Regulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase by insulin results in decreased activity and decreased apparent Ki values for malonyl-CoA

Hepatic selective insulin resistance at the intersection of insulin signaling and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Insulin resistance (IR) is a major pathogenic factor in the progression of MASLD. In the liver, insulin suppresses gluconeogenesis and enhances de novo lipogenesis (DNL). During IR, there is a defect in insulin-mediated suppression of gluconeogenesis, but an unrestrained increase in hepatic lipogenesis persists. The mechanism of increased hepatic steatosis in IR is unclear and remains controversial. The key discrepancy is whether insulin retains its ability to directly regulate hepatic lipogenesis. Blocking insulin/IRS/AKT signaling reduces liver lipid deposition in IR, suggesting insulin can still regulate lipid metabolism; hepatic glucose metabolism that bypasses insulin's action may contribute to lipogenesis; and due to peripheral IR, other tissues are likely to impact liver lipid deposition. We here review the current understanding of insulin's action in governing different aspects of hepatic lipid metabolism under normal and IR states, with the purpose of highlighting the essential issues that remain unsettled.

Potential Therapeutic Implication of Herbal Medicine in Mitochondria-Mediated Oxidative Stress-Related Liver Diseases

Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles that play a role in ATP synthesis, calcium homeostasis, oxidation-reduction status, apoptosis, and inflammation. Several human disorders have been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. It has been found that traditional therapeutic herbs are effective on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which are leading causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to oxidative stress is caused by mitochondrial dysfunction and is considered critical for treatment. The role of oxidative stress, lipid toxicity, and inflammation in NAFLD are well known. NAFLD is a chronic liver disease that commonly progresses to cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, and people with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension are at a higher risk of developing NAFLD. NAFLD is associated with a number of pathological factors, including insulin resistance, lipid metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. As a result, the improvement in steatosis and inflammation is enough to entice researchers to look into liver disease treatment. However, antioxidant treatment has not been very effective for liver disease. Additionally, it has been suggested that the beneficial effects of herbal medicines on immunity and inflammation are governed by various mechanisms for lipid metabolism and inflammation control. This review provided a summary of research on herbal medicines for the therapeutic implementation of mitochondria-mediated ROS production in liver disease as well as clinical applications through herbal medicine. In addition, the pathophysiology of common liver disorders such as ALD and NAFLD would be investigated in the role that mitochondria play in the process to open new therapeutic avenues in the management of patients with liver disease.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Signaling in Chronic Liver Diseases

Mitochondria regulate hepatic lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. Ultrastructural mitochondrial lesions, altered mitochondrial dynamics, decreased activity of respiratory chain complexes, and impaired ability to synthesize adenosine triphosphate are observed in liver tissues from patients with alcohol-associated and non-associated liver diseases. Increased lipogenesis with decreased fatty acid β-oxidation leads to the accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes, which, combined with increased levels of reactive oxygen species, contributes to insulin resistance in patients with steatohepatitis. Moreover, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species mediate metabolic pathway signaling; alterations in these pathways affect development and progression of chronic liver diseases. Mitochondrial stress and lesions promote cell death, liver fibrogenesis, inflammation, and the innate immune responses to viral infections. We review the involvement of mitochondrial processes in development of chronic liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty, alcohol-associated, and drug-associated liver diseases, as well as hepatitis B and C, and discuss how they might be targeted therapeutically.

Streptozotocin diabetes increases mRNA expression of ketogenic enzymes in the rat heart

BACKGROUND

Diabetic cardiomyopathy develops in insulin-dependent diabetic patients who have no hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy or vascular disease. Diabetes increases cardiac fatty acid oxidation, but cardiac hypertrophy limits fatty acid oxidation. Here we examined effects of diabetes on gene expression in rat hearts.

METHODS

We used oligonucleotide microarrays to examine effects of insulindependent diabetes in the rat heart. RTQ PCR confirmed results of microarrays. Specific antibodies were used to examine changes in the mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2).

