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Sakata N. The anti-inflammatory effect of metformin: The molecular targets. Genes Cells 2024; 29:183-191. [PMID: 38311861 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug. Metformin mainly inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver and reduces blood sugar. In addition to the anti-diabetic effects, many studies have revealed that metformin has anti-inflammatory effects. Various molecules were suggested to be the target of the metformin's anti-inflammatory effects. However, the conclusion is not clear. Metformin is related to a number of molecules and the identification of the main target in anti-inflammatory effects leads to the understanding of inflammation and metformin. In this article, I discuss each suggested molecule, involved mechanisms, and their relationship with various diseases.
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Xia Y, Andersson E, Caputo M, Cansby E, Sedda F, Font-Gironès F, Ruud J, Kurhe Y, Hallberg B, Marschall HU, Asterholm IW, Romeo S, Blüher M, Mahlapuu M. Knockout of STE20-type kinase TAOK3 does not attenuate diet-induced NAFLD development in mice. Mol Med 2023; 29:138. [PMID: 37864157 PMCID: PMC10589923 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00738-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the primary hepatic consequence of obesity, is affecting about 25% of the global adult population. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo role of STE20-type protein kinase TAOK3, which has been previously reported to regulate hepatocellular lipotoxicity in vitro, in the development of NAFLD and systemic insulin resistance in the context of obesity. METHODS Taok3 knockout mice and wild-type littermates were challenged with a high-fat diet. Various in vivo tests were performed to characterize the whole-body metabolism. NAFLD progression in the liver, and lipotoxic damage in adipose tissue, kidney, and skeletal muscle were compared between the genotypes by histological assessment, immunofluorescence microscopy, protein and gene expression profiling, and biochemical assays. Intracellular lipid accumulation and oxidative/ER stress were analyzed in cultured human and mouse hepatocytes where TAOK3 was knocked down by small interfering RNA. The expression of TAOK3-related STE20-type kinases was quantified in different organs from high-fat diet-fed Taok3-/- and wild-type mice. RESULTS TAOK3 deficiency had no impact on body weight or composition, food consumption, locomotor activity, or systemic glucose or insulin homeostasis in obese mice. Consistently, Taok3-/- mice and wild-type littermates developed a similar degree of high-fat diet-induced liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, and we detected no difference in lipotoxic damage of adipose tissue, kidney, or skeletal muscle when comparing the two genotypes. In contrast, the silencing of TAOK3 in vitro markedly suppressed ectopic lipid accumulation and metabolic stress in mouse and human hepatocytes. Interestingly, the hepatic mRNA abundance of several TAOK3-related kinases, which have been previously implicated to increase the risk of NAFLD susceptibility, was significantly elevated in Taok3-/- vs. wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to the in vitro observations, genetic deficiency of TAOK3 in mice failed to mitigate the detrimental metabolic consequences of chronic exposure to dietary lipids, which may be partly attributable to the activation of liver-specific compensation response for the genetic loss of TAOK3 by related STE20-type kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Andersson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mara Caputo
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francesca Sedda
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ferran Font-Gironès
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Ruud
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yeshwant Kurhe
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bengt Hallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Wernstedt Asterholm
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity, and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München, University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Zhang W, Li D, Li B, Chu X, Kong B. STAT3 as a therapeutic target in the metformin-related treatment. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109770. [PMID: 36746021 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling plays an important role in mediating tumor progression, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and other pathological processes.In recent years, STAT3 as a therapeutic target has received extensive attention. It is well known that metformin can play the role of hypoglycemia by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through inhibition of mitochondrial ATP production.However, AMPK is not required for metformin activity.Although the application of STAT3 as a therapeutic target of metformin is still in the initial research stage, the importance of STAT3 in the mechanism of metformin is gradually being recognizedand further studies are needed to demonstrate the important role of the STAT3 regulatory network in the regulation of diseases by metformin. Here, we reviewed in detail that metformin inhibits the progression of various diseases like tumors, autoimmune diseases and hormone-related diseases by regulating multiple signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT3 and mTOR/STAT3 signaling centered on STAT3. We also summarized recent advances of STAT3 inhibitors combined with metformin in the treatment of diseases.We emphasized that STAT3 signaling, as an AMPK-independent signaling pathway, may be an important target for metformin in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiran Zhang
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| | - Daisong Li
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| | - Bing Li
- Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| | - Xianming Chu
- the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
| | - Bin Kong
- the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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Polito R, Monaco ML, Mallardo M, Elce A, Daniele A, Nigro E. Treatment with sera from Water Polo athletes activates AMPKα and ACC proteins In HepG2 hepatoma cell line. SPORT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11332-021-00742-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Physical activity and professional physical activity such as water polo (WP) sport, has numerous beneficial effects to fight metabolism-related disorders through several mechanisms, including the promotion of liver metabolic adaptations, and the modulation of cytokine production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different types of physical activity on AMPKα and ACC, two proteins involved in liver metabolism; therefore, we treated the hepatoma cell line Hep G2 with sera from elite WP athletes and amateur (basket) players. As control, we used serum from both sedentary and obese subjects.
