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Wierzchowska-McNew RA, Engelen MPKJ, Thaden JJ, Ten Have GAM, Deutz NEP. Obesity- and sex-related metabolism of arginine and nitric oxide in adults. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:1610-1620. [PMID: 36166849 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing interest in the supplementation of arginine (Arg) and citrulline (Cit) in obesity due to their potential anti-obesogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is no consensus on the metabolic changes in Arg kinetics in obesity. OBJECTIVES This exploratory cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between obesity, sex, and sex-by-obesity interaction on whole-body Arg kinetics in a large group of human subjects. METHODS We studied 83 nonobese [BMI (kg/m2) <30] and 80 morbidly obese (BMI >30) middle-aged individuals (40% males) enrolled in the MEDIT (Metabolism of Disease with Isotope Tracers) trial. After body-composition measurement by DXA, we collected arterial(ized) blood samples for amino acid (AA) concentrations, markers of inflammation [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)], liver function, and glucose in a postabsorptive state. We administered a pulse of AA stable tracers and measured whole-body production (WBP) of Arg, Cit, ornithine (Orn), phenylalanine, and tyrosine, and calculated their clearance (disposal capacity) and metabolite interconversions [markers for NO and de novo Arg production, systemic Arg hydrolysis, and whole-body protein breakdown (wbPB)]. We measured plasma enrichments by LC-MS/MS and statistics by Fisher's exact test or analysis of (co)variance. Significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS Obese individuals were normoglycemic and characterized by low-grade inflammation (P < 0.0001) and greater wbPB (P = 0.0298). We found lower plasma Cit concentration (P < 0.0001) in the obese group but no differences in the WBP of Arg, Cit, and Orn. Furthermore, we observed overproduction of NO (P < 0.0001) in obesity but lower de novo Arg production (P = 0.0007). The WBP of Arg was lower in females for almost all Arg-related AAs, except for plasma Cit and NO production. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in Arg metabolism are present in morbid obesity. Further studies are needed to investigate if these changes could be related to factors such as increased Arg requirement in obesity or metabolic adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven A Wierzchowska-McNew
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mariëlle P K J Engelen
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - John J Thaden
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gabriella A M Ten Have
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nicolaas E P Deutz
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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Intravenous Arginine Administration Attenuates the Inflammatory Response and Improves Metabolic Profiles in Diet-Induced Obese Mice after Sleeve Gastrectomy. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020153. [PMID: 35208227 PMCID: PMC8878086 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a bariatric surgery that can effectively reduce weight and improve obesity-associated comorbidities. However, surgical stress intensifies inflammation and imbalanced metabolic profiles. Arginine (Arg) is a nutrient with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the short-term effects of Arg administration on adipocyte inflammation and metabolic alterations in obese mice after SG. Mice were assigned to normal and high-fat diet (HFD) groups. After 16 weeks, the HFD group were divided to sham (SH), SG with saline (SS), or Arg (SA) groups. SS and SA groups were postoperatively injected with saline or Arg via the tail vein and sacrificed at day 1 or 3 after the SG, respectively. Results showed that obesity caused elevated plasma glucose and leptin levels. The SG operation enhanced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and macrophage infiltration in adipose tissues, whereas hepatocyte gene expressions associated with lipid β-oxidation were downregulated. Arg treatment reversed the expressions of β-oxidation-associated genes and reduced lipid peroxide production in the liver. Additionally, adipose tissue expressions of inflammatory chemokines were reduced, while the M2 macrophage marker increased after surgery. The findings suggest that postoperative Arg administration elicited more balanced hepatic lipid metabolism, polarized macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory type, and attenuated adipocyte inflammation shortly after SG.
