ASK1 (MAP3K5) is transcriptionally upregulated by E2F1 in adipose tissue in obesity, molecularly defining a human dys-metabolic obese phenotype

Single-cell RNA sequencing to detect age-associated genes that identify senescent cells in the liver of aged mice

Senescent cells are predicted to occur and increase in animal tissues with aging. However, senescent cells in the tissues of aged animals remain to be identified. We refer to the marker genes to identify senescent cells in tissues as "age-associated genes". In this study, we searched for age-associated genes to identify senescent cells in the livers of aged animals. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to screen candidates for age-associated genes using young and aged rat primary hepatocytes. To remove animal species specificity, gene expression analyses in mouse livers were performed, confirming age-associated increases in the mRNA expression levels of Glipr1, Clec12a, and Phlda3. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of Glipr1 and Phlda3 were increased by stress-induced premature senescence using doxorubicin in primary hepatocytes and livers of young mice. Transcriptome data of aged rat hepatocytes suggested that Glipr1, Clec12a, and Phlda3 were expressed in almost identical cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the presence of cells with abundant Glipr1, Clec12a, and Phlda3 mRNA in 27-month-old mouse primary hepatocytes, which are considered to be senescent cells. This study is the first to identify Glipr1, Clec12a, and Phlda3 as age-associated genes in the mouse liver.

Obesity as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer-The Role of miRNA

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the world, with an ever-increasing incidence rate. Due to the dynamic increase in the occurrence of risk factors, including obesity and related metabolic disorders, the search for new regulatory mechanisms is necessary. This will help a complete understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The review presents the mechanisms of obesity as a factor that increases the risk of developing breast cancer and that even initiates the cancer process in the female population. The mechanisms presented in the paper relate to the inflammatory process resulting from current or progressive obesity leading to cell metabolism disorders and disturbed hormonal metabolism. All these processes are widely regulated by the action of microRNAs (miRNAs), which may constitute potential biomarkers influencing the pathogenesis of breast cancer and may be a promising target of anti-cancer therapies.

Visceral Adipose Tissue E2F1-miRNA206/210 Pathway Associates with Type 2 Diabetes in Humans with Extreme Obesity

Objective: Up-regulated expression of transcription-factor E2F1 in human visceral adipose tissue (VAT) characterizes a dysmetabolic obesity sub-phenotype. An E2F1-miRNA network has been described in multiple cancers. Here we investigated whether elevated VAT-E2F1 in obesity is associated with VAT-miRNA alterations similar to, or distinct from, those described in cancer. Furthermore, we assessed if E2F1-associated miRNA changes may contribute to the link between high- VAT-E2F1 and a dysmetabolic obesity phenotype. Methods: We assembled a cohort of patients with obesity and high-VAT-E2F1, matched by age, sex, ±BMI to patients with low-VAT-E2F1, with and without obesity (8 patients/groupX3 groups). We performed Nanostring©-based miRNA profiling of VAT samples from all 24 patients. Candidate E2F1-related miRNAs were validated by qPCR in an independent cohort of patients with extreme obesity, with or without type-2-diabetes (T2DM) (n = 20). Bioinformatic tools and manipulation of E2F1 expression in cells were used to establish the plausibility of the functional VAT-E2F1-miRNA network in obesity. Results: Among n = 798 identified miRNAs, 17 were differentially expressed in relation to E2F1 and not to obesity itself. No evidence for the cancer-related E2F1-miRNA network was identified in human VAT in obesity. In HEK293-cells, overexpression/downregulation of E2F1 correspondingly altered the expression of miRNA-206 and miRNA-210-5p, two miRNAs with reported metabolic functions consistent with those of E2F1. In VAT from both cohorts, the expression of both miRNA-206 and 210-5p intercorrelated, and correlated with the expression of E2F1. In cohort 1 we did not detect significant associations with biochemical parameters. In cohort 2 of patients with extreme obesity, all those with high VAT-E2F1 showed a diabetes-complicated obesity phenotype and higher expression of miRNA-206 and miRNA-210-5p, which also correlated with fasting glucose levels (both miRNAs) and fasting insulin (miRNA-210-5p). Conclusions: Whilst the previously described cancer-related E2F1-miRNA network does not appear to operate in VAT in obesity, miRNAs-206 and 210-5p may link high-E2F1 expression in VAT with diabetes-complicated extreme obesity phenotype.

circCNN2 Accelerates Cell Proliferation and Invasion in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Regulating miR-184/E2F1 and Activating MAPK Signaling Pathway

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. Previous studies have unveiled the carcinogenic role of circRNA_102399 (circCNN2) in lung cancer. Through the UALCAN database, it was found that CNN2, the parent gene of circCNN2, was specifically highly expressed in human lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) cells, but the regulatory mechanism of circCNN2 in LUSC is unclear. In this study, circCNN2 expression in LUSC cells was examined via RT-qPCR, and its effects on LUSC progression was verified through functional assays. The subcellular localization of circCNN2 was identified via FISH assay, and the underlying mechanism of circCNN2 on the activation of MAPK signaling pathway was determined through mechanism experiments. Results demonstrated that circCNN2 was upregulated in LUSC cells, and it promoted LUSC cell proliferation and invasion. Besides, circCNN2 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-184 to upregulate E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) expression. Furthermore, it was verified that circCNN2 activated the generic mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway through E2F1 and thus promoting LUSC progression. In a word, this study indicated that circCNN2 activated MAPK signaling pathway through the miR-184/E2F1 axis to promote proliferation and invasion of LUSC cells.