Methods
Help G2 cells were treated with 5% of human sera from the different subjects; after 24 h and 48 h, HepG2 cell viability was verified through MTT assay and activation status of AMPKα and ACC through western blotting. Cytokine’s serum levels were measured through ELISA assay.
Results
After 72 h, the treatment of HepG2 cells with sera from the different subjects produced no effect on cell viability. Furthermore, after 48 h of treatment, both AMPKα and ACC phosphorylation statistically increases in HepG2 cells treated with sera from WP athletes. Furthermore, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 levels resulted statistically increased in WP athlete’s sera than in sedentary subjects.
Conclusion
The specific activation of AMPKα and ACC by WP sera confirms that professional sport activity carried out by WP athletes can be considered as a physiological activator of these two proteins also in HepG2 liver cells. In addition, the increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines in WP sera confirms the ample evidence for multiple anti-inflammatory activities carried out by WP discipline.
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Recent advances in the role of interleukin-6 in health and disease. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 52:47-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Townsend LK, Medak KD, Peppler WT, Meers GM, Rector RS, LeBlanc PJ, Wright DC. High-saturated-fat diet-induced obesity causes hepatic interleukin-6 resistance via endoplasmic reticulum stress. J Lipid Res 2019; 60:1236-1249. [PMID: 31085628 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m092510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between liver interleukin-6 (IL-6) resistance following high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and glucose intolerance is unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the temporal development of hepatic IL-6 resistance and the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in this process. We hypothesized that HFD would rapidly induce hepatic IL-6 resistance through a mechanism involving ER stress. Male C57BL/6N mice consumed chow or a HFD (60%) derived from lard (saturated) or olive oil (monounsaturated) for 4 days or 7 weeks before being injected intraperitoneally with IL-6 (6 ng·kg-1). Glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tolerance tests were used as proxies for systemic glucose metabolism and hepatic glucose production, respectively. Primary mouse hepatocytes were incubated with palmitate (saturated) and oleate (unsaturated) overnight, then treated with 20 ng/ml IL-6. ER stress was induced via tunicamycin or prevented by sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA). Seven weeks of a saturated, but not monounsaturated, HFD reduced hepatic IL-6 signaling in conjunction with hepatic ER stress. Palmitate directly impaired IL-6 signaling in hepatocytes along with inducing ER stress. Pharmacologically induced ER stress caused hepatic IL-6 resistance, whereas PBA reversed HFD-induced IL-6 resistance. Chronic HFD-induced obesity is associated with hepatic IL-6 resistance due to saturated FA-induced ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan K Townsend
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle D Medak
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Willem T Peppler
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Grace M Meers
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.,Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO
| | - R Scott Rector
- Nutrition and Exercise Physiology University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.,Research Service, Harry S Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO
| | - Paul J LeBlanc
- Department of Health Sciences Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - David C Wright
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Xie Z, Wang Y, Huang J, Qian N, Shen G, Chen L. Anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides from Phellinus linteus by regulating the NF-κB translocation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 129:61-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Peppler WT, Townsend LK, Meers GM, Panasevich MR, MacPherson REK, Rector RS, Wright DC. Acute administration of IL-6 improves indices of hepatic glucose and insulin homeostasis in lean and obese mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 316:G166-G178. [PMID: 30383412 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00097.