN had lower levels of LPC and LPE, and lyso-phosphatidylinositol (LPI), SM, and phosphatidylinositol (PI) species than calves fed VG, suggesting shifts in lipoprotein and lipid metabolic pathways. In conclusion, these results deepen the understanding of how lipid sources in MR can modulate the serum lipidome profiles of dairy calves.

Associations of childhood BMI, general and visceral fat mass with metabolite profiles at school-age

BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity increases metabolic disease risk. Underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We examined associations of body mass index (BMI), total body fat mass, and visceral fat mass with serum metabolites at school-age, and explored whether identified metabolites improved the identification of children at risk of a metabolically unhealthy phenotype.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis among 497 children with a mean age of 9.8 (95% range 9.1, 10.6) years, participating in a population-based cohort study. We measured BMI, total body fat mass using DXA, and visceral fat mass using MRI. Serum concentrations of amino-acids, non-esterified-fatty-acids, phospholipids, and carnitines were determined using LC-MS/MS. Children were categorized as metabolically healthy or metabolically unhealthy, according to BMI, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, and insulin levels.

RESULTS

Higher BMI and total body fat mass were associated with altered concentrations of branched-chain amino-acids, essential amino-acids, and free carnitines. Higher BMI was also associated with higher concentrations of aromatic amino-acids and alkyl-lysophosphatidylcholines (FDR-corrected p-values < 0.05). The strongest associations were present for Lyso.PC.a.C14.0 and SM.a.C32.2 (FDR-corrected p-values < 0.01). Higher visceral fat mass was only associated with higher concentrations of 6 individual metabolites, particularly Lyso.PC.a.C14.0, PC.aa.C32.1, and SM.a.C32.2. We selected 15 metabolites that improved the prediction of a metabolically unhealthy phenotype, compared to BMI only (AUC: BMI: 0.59 [95% CI 0.47,0.71], BMI + Metabolites: 0.91 [95% CI 0.85,0.97]).

CONCLUSIONS

An adverse childhood body fat profile, characterized by higher BMI and total body fat mass, is associated with metabolic alterations, particularly in amino acids, phospholipids, and carnitines. Fewer associations were present for visceral fat mass. We identified a metabolite profile that improved the identification of impaired cardiometabolic health in children, compared to BMI only.

PDE5 inhibition mitigates heart failure in hyperlipidemia

PDE5 inhibitors was reported to play a protective role in both regulating lipid metabolism and reducing heart failure (HF). This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of PDE5 inhibitors against hyperlipidemia-related HF by combining evidence from population-based study and animal models. The nationwide cohort study found that post-diagnostic use of PDE5 inhibitors was associated with a significantly lower risk of HF compared with patients who used alprostadil, especially among individuals with hyperlipidemia (adjusted HR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.40-0.78). In animal models, sildenafil significantly recovered the cardiac structure and function induced by AAB surgery, as well as reversed liver dysfunction and ameliorated hyperlipidemia induced by HFD via reducing the level of ALT, AST and serum lipids. Lipidomic analysis identified four lipid metabolites involved in sildenafil administration, including FA 16:3, LPC O-18:1, DG24:0_18:0 and SE28:1/20:4. This study revealed the protective effect of PDE5 inhibitors against HF in hyperlipidemia, indicating the potential of being repurposed as an adjuvant for HF prevention in patients with hyperlipidemia if these findings can be further confirmed in clinical trials.

Four-dimensional lipidomics profiling in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy using trapped ion mobility mass spectrometry

Lipids play pivotal roles in an extensive range of metabolic and physiological processes. In recent years, the convergence of trapped ion mobility spectrometry and MS has enabled 4D-lipidomics, a highly promising technology for comprehensive lipid analysis. 4D-lipidomics assesses lipid annotations across four distinct dimensions-retention time, collisional cross section, m/z (mass-to-charge ratio), and MS/MS spectra-providing a heightened level of confidence in lipid annotation. These advantages prove particularly valuable when investigating complex disorders involving lipid metabolism, such as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). ALD is characterized by the accumulation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) due to pathogenic variants in the ABCD1 gene. A comprehensive 4D-lipidomics strategy of ALD fibroblasts demonstrated significant elevations of various lipids from multiple classes. This indicates that the changes observed in ALD are not confined to a single lipid class and likely impacts a broad spectrum of lipid-mediated physiological processes. Our findings highlight the incorporation of mainly saturated and monounsaturated VLCFA variants into a range of lipid classes, encompassing phosphatidylcholines, triacylglycerols, and cholesterol esters. These include ultra-long-chain fatty acids with a length of up to thirty carbon atoms. Lipid species containing C26:0 and C26:1 were the most frequently detected VLCFA lipids in our study. Furthermore, we report a panel of 121 new candidate biomarkers in fibroblasts, exhibiting significant differentiation between controls and individuals with ALD. In summary, this study demonstrates the capabilities of a 4D-lipid profiling workflow in unraveling novel insights into the intricate lipid modifications associated with metabolic disorders like ALD.

Excipient-related impurities in liposome drug products

Liposomes are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as drug delivery systems to increase the efficacy and reduce the off-target toxicity of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The liposomes are more complex drug delivery systems than the traditional dosage forms, and phospholipids and cholesterol are the major structural excipients. These two excipients undergo hydrolysis and/or oxidation during liposome preparation and storage, resulting in lipids hydrolyzed products (LHPs) and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in the final liposomal formulations. These excipient-related impurities at elevated concentrations may affect liposome stability and exert biological functions. This review focuses on LHPs and COPs, two major categories of excipient-related impurities in the liposomal formulations, and discusses factors affecting their formation, and analytical methods to determine these excipient-related impurities.

Identifying the Potential Apoptotic Metabolites in Postmortem Beef Muscle by Targeted Metabolomics

Apoptotic cells may release specific metabolites to act as messengers during the apoptotic process. This study represents the first attempt to identify potential apoptotic metabolites in postmortem muscle. Ninety potential apoptotic metabolites in beef were selected and analyzed through targeted metabolomics, with 84 of them exhibiting significant differences over the postmortem time. Following the addition of the mitochondria-targeted antiapoptotic agent mitoquinone to postmortem muscle, metabolomic analysis revealed that 73 apoptotic metabolites still underwent significant changes, even against the backdrop of altered apoptosis. Of these 73 apoptotic metabolites, 54 exhibited similar trends at various treatment times with adding mitoquinone, including lipids (6), amino acids (27), nucleosides (11), and carbohydrate and energy metabolism (10). Mitoquinone significantly reduced the levels of most apoptotic metabolites, and inhibition of apoptosis resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of numerous apoptotic metabolites. Consequently, these apoptotic metabolites are considered complementary to apoptosis in postmortem muscle, with their increased levels potentially promoting apoptosis. Noteworthy apoptotic metabolites, such as glycerol 3-phosphate, serine, AMP, ATP, GMP, and creatine, were identified as active signaling molecules that attract and recruit phagocytes during apoptosis, assisting in recognizing apoptotic cells by phagocytes. This study provides, for the first time, insights into potential apoptotic metabolites in postmortem muscle, contributing to a better understanding of meat biochemistry.

The Effect of Broccoli Glucoraphanin Supplementation on Ameliorating High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity through the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Interface

SCOPE

Obesity and its metabolic comorbidities pose a major global challenge for public health. Glucoraphanin (GRN) is a natural bioactive compound enriched in broccoli that is known to have potential health benefits against various human chronic diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study investigats the effects of broccoli GRN supplementation on body weight, metabolic parameters, gut microbiome and metabolome associated with obesity. The study is conducted on an obese-related C57BL/6J mouse model through the treatment of normal control diet, high-fat diet (HFD)and GRN-supplemented HFD (HFD-GRN) to determine the metabolic protection of GRN. The results shows that GRN treatment alleviates obesity-related traits leading to improved glucose metabolism in HFD-fed animals. Mechanically, the study noticed that GRN significantly shifts the gut microbial diversity and composition to an eubiosis status. GRN supplement also significantly alters plasma metabolite profiles. Further integrated analysis reveal a complex interaction between the gut microbes and host metabolism that may contribute to GRN-induced beneficial effects against HFD.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that beneficial effects of broccoli GRN on reversing HFD-induced adverse metabolic parameters may be attributed to its impacts on reprogramming microbial community and metabolites. Identification of the mechanistic functions of GRN further warrants it as a dietary candidate for obesity prevention.

