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Park MH, Kim DH. Betaine Suppresses Lipid Accumulation in Liver: Inhibition of FoxO6 and PPARγ Interaction. J Med Food 2024. [PMID: 39263959 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Betaine is the major water-soluble component of Lycium chinensis. Although there are reports of a protective effect of betaine on fatty liver disease, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We attempted to elucidate the molecular regulation of betaine on hyperglycemia-induced hepatic lipid accumulation via Forkhead box O (FoxO)6 activation. HepG2 cells and liver tissue isolated from db/db mice treated with betaine were used. The present study investigated whether betaine ameliorates hepatic steatosis by inhibiting FoxO6/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling in liver cells. Interestingly, betaine notably decreased lipid accumulation in tissues with FoxO6-induced mRNA expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Furthermore, betaine inhibited the FoxO6 interaction with PPARγ and cellular triglycerides in high-glucose- or FoxO6-overexpression-treated liver cells. In addition, we confirmed that betaine administration via oral gavage significantly ameliorated hepatic steatosis in db/db mice. We conclude that betaine ameliorates hepatic steatosis, at least in part, by inhibiting the interaction between FoxO6 and PPARγ, thereby suppressing lipogenic gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hi Park
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Hyun Kim
- Department of Food Science & Technology, College of Natural Resources and Life Science, Pusan National University, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
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Novi S, Vestuto V, Campiglia P, Tecce N, Bertamino A, Tecce MF. Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Natural Compounds in Diet-Associated Hepatic Inflammation. Nutrients 2023; 15:2748. [PMID: 37375652 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the most common causes of chronic liver disease and are increasingly emerging as a global health problem. Such disorders can lead to liver damage, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of infiltrating immune cells. These are some of the common features of ALD progression in ASH (alcoholic steatohepatitis) and NAFLD to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Hepatic steatosis, followed by fibrosis, lead to a continuous progression accompanied by angiogenesis. This process creates hypoxia, which activates vascular factors, initiating pathological angiogenesis and further fibrosis. This forms a vicious cycle of ongoing damage and progression. This condition further exacerbates liver injury and may contribute to the development of comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that anti-angiogenic therapy may have beneficial effects on these hepatic disorders and their exacerbation. Therefore, there is a great interest to deepen the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of natural anti-angiogenic products that could both prevent and control liver diseases. In this review, we focus on the role of major natural anti-angiogenic compounds against steatohepatitis and determine their potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of liver inflammation caused by an imbalanced diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Novi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vestuto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pietro Campiglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Nicola Tecce
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Medical School of Naples, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertamino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Mario Felice Tecce
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via G. Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
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Fu R, Liang C, Chen D, Tian G, Zheng P, He J, Yu J, Mao X, Gu Z, Yang W, Yu B. Effects of low-energy diet supplemented with betaine on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum metabolomic profiles in growing pigs. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad080. [PMID: 36930062 PMCID: PMC10066726 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad080] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of betaine (BET) supplementation in diets with reduced net energy (NE) levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and serum metabolomic profiles in growing pigs. In experiment 1, 24 growing pigs (initial body weight, BW, 30.83 ± 2.50 kg) were allotted to one of the four treatments (six replications with 1 pig per pen) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, including two dietary NE levels (2475 [N-NE] or 2395 [R80-NE] kcal/kg) and two BET doses (0 or 1500 mg/kg). In experiment 2, 72 growing pigs were used in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, including three dietary NE levels (2475 [N-NE], 2415 [R60-NE], or 2355 [R120-NE] kcal/kg) and two BET doses (0 or 1500 mg/kg). Pigs with initial BW of 31.44 ± 1.65 kg were divided to one of the six treatments (six replications with 2 pigs per pen). In experiment 1, lowing NE concentrations increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) by 10.69% in pigs fed the diet without BET (P > 0.05). BET significantly increased ADFI in N-NE diet (P < 0.05) but had no influence on ADFI in R80-NE diet (P > 0.05). BET enhanced the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), gross energy (GE), and ether extract (EE) in R80-NE diet (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, lowing NE concentrations enhanced ADFI (P > 0.05) and decreased average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.05). The reduction in feed intake by BET was further enhanced as NE concentrations decreased from 2415 to 2355 kcal/kg (P < 0.10). BET reversed the elevation of serum triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels caused by R120-NE diet (P < 0.05). The concentrations of cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide 1 were increased by BET in pigs fed the R120-NE diet (P < 0.05). Serum metabolomics reveals that lowing dietary NE concentrations affected mainly amino acid biosynthetic pathways (P < 0.05). BET supplementation in R120-NE diet up-regulated serum BET levels and down-regulated homocysteine, DL-carnitine, and four amino acid secondary metabolites (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lowing dietary NE contents reduced the growth performance and caused metabolic abnormalities in growing pigs. However, BET decreased feed intake to a certain extent and improved the metabolic health of pigs fed the low-NE diets, which may be related to the dual regulation of amino acid metabolism and the secretion of appetite related hormones by BET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runqi Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Chan Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Daiwen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Gang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Xiangbing Mao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Zhemin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Wenwu Yang
- Technical Development Department, Skystone Feed Co., Ltd, Yixing, Jiangsu 214258, China
| | - Bing Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
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Li KT, Yang Y, Cheng X. Revealing the promoting effect of betaine on vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway of Pseudomonas denitrificans by using a proteomics analysis. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:466-475. [PMID: 34061014 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210531120935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous comparative metabolomics research revealed that betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine, a typically essential methyl-group donor for vitamin B12 biosynthesis) had a powerful promoting effect on the generation of vitamin B12 precursors and intermediates in vitamin B12-producing Pseudomonas denitrificans. However, the integral effect of betaine on the vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway is still unclear. OBJECTIVE Considering the vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway of P. denitrificans as a whole, this work aimed to reveal the biological function of betaine on the vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway in P. denitrificans, which would sharpen and expand the understanding of betaine as the methyl-group donor for vitamin B12 biosynthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS By using a proteomics method based on the iTRAQ technique, the present study compared and analyzed the differential expression of proteins involved in vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway under 10 g/L betaine addition to P. denitrificans fermentation medium. RESULTS The results showed that betaine could significantly up-regulate the expression of proteins related to the vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway, which was mainly reflected in the following three aspects: 1) the δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthase and porphobilinogen synthase that were responsible for the formation of the committed precursors for tetrapyrrole-derived macrocycle in vitamin B12 molecule; 2) the C-methylation-related enzymes (such as precorrin-4 C(11)-methyltransferase, Precorrin-2 C(20)-methyltransferase, Precorrin-8X methylmutase, and Precorrin-6Y C5,15-methyltransferase) and methionine synthase that were crucial to the C-methylation reactions for vitamin B12 biosynthesis; 3) the late-stage key enzymes (Cobaltochelatase, and Cob(I)yrinic acid a,c-diamide adenosyltransferase) that were related to cobalt chelation of vitamin B12 molecule. CONCLUSIONS The present study clearly demonstrated that betaine could significantly promote the expression of the integral enzymes involved in the vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway of P. denitrificans, thus promoting vitamin B12 biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Tai Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Labotatory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yong Yang