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Azizi S, Mahdavi R, Mobasseri M, Aliasgharzadeh S, Abbaszadeh F, Ebrahimi-Mameghani M. The impact of L-citrulline supplementation on glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, and some inflammatory factors in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2021; 35:3157-3166. [PMID: 33876875 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the impact of L-citrulline on glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, and inflammatory factors in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In total, 54 participants with T2D were assigned to L-citrulline (3 g/day L-citrulline) or placebo groups and tested for 8 weeks. Serum levels of insulin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and L-citrulline were measured pre- and post-intervention. Totally, 45 patients were enrolled in the research. L-citrulline supplementation decreased serum levels of insulin (p = .025), glucose (p = .032), HbA1c (p = .001), HOMA-IR (p = .037), TNF-α (p = .036), and hs-CRP (p = .027) significantly. At the end of the study, despite the significant decrease in serum levels of triglyceride (p = .027) and the increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p < .001) in the L-citrulline group, no significant differences were found for these parameters between the groups. Moreover, no significant inter- and intra-group changes were observed for dietary intakes, anthropometric indices, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p > .05). In conclusion, L-citrulline supplementation might improve glucose homeostasis, some lipid factors and inflammatory markers in overweight and obese patients with T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Azizi
- Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Mahdavi
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, School of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Mobasseri
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soghra Aliasgharzadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrangiz Ebrahimi-Mameghani
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, School of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Azizi S, Mahdavi R, Vaghef-Mehrabany E, Maleki V, Karamzad N, Ebrahimi-Mameghani M. Potential roles of Citrulline and watermelon extract on metabolic and inflammatory variables in diabetes mellitus, current evidence and future directions: A systematic review. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 47:187-198. [PMID: 31612510 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent endocrine disorder worldwide. Citrulline is an α-amino acid, which is abundant in watermelon, and a precursor of arginine and nitric oxide. Decreased bioavailability of nitric oxide is associated with insulin resistance. The present systematic review focused on the existing evidence of citrulline and watermelon extract effects on metabolic and inflammatory parameters in diabetes mellitus. METHODS A systematic search of the databases PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, ProQuest and Google Scholar was conducted for relevant papers published from inception until October 2018. All clinical trials, animal and in vitro studies published in the English language that assessed the role of citrulline and watermelon extract on diabetes mellitus, were eligible. Studies providing inadequate information were excluded. RESULTS Out of 1262 articles we found, only eight articles met the inclusion criteria for analysis. In three studies an increase in the synthesis of nitric oxide was reported with citrulline and watermelon extract supplementation. Four studies showed a significant reduction in blood glucose after supplementation with watermelon extract, and two studies reported a decrease in a number of inflammatory biomarkers following citrulline supplementation. Although citrulline intake caused a significant reduction in HOMA-IR in one study, inconsistent results were revealed on the effects of citrulline and watermelon extract on insulin levels and lipid profile. CONCLUSION Citrulline and watermelon extract could improve nitric oxide synthesis, glycaemic status and inflammation in diabetes mellitus. However, further studies are required to shed light on the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Azizi
- Department of Biochemistry and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Mahdavi
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, School of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elnaz Vaghef-Mehrabany
- Department of Biochemistry and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Maleki
- Department of Biochemistry and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nahid Karamzad
- Department of Biochemistry and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrangiz Ebrahimi-Mameghani
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, School of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Jin L, Deng Z, Zhang J, Yang C, Liu J, Han W, Ye P, Si Y, Chen G. Mesenchymal stem cells promote type 2 macrophage polarization to ameliorate the myocardial injury caused by diabetic cardiomyopathy. J Transl Med 2019; 17:251. [PMID: 31382970 PMCID: PMC6683374 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1999-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common complication of diabetes and is characterized by chronic myocardial inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusions have recently been suggested to alleviate myocardial injury and ameliorate cardiac function. However, few studies have focused on the effects of MSCs in DCM. Therefore, we explored the effects of MSC-regulated macrophage polarization on myocardial repair in DCM. METHODS A DCM rat model was induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) administration and infused 