Metabolomics and lipidomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry uncover the potential mechanism of Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction alleviates atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) leading to an increase in global mortality, and its key pathological features are lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD), a representative formula for clearing heat and detoxifying, has been shown to reduce aortic lipid plaque and improve AS. However, multiple components and multiple targets of HLJDD pose a challenge in comprehending its comprehensive mechanism in the treatment of AS.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to illustrate the anti-AS mechanisms of HLJDD in an apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mouse model from a metabolic perspective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ApoE-/- mice were kept on a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce AS. Serum total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were determined to evaluate the influence of HLJDD on dyslipidemia. Oil red O was used to stain mouse aortic lipid plaques, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the pathological changes in the aortic roots. Metabolomics and lipidomics combined with serum pharmacochemistry were performed to research the HLJDD mechanism of alleviating AS.

RESULTS

In this study, HLJDD treatment improved serum biochemical levels and histopathological conditions in AS mice. A total of 6 metabolic pathways (arginine biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerolipid metabolism) related to 25 metabolic biomarkers and 41 lipid biomarkers were clarified, and 22 prototype components migrating to blood were identified after oral administration of HLJDD.

CONCLUSION

HLJDD improved AS induced by HFD in ApoE-/- mice. The effects of HLJDD were mainly attributed to regulating lipid metabolism by regulating the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and glycerolipids and reducing the levels of oxidative stress by upregulating arginine biosynthesis.

Targeted Metabolomic Biomarkers for Stroke Subtyping

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ischemic stroke is a heterogeneous disease with various etiologies. The current subtyping process is complicated, time-consuming, and costly. Metabolite-based biomarkers have the potential to improve classification and deliver optimal treatments. We here aimed to identify novel, targeted metabolomics-based biomarkers to discriminate between large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) and cardioembolic (CE) stroke.

METHODS

We acquired serum samples and clinical data from a hospital-based acute stroke registry (ischemic stroke within 3 days from symptom onset). We included 346 participants (169 LAA, 147 CE, and 30 healthy older adults) and divided them into training and test sets. Targeted metabolomic analysis was performed using quantitative and quality-controlled liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. A multivariate regression model using metabolomic signatures was created that could independently distinguish between LAA and CE strokes.

RESULTS

The training set (n = 193) identified metabolomic signatures that were different in patients with LAA and CE strokes. Six metabolomic biomarkers, i.e., lysine, serine, threonine, kynurenine, putrescine, and lysophosphatidylcholine acyl C16:0, could discriminate between LAA and CE stroke after adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, stroke severity, and comorbidities. The enhanced diagnostic power of key metabolite combinations for discriminating between LAA and CE stroke was validated using the test set (n = 123).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed significant differences in metabolite profiles in LAA and CE strokes. Targeted metabolomics may provide enhanced diagnostic yield for stroke subtypes. The pathophysiological pathways of the identified metabolites should be explored in future studies.

Pitavastatin treatment remodels the HDL subclass lipidome and proteome in hypertriglyceridemia

HDL particles vary in lipidome and proteome, which dictate their individual physicochemical properties, metabolism, and biological activities. HDL dysmetabolism in nondiabetic hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) involves subnormal HDL-cholesterol and apoAI levels. Metabolic anomalies may impact the qualitative features of both the HDL lipidome and proteome. Whether particle content of bioactive lipids and proteins may differentiate HDL subclasses (HDL2b, 2a, 3a, 3b, and 3c) in HTG is unknown. Moreover, little is known of the effect of statin treatment on the proteolipidome of hypertriglyceridemic HDL and its subclasses. Nondiabetic, obese, HTG males (n = 12) received pitavastatin calcium (4 mg/day) for 180 days in a single-phase, unblinded study. ApoB-containing lipoproteins were normalized poststatin. Individual proteolipidomes of density-defined HDL subclasses were characterized prestatin and poststatin. At baseline, dense HDL3c was distinguished by marked protein diversity and peak abundance of surface lysophospholipids, amphipathic diacylglycerol and dihydroceramide, and core cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol, (normalized to mol phosphatidylcholine), whereas light HDL2b showed peak abundance of free cholesterol, sphingomyelin, glycosphingolipids (monohexosylceramide, dihexosylceramide, trihexosylceramide, and anionic GM3), thereby arguing for differential lipid transport and metabolism between subclasses. Poststatin, bioactive lysophospholipid (lysophosphatidylcholine, lysoalkylphosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and lysophosphatidylinositol) cargo was preferentially depleted in HDL3c. By contrast, baseline lipidomic profiles of ceramide, dihydroceramide and related glycosphingolipids, and GM3/phosphatidylcholine were maintained across particle subclasses. All subclasses were depleted in triacylglycerol and diacylglycerol/phosphatidylcholine. The abundance of apolipoproteins CI, CII, CIV, and M diminished in the HDL proteome. Statin treatment principally impacts metabolic remodeling of the abnormal lipidome of HDL particle subclasses in nondiabetic HTG, with lesser effects on the proteome.

Bidirectional effects of geniposide in liver injury: Preclinical evidence construction based on meta-analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis is widely used to treat liver diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Geniposide, a major active constituent of Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis, exerts therapeutic effects against liver injury, however, it also induces hepatotoxicity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This meta-analysis was designed to determine the mechanisms of both the hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic effects of geniposide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The articles analysed in this meta-analysis were primarily obtained from five databases. The 10-item SYRCLE risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included articles. STATA (version 15.1) was used to evaluate the total effect or toxicity sizes. In addition, three-dimensional (3D) dose/time-effect and mechanistic analyses were performed to assess the therapeutic and toxic effects of geniposide.

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies involving 479 animals were included. Meta-analysis revealed that geniposide not only significantly (P < 0.001) increased liver injury indices including ALT and AST levels but also improved liver function by decreasing the levels of ALT, AST and inflammatory factors in animal models of liver injury. The 3D dose/time-effect analysis revealed that geniposide administered at a dose of 20-150 mg/kg for 5-28 days effectively protected the liver without inducing toxicity. Mechanistically, geniposide exerts protective or toxic effects by regulating the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway to control oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

CONCLUSION

Geniposide exhibits dual pharmacological activity in liver injury. It exerts potent hepatoprotective effects when administered at a dose of 20-150 mg/kg for 5-28 days.

Mechanistic exploration of Yiqi Liangxue Shengji prescription on restenosis after balloon injury by integrating metabolomics with network pharmacology

CONTEXT

Yiqi Liangxue Shengji prescription (YQLXSJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that has long been used for treatment after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the putative pharmacological mechanism of YQLXSJ on restenosis through an integrated approach utilizing metabolomics and network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham, model, YQLXSJ, and positive groups. YQLXSJ group received the treatment of YQLXSJ (6 g/kg/d, i.g.) and the positive group was treated with atorvastatin (2 mg/kg/d, i.g.). After 4 weeks, the improvement in intimal hyperplasia was evaluated by ultrasound, H&E staining, and immunofluorescence. UPLC-MS/MS technology was utilized to screen the differential metabolites. Network pharmacology was conducted using TCMSP, GeneCards, and Metascape, etc., in combination with metabolomics. Eventually, the core targets were acquired and validated.