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xin Cheng
- Jiangxi Engineering Laboratory for the Development and Utilization of Agricultural Microbial Resources, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
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Huang F, Chen X, Jiang X, Niu J, Cui C, Chen Z, Sun J. Betaine ameliorates prenatal valproic-acid-induced autism-like behavioral abnormalities in mice by promoting homocysteine metabolism. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 73:317-322. [PMID: 30821067 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM Abnormally high levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are associated with autism spectrum disorder. Betaine is a methyl group donor in Hcy metabolism, and is known to prevent noxious Hcy accumulation. This study explored whether betaine could influence Hcy metabolism in a mouse model of autism and ameliorate behavioral abnormalities. METHODS Pregnant ICR mice were administered valproic acid (VPA) intraperitoneally on Embryonic Day 12.5. Serum Hcy concentrations in the offspring were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of Hcy-metabolism-related enzymes, betaine-Hcy methyltransferase, cystathionine β-synthase, and methionine synthase, were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Offspring were treated by either betaine or saline at the age of 8 weeks and serum Hcy concentrations were measured. Social behaviors were assessed by sniff-duration test and three-chamber test. Repetitive behavior was evaluated by marble-burying test. Tail-flick test was performed to measure nociceptive sensitivity. RESULTS Prenatal VPA-exposed mice showed significantly elevated Hcy concentrations and decreased betaine-Hcy methyltransferase expression. Treatment with betaine could reduce Hcy level in VPA-exposed mice, attenuate social impairment and repetitive behavior, and normalize nociceptive sensitivity in this model. CONCLUSION Betaine could ameliorate autism-like features and play a beneficial role in a mouse autism model induced by prenatal VPA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Huang
- Psychiatric Ward, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoqin Chen
- Psychiatric Ward, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangzhi Jiang
- Psychiatric Ward, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Juan Niu
- Psychological Clinic, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cuicui Cui
- Psychosomatic Ward, Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenli Chen
- Psychosomatic Ward, Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Sun
- Psychiatric Ward, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, China
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Rasch I, Görs S, Tuchscherer A, Htoo JK, Kuhla B, Metges CC. Substitution of Dietary Sulfur Amino Acids by DL-2-hydroxy-4-Methylthiobutyric Acid Increases Remethylation and Decreases Transsulfuration in Weaned Piglets. J Nutr 2019; 149:432-440. [PMID: 30770540 PMCID: PMC6398387 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxy296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (DL-HMTBA), an L-methionine (L-Met) hydroxyl analogue, has been suggested to be a dietary L-Met source. How dietary DL-HMTBA compared with L-Met affects whole-body L-Met kinetics in growing individuals is unknown. OBJECTIVES We determined to what extent DL-HMTBA supplementation of an L-Met-deficient diet affects whole-body L-Met and L-cysteine (L-Cys) kinetics, protein synthesis (PS), and the L-Met incorporation rate in liver protein (L-MetInc) compared with L-Met and DL-Met supplementation in a piglet model. METHODS Forty-five, 28-d-old weaned piglets (male, German Landrace) were allocated to 4 dietary groups: L-Met-deficient diet [Control: 69% of recommended L-Met plus L-Cys supply; 0.22% standardized ileal digestible (SID) L-Met; 0.27% SID L-Cys; n = 12] and Control diet supplemented equimolarly to 100% of recommended intake with either L-Met (n = 12; LMET), DL-Met (n = 11; DLMET), or DL-HMTBA (n = 10; DLHMTBA). At 47 d of age, the piglets were infused with L-[1-13C; methyl-2H3]-Met and [3,3-2H2]-Cys to determine the kinetics and PS rates. Plasma amino acid (AA) concentrations, hepatic mRNA abundances of L-Met cycle and transsulfuration (TS) enzymes, and L-MetInc were measured. RESULTS During feed deprivation, L-Met kinetics did not differ between groups, and were ≤3 times higher in the fed state (P < 0.01). Remethylation (RM) was 31% and 45% higher in DLHMTBA than in DLMET and Control pigs, respectively, and the RM:transmethylation (TM) ratio was 50% higher in DLHMTBA than in LMET (P < 0.05). Furthermore, TS and the TS:TM ratio were 32% lower in DLHMTBA than in LMET (P < 0.05). L-MetInc was 42% lower in DLMET and DLHMTBA than in L-Met-deficient Control pigs, whereas plasma AA and hepatic mRNA abundances were similar among DL-HMTBA-, L-Met-, and DL-Met-supplemented pigs. CONCLUSIONS In piglets, DL-HMTBA compared with L-Met and DL-Met supplementation increases RM and reduces the TS rate to conserve L-Met, but all 3 Met isomers support growth at a comparable rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilka Rasch
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Solvig Görs
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Armin Tuchscherer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - John K Htoo
- Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH, Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany
| | - Björn Kuhla
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Cornelia C Metges
- Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Dummerstorf, Germany,Nutritional Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany,Address correspondence to CCM (e-mail: )
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Na JD, Choi YJ, Jun DS, Kim YC. Alleviation of paraquat-induced oxidative lung injury by betaineviaregulation of sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism despite the lack of betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) in the lung. Food Funct 2019; 10:1225-1234. [DOI: 10.1039/c8fo01457d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Betaine regulates sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism in the lung despite the lack of BHMT and increases pulmonary antioxidant capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Deok Na
- College of Pharmacy
- Seoul National University
- Seoul 151-742
- Korea
| | - Yeo Jin Choi
- College of Pharmacy
- Seoul National University
- Seoul 151-742
- Korea
| | - Doo Sung Jun
- College of Pharmacy
- Seoul National University
- Seoul 151-742
- Korea
| | - Young Chul Kim
- College of Pharmacy
- Seoul National University
- Seoul 151-742
- Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Choi YJ, Na JD, Jun DS, Kim YC. Protective effect of betaine against galactosamine-induced acute liver injury in rats. J Funct Foods 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2018.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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Turck D, Bresson JL, Burlingame B, Dean T, Fairweather-Tait S, Heinonen M, Hirsch-Ernst KI, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Naska A, Neuhäuser-Berthold M, Nowicka G, Pentieva K, Sanz Y, Siani A, Sjödin A, Stern M, Tomé D, Vinceti M, Willatts P, Engel KH, Marchelli R, Pöting A, Poulsen M, Schlatter JR, Turla E, van Loveren H. Safety of betaine as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 258/97. EFSA J 2017; 15:e05057. [PMID: 32625349 PMCID: PMC7009864 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.5057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on betaine as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 258/97. The information provided on the composition, the specifications, the batch-to-batch variability, stability and production process of the NF is sufficient and does not raise concerns about the safety of the NF. The NF is proposed to be used in foods intended to meet additional requirements for intense muscular effort with a maximum intake of 2.5 g/day of betaine for sports people above 10 years of age. Based on the lowest BMDL05, which was derived from a chronic toxicity study in rats in which a dose-related increase in platelet counts was observed, and the anticipated daily intake of the NF in the target population, the Margins of Exposure are 3.6 and 5, which are generally regarded as not sufficient. However, the total exposure to betaine from the diet (about 830 mg/day) is not known to be associated with adverse effects. Moreover, no adverse effects on platelet counts were noted in human intervention studies with exposure levels of 4 g/day of betaine for up to 6 months. A significant increase in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations was noted at intakes of 4 g/day of betaine in overweight subjects with metabolic syndrome but not in healthy subjects, nor at intakes of 3 g/day. Thus, considering 4 g/day of betaine as a reference point and applying an uncertainty factor of 10 to account for interindividual variability, an amount of 400 mg/day of betaine (i.e. 6 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day for adults) in addition to the background exposure is considered as safe. The Panel considers that the NF is safe to be used at maximum intake of 6 mg/kg bw per day in the target population.