The Endometrial Transcriptome of Metabolic and Inflammatory Pathways During the Window of Implantation Is Deranged in Infertile Obese Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Women

Introduction and Aim: Obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have a reduced rate of spontaneous conception even when their cycles are ovulatory. Endometrial receptivity is an important factor for poor implantation and increased miscarriage rates. Mechanisms in which both pathologies modify the endometrium are not fully clarified. The aim of our study was to compare the endometrial transcriptomic profiles between infertile obese PCOS (O-PCOS) women and infertile normal weight subjects during the window of implantation in ovulatory menstrual cycles. Methods: We conducted a prospective transcriptomic analysis of the endometrium using RNA sequencing. In this way, potential endometrial mechanisms leading to the poor reproductive outcome in O-PCOS patients could be characterized. Endometrial samples during days 21-23 of the menstrual cycle were collected from infertile O-PCOS women (n = 11) and normal weight controls (n = 10). Subgroups were defined according to the ovulatory/anovulatory status in the natural cycles, and O-PCOS women were grouped into the O-PCOS ovulatory (O-PCOS-ovul) subgroup. RNA isolation, sequencing with library reparation, and subsequent RNAseq data analysis were performed. Results: Infertile O-PCOS patients had 610 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), after adjustment for multiple comparisons with normal weight infertile controls, related to obesity (MXRA5 and ECM1), PCOS (ADAMTS19 and SLC18A2), and metabolism (VNN1 and PC). In the ovulatory subgroup, no DEGs were found, but significant differences in canonical pathways and the upstream regulator were revealed. According to functional and upstream analyses of ovulatory subgroup comparisons, the most important biological processes were related to inflammation (TNFR1 signaling), insulin signaling (insulin receptor signaling and PI3/AKT), fatty acid metabolism (stearate biosynthesis I and palmitate biosynthesis I), and lipotoxicity (unfolded protein response pathway). Conclusions: We demonstrated that endometrial transcription in ovulatory O-PCOS patients is deranged in comparison with the control ovulatory endometrium. The most important pathways of differentiation include metabolism and inflammation. These processes could also represent potential mechanisms for poor embryo implantation, which prevent the development of a successful pregnancy. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03353948.

Catalytic activity in vitro of the human protein kinase ASK1 mutants: Experimental and molecular simulation study

Kinases have become an important class of targets for drug discovery since the milestone approval of imatinib in 2001. Although a great success has been achieved for targeting kinases with over 70 inhibitors approved by the FDA, it is inevitable that drug resistance would emerge during treatment. Thus, assessment of the kinase mutations is an essential issue for the development of the next generation inhibitors. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is a crucial regulator of classical mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade that is being explored under several clinical trials as a promising target. Herein, we investigate the catalytic activity in vitro of ASK1 by constructing two mutants: M754T and H729L, from gatekeeper and αC-helix, respectively. Compared to wild type, the mutation of M754T and H729L results in a roughly 3-fold and 2-fold decrease in binding affinity experimentally. In addition, their binding modes with substrate are theoretically predicted and compared by molecular dynamics. Trajectory analyses of simulations indicate that the decrease of binding affinity should be attributed to the loss of H-bond interaction with gatekeeper methionine. Unexpectedly, the conformation of αC-helix in H729L mutant did not alter significantly during the simulations, although the putatively important H-bond with H729 is lost. These simulations showed the regulatory role of H729 in αC-helix is maintained by leucine residue through the interaction with non-polar residues around H729 site.

Adipsin Serum Concentrations and Adipose Tissue Expression in People with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

(1) Adipsin is an adipokine that may link increased fat mass and adipose tissue dysfunction to obesity-related cardiometabolic diseases. Here, we investigated whether adipsin serum concentrations and adipose tissue (AT) adipsin mRNA expression are related to parameters of AT function, obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). (2) Methods: A cohort of 637 individuals with a wide range of age and body weight (Age: 18–85 years; BMI: 19–70 kg/m2) with (n = 237) or without (n = 400) T2D was analyzed for serum adipsin concentrations by ELISA and visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipsin mRNA expression by RT-PCR. (3) Results: Adipsin serum concentrations were significantly higher in patients with T2D compared to normoglycemic individuals. We found significant positive univariate relationships of adipsin serum concentrations with age (r = 0.282, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.264, p < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.136, p = 0.006) and leptin serum concentrations (r = 0.362, p < 0.001). Neither VAT nor SAT adipsin mRNA expression correlated with adipsin serum concentrations after adjusting for age, sex and BMI. Independent of T2D status, we found significantly higher adipsin expression in SAT compared to VAT (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest that adipsin serum concentrations are strongly related to obesity and age. However, neither circulating adipsin nor adipsin AT expression reflects parameters of impaired glucose or lipid metabolism in patients with obesity with or without T2D.