RESULTS

A surprising result of diabetes was increased mRNA encoding all enzymes of the ketone body synthesis pathway. Increased mRNA expression for these enzymes was confirmed by RTQ PCR. The mRNA encoding HMGCS2, the rate-controlling enzyme, was 27 times greater in diabetic hearts. Total HMGCS2 protein increased 8-fold in diabetic hearts, but no difference was found in HMGCS2 protein in control vs. diabetic liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin-dependent diabetes induced the enzymes of ketone body synthesis in the heart, including HMGCS2, as well as increasing enzymes of fatty acid oxidation.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The mammalian heart does not export ketone bodies to other tissues, but rather is a major consumer of ketone bodies. Induction of HMGCS2, which is normally expressed only in the fetal and newborn heart, may indicate an adaptation by the heart to combat "metabolic inflexibility" by shifting the flux of excess intramitochondrial acetyl-CoA derived from elevated fatty acid oxidation into ketone bodies, liberating free CoA to balance the acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio in favor of increased glucose oxidation through the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.

Palmitate-induced activation of mitochondrial metabolism promotes oxidative stress and apoptosis in H4IIEC3 rat hepatocytes

OBJECTIVE

Hepatic lipotoxicity is characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excessive apoptosis, but the precise sequence of biochemical events leading to oxidative damage and cell death remains unclear. The goal of this study was to delineate the role of mitochondrial metabolism in mediating hepatocyte lipotoxicity.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We treated H4IIEC3 rat hepatoma cells with free fatty acids in combination with antioxidants and mitochondrial inhibitors designed to block key events in the progression toward apoptosis. We then applied (13)C metabolic flux analysis (MFA) to quantify mitochondrial pathway alterations associated with these treatments.

RESULTS

Treatment with palmitate alone led to a doubling in oxygen uptake rate and in most mitochondrial fluxes. Supplementing culture media with the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) reduced ROS accumulation and caspase activation and partially restored cell viability. However, (13)C MFA revealed that treatment with NAC did not normalize palmitate-induced metabolic alterations, indicating that neither elevated ROS nor downstream apoptotic events contributed to mitochondrial activation. To directly limit mitochondrial metabolism, the complex I inhibitor phenformin was added to cells treated with palmitate. Phenformin addition eliminated abnormal ROS accumulation, prevented the appearance of apoptotic markers, and normalized mitochondrial carbon flow. Further studies revealed that glutamine provided the primary fuel for elevated mitochondrial metabolism in the presence of palmitate, rather than fatty acid beta-oxidation, and that glutamine consumption could be reduced through co-treatment with phenformin but not NAC.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that ROS accumulation in palmitate-treated H4IIEC3 cells occurs downstream of altered mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, which is independent of beta-oxidation and precedes apoptosis initiation.

Diet-sensitive sources of reactive oxygen species in liver mitochondria: role of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenases

High fat diets and accompanying hepatic steatosis are highly prevalent conditions. Previous work has shown that steatosis is accompanied by enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may mediate further liver damage. Here we investigated mechanisms leading to enhanced ROS generation following high fat diets (HFD). We found that mitochondria from HFD livers present no differences in maximal respiratory rates and coupling, but generate more ROS specifically when fatty acids are used as substrates. Indeed, many acyl-CoA dehydrogenase isoforms were found to be more highly expressed in HFD livers, although only the very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) was more functionally active. Studies conducted with permeabilized mitochondria and different chain length acyl-CoA derivatives suggest that VLCAD is also a source of ROS production in mitochondria of HFD animals. This production is stimulated by the lack of NAD(+). Overall, our studies uncover VLCAD as a novel, diet-sensitive, source of mitochondrial ROS.

Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in obesity

SIGNIFICANCE

Current lifestyles with high-energy diets and little exercise are triggering an alarming growth in obesity. Excess of adiposity is leading to severe increases in associated pathologies, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, arthritis, asthma, and hypertension. This, together with the lack of efficient obesity drugs, is the driving force behind much research.

RECENT ADVANCES

Traditional anti-obesity strategies focused on reducing food intake and increasing physical activity. However, recent results suggest that enhancing cellular energy expenditure may be an attractive alternative therapy.

CRITICAL ISSUES

This review evaluates recent discoveries regarding mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and its potential as a therapy for obesity. We focus on the still controversial beneficial effects of increased FAO in liver and muscle, recent studies on how to potentiate adipose tissue energy expenditure, and the different hypotheses involving FAO and the reactive oxygen species production in the hypothalamic control of food intake.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The present review aims to provide an overview of novel anti-obesity strategies that target mitochondrial FAO and that will definitively be of high interest in the future research to fight against obesity-related disorders.