4 times with MSCs. Rat blood and heart tissue were analyzed for blood glucose levels, lipid levels, echocardiography, histopathology, macrophage phenotype ratios and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. We mimicked chronic inflammation in vitro by inducing peritoneal macrophages with high glucose and LPS, then cocultured these macrophages with MSCs to explore the specific mechanism of MSCs on macrophage polarization. RESULTS DCM rats exhibited abnormal blood glucose levels and lipid metabolism, cardiac inflammation and dysfunction. MSC infusion ameliorated metabolic abnormalities and preserved cardiac structure and function in DCM rats. Moreover, MSC infusion significantly increased the M2 phenotype macrophages and alleviated cardiac inflammation. Interestingly, this in vitro study revealed that the MSCs pretreated with a COX-2 inhibitor had little effect on M2 macrophage polarization, but this phenomenon could be reversed by adding prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that MSC infusions can protect against cardiac injury in DCM rats. The underlying mechanisms may include MSC-enhanced M2 macrophage polarization via the COX-2-PGE2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Jin
- Chinese People’s Liberation Army Medical School, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Zihui Deng
- Institute of Basic Medicine Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Jiejie Liu
- Institute of Basic Medicine Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Weidong Han
- Institute of Basic Medicine Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Ping Ye
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28, Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Yiling Si
- Institute of Basic Medicine Science, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853 China
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Atawia RT, Bunch KL, Toque HA, Caldwell RB, Caldwell RW. Mechanisms of obesity-induced metabolic and vascular dysfunctions. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2019; 24:890-934. [PMID: 30844720 PMCID: PMC6689231 DOI: 10.2741/4758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and its prevalence is climbing. Obesity is characterized by hypertrophied adipocytes with a dysregulated adipokine secretion profile, increased recruitment of inflammatory cells, and impaired metabolic homeostasis that eventually results in the development of systemic insulin resistance, a phenotype of type 2 diabetes. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is an enzyme that converts L-arginine to nitric oxide (NO), which functions to maintain vascular and adipocyte homeostasis. Arginase is a ureohydrolase enzyme that competes with NOS for L-arginine. Arginase activity/expression is upregulated in obesity, which results in diminished bioavailability of NO, impairing both adipocyte and vascular endothelial cell function. Given the emerging role of NO in the regulation of adipocyte physiology and metabolic capacity, this review explores the interplay between arginase and NO, and their effect on the development of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of obesity-induced metabolic and vascular dysfunction is necessary for the identification of more effective and tailored therapeutic avenues for their prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem T Atawia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Katharine L Bunch
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Haroldo A Toque
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology,and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Ruth B Caldwell
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Robert W Caldwell
- Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Augusta, GA 30904,USA,
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Lee YC, Su YT, Liu TY, Tsai CM, Chang CH, Yu HR. L-Arginine and L-Citrulline Supplementation Have Different Programming Effect on Regulatory T-Cells Function of Infantile Rats. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2911. [PMID: 30619275 PMCID: PMC6295647 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semiessential amino acid in healthy adult human, but is essential for preterm, newborn or critically ill patients. Arginine can be supplied from our diet or de novo synthesis from citrulline. In conditions of sepsis or endotoxemia, arginine may be deficient and be accompanied with altered immune response. L-arginine supplementation can ameliorate dysregulated immune condition and improve prognosis. Many studies had tried L-arginine or L-citrulline supplementation to examine the effect on immune response in the adult population. Few had studied on the young children. In this study, we determined the effect of L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation on the immune response of infantile rats. Male infantile rats received normal saline, L-arginine (200 mg/kg/day) or L-citrulline (200 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally over postnatal day 8 to day 14. The infantile rats were then sacrificed. The blood was analyzed while the spleen was indicated for immune analysis after stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We found L-arginine supplementation enhanced Th1 immune response by increasing IFN-γ production. Both the L-arginine and L-citrulline therapy can modulate regulatory T-cell (Treg) immune effects by increasing the IL-10 level. Only the L-citrulline group showed a TGF-β1 increase. Both L-arginine and L-citrulline therapy were also noted to decrease SMAD7 expression and enhance SIRT-1 abundance. However, FOXP3 expression was only modulated by L-citrulline treatment. We then concluded that L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation can modulate the regulatory T-cells function differently for infantile rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tsun Su