Transcription Factor E2F1 Knockout Promotes Mice White Adipose Tissue Browning Through Autophagy Inhibition

Obesity is associated with energy metabolic disturbance and is caused by long-term excessive energy storage in white adipose tissue (WAT). The WAT browning potentially reduces excessive energy accumulation, contributing an attractive target to combat obesity. As a pivotal regulator of cell growth, the transcription factor E2F1 activity dysregulation leads to metabolic complications. The regulatory effect and underlying mechanism of E2F1 knockout on WAT browning, have not been fully elucidated. To address this issue, in this study, the in vivo adipose morphology, mitochondria quantities, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1), autophagy-related genes in WAT of wild-type (WT) and E2F1^–/– mice were detected. Furthermore, we evaluated the UCP-1, and autophagy-related gene expression in WT and E2F1^–/– adipocyte in vitro. The results demonstrated that E2F1 knockout could increase mitochondria and UCP-1 expression in WAT through autophagy suppression in mice, thus promoting WAT browning. Besides, adipocytes lacking E2F1 showed upregulated UCP-1 and downregulated autophagy-related genes expression in vitro. These results verified that E2F1 knockout exerted effects on inducing mice WAT browning through autophagy inhibition in vivo and in vitro. These findings regarding the molecular mechanism of E2F1-modulated autophagy in controlling WAT plasticity, provide a novel insight into the functional network with the potential therapeutic application against obesity.

ASKA technology-based pull-down method reveals a suppressive effect of ASK1 on the inflammatory NOD-RIPK2 pathway in brown adipocytes

Recent studies have shown that adipose tissue is an immunological organ. While inflammation in energy-storing white adipose tissues has been the focus of intense research, the regulatory mechanisms of inflammation in heat-producing brown adipose tissues remain largely unknown. We previously identified apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) as a critical regulator of brown adipocyte maturation; the PKA-ASK1-p38 axis facilitates uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) induction cell-autonomously. Here, we show that ASK1 suppresses an innate immune pathway and contributes to maintenance of brown adipocytes. We report a novel chemical pull-down method for endogenous kinases using analog sensitive kinase allele (ASKA) technology and identify an ASK1 interactor in brown adipocytes, receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (RIPK2). ASK1 disrupts the RIPK2 signaling complex and inhibits the NOD-RIPK2 pathway to downregulate the production of inflammatory cytokines. As a potential biological significance, an in vitro model for intercellular regulation suggests that ASK1 facilitates the expression of UCP1 through the suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. In parallel to our previous report on the PKA-ASK1-p38 axis, our work raises the possibility of an auxiliary role of ASK1 in brown adipocyte maintenance through neutralizing the thermogenesis-suppressive effect of the NOD-RIPK2 pathway.

Human adipose tissue is a putative direct target of daytime orexin with favorable metabolic effects: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Orexin/hypocretin (Ox) and its receptors (OxR), a neuroendocrine system centrally regulating sleep/wakefulness, were implicated in the regulation of peripheral metabolism. It was hypothesized that human adipose tissue constitutes a direct target of the OxA/OxR system that associates with distinct metabolic profile(s).

METHODS

Serum Ox levels and abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue expression of Ox/HCRT, OxR1/HCRTR1, and OxR2/HCRTR2 were measured in n = 81 patients.

RESULTS

Higher morning circulating Ox levels were associated with improved lipid profile and insulin sensitivity, independently of BMI (β = -0.363, p = 0.018 for BMI-adjusted homeostatic model of insulin resistance). Adipose HCRT mRNA was detectable in <20% of patients. Visceral HCRT expressers were mostly (80%) males and, compared with nonexpressers, had lower total and LDL cholesterol. HCRTR1 was readily detectable, and HCRTR2 was undetectable. HCRTR1 mRNA and OxR1 protein expression were higher in subcutaneous than visceral adipose tissue, and among nonobese patients, patients with obesity, and patients with obesity and T2DM were 3.4 (1.0), 0.7 (0.1), 0.6 (0.1) (AU) (p < 0.001) and 1.0 (0.2), 0.5 (0.1), 0.4 (0.1) (AU) (p = NS), respectively. Higher visceral HCRTR1 expression was associated with lower fasting insulin and homeostatic model of insulin resistance, also after adjusting for BMI. In human adipocytes, HCRTR1 expression did not exhibit significant oscillation.

CONCLUSIONS

Human adipose tissue is a putative direct target of the OxA-OxR1 system, with higher morning input being associated with improved metabolic profile.