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Obesity can lead to impairments in hepatic glucose and insulin homeostasis, and although exercise is an effective treatment, the molecular targets remain incompletely understood. As IL-6 is an exercise-inducible cytokine, we aimed to identify whether IL-6 itself influences hepatic glucose and insulin homeostasis and whether this response differs during obesity. In vivo, male mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD; 10% kcal) or a high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal) for 7 wk, which induced obesity and hepatic lipid accumulation. LFD- and HFD-fed mice were injected with IL-6 (400 ng, 75 min) or PBS and then with insulin (1 U/kg; ~15 min) or saline, at which point livers were collected. In both LFD- and HFD-fed mice, IL-6 decreased blood glucose and mRNA expression of gluconeogenic genes alongside increased phosphorylation of AKT in comparison to PBS controls, and this occurred without changes in circulating insulin. To determine whether this effect of IL-6 was directly on the liver, we completed in vitro isolated primary hepatocyte experiments from chow-fed mice and cultured with or without exposure to free fatty acid (250 μm palmitate and 250 μm oleate, 24 h) to induce lipid accumulation. In both control and free fatty acid-treated hepatocytes, IL-6 (20 ng/ml, 75 min) slightly attenuated insulin-stimulated (10 nM; ~15 min) AKT phosphorylation. Together, these data suggest that IL-6 may lead to improvements in indices of hepatic glucose and insulin homeostasis in vivo; however, this is likely due to an indirect effect on the hepatocyte. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we used lean and obese mice and found that a single injection of IL-6 improved glucose tolerance, decreased hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression, and increased hepatic phosphorylation of AKT. In primary hepatocytes cultured under control and lipid-laden conditions, IL-6 had a mild, but deleterious, effect on phosphorylation of AKT. Our results show that the beneficial effects of IL-6 on glucose and insulin homeostasis, in vivo, are maintained in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem T Peppler
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada
| | - Logan K Townsend
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada
| | - Grace M Meers
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri , Columbia, Missouri.,Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital , Columbia, Missouri
| | - Matthew R Panasevich
- Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri , Columbia, Missouri.,Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital , Columbia, Missouri
| | | | - R Scott Rector
- Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri , Columbia, Missouri.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri , Columbia, Missouri.,Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital , Columbia, Missouri
| | - David C Wright
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada
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Gao J, Xiong R, Xiong D, Zhao W, Zhang S, Yin T, Zhang X, Jiang G, Yin Z. The Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP) Analog, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide (AICAR) Inhibits Hepatosteatosis and Liver Tumorigenesis in a High-Fat Diet Murine Model Treated with Diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:8533-8543. [PMID: 30474622 PMCID: PMC6278641 DOI: 10.12659/msm.910544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are associated with obesity and hepatosteatosis. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates metabolic homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of treatment with the adenosine monophosphate (AMP) analog, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR) on hepatosteatosis in a mouse model fed a high-fat diet (HFD), and on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in the HFD mouse model. Material/Methods Male C57BL/6 male mice from two weeks of age were fed a high-fat diet, resulting in hepatosteatosis. HFD mice (15–20 per group) were treated with AICAR and without AICAR. HFD mice were treated with DEN, with and without AICAR. Mouse liver tissues were examined histologically using lipid histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Levels of cytokines, alanine transaminase (ALT), triacylglyceride (TAG), and apoptosis were determined. Western blot was used to detect AMPK, pAMPK, STAT3, and pSTAT3. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detected expression of the ACL, FAS, CD36, ATGL, CPT1, and IL6 genes. Results In the HFD mouse model, AICAR treatment inhibited hepatic lipid synthesis and IL-6 expression. In the DEN-treated mice, AICAR treatment reduced tumorigenesis, IL-6 signaling, and STAT3 activation. Short-term AICAR treatment had no significant effect in advanced HCC. Conclusions In an HFD mouse model, treatment with AICAR reduced the development of hepatosteatosis, and following treatment with the liver carcinogen, DEN, AICAR reduced the development of HCC. These preliminary findings support further studies on the role of AICAR in fatty liver disease and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlong Gao
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Rui Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Dan Xiong