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Kim DH, Kim SM, Lee B, Lee EK, Chung KW, Moon KM, An HJ, Kim KM, Yu BP, Chung HY. Effect of betaine on hepatic insulin resistance through FOXO1-induced NLRP3 inflammasome. J Nutr Biochem 2017; 45:104-114. [PMID: 28499186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we attempted to elucidate whether molecular modulation of inflammation by betaine through the forkhead box O1 (FOXO1)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome improves insulin resistance. Betaine is a major water-soluble component of Lycium chinense. It mainly functions as an oxidative metabolite of choline by suppressing superoxide-induced free radicals by donating methyl groups. The FOXO1 transcription factor regulates various genes involved in cellular metabolic processes related to cell death as well as oxidative stress responses through binding to the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). Betaine is known to inhibit FOXO1 phosphorylation through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) in liver cells exposed to insulin. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of inactivation of insulin-induced FOXO1 by the antioxidant betaine, we used HepG2 cells and the liver of db/db mice treated with betaine at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks. We found that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome genes was reduced by betaine, which resulted in the suppression of reactive species (RS) production in liver cells. In addition, betaine inhibited insulin-induced PI3K/AKT and FOXO1 activation. Therefore, betaine suppressed the cytokine interleukin-1β production by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via interaction of FOXO1 and TXNIP. Our results suggest that betaine inhibits the FOXO1 binding to TXNIP, leading to the suppression of RS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a diabetic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Hyun Kim
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Min Kim
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonggi Lee
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), 70 Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyeong Lee
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Wung Chung
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Mi Moon
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin An
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Mok Kim
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Pal Yu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hae Young Chung
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 63 Beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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Liu S, Liu Y, Ma Q, Cui S, Liu J. Expression and localization of cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase in major salivary glands of male mice. Arch Oral Biol 2015; 60:615-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ma Q, Zhao J, Cao W, Liu J, Cui S. Estradiol decreases taurine level by reducing cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase via the estrogen receptor-α in female mice liver. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2015; 308:G277-86. [PMID: 25394658 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00107.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) and cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) are two rate-limiting enzymes in taurine de novo synthesis, and their expressions are associated with estrogen concentration. The present study was designed to determine the relationship between 17β-estradiol (E₂) and taurine in female mice liver. We initially observed the mice had lower levels of CSAD, CDO, and taurine during estrus than diestrus. We then, respectively, treated the ovariectomized mice, the cultured hepatocytes, and Hep G2 cells with different doses of E₂, and the CSAD and CDO expressions and taurine levels were analyzed. The results showed that E₂ decreased taurine level in the serum and the cultured cells by inhibiting CSAD and CDO expressions. Furthermore, we identified the molecular receptor types through which E₂ plays its role in regulating taurine synthesis, and our results showed that estrogen receptor-α (ERα) expression was much higher than estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) in the liver and hepatocytes, and the inhibiting effects of E₂ on CSAD, CDO, and taurine level were partially abrogated in the ICI-182,780-pretreated liver and hepatocytes, and in ERα knockout mice. These results indicate that estradiol decreases taurine content by reducing taurine biosynthetic enzyme expression in mice liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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13
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Deminice R, de Castro GSF, Francisco LV, da Silva LECM, Cardoso JFR, Frajacomo FTT, Teodoro BG, Dos Reis Silveira L, Jordao AA. Creatine supplementation prevents fatty liver in rats fed choline-deficient diet: a burden of one-carbon and fatty acid metabolism. J Nutr Biochem 2015; 26:391-7. [PMID: 25649792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To examine the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation on liver fat accumulation in rats fed a choline-deficient diet. METHODS Twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups of 8 based on 4 weeks of feeding an AIN-93 control diet (C), a choline-deficient diet (CDD) or a CDD supplemented with 2% Cr. The CDD diet was AIN-93 without choline. RESULTS The CDD significantly increased plasma homocysteine and TNFα concentration, as well as ALT activity. In liver, the CDD enhanced concentrations of total fat (55%), cholesterol (25%), triglycerides (87%), MDA (30%), TNFα (241%) and decreased SAM concentrations (25%) and the SAM/SAH ratio (33%). Cr supplementation prevented all these metabolic changes, except for hepatic SAM and the SAM/SAH ratio. However, no changes in PEMT gene expression or liver phosphatidylcholine levels were observed among the three experimental groups, and there were no changes in hepatic triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) mRNA level. On the contrary, Cr supplementation normalized expression of the transcription factors PPARα and PPARγ that were altered by the CDD. Further, the downstream targets and fatty acids metabolism genes, UCP2, LCAD and CPT1a, were also normalized in the Cr group as compared to CDD-fed rats. CONCLUSION Cr supplementation prevented fat liver accumulation and hepatic injures in rats fed with a CDD for 4 weeks. Our results demonstrated that one-carbon metabolism may have a small role in mitigating hepatic fat accumulation by Cr supplementation. The modulation of key genes related to fatty acid oxidation pathway suggests a new mechanism by which Cr prevents liver fat accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Deminice
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, State University of Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid
- Pr 445 Km 380
- Campus Universitário, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Salim Ferreira de Castro
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Vieira Francisco
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilian Eslaine Costa Mendes da Silva
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Felipe Rito Cardoso
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Tadeu Trevisan Frajacomo
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Gonzaga Teodoro
- Department of Biochesmtry and Imunology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Dos Reis Silveira
- School of Physical Education of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Department of Biochesmtry and Imunology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alceu Afonso Jordao
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Wang P, Zhang Z, Jiao Y, Liu S, Wang Y. Improved propionic acid and 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole control strategy for vitamin B12 fermentation by Propionibacterium freudenreichii. J Biotechnol 2014; 193:123-9. [PMID: 25455014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
An efficient fermentation-strengthening approach was developed to improve the anaerobic production of vitamin B12 by cultivation process optimization with Propionibacterium freudenreichii. The effects of the byproduct propionic acid and the precursor 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMB) on vitamin B12 biosynthesis were investigated. Byproduct inhibition experiments showed that maintaining propionic acid concentration in broth below 10-20 g/L in the early stage and 20-30 g/L in the late stage can efficiently improve vitamin B12 biosynthesis. Batch fermentation indicated the occurrence of feed-back inhibition in intracellular intermediate biosynthesis. In addition, the incorporation of the precursor DMB depended on the fermentation level of the vitamin B12 intermediate. High vitamin B12 concentration (58.8 mg/L) and production (0.37 mg/g) were obtained with an expanded bed adsorption bioreactor by using the propionic acid and DMB control method. The optimum concentration and production of 59.5 and 0.59 mg/L h for vitamin B12 production were respectively achieved after five continuous batches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- College of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; Hebei Research Center of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China; State Key Laboratory Breeding Base-Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China.
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- College of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Youjing Jiao
- College of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Shouxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base-Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry for Drug, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang 050018, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 353, Beijing 100190, China
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15
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Kempson SA, Zhou Y, Danbolt NC. The betaine/GABA transporter and betaine: roles in brain, kidney, and liver. Front Physiol 2014; 5:159. [PMID: 24795654 PMCID: PMC4006062 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological roles of the betaine/GABA transporter (BGT1; slc6a12) are still being debated. BGT1 is a member of the solute carrier family 6 (the neurotransmitter, sodium symporter transporter family) and mediates cellular uptake of betaine and GABA in a sodium- and chloride-dependent process. Most of the studies of BGT1 concern its function and regulation in the kidney medulla where its role is best understood. The conditions here are hostile due to hyperosmolarity and significant concentrations of NH4Cl and urea. To withstand the hyperosmolarity, cells trigger osmotic adaptation, involving concentration of a transcriptional factor TonEBP/NFAT5 in the nucleus, and accumulate betaine and other osmolytes. Data from renal cells in culture, primarily MDCK, revealed that transcriptional regulation of BGT1 by TonEBP/NFAT5 is relatively slow. To allow more acute control of the abundance of BGT1 protein in the plasma membrane, there is also post-translation regulation of BGT1 protein trafficking which is dependent on intracellular calcium and ATP. Further, betaine may be important in liver metabolism as a methyl donor. In fact, in the mouse the liver is the organ with the highest content of BGT1. Hepatocytes express high levels of both BGT1 and the only enzyme that can metabolize betaine, namely betaine:homocysteine –S-methyltransferase (BHMT1). The BHMT1 enzyme removes a methyl group from betaine and transfers it to homocysteine, a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Finally, BGT1 has been proposed to play a role in controlling brain excitability and thereby represents a target for anticonvulsive drug development. The latter hypothesis is controversial due to very low expression levels of BGT1 relative to other GABA transporters in brain, and also the primary location of BGT1 at the surface of the brain in the leptomeninges. These issues are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Kempson
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, Centre of Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
| | - Niels C Danbolt
- Department of Anatomy, Centre of Molecular Biology and Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo Oslo, Norway
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16
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Kim YC, Kwon DY, Kim JH. Alterations in the metabolomics of sulfur-containing substances in rat kidney by betaine. Amino Acids 2014; 46:963-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1660-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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17
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Alleviation of alcoholic liver injury by betaine involves an enhancement of antioxidant defense via regulation of sulfur amino acid metabolism. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 62:292-8. [PMID: 23994088 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that the hepatoprotective activity of betaine is associated with its effects on sulfur amino acid metabolism. We examined the mechanism by which betaine prevents the progression of alcoholic liver injury and its therapeutic potential. Rats received a liquid ethanol diet for 6 wk. Ethanol consumption elevated serum triglyceride and TNFα levels, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and lipid accumulation in liver. The oxyradical scavenging capacity of liver was reduced, and expression of CD14, TNFα, COX-2, and iNOS mRNAs was induced markedly. These ethanol-induced changes were all inhibited effectively by betaine supplementation. Hepatic S-adenosylmethionine, cysteine, and glutathione levels, reduced in the ethanol-fed rats, were increased by betaine supplementation. Methionine adenosyltransferase and cystathionine γ-lyase were induced, but cysteine dioxygenase was down-regulated, which appeared to account for the increment in cysteine availability for glutathione synthesis in the rats supplemented with betaine. Betaine supplementation for the final 2 wk of ethanol intake resulted in a similar degree of hepatoprotection, revealing its potential therapeutic value in alcoholic liver. It is concluded that the protective effects of betaine against alcoholic liver injury may be attributed to the fortification of antioxidant defense via improvement of impaired sulfur amino acid metabolism.