Integrated Multiomic Analysis Reveals the High-Fat Diet Induced Activation of the MAPK Signaling and Inflammation Associated Metabolic Cascades via Histone Modification in Adipose Tissues

Background

The number of diet induced obese population is increasing every year, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes is also on the rise. Histone methylation and acetylation have been shown to be associated with lipogenesis and obesity by manipulating gene expression via the formation of repression or activation domains on chromosomes.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to explore gene activation or repression and related biological processes by histone modification across the whole genome on a high-fat diet (HFD) condition. We also aimed to elucidate the correlation of these genes that modulated by histone modification with energy metabolism and inflammation under both short-term and long-term HFD conditions.

Method

We performed ChIP-seq analysis of H3K9me2 and H3K9me3 in brown and white adipose tissues (WATs; subcutaneous adipose tissue) from mice fed with a standard chow diet (SCD) or HFD and a composite analysis of the histone modification of H3K9me2, H3K9me3, H3K4me1 and H3K27ac throughout the whole genome. We also employed and integrated two bulk RNA-seq and a single-nuclei RNA sequencing dataset and performed western blotting (WB) to confirm the gene expression levels in adipose tissue of the SCD and HFD groups.

Results

The ChIP-seq and transcriptome analysis of mouse adipose tissues demonstrated that a series of genes were activated by the histone modification of H3K9me2, H3K9me3, H3K4me1, and H3K27ac in response to HFD condition. These genes were enriched in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways involved in lipogenesis, energy metabolism and inflammation. Several genes in the activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway might be related to both inflammation and energy metabolism in mice, rats and humans fed with HFD for a short or long term, as showed by bulk RNA-seq and single nuclei RNA-seq datasets. Western blot analyses further confirmed the increased expression of MET, VEGFA and the enhanced phosphorylation ratio of p44/42 MAPK upon HFD treatment.

Conclusion

This study expanded our understanding of the influence of eating behavior on obesity and could assist the identification of putative therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders in the future.

Investigation of candidate genes and mechanisms underlying obesity associated type 2 diabetes mellitus using bioinformatics analysis and screening of small drug molecules

BACKGROUND

Obesity associated type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder ; however, the etiology of obesity associated type 2 diabetes mellitus remains largely unknown. There is an urgent need to further broaden the understanding of the molecular mechanism associated in obesity associated type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

To screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that might play essential roles in obesity associated type 2 diabetes mellitus, the publicly available expression profiling by high throughput sequencing data (GSE143319) was downloaded and screened for DEGs. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathway enrichment analysis were performed. The protein - protein interaction network, miRNA - target genes regulatory network and TF-target gene regulatory network were constructed and analyzed for identification of hub and target genes. The hub genes were validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and RT- PCR analysis. Finally, a molecular docking study was performed on over expressed proteins to predict the target small drug molecules.

RESULTS

A total of 820 DEGs were identified between healthy obese and metabolically unhealthy obese, among 409 up regulated and 411 down regulated genes. The GO enrichment analysis results showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in ion transmembrane transport, intrinsic component of plasma membrane, transferase activity, transferring phosphorus-containing groups, cell adhesion, integral component of plasma membrane and signaling receptor binding, whereas, the REACTOME pathway enrichment analysis results showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in integration of energy metabolism and extracellular matrix organization. The hub genes CEBPD, TP73, ESR2, TAB1, MAP 3K5, FN1, UBD, RUNX1, PIK3R2 and TNF, which might play an essential role in obesity associated type 2 diabetes mellitus was further screened.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study could deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanism of obesity associated type 2 diabetes mellitus, which could be useful in developing therapeutic targets for obesity associated type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Contribution of Adipose Tissue Oxidative Stress to Obesity-Associated Diabetes Risk and Ethnic Differences: Focus on Women of African Ancestry

Adipose tissue (AT) storage capacity is central in the maintenance of whole-body homeostasis, especially in obesity states. However, sustained nutrients overflow may dysregulate this function resulting in adipocytes hypertrophy, AT hypoxia, inflammation and oxidative stress. Systemic inflammation may also contribute to the disruption of AT redox equilibrium. AT and systemic oxidative stress have been involved in the development of obesity-associated insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) through several mechanisms. Interestingly, fat accumulation, body fat distribution and the degree of how adiposity translates into cardio-metabolic diseases differ between ethnicities. Populations of African ancestry have a higher prevalence of obesity and higher T2D risk than populations of European ancestry, mainly driven by higher rates among African women. Considering the reported ethnic-specific differences in AT distribution and function and higher levels of systemic oxidative stress markers, oxidative stress is a potential contributor to the higher susceptibility for metabolic diseases in African women. This review summarizes existing evidence supporting this hypothesis while acknowledging a lack of data on AT oxidative stress in relation to IR in Africans, and the potential influence of other ethnicity-related modulators (e.g., genetic-environment interplay, socioeconomic factors) for consideration in future studies with different ethnicities.