- Department of Radiology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Wenxing Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Tao Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Guozhen Jiang
- Department of Public Health, Hua Rong Central Health Hospital, Ezhou, Hubei, China (mainland)
| | - Zhengyu Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China (mainland).,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China (mainland)
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Leidgens V, Proske J, Rauer L, Moeckel S, Renner K, Bogdahn U, Riemenschneider MJ, Proescholdt M, Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Hau P, Seliger C. Stattic and metformin inhibit brain tumor initiating cells by reducing STAT3-phosphorylation. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8250-8263. [PMID: 28030813 PMCID: PMC5352398 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant type of primary brain tumor and associated with a devastating prognosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription number 3 (STAT3) is an important pathogenic factor in GBM and can be specifically inhibited with Stattic. Metformin inhibits GBM cell proliferation and migration. Evidence from other tumor models suggests that metformin inhibits STAT3, but there is no specific data on brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs). We explored proliferation and migration of 7 BTICs and their differentiated counterparts (TCs) after treatment with Stattic, metformin or the combination thereof. Invasion was measured in situ on organotypic brain slice cultures. Protein expression of phosphorylated and total STAT3, as well as AMPK and mTOR signaling were explored using Western blot. To determine functional relevance of STAT3 inhibition by Stattic and metformin, we performed a stable knock-in of STAT3 in selected BTICs. Inhibition of STAT3 with Stattic reduced proliferation in all BTICs, but only in 4 out of 7 TCs. Migration and invasion were equally inhibited in BTICs and TCs. Treatment with metformin reduced STAT3-phosphorylation in all investigated BTICs and TCs. Combined treatment with Stattic and metformin led to significant additive effects on BTIC proliferation, but not migration or invasion. No additive effects on TCs could be detected. Stable STAT3 knock-in partly attenuated the effects of Stattic and metformin on BTICs. In conclusion, metformin was found to inhibit STAT3-phosphorylation in BTICs and TCs. Combined specific and unspecific inhibition of STAT3 might represent a promising new strategy in the treatment of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Leidgens
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Judith Proske
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Rauer
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Moeckel
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Renner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Bogdahn
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Proescholdt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Arabel Vollmann-Zwerenz
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Seliger
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Speirs C, Williams JJL, Riches K, Salt IP, Palmer TM. Linking energy sensing to suppression of JAK-STAT signalling: A potential route for repurposing AMPK activators? Pharmacol Res 2017; 128:88-100. [PMID: 29037480 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exaggerated Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signalling is key to the pathogenesis of pro-inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. Mutational activation of JAKs is also responsible for several haematological malignancies, including myeloproliferative neoplasms and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Accumulating evidence links adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an energy sensor and regulator of organismal and cellular metabolism, with the suppression of immune and inflammatory processes. Recent studies have shown that activation of AMPK can limit JAK-STAT-dependent signalling pathways via several mechanisms. These novel findings support AMPK activation as a strategy for management of an array of disorders characterised by hyper-activation of the JAK-STAT pathway. This review discusses the pivotal role of JAK-STAT signalling in a range of disorders and how both established clinically used and novel AMPK activators might be used to treat these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Speirs
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jamie J L Williams
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Kirsten Riches
- School of Chemistry and Biosciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Ian P Salt
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Timothy M Palmer
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK.