- Department of Pediatrics, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Yu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hao Chang
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Ren Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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van den Berg MP, Meurs H, Gosens R. Targeting arginase and nitric oxide metabolism in chronic airway diseases and their co-morbidities. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2018; 40:126-133. [PMID: 29729549 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the airways, arginase and NOS compete for the common substrate l-arginine. In chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and COPD, elevated arginase expression contributes to airway contractility, hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and remodeling. The disrupted l-arginine homeostasis, through changes in arginase and NOS expression and activity, does not only play a central role in the development of various airways diseases such as asthma or COPD. It possibly also affects l-arginine homeostasis throughout the body contributing to the emergence of co-morbidities. This review focusses on the role of arginase, NOS and ADMA in co-morbidities of asthma and COPD and speculates on their possible connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska Pm van den Berg
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1 (XB10), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Herman Meurs
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1 (XB10), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1 (XB10), 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands; Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Breuillard C, Curis E, Le Plénier S, Cynober L, Moinard C. Nitric oxide production by peritoneal macrophages from aged rats: A short term and direct modulation by citrulline. Biochimie 2016; 133:66-73. [PMID: 27939527 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Citrulline has anti-inflammatory properties and exerts beneficial effects on various impaired functions in aging. However, there are few data on citrulline action on immune function in aged populations. The objective of the study was to evaluate citrulline ability, after in vivo and in vitro administration, to modulate macrophage functions in aged rats and the possible pathways involved. Twenty-one-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 27) received a citrulline supplementation at 5 g/kg/d for 5 days, or an isonitrogenous diet, and peritoneal macrophages were cultured with or without LPS. In the in vitro study, macrophages from 22-month-old rats (n = 16) were cultured with or without LPS, citrulline and inhibitors of different inflammatory pathways (n = 8/conditions). Nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) production were measured in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Citrulline decreased NO production variability by peritoneal macrophages after in vivo administration (p = 0.0034) and downregulated NO production by 22% after in vitro administration (95% CI: [6%; 35%]; p = 0.0394), without any direct effect on TNFα production. None of the transductional pathways explored seem to be involved. Citrulline slightly modulates NO production in vivo and in vitro, suggesting a possible action through modulation of arginine metabolism in macrophages rather than a direct transductional effect. The pleiotropic effects of citrulline in aging could be due, at least in part, to the anti-inflammatory effect of citrulline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Breuillard
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, EA 4466, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
| | - Emmanuel Curis
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques, EA 4466, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
| | - Servane Le Plénier
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, EA 4466, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
| | - Luc Cynober
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, EA 4466, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France; Service de Biochimie, Hôpitaux Cochin et Hôtel-Dieu, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - Christophe Moinard
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, EA 4466, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Pharmacie, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
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Deveaux A, Pham I, West SG, André E, Lantoine-Adam F, Bunouf P, Sadi S, Hermier D, Mathé V, Fouillet H, Huneau JF, Benamouzig R, Mariotti F. l-Arginine Supplementation Alleviates Postprandial Endothelial Dysfunction When Baseline Fasting Plasma Arginine Concentration Is Low: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Overweight Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. J Nutr 2016; 146:1330-40. [PMID: 27281800 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.227959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular endothelial dysfunction, the hallmark of early atherosclerosis, is induced transiently by a high-fat meal. High doses of free l-arginine supplements reduce fasting endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the effects of a low dose of a sustained-release (SR) l-arginine supplement on postprandial endothelial function in healthy overweight adults with cardiometabolic risk factors and to investigate whether this effect may vary by baseline arginine status. METHODS In a randomized, double-blind, 2-period crossover, placebo-controlled trial (4-wk treatment, 4-wk washout), we compared the effects of 1.5 g SR-l-arginine 3 times/d (4.5 g/d) with placebo in 33 healthy overweight adults [body mass index (BMI, in kg/m(2)): 25 to >30] with the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTW) phenotype [plasma triglycerides > 150 mg/dL; waist circumference > 94 cm (men) or > 80 cm (women)]. The main outcome variable tested was postprandial endothelial function after a high-fat meal (900 kcal), as evaluated by use of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and Framingham reactive hyperemia index (fRHI), after each treatment. By use of subgroup analysis, we determined whether the effect was related to the baseline plasma arginine concentration. RESULTS In the total population, the effects of SR-arginine supplementation on postprandial endothelial function were mixed and largely varied with baseline fasting arginine concentration (P-interaction < 0.05). In the lower half of the population (below the median of 78.2 μmol arginine/L plasma), but not the upper half, SR-arginine supplementation attenuated the postprandial decrease in both FMD (29% decrease with SR-arginine compared with 50% decrease with placebo) and fRHI (5% increase with SR-arginine compared with 49% decrease with placebo), resulting in significantly higher mean ± SEM values with SR-arginine (FMD: 4.0% ± 0.40%; fRHI: 0.41 ± 0.069) than placebo (FMD: 2.9% ± 0.31%; fRHI: 0.21 ± 0.060) at the end of the postprandial period (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Supplementation with low-dose SR-arginine alleviates postprandial endothelial dysfunction in healthy HTW adults when the baseline plasma arginine concentration is relatively low. The benefits of arginine supplementation may be linked to a lower ability to mobilize endogenous arginine for nitric oxide synthesis during a postprandial challenge. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02354794.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambre Deveaux
- UMR Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Pham
- Department of Physiology and Functional Investigations, Jean Verdier Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux Paris, Bondy, France
| | - Sheila G West
- Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA; and
| | - Etienne André
- Institut de Recherche Pierre Fabre, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | - Pierre Bunouf
- Institut de Recherche Pierre Fabre, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Samira Sadi
- UMR Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Hermier
- UMR Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Mathé
- UMR Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Fouillet
- UMR Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Huneau
- UMR Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Robert Benamouzig
- UMR Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - François Mariotti
- UMR Physiologie de la Nutrition et du Comportement Alimentaire, AgroParisTech, INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France;
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Jegatheesan P, Beutheu S, Ventura G, Nubret E, Sarfati G, Bergheim I, De Bandt JP. Citrulline and Nonessential Amino Acids Prevent Fructose-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats. J Nutr 2015; 145:2273-9. [PMID: 26246323 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.218982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fructose induces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Citrulline (Cit) may exert a beneficial effect on steatosis. OBJECTIVE We compared the effects of Cit and an isonitrogenous mixture of nonessential amino acids (NEAAs) on fructose-induced NAFLD. METHODS Twenty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 4-6) to receive for 8 wk a 60% fructose diet, either alone or supplemented with Cit (1 g · kg(-1) · d(-1)), or an isonitrogenous amount of NEAAs, or the same NEAA-supplemented diet with starch and maltodextrin instead of fructose (controls). Nutritional and metabolic status, liver function, and expression of genes of hepatic lipid metabolism were determined. RESULTS Compared with controls, fructose led to NAFLD with significantly higher visceral fat mass (128%), lower lean body mass (-7%), insulin resistance (135%), increased plasma triglycerides (TGs; 67%), and altered plasma amino acid concentrations with decreased Arg bioavailability (-27%). This was corrected by both NEAA and Cit supplementation. Fructose caused a 2-fold increase in the gene expression of fatty acid synthase (Fas) and 70% and 90% decreases in that of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase 1a and microsomal TG transfer protein via a nearly 10-fold higher gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (Srebp1c) and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (Chrebp), and a 90% lower gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (Ppara). NEAA or Cit supplementation led to a Ppara gene expression similar to controls and decreased those of Srebp1c and Chrebp in the liver by 50-60%. Only Cit led to Fas gene expression and Arg bioavailability similar to controls. CONCLUSION In our rat model, Cit and NEAAs effectively prevented fructose-induced NAFLD. On the basis of literature data and our findings, we propose that NEAAs may exert their effects specifically on the liver, whereas Cit presumably acts at both the hepatic and whole-body level, in part via improved peripheral Arg metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanthi Jegatheesan
- Nutrition Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Beutheu
- Nutrition Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Gabrielle Ventura
- Nutrition Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Esther Nubret
- Nutrition Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Sarfati
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Paris Center University Hospitals, Public Assistance Hospitals of Paris, Paris, France; and
| | - Ina Bergheim