Paraoxonase-1 deficiency is associated with severe liver steatosis in mice fed a high-fat high-cholesterol diet: a metabolomic approach

Oxidative stress is a determinant of liver steatosis and the progression to more severe forms of disease. The present study investigated the effect of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) deficiency on histological alterations and hepatic metabolism in mice fed a high-fat high-cholesterol diet. We performed nontargeted metabolomics on liver tissues from 8 male PON1-deficient mice and 8 wild-type animals fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet for 22 weeks. We also measured 8-oxo-20-deoxyguanosine, reduced and oxidized glutathione, malondialdehyde, 8-isoprostanes and protein carbonyl concentrations. Results indicated lipid droplets in 14.5% of the hepatocytes of wild-type mice and in 83.3% of the PON1-deficient animals (P < 0.001). The metabolomic assay included 322 biochemical compounds, 169 of which were significantly decreased and 16 increased in PON1-deficient mice. There were significant increases in lipid peroxide concentrations and oxidative stress markers. We also found decreased glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. The urea cycle was decreased, and the pyrimidine cycle had a significant increase in orotate. The pathways of triglyceride and phospholipid synthesis were significantly increased. We conclude that PON1 deficiency is associated with oxidative stress and metabolic alterations leading to steatosis in the livers of mice receiving a high-fat high-cholesterol diet.

Role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

The worldwide rising prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance is associated with a parallel increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is characterized by excess accumulation of triglyceride in the hepatocyte due to increased inflow of free fatty acids and/or de novo lipogenesis caused by various drugs and multiple defects in energy metabolism. Accumulation of lipids in the hepatocyte impairs the oxidative capacity of the mitochondria, increasing the reduced state of the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes and stimulating peroxisomal and microsomal pathways of fat oxidation. The consequent increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive aldehydic derivatives causes oxidative stress and cell death, via ATP, NAD, and glutathione depletion and DNA, lipid, and protein damage. Oxidative stress also triggers production of inflammatory cytokines, causing inflammation and a fibrogenic response. This ultimately results in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can result in end-stage liver disease. The current therapeutic strategies for NASH treatment are mostly directed toward correction of the risk factors. Stimulation of mitochondrial function may also prevent NASH development, protecting the cell against the increased flux of reduced substrates to the ETC and ROS generation.

Membrane microenvironment regulation of carnitine palmitoyltranferases I and II

CPT (carnitine palmitoyltransferase) 1 and CPT2 regulate fatty acid oxidation. Recombinant rat CPT2 was isolated from the soluble fractions of bacterial extracts and expressed in Escherichia coli. The acyl-CoA chain-length-specificity of the recombinant CPT2 was identical with that of the purified enzyme from rat liver mitochondrial inner membranes. The Km for carnitine for both the mitochondrial preparation and the recombinant enzyme was identical. In isolated mitochondrial outer membranes, cardiolipin (diphosphatidylglycerol) increased CPT1 activity 4-fold and the Km for carnitine 6-fold. It decreased the Ki for malonyl-CoA inhibition 60-fold, but had no effect on the apparent Km for myristoyl-CoA. Cardiolipin also activated recombinant CPT2 almost 4-fold, whereas phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine activated the enzyme 3-, 2- and 2-fold respectively. Most of the recombinant CPT2 was found to have substantial interaction with cardiolipin. A model is proposed whereby cardiolipin may hold the fatty-acid-oxidizing enzymes in the active functional conformation between the mitochondrial inner and outer membranes in conjunction with the translocase and the acyl-CoA synthetase, thus combining all four enzymes into a functional unit.

Redox balance in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common liver disease in the world. It encompasses a histological spectrum, ranging from simple, nonprogressive steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. While liver-related complications are confined to NASH, emerging evidence suggests both simple steatosis and NASH predispose to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is currently unknown, but accumulating data suggest that oxidative stress and altered redox balance play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. We will examine intracellular mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired oxidative free fatty acid metabolism, leading to reactive oxygen species generation; additionally, the potential pathogenetic role of extracellular sources of reactive oxygen species in NAFLD, including increased myeloperoxidase activity and oxidized low density lipoprotein accumulation, will be reviewed. We will discuss how these mechanisms converge to determine the whole pathophysiological spectrum of NAFLD, including hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation, hepatocyte apoptosis, hepatic inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, and fibrogenesis. Finally, available animal and human data on treatment opportunities with older and newer antioxidant will be presented.