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12
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The Expression of Tristetraprolin and Its Relationship with Urinary Proteins in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141471. [PMID: 26517838 PMCID: PMC4627660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Tristetraprolin (TTP), also known as zinc finger protein 36, is an RNA binding protein that has a significant role in regulating the expression of mRNAs containing AU-rich elements. We postulated that TTP might regulate interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-18 expression in diabetes. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the levels of TTP are correlated with nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods Eighty-seven patients (61.3±9.6 years old) who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 41 age and sex matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. The diabetes patients were classified into those without proteinuria, with microalbuminuria, and with clinical proteinuria groups according to the ratio of urinary excretion of albumin/creatinine (ACR). Results Serum and urinary levels of IL-6 and IL-18 were significantly elevated, but those of TTP were significantly decreased in patients with diabetes as compared with control subjects. In addition, serum and urinary levels of IL-6 and IL-18 were significantly higher, but those of TTP were significantly lower in patients with proteinuria than in patients without proteinuria or with microalbuminuria. There was a significant correlation between serum TTP and IL-6/IL-18 (correlation coefficients of -0.572 and -0.685, P < 0.05). Conclusion These results show that diabetes with clinical proteinuria is accompanied by decreased urinary and serum level of TTP and increased levels of IL-6 and IL-18. Decreased TTP expression might occur prior to the increase in IL-6 and IL-18, and decrease of TTP might provide an earlier marker for glomerular dysfunction than IL-6 and IL-18.
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Cheng J, Qiao L, Xu X, Zhai C, Zhao K, Ji X, Chen W. Lower AMP-activated protein kinase level is associated with the vulnerability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques by attenuating the expression of monocyte autophagy. Coron Artery Dis 2015; 26:322-7. [PMID: 25768243 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary atherosclerotic plaque formation is driven by macrophage infiltration. Monocytes and macrophages contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. However, research on the relationship between AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques is still insufficient. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the adaptive mechanism between autophagy of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMs) and the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated whether AMPK and autophagy of monocytes can enhance the stability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in the human body. PATIENTS AND METHODS Samples of PBMs were collected and isolated from all patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, and without coronary artery disease (control). Then, western blot was used to detect the expression levels of AMPK and autophagy-related protein. RESULTS The expression levels of beclin-1 and ATG7 were all significantly lower in the acute coronary syndrome groups than those in the SAP and control groups (all P<0.01). The level of phosphorylated AMPK was significantly decreased in patients with acute coronary syndrome compared with those in the SAP and control groups (P<0.01). However, there was no statistical difference between the SAP group and the control group. The activation of mTOR was distinctly increased in the STEMI group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Therefore, our work is novel in showing that AMPK of PBMs may decrease plaque vulnerability and subsequent plaque rupture through activation of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Public Health, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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14
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Amrutkar M, Cansby E, Nuñez-Durán E, Pirazzi C, Ståhlman M, Stenfeldt E, Smith U, Borén J, Mahlapuu M. Protein kinase STK25 regulates hepatic lipid partitioning and progression of liver steatosis and NASH. FASEB J 2015; 29:1564-76. [PMID: 25609431 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-264937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease, and 10% to 20% of NAFLD patients progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The molecular pathways controlling progression to NAFLD/NASH remain poorly understood. We recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25) as a regulator of whole-body insulin and glucose homeostasis. This study investigates the role of STK25 in liver lipid accumulation and NASH. Stk25 transgenic mice challenged with a high-fat diet displayed a dramatic increase in liver steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance compared to wild-type siblings. Focal fibrosis, hepatocellular damage, and inflammation were readily seen in transgenic but not wild-type livers. Transgenic livers displayed reduced β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion, while lipid uptake and synthesis remained unchanged. STK25 was associated with lipid droplets, colocalizing with the main hepatic lipid droplet-coating protein adipose differentiation-related protein, the level of which was increased 3.8 ± 0.7-fold in transgenic livers (P < 0.01), while a key hepatic lipase, adipose triacylglycerol lipase, was translocated from the lipid droplets surface to the cytoplasm, providing the likely mechanism underlying the effect of STK25. In summary, STK25 is a lipid droplet-associated protein that promotes NAFLD through control of lipid release from the droplets for β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion. STK25 also drives pathogenesis of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Amrutkar