- Institut of Nutrition, SD Model Systems of Molecular Nutrition, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jean-Pascal De Bandt
- Nutrition Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France; Clinical Chemistry Department, Paris Center University Hospitals, Public Assistance Hospitals of Paris, Paris, France; and
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Pekarova M, Lojek A. The crucial role of l-arginine in macrophage activation: What you need to know about it. Life Sci 2015; 137:44-8. [PMID: 26188591 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, it is well recognized that amino acids are powerful molecules responsible for regulatory control over fundamental cellular processes. However, our understanding of the signaling cascades involved in amino acid sensing in organisms, as well as signal initiation, is largely limited. This is also the case of semi-essential amino acid l-arginine, which has multiple metabolic fates, and it is considered as one of the most versatile amino acids. Recently, some new and important facts have been published considering the role of l-arginine in the regulation of inflammatory processes in several human and mouse models, mediated also via the regulation of macrophage activation. Therefore, this mini review focuses on the actual summarization of information about (i) l-arginine bioavailability in organism, (ii) l-arginine-dependent regulation of nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production, and importantly (iii) its role in the activation of intracellular signaling pathways and G-protein-coupled receptors in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Pekarova
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Kralovopolska 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Antonin Lojek
- Institute of Biophysics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Kralovopolska 135, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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In vitro anti-inflammatory effects of citrulline on peritoneal macrophages in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Br J Nutr 2014; 113:120-4. [PMID: 25391524 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114514002086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In type 2 diabetes (T2D) macrophage dysfunction increases susceptibility to infection and mortality. This may result from the associated decreased plasma concentration of arginine, an amino acid that plays an important role in immunity. In vitro, increasing arginine availability leads to an improvement in macrophage function; however, arginine supplementation in diabetic obese patients may be detrimental. The aim of the present study was to assess in vitro whether citrulline, an arginine precursor, could replace arginine in the regulation of macrophage function under a condition of diabetes and obesity. Peritoneal macrophages from diabetic obese or lean rats were incubated for 6 h in an arginine-free medium, in the presence of increasing citrulline concentrations (0·1, 0·5, 1 or 2 mmol/l). Cytokine and NO production was determined. Peritoneal macrophages from either lean or diabetic obese rats produced NO, and at higher levels in the cells from lean rats. In diabetic obese rats, TNF-α production decreased with increasing citrulline concentrations, but was higher than that in the cells from lean rats. In contrast, IL-6 production increased with increasing citrulline concentrations. The present experiment shows that citrulline is effectively used for NO production and regulates cytokine production in macrophages from diabetic obese rats. This effect warrants in vivo evaluation in T2D-related inflammation.
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Joffin N, Jaubert AM, Durant S, Bastin J, De Bandt JP, Cynober L, Moinard C, Coumoul X, Forest C, Noirez P. Citrulline reduces glyceroneogenesis and induces fatty acid release in visceral adipose tissue from overweight rats. Mol Nutr Food Res 2014; 58:2320-30. [PMID: 25271764 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201400507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE High-fat diet (HFD) increases visceral adipose tissue (AT). Our aim was to evaluate whether citrulline (CIT) affected nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) metabolism in AT from HFD-fed rats. METHODS AND RESULTS Rats were fed for 8 weeks with either a control diet (CD) or HFD. Retroperitoneal AT explants were exposed to 2.5 mmol/L CIT for 24 h. We analyzed lipolysis, beta-oxidation, glyceroneogenesis, and the expression of the key associated enzymes. CIT doubled NEFA release selectively in HFD AT. Phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase was upregulated 50 and 100% by CIT in CD and HFD AT, respectively. Under CIT, beta-oxidation increased similarly whatever the diet, whereas glyceroneogenesis, which permits NEFA re-esterification, was downregulated 50 and 80% in CD and HFD AT, respectively. In the latter, the important decrease in re-esterification probably explains the rise of NEFA release. A pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester abolished CIT effects. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate direct lipolytic and antiglyceroneogenic effects of CIT on CD and HFD AT. The selective CIT-mediated NEFA release from HFD AT was probably the consequence of the drastic decrease in glyceroneogenesis and nitric oxide was a mediator of CIT effects. These results provide evidence for a direct action of CIT on AT to reduce overweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolwenn Joffin
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale UMR-S 1124, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Biomédicales, Pharmacologie Toxicologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Paris, France
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