RESULTS

Compared to models, YQLXSJ exhibited decreased intima-media thickness on ultrasound (0.23 ± 0.02 mm vs. 0.20 ± 0.01 mm, p < 0.01) and reduced intima thickness by H&E (30.12 ± 6.05 μm vs. 14.32 ± 1.37 μm, p < 0.01). We identified 18 differential metabolites and 5 core targets such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA), ornithine decarboxylase-1 (ODC1) and group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2G2A). These targets were further confirmed by molecular docking and ELISA.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the effects of YQLXSJ on restenosis and reveals some biomarkers. TCM has great potential in the prevention and treatment of restenosis by improving metabolic disorders.

Crystal structures of human serum albumin in complex with lysophosphatidylcholine

Lysophospholipids (lysoPLs) are crucial metabolites involved in various physiological and pathological cellular processes. Understanding their binding interactions, particularly with human serum albumin (HSA), is essential due to their role in regulating lysoPLs-induced cytotoxicity. However, the precise mechanism of lysoPLs binding to HSA remains elusive. In this study, we employed fluorescence quenching and optical interferometry assays to demonstrate direct binding between lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and HSA (KD = 25 μM). Furthermore, we determined crystal structures of HSA in complex with LPC, both in the absence and the presence of the endogenous fatty acid myristate (14:0). The crystal structure of binary HSA:LPC revealed that six LPC molecules are bound to HSA at the primary fatty acid binding sites. Interestingly, the ternary HSA:Myr:LPC structure demonstrated the continued binding of three LPC molecules to HSA at binding sites 1, 3, and 5 in the presence of myristate. These findings support HSA's role as a carrier protein for lysoPLs in blood plasma and provide valuable insights into the structural basis of their binding mechanisms.

Multi-omics analysis reveals substantial linkages between the oral-gut microbiomes and inflamm-aging molecules in elderly pigs

Introduction

The accelerated aging of the global population has emerged as a critical public health concern, with increasing recognition of the influential role played by the microbiome in shaping host well-being. Nonetheless, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding the functional alterations occurring within the microbiota and their intricate interactions with metabolic pathways across various stages of aging.

Methods

This study employed a comprehensive metagenomic analysis encompassing saliva and stool samples obtained from 45 pigs representing three distinct age groups, alongside serum metabolomics and lipidomics profiling.

Results

Our findings unveiled discernible modifications in the gut and oral microbiomes, serum metabolome, and lipidome at each age stage. Specifically, we identified 87 microbial species in stool samples and 68 in saliva samples that demonstrated significant age-related changes. Notably, 13 species in stool, including Clostridiales bacterium, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and Oscillibacter spp., exhibited age-dependent alterations, while 15 salivary species, such as Corynebacterium xerosis, Staphylococcus sciuri, and Prevotella intermedia, displayed an increase with senescence, accompanied by a notable enrichment of pathogenic organisms. Concomitant with these gut-oral microbiota changes were functional modifications observed in pathways such as cell growth and death (necroptosis), bacterial infection disease, and aging (longevity regulating pathway) throughout the aging process. Moreover, our metabolomics and lipidomics analyses unveiled the accumulation of inflammatory metabolites or the depletion of beneficial metabolites and lipids as aging progressed. Furthermore, we unraveled a complex interplay linking the oral-gut microbiota with serum metabolites and lipids.

Discussion

Collectively, our findings illuminate novel insights into the potential contributions of the oral-gut microbiome and systemic circulating metabolites and lipids to host lifespan and healthy aging.

Probing interaction of atherogenic lysophosphatidylcholine with functionalized graphene nanosheets: theoretical modelling and experimental validation

CONTEXT

The potential of graphene derivatives for theranostic applications depends on their compatibility with cellular and biomolecular components. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), a lipid component present in oxidized low-density lipoproteins, microvesicles and free circulation in blood, plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of various diseases. Using density functional theory-based methods, we systematically investigated the interaction of atherogenic LPC molecule with different derivatives of graphene, including pristine graphene, graphene with defect, N-doped graphene, amine-functionalized graphene, various graphene oxides and hydroxylated graphene oxides. We observed that the adsorption of LPC on graphene derivatives is highly selective based on the orientation of the functional groups of LPC interacting with the surface of the derivatives. Hydroxylated graphene oxide exhibited the strongest interaction with LPC with adsorption energy of - 2.1 eV due to the interaction between the hydroxyl group on graphene and the phosphate group of LPC. The presence of aqueous medium further enhanced this interaction indicating favourable adsorption of LPC and graphene oxide in biological systems. Such strong interaction leads to substantial change in the electronic structure of the LPC molecule, which results in the activation of this molecule. In contrast, amine-modified graphene showed the least interaction. These theoretical results are in line with our experimental fluorescence spectroscopic data of LPC/1-anilino-8-napthalene sulfonic acid complex. Our present comprehensive investigation employing both theoretical and experimental methods provides a deeper understanding of graphene-lipid interaction, which holds paramount importance in the design and fabrication of graphene-based nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

METHODS

In this study, we employed the density functional theory-based methods to investigate the electronic and structural properties of graphene derivatives and LPC molecule using the Quantum Espresso package. The exchange-correlation functional was described within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as parameterized by Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof (PBE). The valence electrons were represented using plane wave basis sets. `The Grimme's dispersion method was used to include the van der Waals dispersion correction.

Comprehensive Lipid Profiling Recapitulates Enhanced Lipolysis and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Intimal Foamy Macrophages From Murine Atherosclerotic Aorta

Lipid accumulation in macrophages is a prominent phenomenon observed in atherosclerosis. Previously, intimal foamy macrophages (FM) showed decreased inflammatory gene expression compared to intimal non-foamy macrophages (NFM). Since reprogramming of lipid metabolism in macrophages affects immunological functions, lipid profiling of intimal macrophages appears to be important for understanding the phenotypic changes of macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions. While lipidomic analysis has been performed in atherosclerotic aortic tissues and cultured macrophages, direct lipid profiling has not been performed in primary aortic macrophages from atherosclerotic aortas. We utilized nanoflow ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to provide comprehensive lipid profiles of intimal non-foamy and foamy macrophages and adventitial macrophages from Ldlr-/- mouse aortas. We also analyzed the gene expression of each macrophage type related to lipid metabolism. FM showed increased levels of fatty acids, cholesterol esters, phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and sphingomyelin. However, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidic acid, and ceramide levels were decreased in FM compared to those in NFM. Interestingly, FM showed decreased triacylglycerol (TG) levels. Expressions of lipolysis-related genes including Pnpla2 and Lpl were markedly increased but expressions of Lpin2 and Dgat1 related to TG synthesis were decreased in FM. Analysis of transcriptome and lipidome data revealed differences in the regulation of each lipid metabolic pathway in aortic macrophages. These comprehensive lipidomic data could clarify the phenotypes of macrophages in the atherosclerotic aorta.

Oxidative stress induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization and ceramide accumulation in retinal pigment epithelial cells

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults, with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells playing a key role. To better understand the cytotoxic mechanisms underlying oxidative stress, we used cell culture and mouse models of iron overload, as iron can catalyze reactive oxygen species formation in the RPE. Iron-loading of cultured induced pluripotent stem cell-derived RPE cells increased lysosomal abundance, impaired proteolysis and reduced the activity of a subset of lysosomal enzymes, including lysosomal acid lipase (LIPA) and acid sphingomyelinase (SMPD1). In a liver-specific Hepc (Hamp) knockout murine model of systemic iron overload, RPE cells accumulated lipid peroxidation adducts and lysosomes, developed progressive hypertrophy and underwent cell death. Proteomic and lipidomic analyses revealed accumulation of lysosomal proteins, ceramide biosynthetic enzymes and ceramides. The proteolytic enzyme cathepsin D (CTSD) had impaired maturation. A large proportion of lysosomes were galectin-3 (Lgals3) positive, suggesting cytotoxic lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Collectively, these results demonstrate that iron overload induces lysosomal accumulation and impairs lysosomal function, likely due to iron-induced lipid peroxides that can inhibit lysosomal enzymes.