Targeted therapies of the LKB1/AMPK pathway for the treatment of insulin resistance

Type II diabetes is characterized by elevated serum glucose levels and altered lipid metabolism due to peripheral insulin resistance and defects of insulin secretion in the pancreatic β-cells. While some cases of obesity and Type II diabetes result from genetic dysfunction, the increased worldwide incidence of these two disorders strongly suggest that the contribution of environmental factors such as sedentary lifestyles and high-calorie intake may disrupt energy balance. AMP-activated protein kinase and its upstream kinase liver kinase B1 are conserved serine/threonine kinases regulating anabolic and catabolic metabolic processes, therefore representing attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and Type II diabetes. In this review, we will discuss the advantages of targeting the liver kinase B1/AMP-activated protein kinase pathway for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Fatty acid metabolism in the liver, measured by positron emission tomography, is increased in obese individuals

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatic lipotoxicity results from and contributes to obesity-related disorders. It is a challenge to study human metabolism of fatty acids (FAs) in the liver. We combined (11)C-palmitate imaging by positron emission tomography (PET) with compartmental modeling to determine rates of hepatic FA uptake, oxidation, and storage, as well as triglyceride release in pigs and human beings.

METHODS

Anesthetized pigs underwent (11)C-palmitate PET imaging during fasting (n = 3) or euglycemic hyperinsulinemia (n = 3). Metabolic products of FAs were measured in arterial, portal, and hepatic venous blood. The imaging methodology then was tested in 15 human subjects (8 obese subjects); plasma (11)C-palmitate kinetic analyses were used to quantify systemic and visceral lipolysis.

RESULTS

In pigs, PET-derived and corresponding measured FA fluxes (FA uptake, esterification, and triglyceride FA release) did not differ and were correlated with each other. In human beings, obese subjects had increased hepatic FA oxidation compared with controls (mean +/- standard error of the mean, 0.16 +/- 0.01 vs 0.08 +/- 0.01 micromol/min/mL; P = .0007); FA uptake and esterification rates did not differ between obese subjects and controls. Liver FA oxidation correlated with plasma insulin levels (r = 0.61, P = .016), adipose tissue (r = 0.58, P = .024), and systemic insulin resistance (r = 0.62, P = .015). Hepatic FA esterification correlated with the systemic release of FA into plasma (r = 0.71, P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

PET imaging can be used to measure FA metabolism in the liver. By using this technology, we found that obese individuals have increased hepatic oxidation of FA, in the context of adipose tissue insulin resistance, and increased FA flux from visceral fat. FA flux from visceral fat is proportional with the mass of the corresponding depot.

Metabolic disturbances in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) refers to a wide spectrum of liver damage, ranging from simple steatosis to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. NAFLD is strongly associated with insulin resistance and is defined by accumulation of liver fat >5% per liver weight in the presence of <10 g of daily alcohol consumption. The exact prevalence of NAFLD is uncertain because of the absence of simple non-invasive diagnostic tests to facilitate an estimate of prevalence. In certain subgroups of patients, such as those with Type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of NAFLD, defined by ultrasound, may be as high as 70%. NASH is an important subgroup within the spectrum of NAFLD that progresses over time with worsening fibrosis and cirrhosis, and is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. It is, therefore, important to understand the pathogenesis of NASH and, in particular, to develop strategies for interventions to treat this condition. Currently, the 'gold standard' for the diagnosis of NASH is liver biopsy, and the need to undertake a biopsy has impeded research in subjects in this field. Limited results suggest that the prevalence of NASH could be as high as 11% in the general population, suggesting there is a worsening future public health problem in this field of medicine. With a burgeoning epidemic of diabetes in an aging population, it is likely that the prevalence of NASH will continue to increase over time as both factors are important risk factors for liver fibrosis. The purpose of this review is to: (i) briefly discuss the epidemiology of NAFLD to describe the magnitude of the future potential public health problem; and (ii) to discuss extra- and intra-hepatic mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of NAFLD, a better understanding of which may help in the development of novel treatments for this condition.