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18
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Jung YS, Yun KU, Ryu CS, Oh JM, Kwak HC, Lee JY, Park SK, Kim BH, Oh SJ, Kim SK. Alterations in hepatic metabolism of sulfur amino acids in non-obese type-2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 204:80-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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19
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de Castro NM, Yaqoob P, de la Fuente M, Baeza I, Claus SP. Premature Impairment of Methylation Pathway and Cardiac Metabolic Dysfunction in fa/fa Obese Zucker Rats. J Proteome Res 2013; 12:1935-45. [DOI: 10.1021/pr400025y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria M. de Castro
- Department of Animal Physiology,
Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Parveen Yaqoob
- Department of Food and Nutritional
Sciences, The University of Reading, Whiteknights
campus, P.O. Box 226, Reading RG6 6AP, U.K
| | - Mónica de la Fuente
- Department of Animal Physiology,
Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Baeza
- Department of Animal Physiology,
Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandrine P. Claus
- Department of Food and Nutritional
Sciences, The University of Reading, Whiteknights
campus, P.O. Box 226, Reading RG6 6AP, U.K
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20
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Ryu CS, Kwak HC, Lee JY, Oh SJ, Phuong NTT, Kang KW, Kim SK. Elevation of cysteine consumption in tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 85:197-206. [PMID: 23123664 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tamoxifen (TAM) resistance is a main cause of therapeutic failure in breast cancers. Although methionine dependency is a phenotypic characteristic of tumor cells, the role of sulfur amino acid metabolism in chemotherapy resistance remains to be elucidated. This study compared metabolite profiles of sulfur amino acid metabolism from methionine to taurine or glutathione (GSH) between normal MCF-7 and TAM-resistant MCF-7 (TAMR-MCF-7) cells. TAMR-MCF-7 cells showed elevated levels and activities of enzymes involved in both transsulfuration from methionine to cysteine and metabolism of cysteine to GSH and taurine. Cysteine concentrations in TAMR-MCF-7 cells and medium conditioned by cell culture for 42h were markedly decreased, while GSH, hypotaurine, and taurine concentrations in the medium were increased. These results show that TAMR-MCF-7 cells display enhanced cysteine utilization. The addition of propargylglycine, a specific cystathionine γ-lyase inhibitor, and buthionine sulfoximine, a specific γ-glutamylcysteine ligase inhibitor, to TAMR-MCF-7 cells, but not to MCF-7 cells, resulted in cytotoxicity after sulfur amino acid deprivation. These results suggest that cell viability of TAMR-MCF-7 cells is affected by inhibition of sulfur amino acid metabolism, particularly cysteine synthesis from homocysteine and GSH synthesis from cysteine. Additionally, the S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio, an index of transmethylation potential, in TAMR-MCF-7 cells increased to ~3.6-fold relative to that in MCF-7 cells, a finding that may result from upregulation of methionine adenosyltransferase IIa and S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. In conclusion, this study suggests that TAMR-MCF-7 cells display enhanced cysteine utilization for synthesis of GSH and taurine, and are sensitive to inhibition of cysteine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Seon Ryu
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea
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21
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Pan Y, Ye S, Yuan D, Zhang J, Bai Y, Shao C. Radioprotective role of H(2)S/CSE pathway in Chang liver cells. Mutat Res 2012; 738-739:12-18. [PMID: 22982226 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced liver cell damage may be life-threatening. Here, we investigated whether hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)/cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) pathway could serve the protective role toward radiation in normal human liver cells. Our data showed that pretreatment of cells with H(2)S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) significantly attenuated radiation induced micronuclei formation and improved cell viability. However, the use of dl-propargylglycine (PPG), a potent inhibitor of CSE, markedly enhanced the cell-killing effect induced by radiation. Exposure of cells to 2Gy γ-radiation led to significant increases of the endogenous H(2)S content. The mRNA and protein expressions of CSE also increased after radiation in a time-dependent manner, while the expression of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), another endogenous H(2)S synthetase, did not change significantly. Notably, radiation induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly reversed by the pretreatment of NaHS, while blockage of CSE activity resulted in an enhanced ROS production in irradiated cells. Moreover, NaHS markedly suppressed radiation-induced phosphorylation of P53, decrease of Bcl-2/Bax, and activity of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB). In conclusion, our finding demonstrates that H(2)S/CSE pathway plays a radioprotection role by inhibiting radiation-induced ROS production, P53 phosphorylation, NF-κB activation and decrease of Bcl-2/Bax, indicating that modulation of H(2)S may be a novel protection strategy for liver radiation injury in radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Pan
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Yi EY, Kim YJ. Betaine inhibits in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis through suppression of the NF-κB and Akt signaling pathways. Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1879-85. [PMID: 22940742 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is defined as the formation of new blood vessels form existing vessels surrounding a tumor. The process of angiogenesis is an important step for tumor growth and metastasis, as is inflammation. Thus, angiogenesis inhibitors that suppress inflammation have been studied as an anticancer treatment. Recently, many research groups have investigated the anti-angiogenic activity of natural compounds since some have been demonstrated to have anticancer properties. Among many natural compounds, we focused on betaine, which is known to suppress inflammation. Betaine, trimethylglycine (TMG), was first discovered in the juice of sugar beets and was later shown to be present in wheat, shellfish and spinach. In Southeast Asia, betaine is used in traditional oriental medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. Here, we report the anti-angiogenic action of betaine. Betaine inhibited in vitro angiogenic cascade, tube formation, migration and invasion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Betaine also inhibited in vivo angiogenesis in the mouse Matrigel plug assay. The mRNA expression levels of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in HUVECs were decreased by betaine treatment. In addition, betaine suppressed NF-κB and Akt activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui-Yeun Yi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 609-735, Republic of Korea
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23
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Kang Z, Zhang J, Zhou J, Qi Q, Du G, Chen J. Recent advances in microbial production of δ-aminolevulinic acid and vitamin B12. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:1533-42. [PMID: 22537876 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
δ-aminolevulinate (ALA) is an important intermediate involved in tetrapyrrole synthesis (precursor for vitamin B12, chlorophyll and heme) in vivo. It has been widely applied in agriculture and medicine. On account of many disadvantages of its chemical synthesis, microbial production of ALA has been received much attention as an alternative because of less expensive raw materials, low pollution, and high productivity. Vitamin B12, one of ALA derivatives, which plays a vital role in prevention of anaemia has also attracted intensive works. In this review, recent advances on the production of ALA and vitamin B12 with novel approaches such as whole-cell enzyme-transformation and metabolic engineering are described. Furthermore, the direction for future research and perspective are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Kang
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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24
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Deminice R, da Silva RP, Lamarre SG, Brown C, Furey GN, McCarter SA, Jordao AA, Kelly KB, King-Jones K, Jacobs RL, Brosnan ME, Brosnan JT. Creatine supplementation prevents the accumulation of fat in the livers of rats fed a high-fat diet. J Nutr 2011; 141:1799-804. [PMID: 21880953 DOI: 10.3945/jn.111.144857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of creatine supplementation on liver fat accumulation induced by a high-fat diet in rats. Rats were fed 1 of 3 different diets for 3 wk: a control liquid diet (C), a high-fat liquid diet (HF), or a high-fat liquid diet supplemented with creatine (HFC). The C and HF diets contained, respectively, 35 and 71% of energy derived from fat. Creatine supplementation involved the addition of 1% (wt:v) of creatine monohydrate to the liquid diet. The HF diet increased total liver fat concentration, liver TG, and liver TBARS and decreased the hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) concentration. Creatine supplementation normalized all of these perturbations. Creatine supplementation significantly decreased the renal activity of l-arginine:glycine amidinotransferase and plasma guanidinoacetate and prevented the decrease in hepatic SAM concentration in rats fed the HF diet. However, there was no change in either the phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) ratio or PE N-methyltransferase activity. The HF diet decreased mRNA for PPARα as well as 2 of its targets, carnitine palmitoyltransferase and long-chain acylCoA dehydrogenase. Creatine supplementation normalized these mRNA levels. In conclusion, creatine supplementation prevented the fatty liver induced by feeding rats a HF diet, probably by normalization of the expression of key genes of β-oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Deminice
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
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25