Comparison of Data-Dependent Acquisition, Data-Independent Acquisition, and Parallel Reaction Monitoring in Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics

The parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (PASEF) approach based on trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) enables mobility-resolved fragmentation and a higher number of fragments in the same time period compared to conventional MS/MS experiments. Furthermore, the ion mobility dimension offers novel approaches for fragmentation. Using parallel reaction monitoring (prm), the ion mobility dimension allows a more accurate selection of precursor windows, while using data-independent aquisition (dia) spectral quality is improved through ion-mobility filtering. Owing to favorable implementation in proteomics, the transferability of these PASEF modes to lipidomics is of great interest, especially as a result of the high complexity of analytes with similar fragments. However, these novel PASEF modes have not yet been thoroughly evaluated for lipidomics applications. Therefore, data-dependent acquisition (dda)-, dia-, and prm-PASEF were compared using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) for phospholipid class separation in human plasma samples. Results show that all three PASEF modes are generally suitable for usage in lipidomics. Although dia-PASEF achieves a high sensitivity in generating MS/MS spectra, the fragment-to-precursor assignment for lipids with both, similar retention time as well as ion mobility, was difficult in HILIC-MS/MS. Therefore, dda-PASEF is the method of choice to investigate unknown samples. However, the best data quality was achieved by prm-PASEF, owing to the focus on fragmentation of specified targets. The high selectivity and sensitivity in generating MS/MS spectra of prm-PASEF could be a potential alternative for targeted lipidomics, e.g., in clinical applications.

Effects of high-sugar, high-cholesterol, and high-fat diet on phospholipid profile of mouse tissues with a focus on the mechanism of plasmalogen synthesis

High-sugar diet (HSD), high-cholesterol diet (HCD), and high-fat diet (HFD) all modulate the levels of lipids. However, there is a lack of comparative data on the effects of different diets on phospholipids (PLs). Given their important role in physiology and disease, there has been an increasing focus on altered PLs in liver and brain disorders. This study aims to determine the effects of HSD, HCD, and HFD for 14-week feeding on the PL profile of the mouse liver and hippocampus. Quantitative analysis of 116 and 113 PL molecular species in liver and hippocampus tissues revealed that the HSD, HCD, and HFD significantly affected the PLs in liver and hippocampus, especially decreased the levels of plasmenylethanolamine (pPE) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Overall, the impact of HFD on liver PLs was more significant, consistent with the morphological changes in the liver. Compared to HSD and HCD, HFD induced a significant decrease in PC (P-16:0/18:1) and an increase in LPE (18:0) and LPE (18:1) in liver. In the liver of mice fed with different diets, the expression of the key enzymes Gnpat, Agps in the pPE biosynthesis pathway and peroxisome-associated membrane proteins pex14p were decreased. In addition, all diets significantly reduced the expression of Gnpat, pex7p, and pex16p in hippocampus tissue. In conclusion, HSD, HCD, and HFD enhanced lipid accumulation in the liver, led to liver injury, significantly affected the liver and hippocampus PLs, and decreased the expression of genes related to plasmalogen synthesis in mouse liver and hippocampus, which caused severe plasmalogen reduction.

Comprehensive Lipid Profile of Eight Echinoderm Species by RPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS

Echinoderms are of broad interest for abundant bioactive lipids. The comprehensive lipid profiles in eight echinoderm species were obtained by UPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS with characterization and semi-quantitative analysis of 961 lipid molecular species in 14 subclasses of 4 classes. Phospholipids (38.78-76.83%) and glycerolipids (6.85-42.82%) were the main classes in all investigated echinoderm species, with abundant ether phospholipids, whereas the proportion of sphingolipids was higher in sea cucumbers. Two sulfated lipid subclasses were detected in echinoderms for the first time; sterol sulfate was rich in sea cucumbers, whereas sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol existed in the sea star and sea urchins. Furthermore, PC(18:1/24:2), PE(16:0/14:0), and TAG(50:1e) could be used as lipid markers to distinguish eight echinoderm species. In this study, the differentiation of eight echinoderms was achieved by lipidomics and revealed the uniqueness of the natural biochemical fingerprints of echinoderms. The findings will help evaluate the nutritional value in the future.

Marine Fish-Derived Lysophosphatidylcholine: Properties, Extraction, Quantification, and Brain Health Application

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids esterified in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC-omega-3) are the most bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid form and are considered important for brain health. Lysophosphatidylcholine is a hydrolyzed phospholipid that is generated from the action of either phospholipase PLA1 or PLA2. There are two types of LPC; 1-LPC (where the omega-3 fatty acid at the sn-2 position is acylated) and 2-LPC (where the omega-3 fatty acid at the sn-1 position is acylated). The 2-LPC type is more highly bioavailable to the brain than the 1-LPC type. Given the biological and health aspects of LPC types, it is important to understand the structure, properties, extraction, quantification, functional role, and effect of the processing of LPC. This review examines various aspects involved in the extraction, characterization, and quantification of LPC. Further, the effects of processing methods on LPC and the potential biological roles of LPC in health and wellbeing are discussed. DHA-rich-LysoPLs, including LPC, can be enzymatically produced using lipases and phospholipases from wide microbial strains, and the highest yields were obtained by Lipozyme RM-IM®, Lipozyme TL-IM®, and Novozym 435®. Terrestrial-based phospholipids generally contain lower levels of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, and therefore, they are considered less effective in providing the same health benefits as marine-based LPC. Processing (e.g., thermal, fermentation, and freezing) reduces the PL in fish. LPC containing omega-3 PUFA, mainly DHA (C22:6 omega-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid EPA (C20:5 omega-3) play important role in brain development and neuronal cell growth. Additionally, they have been implicated in supporting treatment programs for depression and Alzheimer’s. These activities appear to be facilitated by the acute function of a major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein 2 (Mfsd2a), expressed in BBB endothelium, as a chief transporter for LPC-DHA uptake to the brain. LPC-based delivery systems also provide the opportunity to improve the properties of some bioactive compounds during storage and absorption. Overall, LPCs have great potential for improving brain health, but their safety and potentially negative effects should also be taken into consideration.

The dynamic inflammatory profile of pregnancy can be monitored using a novel lipid-based mass spectrometry technique

The lipid environment changes throughout pregnancy both physiologically with emergent insulin resistance and pathologically e.g., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Novel mass spectrometry (MS) techniques applied to minimally processed blood might lend themselves to monitoring changing lipid profiles to inform care decisions across pregnancy. In this study we use an intact-sandwich, MALDI-ToF MS method to identify phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) species and calculate their ratio as an indicator of inflammation. Plasma and sera were prepared from venous blood of non-pregnant women (aged 18-40) and pregnant women at 16 weeks, 28 weeks (including GDM-positive women), and 37+ weeks (term) of gestation alongside umbilical cord blood (UCB). Women with a normal menstrual cycle and age-matched men provided finger-prick derived capillary sera at 6 time-points over a month. Serum rather than plasma was preferable for PC/LPC measurement. As pregnancy progresses, an anti-inflammatory phenotype dominates the maternal circulation, evidenced by increasing PC/LPC ratio. In contrast, the PC/LPC ratio of UCB was aligned to that of non-pregnant donors. BMI had no significant effect on the PC/LPC ratio, but GDM-complicated pregnancies had significantly lower PC/LPC at 16 weeks of gestation. To further translate the use of the PC/LPC ratio clinically, the utility of finger-prick blood was evaluated; no significant difference between capillary versus venous serum was found and we revealed the PC/LPC ratio oscillates with the menstrual cycle. Overall, we show that the PC/LPC ratio can be measured simply in human serum and has the potential to be used as a time-efficient and less invasive biomarker of (mal)adaptative inflammation.

A panel of blood biomarkers unique to sudden cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

The identification of circulating biomarkers specific for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) could enhance risk prediction. Of particular interest are biomarkers specific to SCA, independent of coronary artery disease (CAD).