Malonyl-CoA, a key signaling molecule in mammalian cells

Malonyl-CoA can be formed within the mitochondria, peroxisomes, and cytosol of mammalian cells. Besides being an intermediate in the pathways of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis and fatty acid elongation, malonyl-CoA has an important signaling function through its allosteric inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, the enzyme that normally exerts flux control over mitochondrial beta-oxidation. Malonyl-CoA is rapidly turned over in mammalian cells, and the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase are important determinants of its cytosolic concentration. It is now recognized that malonyl-CoA participates in a diverse range of physiological or pathological responses and systems. These include the ketogenic response of the liver to fasting and diabetes, carbohydrate versus fat fuel selection in muscle tissues, metabolic changes in muscle during contracture, alterations in fatty acid metabolism during cardiac ischemia and postischemic reperfusion, stimulation of B cell insulin secretion by glucose, and the hypothalamic control of appetite.

LC, Gonçalves DC, Tavares FL, Seelaender MCL. Influência do treinamento físico aeróbio no transporte mitocondrial de ácidos graxos de cadeia longa no músculo esquelético: papel do complexo carnitina palmitoil transferase

O ácido graxo (AG) é uma importante fonte de energia para o músculo esquelético. Durante o exercício sua mobilização é aumentada para suprir as necessidades da musculatura ativa. Acredita-se que diversos pontos de regulação atuem no controle da oxidação dos AG, sendo o principal a atividade do complexo carnitina palmitoil transferase (CPT), entre os quais três componentes estão envolvidos: a CPT I, a CPT II e carnitina acilcarnitina translocase. A função da CPT I durante o exercício físico é controlar a entrada de AG para o interior da mitocôndria, para posterior oxidação do AG e produção de energia. Em resposta ao treinamento físico há um aumento na atividade e expressão da CPT I no músculo esquelético. Devido sua grande importância no metabolismo de lipídios, os mecanismos que controlam sua atividade e sua expressão gênica são revisados no presente estudo. Reguladores da expressão gênica de proteínas envolvidas no metabolismo de lipídios no músculo esquelético, os receptores ativados por proliferadores de peroxissomas (PPAR) alfa e beta, são discutidos com um enfoque na resposta ao treinamento físico.

Hormonal and nutritional regulation of muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I gene expression in vivo

Transgenic mice carrying the human heart muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (M-CPTI) gene fused to a CAT reporter gene were generated to study the regulation of M-CPTI gene expression. When the mice were fasted for 48 h, CAT activity and mRNA levels increased by more than 2-fold in heart and skeletal muscle, but not liver or kidney. In the diabetic transgenic mice, there was a 2- to 3-fold increase in CAT activity and CAT mRNA levels in heart and skeletal muscle which upon insulin administration reverted to that observed with the control insulin sufficient transgenic mice. Feeding a high fat diet increased CAT activity and mRNA levels by 2- to 4-fold in heart and skeletal muscle of the transgenic mice compared to the control transgenic mice on regular diet. Overall, the M-CPTI promoter was found to be necessary for the tissue-specific hormonal and dietary regulation of the gene expression.

Role of mitochondria in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the three stages of the transition from lack of exercise and excessive food intake to insulin resistance, diabetes and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In muscle, lack of exercise, a fat-rich diet, a polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1), and possibly age-related mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations may variously combine their effects to decrease PGC-1 expression, mitochondrial biogenesis and fat oxidation. Together with excessive food intake, insufficient fat oxidation causes fat accumulation and cellular stress in myocytes. The activation of Jun N-terminal kinase and protein kinase C-theta triggers the serine phosphorylation and inactivation of the insulin receptor substrate, and hampers the insulin-mediated translocation of glucose transporter-4 to the plasma membrane. Initially, the trend for increased blood glucose increases insulin secretion by pancreatic beta-cells. High plasma insulin levels compensate for insulin resistance in muscle and maintain normal blood glucose levels. Eventually, however, increased uncoupling protein-2 expression and possibly acquired mtDNA mutations in pancreatic beta-cells can blunt glucose-mediated adenosine triphosphate (ATP) formation and insulin secretion, to cause diabetes in some patients. High plasma glucose and/or insulin levels induce hepatic lipogenesis and cause hepatic steatosis. In fat-engorged hepatocytes, several vicious cycles involving tumor necrosis factor-alpha, reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite, and lipid peroxidation products alter respiratory chain polypeptides and mtDNA, thus partially blocking the flow of electrons in the respiratory chain. The overreduction of upstream respiratory chain complexes increases mitochondrial ROS and peroxynitrite formation. Oxidative stress increases the release of lipid peroxidation products and cytokines, which together trigger the liver lesions of NASH.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in NASH: causes, consequences and possible means to prevent it