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Esther Nuñez-Durán
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carlo Pirazzi
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Stenfeldt
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulf Smith
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Borén
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Rodrigues SC, Pantaleão LC, Nogueira TC, Gomes PR, Albuquerque GG, Nachbar RT, Torres-Leal FL, Caperuto LC, Lellis-Santos C, Anhê GF, Bordin S. Selective regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism by the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway in late-pregnant rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 307:R1146-56. [PMID: 25163923 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00513.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The liver plays an essential role in maternal metabolic adaptation during late pregnancy. With regard to lipid metabolism, increased secretion of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is characteristic of late pregnancy. Despite this well-described metabolic plasticity, the molecular changes underlying the hepatic adaptation to pregnancy remain unclear. As AMPK is a key intracellular energy sensor, we investigated whether this protein assumes a causal role in the hepatic adaptation to pregnancy. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) for 5 days starting at gestational day 14. At the end of treatment, the rats were subjected to an intraperitoneal pyruvate tolerance test and in situ liver perfusion with pyruvate. The livers were processed for Western blot analysis, quantitative PCR, thin-layer chromatography, enzymatic activity, and glycogen content measurements. Blood biochemical profiles were also assessed. We found that AMPK and ACC phosphorylation were reduced in the livers of pregnant rats in parallel with a reduced level of hepatic gluconeogenesis of pyruvate. This effect was accompanied by both a reduction in the levels of hepatic triglycerides (TG) and an increase in circulating levels of TG. Treatment with AICAR restored hepatic levels of TG to those observed in nonpregnant rats. Additionally, AMPK activation reduced the upregulation of genes related to VLDL synthesis and secretion observed in the livers of pregnant rats. We conclude that the increased secretion of hepatic TG in late pregnancy is concurrent with a transcriptional profile that favors VLDL production. This transcriptional profile results from the reduction in hepatic AMPK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra C Rodrigues
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Pantaleão
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tatiane C Nogueira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia R Gomes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela G Albuquerque
- School of Education, Sciences, Arts and Humanities, University of Grande Rio, Grande Rio, Brazil
| | - Renato T Nachbar
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco L Torres-Leal
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Health Science Center, Federal University of Piauí, Piauí, Brazil
| | | | - Camilo Lellis-Santos
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; and
| | - Gabriel F Anhê
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Silvana Bordin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil;
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16
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Hou S, Zheng F, Li Y, Gao L, Zhang J. The protective effect of glycyrrhizic acid on renal tubular epithelial cell injury induced by high glucose. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:15026-43. [PMID: 25162824 PMCID: PMC4200778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150915026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the beneficial effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on type 2 diabetic nephropathy using renal tubular epithelial cell line (NRK-52E). The cells are divided into normal group (NG), high glucose group (HG), and treatment group (HG + GA). The methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to detect the cell proliferation. Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. Model driven architecture (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also measured. Electron microscopy and histological were used to detect the changes in cell ultrastructure. The phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1), manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were assessed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure Mn-SOD and PPARγ co-activator 1α (PGC-1a) mRNA. We find that high glucose increases NRK-52E cell proliferation and TGF-β1 expression, but decreases expression of AMPK, SIRT1 and Mn-SOD. These effects are significantly attenuated by GA. Our findings suggest that GA has protective effects against high glucose-induced cell proliferation and oxidative stress at least in part by increasing AMPK, SIRT1 and Mn-SOD expression in NRK-52E cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhang Hou
- Department of Pathology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Fangfang Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Nursing, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Jianzhong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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