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers of SCA obtained close to the SCA event.

METHODS

Twenty cases (survivors of SCA) and 40 age- and sex-matched controls were compared, with a replication analysis of 29 cases matched to 57 controls. A secondary analysis compared 20 SCA cases to 20 controls with CAD. Blood samples were obtained from SCA survivors at a median of 11 months after the SCA event. Proteins were analyzed on a mass spectrometer using data-independent acquisition; a subset of cytokines were analyzed using immunoassays; and 1153 lipids (13 classes) were analyzed. A false discovery rate P value of <.05 identified associated proteins.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age of 58 years (range 25-87 years), and 70% were male. A total of 26 protein biomarkers associated with SCA when cases were compared with controls, of which 20 differentiated SCA from CAD. The replication analysis identified 8 of 26 biomarkers, of which 6 were not overlapping with CAD. The top identified biological processes involved the extracellular matrix, coagulation cascades, and platelet activation. Lipids in the lysophosphatidylcholine class were implicated in SCA through the CAD pathway.

CONCLUSION

We identified a panel of novel blood biomarkers specifically associated with SCA, including several that may be involved outside the CAD pathway. These biomarkers could have mechanistic significance and the potential to enhance clinical prediction of SCA.

Phenotypic changes in low-density lipoprotein particles as markers of adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plasma concentration decline is a biomarker for acute inflammatory diseases, including coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Phenotypic changes in LDL during COVID-19 may be equally related to adverse clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19 (n = 40) were enrolled. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 30 (D0, D2, D4, D6, and D30). Oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity were measured. In a consecutive series of cases (n = 13), LDL was isolated by gradient ultracentrifugation from D0 and D6 and was quantified by lipidomic analysis. Association between clinical outcomes and LDL phenotypic changes was investigated.

RESULTS

In the first 30 days, 42.5% of participants died due to Covid-19. The serum ox-LDL increased from D0 to D6 (p < 0.005) and decreased at D30. Moreover, individuals who had an ox-LDL increase from D0 to D6 to over the 90th percentile died. The plasma Lp-PLA2 activity also increased progressively from D0 to D30 (p < 0.005), and the change from D0 to D6 in Lp-PLA2 and ox-LDL were positively correlated (r = 0.65, p < 0.0001). An exploratory untargeted lipidomic analysis uncovered 308 individual lipids in isolated LDL particles. Paired-test analysis from D0 and D6 revealed higher concentrations of 32 lipid species during disease progression, mainly represented by lysophosphatidyl choline and phosphatidylinositol. In addition, 69 lipid species were exclusively modulated in the LDL particles from non-survivors as compared to survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Phenotypic changes in LDL particles are associated with disease progression and adverse clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients and could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker.

Determination of lysophosphatidylcholine using peroxidase-mimic PVP/PtRu nanozyme

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) can be used as a biomarker for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and sepsis. In this study, we demonstrated the ability of nanozymes to displace the natural derived enzyme in enzyme-based assays for the measurement of LPC. Synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized platinum-ruthenium nanozymes (PVP/PtRu NZs) had a uniform size of 2.48 ± 0.24 nm and superb peroxidase-mimicking activity. We demonstrated that the nanozymes had high activity over a wide pH and temperature range and high stability after long-term storage. The LPC concentration could be accurately analyzed through the absorbance and fluorescence signals generated by the peroxidation reaction using the synthesized nanozyme with substrates such as 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and 10-acetyl-3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine (Ampliflu™ Red). LPC at a concentration of 0-400 µM was used for the analysis, and the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.977, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 23.1 µM by colorimetric assay. In the fluorometric assay, the R² was 0.999, and the LOD was 8.97 µM. The spiked recovery values for the determination of LPC concentration in human serum samples were 102-115%. Based on these results, we declared that PVP/PtRu NZs had an ability comparable to that of the native enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the enzyme-based LPC detection method.

Integrative phosphatidylcholine metabolism through phospholipase A2 in rats with chronic kidney disease

Dysregulation in lipid metabolism is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and also the important risk factors for high morbidity and mortality. Although lipid abnormalities were identified in CKD, integral metabolic pathways for specific individual lipid species remain to be clarified. We conducted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-definition mass spectrometry-based lipidomics and identified plasma lipid species and therapeutic effects of Rheum officinale in CKD rats. Adenine-induced CKD rats were administered Rheum officinale. Urine, blood and kidney tissues were collected for analyses. We showed that exogenous adenine consumption led to declining kidney function in rats. Compared with control rats, a panel of differential plasma lipid species in CKD rats was identified in both positive and negative ion modes. Among the 50 lipid species, phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) and lysophosphatidic acid (LysoPA) accounted for the largest number of identified metabolites. We revealed that six PCs had integral metabolic pathways, in which PC was hydrolysed into LysoPC, and then converted to LysoPA, which was associated with increased cytosolic phospholipase A2 protein expression in CKD rats. The lower levels of six PCs and their corresponding metabolites could discriminate CKD rats from control rats. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that each individual lipid species had high values of area under curve, sensitivity and specificity. Administration of Rheum officinale significantly improved impaired kidney function and aberrant PC metabolism in CKD rats. Taken together, this study demonstrates that CKD leads to PC metabolism disorders and that the dysregulation of PC metabolism is involved in CKD pathology.

Vascular lipidomics analysis reveales increased levels of phosphocholine and lysophosphocholine in atherosclerotic mice

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the major cause of cardiovascular disease, and dyslipidemia is a principal determinant of the initiation and progression of AS. Numerous works have analyzed the lipid signature of blood, but scarce information on the lipidome of vascular tissue is available. This study investigated the lipid profile in the aorta of ApoE^-/- mice.

METHOD

ApoE^-/- mice were randomly divided into two groups: (1) the normal diet (ND) group and (2) the high-fat diet (HFD) group. After feeding for 8 weeks, the plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TGs) levels were measured. UHPLC-Q Exactive plus MS was used to assess the lipid profile using both positive and negative ionization modes.

RESULTS

LDL and TC levels were significantly increased in HFD mice, and lipid deposition, plaque area and collagen fiber levels were increased in HFD group. In addition, a total of 131 differential lipids were characterized, including 57 lipids with levels that were increased in the HFD group and 74 with levels that were decreased. Further analysis revealed that the levels of several differentially expressed phosphocholines (PCs) and lysophosphocholines (LPCs) were significantly increased. These PCs included PC (38:3), PC (36:4), PC (36:3), PC (36:2), PC (36:1), PC (34:1e), PC (34:1), PC (32:1), PC (18:0/18:1), and PC (38:5), and the LPCs included LPC (18:1), LPC (18:0) and LPC (16:0).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate the presence of a comprehensive lipid profile in the vascular tissue of atherosclerotic mice, particularly involving PC and LPC, which exhibited significantly increased levels in AS.

Metabolic remodeling of glycerophospholipids acts as a signature of dulaglutide and liraglutide treatment in recent-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aims

As metabolic remodeling is a pathological characteristic in type 2 diabetes (T2D), we investigate the roles of newly developed long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) such as dulaglutide and liraglutide on metabolic remodeling in patients with recent-onset T2D.

Methods

We recruited 52 cases of T2D and 28 control cases in this study. In the patient with T2D, 39 cases received treatment with dulaglutide and 13 cases received treatment with liraglutide. Using untargeted metabolomics analysis with broad-spectrum LC-MS, we tracked serum metabolic changes of the patients from the beginning to the end of follow-up (12th week).

Results

We identified 198 metabolites that were differentially expressed in the patients with T2D, compared to the control group, in which 23 metabolites were significantly associated with fasting plasma glucose. Compared to pre-treatment, a total of 46 and 45 differentially regulated metabolites were identified after treatments with dulaglutide and liraglutide, respectively, in which the most differentially regulated metabolites belong to glycerophospholipids. Furthermore, a longitudinal integration analysis concurrent with diabetes case-control status revealed that metabolic pathways, such as the insulin resistance pathway and type 2 diabetes mellitus, were enriched after dulaglutide and liraglutide treatments. Proteins such as GLP-1R, GNAS, and GCG were speculated as potential targets of dulaglutide and liraglutide.