Calorie-enriched diet and lack of exercise are causing a worldwide surge of obesity, insulin resistance and lipid accretion in liver (i.e. hepatic steatosis), which can lead to steatohepatitis. Steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can also be induced by drugs such as amiodarone, tamoxifen and some antiretroviral drugs, including stavudine and zidovudine. There is accumulating evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction (more particularly respiratory chain deficiency) plays a key role in the physiopathology of NASH whatever its initial cause. In contrast, the mitochondrial beta-oxidation of fatty acids can be either increased (as in insulin resistance-associated NASH) or decreased (as in drug-induced NASH). However, in both circumstances, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the damaged respiratory chain can be augmented. ROS generation in an environment enriched in lipids in turn induces lipid peroxidation which releases highly reactive aldehydic derivatives (e.g. malondialdehyde) that have diverse detrimental effects on hepatocytes and other hepatic cells. In hepatocytes, ROS, reactive nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation products further impair the respiratory chain, either directly or indirectly through oxidative damage to the mitochondrial genome. This consequently leads to the generation of more ROS and a vicious cycle occurs. Mitochondrial dysfunction can also lead to apoptosis or necrosis depending on the energy status of the cell. ROS and lipid peroxidation products also increase the generation of several cytokines (TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, Fas ligand) playing a key role in cell death, inflammation and fibrosis. Recent investigations have shown that some genetic polymorphisms can significantly increase the risk of steatohepatitis and that several drugs can prevent or even reverse NASH. Interestingly, most of these drugs could exert their beneficial effects by improving directly or indirectly mitochondrial function in liver. Finding a drug, which could fully prevent oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in NASH is a major challenge for the next decade.

Mitochondrial injury in steatohepatitis

Rich diet and lack of exercise are causing a surge in obesity, insulin resistance and steatosis, which can evolve into steatohepatitis. Patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis have increased lipid peroxidation, increased tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and increased mitochondrial beta-oxidation rates. Their in-vivo ability to re-synthesize ATP after a fructose challenge is decreased, and their hepatic mitochondria exhibit ultrastructural lesions, depletion of mitochondrial DNA and decreased activity of respiratory chain complexes. Although the mechanisms for these effects is unknown, the basal cellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may oxidize fat deposits to cause lipid peroxidation, which damages mitochondrial DNA, proteins and cardiolipin to partially hamper the flow of electrons within the respiratory chain. This flow may be further decreased by TNF-alpha, which can release cytochrome c from mitochondria. Concomitantly, the increased mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation rate augments the delivery of electrons to the respiratory chain. Due to the imbalance between a high electron input and a restricted outflow, electrons may accumulate within complexes I and III, and react with oxygen to form the superoxide anion radical. Increased mitochondrial ROS formation could in turn directly oxidize mitochondrial DNA, proteins and lipids, enhance lipid peroxidation-related mitochondrial damage, trigger hepatic TNF-alpha formation and deplete antioxidants, thus further blocking electron flow and further increasing mitochondrial ROS formation. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in liver lesions, through the ROS-induced release of both biologically active lipid peroxidation products and cytokines. In particular, the up-regulation of both TNF-alpha and Fas triggers mitochondrial membrane permeability and apoptosis. The ingestion of apoptotic bodies by stellate cells stimulates fibrogenesis, which is further activated by lipid peroxidation products and high leptin levels. Chronic apoptosis is compensated by increased cell proliferation, which, together with oxidative DNA damage, may cause gene mutations and cancer.

Effects of zidovudine, stavudine and beta-aminoisobutyric acid on lipid homeostasis in mice: possible role in human fat wasting

OBJECTIVE

Although mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion could play a role in nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-induced lipoatrophy, poor correlations between fat mtDNA levels and lipoatrophy suggest additional mechanism(s). Stavudine (d4T), zidovudine (AZT) and the thymine catabolite, beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA), but not zalcitabine (ddC) or didanosine (ddI), can increase fatty acid oxidation in liver mitochondria and plasma ketone bodies in mice. Since fat oxidation in non-adipose tissue can influence body adiposity, we sought to determine whether d4T, AZT and BAIBA can cause lipoatrophy in mice by this catabolic mechanism.