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Teng YW, Mehedint MG, Garrow TA, Zeisel SH. Deletion of betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase in mice perturbs choline and 1-carbon metabolism, resulting in fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinomas. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:36258-67. [PMID: 21878621 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.265348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase (BHMT) uses betaine to catalyze the conversion of homocysteine (Hcy) to methionine. There are common genetic polymorphisms in the BHMT gene in humans that can alter its enzymatic activity. We generated the first Bhmt(-/-) mouse to model the functional effects of mutations that result in reduced BHMT activity. Deletion of Bhmt resulted in a 6-fold increase (p < 0.01) in hepatic and an 8-fold increase (p < 0.01) in plasma total Hcy concentrations. Deletion of Bhmt resulted in a 43% reduction in hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) (p < 0.01) and a 3-fold increase in hepatic S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) (p < 0.01) concentrations, resulting in a 75% reduction in methylation potential (AdoMet:AdoHcy) (p < 0.01). Bhmt(-/-) mice accumulated betaine in most tissues, including a 21-fold increase in the liver concentration compared with wild type (WT) (p < 0.01). These mice had lower concentrations of choline, phosphocholine, glycerophosphocholine, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin in several tissues. At 5 weeks of age, Bhmt(-/-) mice had 36% lower total hepatic phospholipid concentrations and a 6-fold increase in hepatic triacyglycerol concentrations compared with WT (p < 0.01), which was due to a decrease in the secretion of very low density lipoproteins. At 1 year of age, 64% of Bhmt(-/-) mice had visible hepatic tumors. Histopathological analysis revealed that Bhmt(-/-) mice developed hepatocellular carcinoma or carcinoma precursors. These results indicate that BHMT has an important role in Hcy, choline, and one-carbon homeostasis. A lack of Bhmt also affects susceptibility to fatty liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. We suggest that functional polymorphisms in BHMT that significantly reduce activity may have similar effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen Teng
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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26
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Ryu CS, Kwak HC, Lee KS, Kang KW, Oh SJ, Lee KH, Kim HM, Ma JY, Kim SK. Sulfur amino acid metabolism in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 255:94-102. [PMID: 21703291 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although methionine dependency is a phenotypic characteristic of tumor cells, it remains to be determined whether changes in sulfur amino acid metabolism occur in cancer cells resistant to chemotherapeutic medications. We compared expression/activity of sulfur amino acid metabolizing enzymes and cellular levels of sulfur amino acids and their metabolites between normal MCF-7 cells and doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7/Adr) cells. The S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio, an index of transmethylation potential, in MCF-7/Adr cells decreased to ~10% relative to that in MCF-7 cells, which may have resulted from down-regulation of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. Expression of homocysteine-clearing enzymes, such as cystathionine beta-synthase, methionine synthase/methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, and betaine homocysteine methyltransferase, was up-regulated in MCF-7/Adr cells, suggesting that acquiring doxorubicin resistance attenuated methionine-dependence and activated transsulfuration from methionine to cysteine. Homocysteine was similar, which is associated with a balance between the increased expressions of homocysteine-clearing enzymes and decreased extracellular homocysteine. Despite an elevation in cysteine, cellular GSH decreased in MCF-7/Adr cells, which was attributed to over-efflux of GSH into the medium and down-regulation of the GSH synthesis enzyme. Consequently, MCF-7/Adr cells were more sensitive to the oxidative stress induced by bleomycin and menadione than MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that regulating sulfur amino acid metabolism may be a possible therapeutic target for chemoresistant cancer cells. These results warrant further investigations to determine the role of sulfur amino acid metabolism in acquiring anticancer drug resistance in cancer cells using chemical and biological regulators involved in sulfur amino acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Seon Ryu
- College of Pharmacy and RCTCP, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764, Republic of Korea
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Renga B, Mencarelli A, Migliorati M, Distrutti E, Fiorucci S. Bile-acid-activated farnesoid X receptor regulates hydrogen sulfide production and hepatic microcirculation. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:2097-108. [PMID: 19418582 PMCID: PMC2678580 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.2097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate whether the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates expression of liver cystathionase (CSE), a gene involved in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generation.
METHODS: The regulation of CSE expression in response to FXR ligands was evaluated in HepG2 cells and in wild-type and FXR null mice treated with 6-ethyl chenodeoxycholic acid (6E-CDCA), a synthetic FXR ligand. The analysis demonstrated an FXR responsive element in the 5’-flanking region of the human CSE gene. The function of this site was investigated by luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Livers obtained from rats treated with carbon tetrachloride alone, or in combination with 6-ethyl chenodeoxycholic acid, were studied for hydrogen sulphide generation and portal pressure measurement.
RESULTS: Liver expression of CSE is regulated by bile acids by means of an FXR-mediated mechanism. Western blotting, qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, as well as immunohistochemical analysis, showed that expression of CSE in HepG2 cells and in mice is induced by treatment with an FXR ligand. Administration of 6E-CDCA to carbon tetrachloride treated rats protected against the down-regulation of CSE expression, increased H2S generation, reduced portal pressure and attenuated the endothelial dysfunction of isolated and perfused cirrhotic rat livers.
CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that CSE is an FXR-regulated gene and provide a new molecular explanation for the pathophysiology of portal hypertension.
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Cao Y, Chai JG, Chen YC, Zhao J, Zhou J, Shao JP, Ma C, Liu XD, Liu XQ. Beneficial effects of danshensu, an active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, on homocysteine metabolism via the trans-sulphuration pathway in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 157:482-90. [PMID: 19422396 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00179.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) level has been established as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Danshensu, an active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza, shows wide cardiovascular benefit. However, in terms of its own methylation, danshensu could elevate tHcy level, which would act against its cardiovascular benefit, thus posing a 'therapeutic paradox'. As this paradox has not been fully assessed, we have evaluated the effects of danshensu on tHcy levels to uncover the underlying mechanisms. EXPERIMENT APPROACH: We evaluated the influence of danshensu on homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism in rats with normal tHcy levels and in rat models of elevated tHcy (single intravenous methionine loading model and a hyperhomocysteinemic model after 3 weeks methionine dosing, with and without 3 weeks of danshensu treatment). We also quantified some metabolic intermediates (S-adenosyl methionine, S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine, cysteine and glutathione) relevant to Hcy metabolism in rat liver and kidney. KEY RESULTS Acute treatment with a single dose of danshensu in rats with normal tHcy did not change plasma tHcy. In contrast, danshensu significantly lowered tHcy in rats with elevated tHcy. The relatively higher cysteine and glutathione levels after treatment with danshensu indicated that its tHcy-lowering effect was via increased activity of the trans-sulphuration pathway. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results suggested that danshensu may act both acutely to increase trans-sulphuration and after chronic exposure to up-regulate the activity of the trans-sulphuration enzymes. The tHcy-lowering effect of danshensu is another cardiovascular benefit provided by S. miltiorrhiza and suggests a potential tHcy-lowering therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yg Cao
- Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Kim SK, Seo JM, Chae YR, Jung YS, Park JH, Kim YC. Alleviation of dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver injury and fibrosis by betaine supplementation in rats. Chem Biol Interact 2009; 177:204-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2008.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2008] [Revised: 09/17/2008] [Accepted: 09/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Kwon DY, Jung YS, Kim SJ, Park HK, Park JH, Kim YC. Impaired sulfur-amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress in nonalcoholic fatty liver are alleviated by betaine supplementation in rats. J Nutr 2009; 139:63-8. [PMID: 19056644 DOI: 10.3945/jn.108.094771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic liver injury. Impairment of hepatic transsulfuration reactions is suggested to be critically linked with alcoholic liver injury, but its role in nonalcoholic fatty liver remains unknown. We examined the early changes in sulfur-amino acid metabolism and their implication in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Male rats were provided with a standard liquid diet or a high-fat liquid diet (HF) for 3 wk. An additional group of rats received the HF diet supplemented with betaine (1%). HF diet intake elevated hepatic triglyceride and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) concentrations. Antioxidant capacity of liver cytosol against hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals was reduced significantly. Hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and glutathione (GSH) decreased, but hypotaurine and taurine concentrations increased. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) activity, not its concentration, was depressed, whereas both activity and concentration of cysteine dioxygenase and GSH S-transferase were elevated. Betaine supplementation of the HF diet inhibited hepatic fat accumulation and serum TNFalpha elevation. The decrease in cytosolic antioxidant capacity was also prevented. MAT activity and its concentration were induced significantly. Hepatic SAM and GSH increased and elevation of hypotaurine and taurine was depressed. The results indicate that the metabolism of S-containing substances is significantly disturbed by the HF diet, suggesting a causal role of impairment of hepatic transsulfuration reactions in NAFLD. Betaine supplementation protects the liver from nonalcoholic steatosis and oxidative stress most probably via its effects on the transsulfuration reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Y Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, San 56-1 Shinrim-Dong, Kwanak-Ku, Seoul 151-742, Korea