Conclusions

In total, a metabolic change in lipids existed in the early stage of T2D was ameliorated after the treatments of GLP-1RAs. In addition to similar effects on improving glycemic control, remodeling of glycerophospholipid metabolism was identified as a signature of dulaglutide and liraglutide treatments.

Milk metabolomics analyses of lactating dairy cows with divergent residual feed intake reveals physiological underpinnings and novel biomarkers

The opportunity to select for feed efficient cows has been limited by inability to cost-effectively record individual feed efficiency on an appropriate scale. This study investigated the differences in milk metabolite profiles between high- and low residual feed intake (RFI) categories and identified biomarkers of residual feed intake and models that can be used to predict residual feed intake in lactating Holsteins. Milk metabolomics analyses were undertaken at early, mid and late lactation stages and residual feed intake was calculated in 72 lactating dairy cows. Cows were ranked and grouped into high residual feed intake (RFI >0.5 SD above the mean, n = 20) and low residual feed intake (RFI <0.5 SD below the mean, n = 20). Milk metabolite profiles were compared between high residual feed intake (least efficient) and low residual feed intake (most efficient) groups. Results indicated that early lactation was predominantly characterized by significantly elevated levels of medium chain acyl carnitines and glycerophospholipids in high residual feed intake cows. Citrate cycle and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the associated pathways enriched with the significantly different metabolites in early lactation. At mid lactation short and medium chain acyl carnitines, glycerophospholipids and amino acids were the main metabolite groups differing according to residual feed intake category. Late lactation was mainly characterized by increased levels of amino acids in high residual feed intake cows. Amino acid metabolism and biosynthesis pathways were enriched for metabolites that differed between residual feed intake groups at the mid and late lactation stages. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified candidate biomarkers: decanoylcarnitine (area under the curve: AUC = 0.81), dodecenoylcarnitine (AUC = 0.81) and phenylalanine (AUC = 0.85) at early, mid and late stages of lactation, respectively. Furthermore, panels of metabolites predicted residual feed intake with validation coefficient of determination (R ²) of 0.65, 0.37 and 0.60 at early, mid and late lactation stages, respectively. The study sheds light on lactation stage specific metabolic differences between high-residual feed intake and low-residual feed intake lactating dairy cows. Candidate biomarkers that distinguished divergent residual feed intake groups and panels of metabolites that predict individual residual feed intake phenotypes were identified. This result supports the potential of milk metabolites to select for more efficient cows given that traditional residual feed intake phenotyping is costly and difficult to conduct in commercial farms.

Gut microbiome in PCOS associates to serum metabolomics: a cross-sectional study

The association between gut microbiome and chronic metabolic disease including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is well documented, however, the relationship between the gut microbiota and serum metabolites remains unknown. In this study, untargeted metabolomics together with a 16S rRNA gene sequencing tool was used to detect small molecule serum metabolites and the gut microbiome. We identified 15 differential metabolites between PCOS patients and the healthy control. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) (18:2, 20:3, 18:1, P-16:0, 17:0, 15:0, 18:3, 20:4), phosphatidylcholine(PC), ganglioside GA2 (d18:1/16:0) and 1-linoleoylglycerophosphocholine were increased in the PCOS group, and the concentrations of phosphoniodidous acid, bilirubin, nicotinate beta-D-ribonucleotide and citric acid were decreased in the PCOS group, suggesting a lipid metabolism and energy metabolism disorder in the PCOS patients. The diversity of gut microbiota in PCOS group was lower than that in healthy controls. Escherichia/Shigella, Alistipes and an unnamed strain 0319_6G20 belonging to Proteobacteria were important distinguishing genera (LDA > 3.5) in PCOS. Prevotella_9 was positively correlated with phosphoniodidous acid, nicotinate beta-D-ribonucleotide and citric acid concentrations, and negatively correlated with the concentration of LPC (20:3) and 1-linoleoylglycerophosphocholine; Roseburia was negatively correlated with LPC concentration (20:4), while the characteristic genus 0319_6G20 of PCOS was positively correlated with LPC concentration (20:3) (COR > 0.45). SF-36 in the PCOS group was significantly lower than that in the healthy control (HC) group, which was associated with the presence of Escherichia-Shigella and Alistipes. Our finding demonstrated the correlation between the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in PCOS, and therefore characteristic gut microbiota and metabolites may play an important role in the insulin resistance and the mood changes of PCOS patients.

Therapeutic potential of paeoniflorin in atherosclerosis: A cellular action and mechanism-based perspective

Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence, prevalence and mortality of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are increasing globally. Atherosclerosis is characterized as a chronic inflammatory disease which involves inflammation and immune dysfunction. P. lactiflora Pall. is a plant origin traditional medicine that has been widely used for the treatment of various diseases for more than a millennium in China, Japan and Korean. Paeoniflorin is a bioactive monomer extracted from P. lactiflora Pall. with anti-atherosclerosis effects. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanism whereby paeoniflorin protects against atherosclerosis from the unique angle of inflammation and immune-related pathway dysfunction in vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, monocytes, macrophages, platelets and mast cells. Paeoniflorin, with multiple protective effects in atherosclerosis, has the potential to be used as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis and its complications. We conclude with a detailed discussion of the challenges and future perspective of paeoniflorin in translational cardiovascular medicine.

Perfluorooctanoic Acid-Disturbed Serum and Liver Lipidome in C57BL/6 Mice

Perfluorooctanoic acid is a manufactured material extensively utilized in industrial and consumer products. As a persistent organic pollutant, perfluorooctanoic acid has raised increasing public health concerns recently. Although perfluorooctanoic acid is known to induce lipid accumulation in the liver, the impact of perfluorooctanoic acid on different lipid classes has not been fully evaluated. In this study, we performed untargeted lipidomics analysis to investigate the impact of perfluorooctanoic acid on the lipid homeostasis in C57BL/6 male mice. Perfluorooctanoic acid disturbed the lipid profiles in serum and liver, with a variety of lipid classes significantly altered. Greater impacts were observed in the liver lipidome than the serum lipidome. In particular, some lipid clusters in the liver were altered by both high- and low-dose perfluorooctanoic acid exposure, including the increase of unsaturated triglycerides and the decrease of sphingomyelins, saturated phosphatidylcholines, saturated lysophosphatidylcholines, and phospholipid ethers. In parallel with an increase in the liver, a decrease of saturated phosphatidylcholines was found in the serum of high-dose perfluorooctanoic acid-treated mice. The findings from this study are helpful to improve the understanding of perfluorooctanoic acid-induced dysregulation of lipid metabolism and perfluorooctanoic acid-associated health effects in liver.

Changes in Gut Microbiota Structure: A Potential Pathway for Silver Nanoparticles to Affect the Host Metabolism

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the most widely used NPs. Their adverse effects on either the host or its gut microbiota (GM) have been examined. Nevertheless, whether the GM plays any role in AgNP toxicity to the host remains unclear. In the present study, AgNPs were administered to mice by oral gavage once a day for 120 days. A significant dose-dependent accumulation of Ag in the liver was observed, with a steady state reached within 21 days. The AgNPs changed the structure of the GM, mainly with respect to microorganisms involved in the metabolism of energy, amino acids, organic acids, and lipids, as predicted in a PICRUST analysis. Effects of the AgNPs on liver metabolism were also demonstrated, as a KEGG pathway analysis showed the enrichment of pathways responsible for the metabolism of amino acids, purines and pyrimidine, lipids, and energy. More interestingly, the changes in GM structure and liver metabolism were highly correlated, evidenced by the correlation between ∼23% of the differential microorganisms at the genus level and ∼60% of the differential metabolites. This implies that the metabolic variations in liver as affected by AgNPs were partly attributable to NP-induced changes of GM structure. Therefore, our results demonstrate the importance of considering the roles of GM in the toxicity of NPs to the host in evaluations of the health risks of NPs.

Differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs in PC12 cells under lysophosphatidylcholine stimulation

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) was previously found to show neuroprotective effect on nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induced signalings. Also, numerous studies reported the emerging roles of long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) involved in neurodegenerative disease. However, the biological mechanism of LPC and expression profile of lncRNAs has not been reported. Here, lncRNAs in PC12 cells under LPC and NGF treatment were analyzed using high throughput sequencing technology for the first time. We identified 564 annotated and 1077 novel lncRNAs in PC12 cells. Among them, 121 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in the PC12 cells under LPC stimulation. KEGG analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNAs co-expressed with lncRNAs mainly enriched in ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease etc. LncRNA-mRNA network analysis showed that lncRNA ENSRNOT00000082515 had interactions with 626 different mRNAs suggesting that lncRNA ENSRNOT00000082515 probably play vital role. Finally, sequencing data were validated by qRT-PCR for ENSRNOT00000084874, ENSRNOT00000082515, LNC_001033 forward Fgf18, Vcam1, and Pck2.

High-coverage targeted lipidomics could reveal lipid alterations and evaluate therapeutic efficacy of membranous nephropathy

Background

Membrane nephropathy (MN) often presents as nephrotic syndrome with characteristic lipid metabolism that could not be explained by lipid indicators commonly used in clinical practice. Studies have shown that invigorating spleen and qi, activating blood and detoxication in the treatment of MN is an effective method proved by randomized controlled clinical trial. However, the alterations of lipid profile before and after traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment and the related lipid markers that affect the therapeutic effect have not been fully clarified.

Methods

We analyzed plasma lipid profiles of 92 patients with MN before and after TCM treatment by high-coverage targeted lipidomics.

Results

675 lipids were identified, of which 368 stably expressed lipids (coefficient of variation less than 30% and deletion value less than 10%) were eventually included for statistical analysis. 105 lipids were altered mainly including spingolipids, glycerides, glycerophosholipid, fatty acyl and steroids, among which, the abundance of ceramides (Cers), sphingomyelins (SMs), diacylglycerols (DGs), phosphatidylcholines (PCs) were lower than those before treatment with statistically significant difference. The WGCNA network to analyze the correlation between the collective effect and the therapeutic effect showed that the triglyceride (TG) molecules were most relevant to the therapeutic effect. Analysis of 162 triglyceride molecules showed that 11 TGs were significantly down-regulated in the effective group which were concentrated in carbon atom number of 52–56 and double bond number of 0–4. TGs molecules including TG56:2-FA20:0, TG56:2-FA20:1, TG56:3-FA20:0 and TG56:5-FA20:2 were most closely related to the therapeutic effect of TCM after adjusting the influence of clinical factors. ROC curve analysis showed that these four lipids could further improve the predictive efficacy of treatment based on clinical indicators.

Conclusion

Our work demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of invigorating spleen and qi, activating blood and detoxication in the treatment of MN may be exerted by regulating lipid metabolism. High-coverage targeted lipidomics provided a non-invasive tool for discovery of lipid markers to improve the predictive efficacy of TCM therapy.

Effect of fixed-dose combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide on apoB-containing lipoprotein subclasses and HDL lipidome in type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Administration of insulin degludec and liraglutide (IDegLira) correlates to fasting lipid profile changes of diabetic patients, while data concerning apoB-containing lipoprotein subclasses and HDL lipidome are scarce. We evaluated its effect on fasting lipid parameters, apolipoproteins, apoB-containing lipoprotein subclasses and HDL lipidome in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Sixty three patients with HbA1c > 7 % on oral glucose-lowering drugs received either IDegLira or insulin degludec for 3 months. Lipoprotein subfraction profile was determined through Lipoprint method, whereas HDL lipid composition via ¹H NMR.

RESULTS

Compared to insulin degludec, IDegLira administration resulted in significantly greater reduction of total and LDL-cholesterol. On the other hand, the effect of the two drugs on apolipoprotein-B-containing lipoprotein subfractions concentration was minimal and did not differ between the 2 interventions. IDegLira, but not insulin degludec, induced an atheroprotective shift in HDL's fatty acid composition and particle core depletion in triglycerides.

CONCLUSIONS

IDegLira administration is accompanied by total and LDL-cholesterol reduction, while sdLDL concentration only reduced in patients experiencing triglyceride reduction. IDegLira induced compositional changes of HDL particles. These changes may contribute to the cardioprotective properties of liraglutide.

Investigation of the protective mechanism of leonurine against acute myocardial ischemia by an integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology strategy

Background

Leonurus japonicus Houtt has an obvious efficacy on cardiovascular diseases. As the most representative component in the herb, leonurine has attracted increasing attention for its potential in myocardial ischemia. However, its protective mechanism against myocardial ischemia remains incompletely elucidated.

Objectives

The present study aimed to reveal the potential mechanism of leonurine in acute myocardial ischemia using a strategy combining metabolomics and network pharmacology.

Methods

First, a metabolomics method was proposed to identify the differential metabolites of plasma in rats. Then, network pharmacology was performed to screen candidate targets of leonurine against acute myocardial ischemia. A compound-reaction-enzyme-gene network was thus constructed with the differential metabolites and targets. Finally, molecular docking was carried out to predict the binding capability of leonurine with key targets.

Results

A total of 32 differential metabolites were identified in rat plasma, and 16 hub genes were detected through network pharmacology. According to the results of compound-reaction-enzyme-gene network and molecular docking, what was screened included six key targets (GSR, CYP2C9, BCHE, GSTP1, TGM2, and PLA2G2A) and seven differential metabolites (glycerylphosphorylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, choline phosphate, linoleic acid, 13-HpODE, tryptophan and glutamate) with four important metabolic pathways involved: glycerophospholopid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and glutamate metabolism. Among them, glycerophospholipid and tryptophan metabolism were shown to be important, since the regulation of leonurine on these two pathways was also observed in our previous metabolomics study conducted on clinical hyperlipidemia patients.

Conclusion

This is the first study of its kind to reveal the underlying mechanism of leonurine against acute myocardial ischemia through a strategy combining metabolomics and network pharmacology, which provides a valuable reference for the research on its future application.

Association of Physical Activity With Bioactive Lipids and Cardiovascular Events

BACKGROUND

To clarify the mechanisms underlying physical activity (PA)-related cardioprotection, we examined the association of PA with plasma bioactive lipids (BALs) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. We additionally performed genome-wide associations.

METHODS

PA-bioactive lipid associations were examined in VITAL (VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL)-clinical translational science center (REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT01169259; N=1032) and validated in JUPITER (Justification for the Use of statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin)-NC (REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT00239681; N=589), using linear models adjusted for age, sex, race, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total-C, and smoking. Significant BALs were carried over to examine associations with incident CVD in 2 nested CVD case-control studies: VITAL-CVD (741 case-control pairs) and JUPITER-CVD (415 case-control pairs; validation).

RESULTS

We detected 145 PA-bioactive lipid validated associations (false discovery rate <0.1). Annotations were found for 6 of these BALs: 12,13-diHOME, 9,10-diHOME, lysoPC(15:0), oxymorphone-3b-D-glucuronide, cortisone, and oleoyl-glycerol. Genetic analysis within JUPITER-NC showed associations of 32 PA-related BALs with 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. From PA-related BALs, 12 are associated with CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a PA-related bioactive lipidome profile out of which 12 BALs also had opposite associations with incident CVD events.