METHODS

Lean or obese ob/ob mice were treated for 6 weeks with d4T, AZT or BAIBA, and lean mice with ddC or ddI. Body fat mass was assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and mtDNA by Slot blot hybridization in epididymal fat.

RESULTS

Whereas ddC or ddI did not change plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate and body fat mass, d4T, AZT and BAIBA increased plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate in lean mice suggesting increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. Despite unchanged food consumption, a supra-pharmacological dose of d4T tended to decrease, whilst AZT and BAIBA decreased body fat mass. Fat mtDNA and plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, insulin, leptin and adiponectin levels were unchanged. In obese mice, d4T, AZT and BAIBA did not increase plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate, and only AZT decreased body fat mass without reducing fat mtDNA.

CONCLUSIONS

d4T and AZT can enhance hepatic fat oxidation and cause fat wasting, without decreasing adipose tissue mtDNA and without causing insulin resistance in mice. BAIBA, a thymine catabolite, reproduces these effects. These catabolic effects could play a role in the lipoatrophy, which can occur in AZT- or d4T-treated patients.

The ins and outs of mitochondrial dysfunction in NASH

Rich diet and lack of exercise are causing a surge in obesity, insulin resistance and steatosis, which can evolve into steatohepatitis. Steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can also be induced by drugs such as amiodarone, tamoxifen and some antiretroviral drugs. There is growing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction, and more specifically respiratory chain deficiency, plays a role in the pathophysiology of NASH whatever its initial cause. In contrast, the B-oxidation of fatty acids can be either increased (as in insulin resistance-associated NASH) or decreased (as in drug-induced NASH). However, in both circumstances, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the damaged respiratory chain is augmented, as components of this chain are over-reduced by electrons, which then abnormally react with oxygen to form increased amounts of ROS. Concomitantly, ROS oxidize fat deposits to release lipid peroxidation products that have detrimental effects on hepatocytes and other hepatic cells. In hepatocytes, ROS and lipid peroxidation products further impair the respiratory chain, either directly or indirectly through oxidative damage to the mitochondrial genome. This, in turn, leads to the generation of more ROS and a vicious cycle ensues. Mitochondrial dysfunction can also lead to apoptosis or necrosis depending on the energy status of the cell. ROS and lipid peroxidation products also activate stellate cells, thus resulting in fibrosis. Finally, ROS and lipid peroxidation increase the generation of several cytokines (TNF-alpha, TGF-B, Fas ligand) that play sundry roles in the pathogenesis of NASH. Recent investigations have shown that some genetic polymorphisms can significantly increase the risk of steatohepatitis and that several drugs can prevent or even reverse NASH. For the next decade, reducing the incidence of NASH will be a major challenge for hepatologists.

Malonyl CoA control of fatty acid oxidation in the diabetic rat heart

Increased fatty acid metabolism can decrease cardiac function and efficiency, and may therefore contribute to the outcome of ischemic injury in the diabetic. Alterations in the control of myocardial malonyl CoA levels is an important contributing factor to these high fatty acid oxidation rates. This includes alterations in AMPK, ACC, and MCD activity in the diabetic rat heart. A further understanding of how malonyl CoA controls fatty acid oxidation in the diabetic heart should help identify new targets for pharmacological intervention which decreases the reliance of the heart on fatty acid oxidation, and ultimately improves heart function.

Effect of iron depletion in carbohydrate-intolerant patients with clinical evidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Increased body iron, genetic hemochromatosis (GH) mutations, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) tend to cluster in carbohydrate-intolerant patients. In an attempt to further clarify the interrelationships among these conditions, we studied 42 carbohydrate-intolerant patients who were free of the common GH mutations C282Y and H63D, and had a serum iron saturation lower than 50%.

METHODS

We measured body iron stores, and induced iron depletion to a level of near-iron deficiency (NID) by quantitative phlebotomy.