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Li KT, Liu DH, Li YL, Chu J, Wang YH, Zhuang YP, Zhang SL. Improved large-scale production of vitamin B12 by Pseudomonas denitrificans with betaine feeding. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2008; 99:8516-8520. [PMID: 18440227 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2008] [Accepted: 03/11/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The strategy of betaine control for vitamin B12 large-scale fermentation by Pseudomonas denitrificans was investigated in this paper. The results obtained in shake-flask experiments demonstrated that betaine could greatly stimulate vitamin B12 biosynthesis but had an inhibition to cell growth. Based on the influence of betaine on the fermentation of P. denitrificans, betaine feeding was a beneficial strategy to solve the inconsistency between cell growth and vitamin B12 production. As a result, an effective and economical strategy of betaine feeding was established for vitamin B12 fermentation in 120-m3 fermenter, in which betaine was continuously fed to maintain betaine concentration of the broth at the range of 5-7g/l during 50-140h of fermentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Tai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; College of Biological Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
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Go EK, Jung KJ, Kim JM, Lim H, Lim HK, Yu BP, Chung HY. Betaine modulates age-related NF-kappaB by thiol-enhancing action. Biol Pharm Bull 2008; 30:2244-9. [PMID: 18057706 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.30.2244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Depletion of glutathione levels and perturbations in redox status are considered to play a crucial role in aging and chronic inflammatory processes through the activation of redox sensitive transcription factors, including nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). In the current study, we assessed the regulatory action of dietary betaine in the suppression of NF-kappaB by comparing kidney tissue from old, betaine-supplemented rats or non-betaine-supplemented rats (age 21 months) and 7 month-old rats. In addition, cultured HEK 293T cells were utilized for the molecular assessment of betaine's restorative ability of redox status when treating cells with potent glutathione (GSH)-depleting agents. Results showed that in old rats a short-term feeding (10 d) with betaine attenuated the age-related decrease in thiol levels, increase in reactive species and TNFalpha expression via NF-kappaB activation, compared to the young controls. These findings were verified in the cell-cultured system. Further investigations found that redox imbalance due to thiol depletion caused increased NF-kappaB activation, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and TNFalpha levels, both of which were suppressed by betaine treatment. Based on both in vivo and in vitro data, we concluded that betaine exerts its efficacy by maintaining thiol status in the regulation of COX-2 and TNFalpha via NF-kappaB activation during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyung Go
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Gumjung-ku, Busan 609-735, Korea
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Kim BH, Oh JM, Yun KU, Kim CH, Kim SK. Methods for Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity: Application to Taurine. Toxicol Res 2007. [DOI: 10.5487/tr.2007.23.3.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Bertram HC, Bach Knudsen KE, Serena A, Malmendal A, Nielsen NC, Fretté XC, Andersen HJ. NMR-based metabonomic studies reveal changes in the biochemical profile of
plasma and urine from pigs fed high-fibre rye bread. Br J Nutr 2007; 95:955-62. [PMID: 16611386 DOI: 10.1079/bjn20061761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study presents an NMR-based metabonomic approach to elucidate the overall endogenous biochemical effects of a wholegrain diet. Two diets with similar levels of dietary fibre and macronutrients, but with contrasting levels of wholegrain ingredients, were prepared from wholegrain rye (wholegrain diet (WGD)) and non-wholegrain wheat (non-wholegrain diet (NWD)) and fed to four pigs in a crossover design. Plasma samples were collected after 7 d on each diet, and 1H NMR spectra were acquired on these. Partial least squares regression discriminant analysis (PLSDA) on spectra obtained for plasma samples revealed that the spectral region at 3·25 parts per million dominates the differentiation between the two diets, as the WGD is associated with higher spectral intensity in this region. Spiking experiments and LC–MS analyses of the plasma verified that this spectral difference could be ascribed to a significantly higher content of betaine in WGD plasma samples compared with NWD samples. In an identical study with the same diets, urine samples were collected, and1H NMR spectra were acquired on these. PLS-DA on spectra obtained for urine samples revealed changes in the intensities of spectral regions, which could be ascribed to differences in the content of betaine and creatine/creatinine between the two diets, and LC–MS analyses verified a significantly lower content of creatinine in WGD urine samples compared with NWD urine samples. In conclusion, using an explorative approach, the present studies disclosed biochemical effects of a wholegrain diet on plasma betaine content and excretion of betaine and creatinine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne C Bertram
- Department of Food Science, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.
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35
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Kim MR, Lee JY, Lee HH, Aryal DK, Kim YG, Kim SK, Woo ER, Kang KW. Antioxidative effects of quercetin-glycosides isolated from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. Food Chem Toxicol 2006; 44:1299-307. [PMID: 16574296 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2006.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2005] [Revised: 01/05/2006] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethylacetate soluble fraction from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. (Compositae) yielded two flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-beta-L-arabinopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside. These two sugar conjugates of quercetin exhibited higher antioxidative activity than their aglycone, quercetin by NBT superoxide scavenging assay. Moreover, treatment with quercetin 3-O-beta-L-arabinopyranoside significantly increased the total glutathione (GSH) contents and the protein level of gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase (gamma-GCL), a key enzyme required for glutathione (GSH) synthesis in a rat hepatocyte cell line. Subcellular fractionation and reporter gene analysis using antioxidant response element (ARE) construct revealed that quercetin 3-O-beta-L-arabinopyranoside increased the level of nuclear Nrf2 and reporter activity, and that these were associated with the induction of the gamma-GCL gene. After 24 h incubation of cells with quercetin 3-O-beta-L-arabinopyranoside, 23% of the glycoside was converted to its aglycone, quercetin, but gamma-GCL was not induced by 7 microM (23%) quercetin. These results suggest that the two quercetin-glycosides isolated from T. farfara L. have direct antioxidative properties, and that quercetin 3-O-beta-L-arabinopyranoside increases the cellular GSH level by inducing the gamma-GCL gene. These novel effects of quercetin-glycosides are suggestive to underlie the potential putative chemopreventive effects of T. farfara L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Ran Kim
- Research Center for Proteineous Materials, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759, South Korea
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Fiorucci S, Distrutti E, Cirino G, Wallace JL. The emerging roles of hydrogen sulfide in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Gastroenterology 2006; 131:259-71. [PMID: 16831608 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2006.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2005] [Accepted: 02/15/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide, like nitric oxide, was best known as a toxic pollutant before becoming recognized as a key regulator of several physiologic processes. In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest important roles for hydrogen sulfide as a mediator of several aspects of gastrointestinal and liver function. Moreover, alterations in hydrogen sulfide production could contribute to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and liver. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce production of hydrogen sulfide in the stomach, and this has been shown to contribute to the generation of mucosal injury. Hydrogen sulfide has also been shown to play a key role in modulation of visceral hyperalgesia. Inhibitors of hydrogen sulfide synthesis and drugs that can generate safe levels of hydrogen sulfide in vivo have been developed and are permitting interventional studies in experimental models and, in the near future, humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Fiorucci
- Dipartimenti di Medicina Clinica and Patologia, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Kim SK, Abdelmegeed MA, Novak RF. The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (mek) inhibitor PD98059 elevates primary cultured rat hepatocyte glutathione levels independent of inhibiting mek. Drug Metab Dispos 2006; 34:683-9. [PMID: 16443668 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.105.007666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The antioxidant activity of flavonoids, directly through scavenging oxidizing species and indirectly through modulating drug-metabolizing enzyme activities, is associated with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. However, little published information is available concerning the effect of flavonoids on glutathione (GSH) homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that PD98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone), a flavone derivative and selective mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1 inhibitor, enhanced the insulin-mediated increase in GSH levels. To determine whether the PD98059-mediated increase in GSH levels was associated with MEK inhibition, primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with PD98059, the MEK inhibitor U0126, which is not a flavone derivative, or flavone. PD98059 increased GSH levels in a concentration-dependent manner in hepatocytes cultured in the presence or absence of insulin. In contrast, GSH levels were not affected by U0126 at concentrations sufficient to inhibit insulin-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. Flavone, however, markedly increased GSH levels without inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The concentration of GSH in the culture medium was also elevated by PD98059 or flavone, suggesting that the cellular GSH elevation could not be accounted for by the inhibition of GSH efflux into medium. Interestingly, PD98059 and flavone increased cellular cysteine levels, which may be responsible for the PD98059- and flavone-mediated elevation of GSH levels. These results provide evidence that PD98059 and flavone produce dramatic changes in GSH homeostasis in hepatocytes, through a mechanism(s) unrelated to MEK inhibition. Moreover, the current study implies that flavonoid-induced chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects may be mediated by regulation of redox state through the stimulation of GSH synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang K Kim