Identification of Key Pathways and Genes in Obesity Using Bioinformatics Analysis and Molecular Docking Studies

Obesity is an excess accumulation of body fat. Its progression rate has remained high in recent years. Therefore, the aim of this study was to diagnose important differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated in its development, which may be used as novel biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for obesity. The gene expression profile of E-MTAB-6728 was downloaded from the database. After screening DEGs in each ArrayExpress dataset, we further used the robust rank aggregation method to diagnose 876 significant DEGs including 438 up regulated and 438 down regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis was performed. These DEGs were shown to be significantly enriched in different obesity related pathways and GO functions. Then protein-protein interaction network, target genes - miRNA regulatory network and target genes - TF regulatory network were constructed and analyzed. The module analysis was performed based on the whole PPI network. We finally filtered out STAT3, CORO1C, SERPINH1, MVP, ITGB5, PCM1, SIRT1, EEF1G, PTEN and RPS2 hub genes. Hub genes were validated by ICH analysis, receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis and RT-PCR. Finally a molecular docking study was performed to find small drug molecules. The robust DEGs linked with the development of obesity were screened through the expression profile, and integrated bioinformatics analysis was conducted. Our study provides reliable molecular biomarkers for screening and diagnosis, prognosis as well as novel therapeutic targets for obesity.

Depletion of ASK1 blunts stress-induced senescence in adipocytes

Increasing energy expenditure via induction of browning in white adipose tissue has emerged as a potential strategy to treat obesity and associated metabolic complications. We previously reported that ASK1 inhibition in adipocytes protected from high-fat diet (HFD) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated downregulation of UCP1 both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, adipocyte-specific ASK1 overexpression attenuated cold-induction of UCP-1 in inguinal fat. Herein, we provide evidence that both TNFα-mediated and HFD-induced activation of p38 MAPK in white adipocytes are ASK1-dependent. Moreover, expression of senescence markers was reduced in HFD-fed adipocyte-specific ASK1 knockout mice. Similarly, LPS-induced upregulation of senescence markers was blunted in ASK1-depleted adipocytes. Thus, our study identifies a previously unknown role for ASK1 in the induction of stress-induced senescence.

A TRAIL-TL1A Paracrine Network Involving Adipocytes, Macrophages, and Lymphocytes Induces Adipose Tissue Dysfunction Downstream of E2F1 in Human Obesity

Elevated expression of E2F1 in adipocyte fraction of human visceral adipose tissue (hVAT) associates with a poor cardiometabolic profile. We hypothesized that beyond directly activating autophagy and MAP3K5 (ASK)-MAP kinase signaling, E2F1 governs a distinct transcriptome that contributes to adipose tissue and metabolic dysfunction in obesity. We performed RNA sequencing of hVAT samples from age-, sex-, and BMI-matched patients, all obese, whose visceral E2F1 protein expression was either high (E2F1^high) or low (E2F1^low). Tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) members, including TRAIL (TNFSF10), TL1A (TNFSF15), and their receptors, were enriched in E2F1^high While TRAIL was equally expressed in adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction (SVF), TL1A was mainly expressed in SVF, and TRAIL-induced TL1A was attributed to CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ subclasses of hVAT T cells. In human adipocytes, TL1A enhanced basal and impaired insulin-inhibitable lipolysis and altered adipokine secretion, and in human macrophages it induced foam cell biogenesis and M1 polarization. Two independent human cohorts confirmed associations between TL1A and TRAIL expression in hVAT and higher leptin and IL6 serum concentrations, diabetes status, and hVAT-macrophage lipid content. Jointly, we propose an intra-adipose tissue E2F1-associated TNFSF paracrine loop engaging lymphocytes, macrophages, and adipocytes, ultimately contributing to adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity.

Distinct infrastructure of lipid networks in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues in overweight humans

BACKGROUND

Adipose tissue plays important roles in health and disease. Given the unique association of visceral adipose tissue with obesity-related metabolic diseases, the distribution of lipids between the major fat depots located in subcutaneous and visceral regions may shed new light on adipose tissue-specific roles in systemic metabolic perturbations.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to characterize the lipid networks and unveil differences in the metabolic infrastructure of the 2 adipose tissues that may have functional and nutritional implications.

METHODS

Paired visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were obtained from 17 overweight patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Ultra-performance LC-MS was used to measure 18,640 adipose-derived features; 520 were putatively identified. A stem cell model for adipogenesis was used to study the functional implications of the differences found.