Advanced Meditation and Vegan Diet Increased Acylglycines and Reduced Lipids Associated with Improved Health: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Introduction: Samyama is an Isha Yoga 8-day residential meditation/yoga retreat combined with 60 days of preparation with vegan diet. We showed earlier Samyama retreat was associated with lower systemic inflammation and favorable lipid profiles along with other physical and mental health benefits. There is no mechanistic study on the impact of an advanced meditative process on multiple blood lipids and their implications on meditation-related improved physical and mental wellbeing. Methods: Sixty-four Samyama participants on vegan diet had blood sampled immediately before and immediately after the 8-day retreat for lipidomic analysis. The complex plasma lipidome was characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis and tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Pre- and post-Samyama blood samples of 64 Samyama participants were analyzed. Acylglycines (acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, and valeryl) were increased in the plasma post-Samyama compared with pre-Samyama (p < 0.001). Levels of glycerophosphocholines, glycerophosphoethanolamines, di-unsaturated ethanolamine plasmalogens, cholesterol esters, acylcarnitines, and acylgylcerines (triacylglycerols and diacylglycerols) decreased after the Samyama meditation. Plasma levels of glycerophosphoserines or glycerophosphoinositols were unchanged. Conclusion: An 8-day advanced meditation retreat resulted in increased acylglycines, an endocannabinoid-like fatty acid amide associated with increased cellular anandamide levels, anti-inflammation, analgesia, and vascular relaxation. Other serum lipid levels, including some that are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis, were reduced following the Samyama program. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: Identifier: NCT04366544.

Progressive, Qualitative, and Quantitative Alterations in HDL Lipidome from Healthy Subjects to Patients with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes is a clinically silent, insulin-resistant state with increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism are highly intersected and interrelated, an in-depth characterization of qualitative and quantitative abnormalities in lipoproteins could unravel the metabolic pathways underlying the progression of prediabetes to T2D and also the proneness of these patients to developing premature atherosclerosis. We investigated the HDL lipidome in 40 patients with prediabetes and compared it to that of 40 normoglycemic individuals and 40 patients with established T2D using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Patients with prediabetes presented significant qualitative and quantitative alterations, potentially atherogenic, in HDL lipidome compared to normoglycemic characterized by higher percentages of free cholesterol and triglycerides, whereas phospholipids were lower. Glycerophospholipids and ether glycerolipids were significantly lower in prediabetic compared to normoglycemic individuals, whereas sphingolipids were significantly higher. In prediabetes, lipids were esterified with saturated rather than unsaturated fatty acids. These changes are qualitatively similar, but quantitatively milder, than those found in patients with T2D. We conclude that the detailed characterization of the HDL lipid profile bears a potential to identify patients with subtle (but still proatherogenic) abnormalities who are at high risk for development of T2D and CVD.

Untargeted lipidomic analysis of plasma from obese women submitted to combined physical exercise

This study aimed to determine the changes of lipidome in obese women undergoing combined physical exercise training. Fourteen adult women with obesity (mean BMI and age, 33 kg/m² and 34 ± 5 years), were submitted to combined physical training (aerobic and strength exercises, alternately, 55 min at 75–90% of the maximum heart rate, 3 times a week) for 8 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after the training intervention for lipidome, anthropometric measurements, muscle strength, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max). Untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses allowed the identification of 1252 variables, of which 160 were significant (p < 0.05), and 61 were identified as molecular species of lipids. Volcano plot analysis revealed LPC(16:0p), LPC(18:0p), LPC(20:2), and arachidonic acid upregulated and PC(38:1p), PC(40:4), PC(40:4p) downregulated after combined physical exercise. From the results of the overall Principal component analysis (PCA), the major finding was SM(d18:1/20:0), arachidonic acid, and PC(40:6) species. Other changes included a reduction in waist circumference (Δ = − 2 cm) (p < 0.05), with no weight loss. In conclusion, 8-week of combined exercise training in obese women brought changes in different classes of lipids. This study provides further information to understand the effect of combined physical exercise on lipids related to obesity.

Choline chloride attenuates the allergic airway disease by inhibiting the lysophosphatidylcholine induced response in mouse model

Aims

Allergic airway disease manifestation is induced by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) through CD1d-restricted Natural killer T (NKT) cells. Choline chloride (ChCl) and LPC both have the “choline” moiety in their structure and this may interplay the effect in allergic airway disease pathway.

Main methods

To test the hypothesis, mice were sensitized with cockroach extract (CE); challenged with CE or exposed to LPC and were given ChCl 1hr later.

Key findings

A significant increase in Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), total and differential cell count, Th2 cytokines, 8-isoprostanes level in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and inflammation score based on lung histology were observed on challenge with CE or exposure to LPC (p ​< ​0.05) indicating LPC induced airway disease manifestation in mice. These parameters were reduced significantly after administering mice with ChCl (p ​< ​0.05). The inflammatory parameters were significantly increased in LPC exposed mice, not sensitized with CE, which were significantly decreased when mice were administered with ChCl demonstrating its role in the inhibition of LPC induced allergic airway disease manifestation. Docking of CD1d with LPC and ChCl indicated the competitive inhibition of LPC induced effect by ChCl. This was validated in vivo in the form of decreased CD1d-restricted NKT cells in BALF and lung of the immunized mice on ChCl administration. There was no effect of ChCl administration on CD1d expression in BALF and lung cells.

Significance

This study shows that ChCl attenuates the allergic response by inhibiting the LPC induced- NKT cell mediated AHR, inflammation and oxidative stress by competitive inhibition to LPC in binding to CD1d.

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ChCl down regulates LPC (critical for allergic manifestation) induced response.

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Results were validated in cockroach extract immunized mice model.

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In silico studies indicate competitive inhibition to LPC by ChCl in binding to CD1d.

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In silico results were also validated in vivo in terms of CD1d-restricted NKT cells.

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Study explains the mechanism of ChCl action against allergic disease.

Bezafibrate Reduces Elevated Hepatic Fumarate in Insulin-Deficient Mice

Glucotoxic metabolites and pathways play a crucial role in diabetic complications, and new treatment options which improve glucotoxicity are highly warranted. In this study, we analyzed bezafibrate (BEZ) treated, streptozotocin (STZ) injected mice, which showed an improved glucose metabolism compared to untreated STZ animals. In order to identify key molecules and pathways which participate in the beneficial effects of BEZ, we studied plasma, skeletal muscle, white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver samples using non-targeted metabolomics (NMR spectroscopy), targeted metabolomics (mass spectrometry), microarrays and mitochondrial enzyme activity measurements, with a particular focus on the liver. The analysis of muscle and WAT demonstrated that STZ treatment elevated inflammatory pathways and reduced insulin signaling and lipid pathways, whereas BEZ decreased inflammatory pathways and increased insulin signaling and lipid pathways, which can partly explain the beneficial effects of BEZ on glucose metabolism. Furthermore, lysophosphatidylcholine levels were lower in the liver and skeletal muscle of STZ mice, which were reverted in BEZ-treated animals. BEZ also improved circulating and hepatic glucose levels as well as lipid profiles. In the liver, BEZ treatment reduced elevated fumarate levels in STZ mice, which was probably due to a decreased expression of urea cycle genes. Since fumarate has been shown to participate in glucotoxic pathways, our data suggests that BEZ treatment attenuates the urea cycle in the liver, decreases fumarate levels and, in turn, ameliorates glucotoxicity and reduces insulin resistance in STZ mice.

Pyroptosis-Induced Inflammation and Tissue Damage

Programmed cell deaths are pathways involving cells playing an active role in their own destruction. Depending on the signaling system of the process, programmed cell death can be divided into two categories, pro-inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death. Upon cell death, a plethora of cytokines are released and trigger a cascade of responses from the neighboring cells. The pyroptosis process is a double-edged sword, could be both beneficial and detrimental in various inflammatory disorders and disease conditions. A physiological outcome of these responses is tissue damage, and sometimes death of the host. In this review, we focus on the inflammatory response triggered by pyroptosis, and resulting tissue damage in selected organs.