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 2727 Second Ave., Room 4000, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Go EK, Jung KJ, Kim JY, Yu BP, Chung HY. Betaine suppresses proinflammatory signaling during aging: the involvement of nuclear factor-kappaB via nuclear factor-inducing kinase/IkappaB kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinases. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2006; 60:1252-64. [PMID: 16282556 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/60.10.1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Betaine is an important human nutrient obtained from various foods. In the present study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effect of betaine on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) during aging. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, ages 7 and 21 months, were used in this study. The older rats were fed betaine. To elucidate the effect of betaine on oxidative stress-induced NF-kappaB and its signaling pathway at molecular levels, YPEN-1 cells were used. Results showed that betaine suppressed NF-kappaB and its related gene expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in aged kidney. Furthermore, betaine attenuated oxidative stress-induced NF-kappaB via nuclear factor-inducing kinase/IkappaB kinase (NIK/IKK) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the YPEN-1 cells. On the basis of these results, we concluded that betaine suppressed the age-related NF-kappaB activities associated with upregulated NIK/IKK and MAPKs that were induced by oxidative stress. Thus, betaine might be useful as a preventive agent against the activation of NF-kappaB induced during inflammation and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyung Go
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Jang-jun-dong, Gumjung-ku, Busan, Korea
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Kim SK, Kim YC. Effects of betaine supplementation on hepatic metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids in mice. J Hepatol 2005; 42:907-13. [PMID: 15885362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2005.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2004] [Accepted: 01/17/2005] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We previously reported that acute betaine treatment induced significant changes in the hepatic glutathione and cysteine levels in mice and rats. The present study was aimed to determine the effects of dietary betaine on the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. METHODS/RESULTS Male mice were supplemented with betaine (1%) in drinking water for up to 3 weeks. Changes in hepatic levels of major sulfur amino acid metabolites and products were stabilized after 2 weeks of betaine supplementation. Betaine intake increased methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, and S-adenosylhomocysteine levels significantly, but homocysteine and cystathionine were reduced. Methionine adenosyltransferase activity was elevated to three-fold of control. Cysteine catabolism to taurine was inhibited as evidenced by a decrease in cysteine dioxygenase activity and taurine levels in liver and plasma. Despite the significant changes in the transsulfuration reactions, neither hepatic cysteine nor glutathione was altered. Betaine supplementation decreased the hepatotoxicity induced by chloroform (0.5 ml/kg, ip) significantly. CONCLUSIONS Betaine supplementation enhances recycling of homocysteine for the generation of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine while reducing its utilization for the synthesis of cystathionine and cysteine. However, the hepatic levels of cysteine or glutathione are not affected, most probably due to the depression of taurine generation from cysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang K Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daijeon, 222 Gung-Dong, Yuseong-Ku, Daijeon, South Korea
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Kim YC, Jung YS, Kim SK. Effect of betaine supplementation on changes in hepatic metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids and experimental cholestasis induced by alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate. Food Chem Toxicol 2005; 43:663-70. [PMID: 15778005 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2004.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2004] [Revised: 11/20/2004] [Accepted: 12/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the hepatic metabolism of sulfur amino acids in experimental cholestasis induced by alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) (100 mg/kg, po) were monitored in male mice for 1 week. We also examined the effects of betaine supplementation (1% in drinking water) for 2 weeks on the hepatotoxicity and changes in the sulfur amino acid metabolism induced by ANIT treatment. Acute ANIT challenge elevated the serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and total bilirubin contents from 5 h after the treatment, reaching a peak at t = 48-72 h. Hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) levels were decreased significantly in a manner almost inversely proportional to the changes in serum parameters measured to determine the ANIT-induced toxicity. Hepatic glutathione and cysteine levels were elevated at t = 120 h after the treatment. Betaine supplementation blocked or significantly attenuated induction of the hepatotoxicity by ANIT. The decrease in SAM and SAH levels was also inhibited by betaine intake. The results indicate that betaine supplementation may antagonize the induction of experimental cholestasis and changes in the metabolism of sulfur amino acids associated with ANIT treatment. The underlying mechanism and pharmacological significance of its action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young C Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, San 56-1 Shinrim-Dong, Kwanak-Ku, Seoul 151-742, South Korea.
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Schwahn B, Laryea M, Chen Z, Melnyk S, Pogribny I, Garrow T, James S, Rozen R. Betaine rescue of an animal model with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency. Biochem J 2005; 382:831-40. [PMID: 15217352 PMCID: PMC1133958 DOI: 10.1042/bj20040822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2004] [Revised: 06/16/2004] [Accepted: 06/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) catalyses the synthesis of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the folate derivative utilized in homocysteine remethylation to methionine. A severe deficiency of MTHFR results in hyperhomocysteinaemia and homocystinuria. Betaine supplementation has proven effective in ameliorating the biochemical abnormalities and the clinical course in patients with this deficiency. Mice with a complete knockout of MTHFR serve as a good animal model for homocystinuria; early postnatal death of these mice is common, as with some neonates with low residual MTHFR activity. We attempted to rescue Mthfr-/- mice from postnatal death by betaine supplementation to their mothers throughout pregnancy and lactation. Betaine decreased the mortality of Mthfr-/- mice from 83% to 26% and significantly improved somatic development from postnatal day 1, compared with Mthfr-/- mice from unsupplemented dams. Biochemical evaluations demonstrated higher availability of betaine in suckling pups, decreased accumulation of homocysteine, and decreased flux through the trans-sulphuration pathway in liver and brain of Mthfr-/- pups from betaine-supplemented dams. We observed disturbances in proliferation and differentiation in the cerebellum and hippocampus in the knockout mice; these changes were ameliorated by betaine supplementation. The dramatic effects of betaine on survival and growth, and the partial reversibility of the biochemical and developmental anomalies in the brains of MTHFR-deficient mice, emphasize an important role for choline and betaine depletion in the pathogenesis of homocystinuria due to MTHFR deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd C. Schwahn
- *Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics and Biology, McGill University–Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- †Clinic for General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maurice D. Laryea
- †Clinic for General Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Zhoutao Chen
- *Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics and Biology, McGill University–Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stepan Melnyk
- ‡Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A
| | - Igor Pogribny
- §Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, U.S.A
| | - Timothy Garrow
- ∥Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, U.S.A
| | - S. Jill James
- ‡Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, U.S.A
| | - Rima Rozen
- *Departments of Pediatrics, Human Genetics and Biology, McGill University–Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Canada
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Montreal Children's Hospital, 4060 Ste. Catherine West, Room 200, Montreal, Canada H3Z 2Z3 (email )
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Abstract
MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) catalyses the synthesis of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the folate derivative utilized in homocysteine remethylation to methionine. A severe deficiency of MTHFR results in hyperhomocysteinaemia and homocystinuria. Betaine supplementation has proven effective in ameliorating the biochemical abnormalities and the clinical course in patients with this deficiency. Mice with a complete knockout of MTHFR serve as a good animal model for homocystinuria; early postnatal death of these mice is common, as with some neonates with low residual MTHFR activity. We attempted to rescue Mthfr-/- mice from postnatal death by betaine supplementation to their mothers throughout pregnancy and lactation. Betaine decreased the mortality of Mthfr-/- mice from 83% to 26% and significantly improved somatic development from postnatal day 1, compared with Mthfr-/- mice from unsupplemented dams. Biochemical evaluations demonstrated higher availability of betaine in suckling pups, decreased accumulation of homocysteine, and decreased flux through the trans-sulphuration pathway in liver and brain of Mthfr-/- pups from betaine-supplemented dams. We observed disturbances in proliferation and differentiation in the cerebellum and hippocampus in the knockout mice; these changes were ameliorated by betaine supplementation. The dramatic effects of betaine on survival and growth, and the partial reversibility of the biochemical and developmental anomalies in the brains of MTHFR-deficient mice, emphasize an important role for choline and betaine depletion in the pathogenesis of homocystinuria due to MTHFR deficiency.