RESULTS

Our analyses resulted in detailed lipid metabolic maps of the 2 major adipose tissues. They point to a higher accumulation of phosphatidylcholines, triacylglycerols, and diacylglycerols, although lower ceramide concentrations, in subcutaneous tissue. The degree of unsaturation was lower in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) phospholipids, indicating lower unsaturated fatty acid incorporation into adipose tissue. The differential abundance of phosphatidylcholines we found can be attributed at least partially to higher expression of phosphatidylethanolamine methyl transferase (PEMT). PEMT-deficient embryonic stem cells showed a dramatic decrease in adipogenesis, and the resulting adipocytes exhibited lower accumulation of lipid droplets, in line with the lower concentrations of glycerolipids in VAT. Ceramides may inhibit the expression of PEMT by increased insulin resistance, thus potentially suggesting a functional pathway that integrates ceramide, PEMT, and glycerolipid biosynthetic pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work unveils differential infrastructure of the lipid networks in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues and suggests an integrative pathway, with a discriminative flux between adipose tissues.

Apoptosis regulation in the penumbra after ischemic stroke: expression of pro- and antiapoptotic proteins

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of human disability and mortality in the world. The main problem in stroke therapy is the search of efficient neuroprotector capable to rescue neurons in the potentially salvageable transition zone (penumbra), which is expanding after brain damage. The data on molecular mechanisms of penumbra formation and expression of diverse signaling proteins in the penumbra during first 24 h after ischemic stroke are discussed. Two basic features of cell death regulation in the ischemic penumbra were observed: (1) both apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins are simultaneously over-expressed in the penumbra, so that the fate of individual cells is determined by the balance between these opposite tendencies. (2) Similtaneous and concerted up-regulation in the ischemic penumbra of proteins that execute apoptosis (caspases 3, 6, 7; Bcl-10, SMAC/DIABLO, AIF, PSR), signaling proteins that regulate different apoptosis pathways (p38, JNK, DYRK1A, neurotrophin receptor p75); transcription factors that control expression of various apoptosis regulation proteins (E2F1, p53, c-Myc, GADD153); and proteins, which are normally involved in diverse cellular functions, but stimulate apoptosis in specific situations (NMDAR2a, Par4, GAD65/67, caspase 11). Hence, diverse apoptosis initiation and regulation pathways are induced simultaneously in penumbra from very different initial positions. Similarly, various anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-x, p21/WAF-1, MDM2, p63, PKBα, ERK1, RAF1, ERK5, MAKAPK2, protein phosphatases 1α and MKP-1, estrogen and EGF receptors, calmodulin, CaMKII, CaMKIV) are upregulated. These data provide an integral view of neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in penumbra. Some discussed proteins may serve as potential targets for anti-stroke therapy.

High Dietary Fat and Selenium Concentrations Exert Tissue- and Glutathione Peroxidase 1-Dependent Impacts on Lipid Metabolism of Young-Adult Mice

BACKGROUND

Excessive dietary selenium (Se; 3 mg/kg) or fat (>25%) intakes and overproduction of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) adversely affect body lipid metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to reveal impacts and mechanisms of a moderately high Se and a high fat intake on lipid metabolism in Gpx1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice.

METHODS

The KO and WT mice (males, 12-wk-old, body weight = 24.8 ± 0.703 g) were allotted to 4 groups each (n = 5) and fed a sucrose-torula yeast basal diet (5% corn oil) supplemented with 0.3 or 1.0 mg (+Se) Se/kg (as sodium selenite) and 0% or 25% [high-fat (HF)] lard for 6 wk. Multiple physiological and molecular biomarkers (68) related to lipid metabolism and selenogenome expression in plasma, liver, and/or adipose tissue were analyzed by 2-way (+Se by HF) ANOVA.

RESULTS

Compared with the control diet, the +Se diet decreased (P < 0.05) body-weight gain and plasma and liver concentrations of lipids (22-66%) but elevated (≤1.5-fold, P < 0.05) adipose tissue concentrations of lipids in the WT mice. The +Se diet up- and downregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA and/or protein concentrations of factors related to lipogenesis, selenogenome, and transcription, stress, and cell cycle in the liver (26% to 176-fold) and adipose tissues (14% to 1-fold), respectively, compared with the control diet in the WT mice. Many of these +Se diet effects were different (P < 0.05) from those of the HF diet and were eliminated or altered (P < 0.05) by the KO.

CONCLUSIONS

The +Se and HF diets exerted tissue-specific and GPX1 expression-dependent impacts on lipid metabolism and related gene expression in the young-adult mice. Our findings will help reveal metabolic potential and underlying mechanisms of supplementing moderately high Se to subjects with HF intakes.

E2F1 Regulates Adipocyte Differentiation and Adipogenesis by Activating ICAT

Wnt/β-catenin is a crucial repressor of adipogenesis. We have shown that E2 promoter binding factor 1 (E2F1) suppresses Wnt/β-catenin activity through transactivation of β-catenin interacting protein 1 (CTNNBIP1), also known as inhibitor of β-catenin and TCF4 (ICAT) in human colorectal cancers. However, it remains unknown whether ICAT is required for E2F1 to promote differentiation by inhibiting β-catenin activity in pre-adipocytes. In the present study, we found that 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI)-induced differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes was reversed by activation of β-catenin triggered by CHIR99021, a GSK3β inhibitor. Intriguingly, we observed a reduced protein level of E2F1 and ICAT at a later stage of pre-adipocytes differentiation. Importantly, overexpression of ICAT in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes markedly promote the adipogenesis and partially reversed the inhibitory effect of CHIR99021 on MDI-induced adipogenesis and lipid accumulation by regulating adipogenic regulators and Wnt/β-catenin targets. Moreover, pre-adipocytes differentiation induced by MDI were markedly inhibited in siE2F1 or siICAT transfected 3T3-L1 cells. Gene silencing of ICAT in the E2F1 overexpressed adipocytes also inhibited the adipogenesis. These data indicated that E2F1 is a metabolic regulator with an ability to promote pre-adipocyte differentiation by activating ICAT, therefore represses Wnt/β-catenin activity in 3T3-L1 cells. We also demonstrated that ICAT overexpression did not affect oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation at the surface of Hela and HepG2 cells. In conclusion, we show that E2F1 is a critical regulator with an ability to promote differentiation and adipogenesis by activating ICAT in pre-adipocytes.

ASK1 inhibits browning of white adipose tissue in obesity

Increasing energy expenditure via induction of adipose tissue browning has become an appealing strategy to treat obesity and associated metabolic complications. Herein, we identify adipocyte-expressed apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) as regulator of adipose tissue browning. High fat diet-fed adipocyte-specific ASK1 knockout mice reveal increased UCP1 protein levels in inguinal adipose tissue concomitant with elevated energy expenditure, reduced obesity and ameliorated glucose tolerance compared to control littermates. In addition, ASK1-depletion blunts LPS-mediated downregulation of isoproterenol-induced UCP1 in subcutaneous fat both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, adipocyte-specific ASK1 overexpression in chow-fed mice attenuates cold-induced UCP1 protein levels in inguinal fat. Mechanistically, ASK1 phosphorylates interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) resulting in reduced Ucp1 expression. Taken together, our studies unravel a role of ASK1 in mediating the inhibitory effect of caloric surplus or LPS-treatment on adipose tissue browning. Adipocyte ASK1 might be a pharmacological target to combat obesity and associated morbidities.

Uncovering the Role of p38 Family Members in Adipose Tissue Physiology

The complex functions of adipose tissue have been a focus of research interest over the past twenty years. Adipose tissue is not only the main energy storage depot, but also one of the largest endocrine organs in the body and carries out crucial metabolic functions. Moreover, brown and beige adipose depots are major sites of energy expenditure through the activation of adaptive, non-shivering thermogenesis. In recent years, numerous signaling molecules and pathways have emerged as critical regulators of adipose tissue, in both homeostasis and obesity-related disease. Among the best characterized are members of the p38 kinase family. The activity of these kinases has emerged as a key contributor to the biology of the white and brown adipose tissues, and their modulation could provide new therapeutic approaches against obesity. Here, we give an overview of the roles of the distinct p38 family members in adipose tissue, focusing on their actions in adipogenesis, thermogenic activity, and secretory function.

Elafibranor restricts lipogenic and inflammatory responses in a human skin stem cell-derived model of NASH

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by hepatocellular steatosis with concomitant hepatic inflammation. Despite its pandemic proportions, no anti-NASH drugs have been approved yet. This is partially because drug development is decelerated due to the lack of adequate tools to assess the efficacy of potential new drug candidates. The present study describes the development and application of a new preclinical model for NASH using hepatic cells generated from human skin-derived precursors. Exposure of these cells to lipogenic (insulin, glucose, fatty acids) and pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β) resulted in a characteristic NASH response, as indicated by intracellular lipid accumulation, modulation of NASH-specific gene expression, increased caspase-3/7 activity and the expression and/or secretion of inflammatory markers, including CCL2, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CXCL5, CXCL8, IL1a, IL6 and IL11. The human relevance of the proposed NASH model was verified by transcriptomics analyses that revealed commonly modulated genes and the identification of the same gene classes between the in vitro system and patients suffering from NASH. The application potential of this in vitro model was demonstrated by testing elafibranor, a promising anti-NASH compound currently under clinical phase III trial evaluation. Elafibranor attenuated in vitro key features of NASH, and dramatically lowered lipid load as well as the expression and secretion of inflammatory chemokines, which in vivo are responsible for the recruitment of immune cells. This reduction in inflammatory response was NFκB-mediated. In summary, this human-relevant, in vitro system proved to be a sensitive testing tool for the investigation of novel anti-NASH compounds.

Amelioration effects of nanoencapsulated triterpenoids from petri dish-cultured Antrodia cinnamomea on reproductive function of diabetic male rats

PURPOSE

Nanoencapsulated triterpenoids from petri dish-cultured Antrodia cinnamomea (PAC) and its amelioration effects on reproductive function in diabetic rats were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PAC encapsulated in silica-chitosan nanoparticles (Nano-PAC) was prepared by the biosilicification method. The diabetic condition in male Sprague Dawley rats was induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ). Three different doses of Nano-PAC (4, 8, and 20 mg/kg) were administered for 6 weeks. Metformin and control of nanoparticles (Nano-con) were taken as positive and negative controls, respectively.