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic products, nutrition and allergies [NDA] related to an application concerning the use of betaine as a novel food in the EU. EFSA J 2005. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2005.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Ishii I, Akahoshi N, Yu XN, Kobayashi Y, Namekata K, Komaki G, Kimura H. Murine cystathionine gamma-lyase: complete cDNA and genomic sequences, promoter activity, tissue distribution and developmental expression. Biochem J 2004; 381:113-23. [PMID: 15038791 PMCID: PMC1133768 DOI: 10.1042/bj20040243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2004] [Revised: 03/22/2004] [Accepted: 03/23/2004] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) is the last key enzyme in the trans-sulphuration pathway for biosynthesis of cysteine from methionine. Cysteine could be provided through diet; however, CSE has been shown to be important for the adequate supply of cysteine to synthesize glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant. With a view to determining physiological roles of CSE in mice, we report the sequence of a complete mouse CSE cDNA along with its associated genomic structure, generation of specific polyclonal antibodies, and the tissue distribution and developmental expression patterns of CSE in mice. A 1.8 kb full-length cDNA containing an open reading frame of 1197 bp, which encodes a 43.6 kDa protein, was isolated from adult mouse kidney. A 35 kb mouse genomic fragment was obtained by lambda genomic library screening. It contained promoter regions, 12 exons, ranging in size from 53 to 579 bp, spanning over 30 kb, and exon/intron boundaries that were conserved with rat and human CSE. The GC-rich core promoter contained canonical TATA and CAAT motifs, and several transcription factor-binding consensus sequences. The CSE transcript, protein and enzymic activity were detected in liver, kidney, and, at much lower levels, in small intestine and stomach of both rats and mice. In developing mouse liver and kidney, the expression levels of CSE protein and activity gradually increased with age until reaching their peak value at 3 weeks of age, following which the expression levels in liver remained constant, whereas those in kidney decreased significantly. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed predominant CSE expression in hepatocytes and kidney cortical tubuli. These results suggest important physiological roles for CSE in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao Ishii
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Ogawahigashi 4-1-1, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan.
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45
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Stipanuk MH. Sulfur amino acid metabolism: pathways for production and removal of homocysteine and cysteine. Annu Rev Nutr 2004; 24:539-77. [PMID: 15189131 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.nutr.24.012003.132418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 687] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Tissue concentrations of both homocysteine (Hcy) and cysteine (Cys) are maintained at low levels by regulated production and efficient removal of these thiols. The regulation of the metabolism of methionine and Cys is discussed from the standpoint of maintaining low levels of Hcy and Cys while, at the same time, ensuring an adequate supply of these thiols for their essential functions. S-Adenosylmethionine coordinately regulates the flux through remethylation and transsulfuration, and glycine N-methyltransferase regulates flux through transmethylation and hence the S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio. Cystathionine beta-synthase activity is also regulated in response to the redox environment, and transcription of the gene is hormonally regulated in response to fuel supply (insulin, glucagon, and glucocorticoids). The H2S-producing capacity of cystathionine gamma-lyase may be regulated in response to nitric oxide. Cys is substrate for a variety of anabolic and catabolic enzymes. Its concentration is regulated primarily by hepatic Cys dioxygenase; the level of Cys dioxygenase is upregulated in a Cys-responsive manner via a decrease in the rate of polyubiquitination and, hence, degradation by the 26S proteasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha H Stipanuk
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
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46
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Abstract
Betaine is distributed widely in animals, plants, and microorganisms, and rich dietary sources include seafood, especially marine invertebrates ( approximately 1%); wheat germ or bran ( approximately 1%); and spinach ( approximately 0.7%). The principal physiologic role of betaine is as an osmolyte and methyl donor (transmethylation). As an osmolyte, betaine protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress (eg, low water, high salinity, or extreme temperature). As a methyl donor, betaine participates in the methionine cycle-primarily in the human liver and kidneys. Inadequate dietary intake of methyl groups leads to hypomethylation in many important pathways, including 1) disturbed hepatic protein (methionine) metabolism as determined by elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations and decreased S-adenosylmethionine concentrations, and 2) inadequate hepatic fat metabolism, which leads to steatosis (fatty accumulation) and subsequent plasma dyslipidemia. This alteration in liver metabolism may contribute to various diseases, including coronary, cerebral, hepatic, and vascular diseases. Betaine has been shown to protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, and enhance performance. Databases of betaine content in food are being developed for correlation with population health studies. The growing body of evidence shows that betaine is an important nutrient for the prevention of chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A S Craig
- Danisco USA Inc., 440 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
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Kim SK, Woodcroft KJ, Khodadadeh SS, Novak RF. Insulin signaling regulates gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit expression in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2004; 311:99-108. [PMID: 15169830 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.104.070375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Decreased glutathione (GSH) levels and gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase (GCL) activity have been observed in diabetic patients, and insulin reportedly increases GSH synthesis via increased GCL catalytic subunit (GCLC) gene expression. The signaling pathways responsible for mediating insulin effects on GCLC expression and GSH levels, however, are unknown. The signaling pathways involved in the regulation of GSH synthesis in response to insulin were examined in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. GSH levels, GCL activity, GCLC protein, and mRNA levels were increased to 140, 160, 600, and 340% of that monitored in untreated cells, respectively, in hepatocytes cultured with 100 nM insulin. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-9-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one], dominant-negative Akt, or rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and ribosomal p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) phosphorylation, inhibited the insulin-mediated increase in GCLC protein and GSH levels. Although the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 MAPK, and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) were activated in response to insulin, PD98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone), an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, SP600125 (1,9-pyrazoloanthrone), an inhibitor of JNK, and SB203580 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole], an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, failed to inhibit the insulin-mediated increase in GCLC protein levels. In conclusion, these data show that insulin signaling pathways involving PI3K/Akt/p70S6K, but not MAPKs, are active in the insulin-mediated regulation of GSH synthesis via increased GCLC expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang K Kim
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 2727 Second Avenue, Room 4000, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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48
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Olthof MR, van Vliet T, Boelsma E, Verhoef P. Low Dose Betaine Supplementation Leads to Immediate and Long Term Lowering of Plasma Homocysteine in Healthy Men and Women. J Nutr 2003; 133:4135-8. [PMID: 14652361 DOI: 10.1093/jn/133.12.4135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High plasma homocysteine is a risk for cardiovascular disease and can be lowered through supplementation with 6 g/d of betaine. However, dietary intake of betaine is approximately 0.5-2 g/d. Therefore, we investigated whether betaine supplementation in the range of dietary intake lowers plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy adults. Four groups of 19 healthy subjects ingested three doses of betaine or placebo daily for 6 wk. A methionine loading test was performed during run in, on d 1 of betaine supplementation, and after 2 and 6 wk of betaine supplementation. Fasting plasma homocysteine after 6-wk daily intakes of 1.5, 3 and 6 g of betaine was 12% (P < 0.01), 15% (P < 0.002) and 20% (P < 0.0001) less than in the placebo group, respectively. Furthermore, the increase in plasma homocysteine after methionine loading on the 1st d of betaine supplementation was 16% (P < 0.06), 23% (P < 0.008) and 35% (P < 0.0002) less than in the placebo group, respectively, and after 6 wk of supplementation was 23% (P < 0.02), 30% (P < 0.003) and 40% (P < 0.0002) less, respectively. Thus, doses of betaine in the range of dietary intake reduce fasting and postmethionine loading plasma homocysteine concentrations. A betaine-rich diet might therefore lower cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margreet R Olthof
- Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences and Wageningen University, Division of Human Nutrition and Epidemiology, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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