RESULTS

The average particle size was ~79.46±1.63 nm, and encapsulation efficiency was ~73.35%±0.09%. Nano-PAC administration improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. In addition, Nano-PAC ameliorated the morphology of testicular seminiferous tubules, sperm morphology, motility, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) antioxidant, as well as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were increased, whereas proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ were decreased.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we successfully nanoencapsulated PAC and found that a very low dosage of Nano-PAC exhibited amelioration effects on the reproductive function of diabetic rats.

Sex-specific epigenetic mediators between early life social disadvantage and adulthood BMI

AIM

The objective of this study was to identify potential epigenetic mediating pathways linking early life social disadvantage (ELSD) to adulthood BMI.

METHODS

Sex-specific epigenome-wide two-stage mediation analyses were conducted in blood and adipose tissue, and mediation estimates were obtained using cross-product mediation analysis. Pathway analyses were conducted using GREAT software (Bejerano Lab, CA, USA).

RESULTS

Candidate mediation CpG sites were identified in adipose tissue, but not blood, and were sex-specific. Significant mediation sites in females included CpG loci in genes: PKHG1, BCAR3, ADAM5P, PIEZO1, FGFRL1, FASN and DPP9, among others. Pathway analyses revealed evidence of enrichment for processes associated with TFG-β signaling and immunologic signatures. In males, significant mediation loci included sites in MAP3K5 and RPTOR, which have previously been associated with adipogenesis, inflammation and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide supportive evidence for the mediating role of epigenetic mechanisms in the effect of early life social disadvantage on adulthood BMI.

Targeting autophagy in obesity: from pathophysiology to management

Obesity poses a severe threat to human health, including the increased prevalence of hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, cancer, inflammation, sleep apnoea and other chronic diseases. Current therapies focus mainly on suppressing caloric intake, but the efficacy of this approach remains poor. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity will be essential for the management of obesity and its complications. Knowledge gained over the past three decades regarding the aetiological mechanisms underpinning obesity has provided a framework that emphasizes energy imbalance and neurohormonal dysregulation, which are tightly regulated by autophagy. Accordingly, there is an emerging interest in the role of autophagy, a conserved homeostatic process for cellular quality control through the disposal and recycling of cellular components, in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and organ function by selectively ridding cells of potentially toxic proteins, lipids and organelles. Indeed, defects in autophagy homeostasis are implicated in metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. In this Review, the alterations in autophagy that occur in response to nutrient stress, and how these changes alter the course of obesogenesis and obesity-related complications, are discussed. The potential of pharmacological modulation of autophagy for the management of obesity is also addressed.

Endocannabinoids in Body Weight Control

Maintenance of body weight is fundamental to maintain one's health and to promote longevity. Nevertheless, it appears that the global obesity epidemic is still constantly increasing. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are lipid messengers that are involved in overall body weight control by interfering with manifold central and peripheral regulatory circuits that orchestrate energy homeostasis. Initially, blocking of eCB signaling by first generation cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) inverse agonists such as rimonabant revealed body weight-reducing effects in laboratory animals and men. Unfortunately, rimonabant also induced severe psychiatric side effects. At this point, it became clear that future cannabinoid research has to decipher more precisely the underlying central and peripheral mechanisms behind eCB-driven control of feeding behavior and whole body energy metabolism. Here, we will summarize the most recent advances in understanding how central eCBs interfere with circuits in the brain that control food intake and energy expenditure. Next, we will focus on how peripheral eCBs affect food digestion, nutrient transformation and energy expenditure by interfering with signaling cascades in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, fat depots and endocrine glands. To finally outline the safe future potential of cannabinoids as medicines, our overall goal is to address the molecular, cellular and pharmacological logic behind central and peripheral eCB-mediated body weight control, and to figure out how these precise mechanistic insights are currently transferred into the development of next generation cannabinoid medicines displaying clearly improved safety profiles, such as significantly reduced side effects.

E2F1, a Novel Regulator of Metabolism

In the past years, several lines of evidence have shown that cell cycle regulatory proteins also can modulate metabolic processes. The transcription factor E2F1 is a central player involved in cell cycle progression, DNA-damage response, and apoptosis. Its crucial role in the control of cell fate has been extensively studied and reviewed before; however, here, we focus on the participation of E2F1 in the regulation of metabolism. We summarize recent findings about the cell cycle-independent roles of E2F1 in various tissues that contribute to global metabolic homeostasis and highlight that E2F1 activity is increased during obesity. Finally, coming back to the pivotal role of E2F1 in cancer development, we discuss how E2F1 links cell cycle progression with different metabolic adaptations required for cell growth and survival.