RESULTS

In the 17 patients with clinical evidence of NAFLD, we could not demonstrate supranormal levels of body iron (1.6 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.4 +/- 0.2 g; P = 0.06). However, at NID, there was a 40%-55% improvement (P = 0.05-0.0001) of both fasting and glucose-stimulated plasma insulin concentrations, and near-normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase activity (from 61 +/- 5 to 32 +/- 2 IU/L; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results reflect the insulin-sparing effect of iron depletion and indicate a key role of iron and hyperinsulinemia in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

Nonalcoholic steatosis and steatohepatitis. V. Mitochondrial dysfunction in steatohepatitis

Rich diet and lack of exercise are causing a surge in the prevalence of obesity and hepatic steatosis, which causes "primary" steatohepatitis in some patients. Ultrastructural mitochondrial lesions, decreased activity of respiratory chain complexes, and impaired ability to synthesize ATP are observed in these patients. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may increase tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production and also oxidize fat deposits. TNF-alpha and lipid peroxidation products impair the flow of electrons along the respiratory chain, causing overreduction of respiratory chain components and enhanced mitochondrial ROS formation. Steatohepatitis can also be due to alcohol, drugs, or other causes that either directly increase ROS formation or first impair respiration, which secondarily increases ROS formation. Higher ROS formation in secondary steatohepatitis could cause more lipid peroxidation, cytokine induction, and fibrogenesis than in primary steatohepatitis.

Evaluation of theophylline-stimulated changes in carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in skeletal muscle and liver of rats

The effect of theophylline treatments on the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) in skeletal muscle and the liver of rats was investigated. Theophylline was administered at 100 mg/kg bw/day and effects were monitored after a treatment period that lasted between a week and five weeks. Results showed that a significant increase in the activity of CPT was observed in skeletal muscle of theophylline-treated groups as compared to either control or placebo groups. However, there was no significant change in the activity of CPT in the hepatic tissues of theophylline-treated groups. The observed discrepancies in activity of CPT might be due to the presence of two isoenzymes, the muscle type (M-CPT) and liver type (L-CPT); it is possible that theophylline affects only M-CPT activity.

Oral theophylline changes renal carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in rats

BACKGROUND

Carnitine plays a critical role in lipid metabolism. Carnitine deficiency may adversely affect the oxidation of fatty acids and further aggravate abnormal lipid metabolism. Our objective was to investigate the effect of theophylline on the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) in renal tissues of rats for 5-week-interval treatments.

METHODS

The study was a randomized, controlled animal study. Theophylline was given at 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day and effects were monitored after a treatment period of between 1 and 5 weeks.

RESULTS

Theophylline treatment caused a significant increase in renal CPT activity as compared to either control or placebo groups. Moreover, the results showed positive correlations between the renal concentration of long-chain acylcarnitine (LC), activity of CPT, urinary excretion of acylcarnitine (AC), and plasma concentration of LC (p <0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed changes in activity of renal CPT might be due to the result from theophylline-enhanced mobilization of lipid from adipose tissues that consequently stimulated an increased carnitine transport into the renal tissues to form palmitoylcarnitine groups for subsequent beta-oxidation inside the mitochondria. Thus, these accumulations of palmitoylcarnitine groups in mitochondria may increase the catalytic action of CPT.

The biochemistry of hypo- and hyperlipidemic fatty acid derivatives: metabolism and metabolic effects

A selection of amphipatic hyper- and hypolipidemic fatty acid derivatives (fibrates, thia- and branched chain fatty acids) are reviewed. They are probably all ligands for the peroxisome proliferation activation receptor (PPARalpha) which has a low selectivity for its ligands. These compounds give hyper- or hypolipidemic responses depending on their ability to inhibit or stimulate mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in the liver. The hypolipidemic response is explained by the following metabolic effects: Lipoprotein lipase is induced in liver where it is normally not expressed. Apolipoprotein CIII is downregulated. These two effects in liver lead to a facilitated (re)uptake of chylomicrons and VLDL, thus creating a direct transport of fatty acids from the gut to the liver. Fatty acid metabolizing enzymes in the liver (CPT-I and II, peroxisomal and mitochondrial beta-oxidation enzymes, enzymes of ketogenesis, and omega-oxidation enzymes) are induced and create an increased capacity for fatty acid oxidation. The increased oxidation of fatty acids "drains" fatty acids from the body, reduces VLDL formation, and ultimately explains the antiadiposity and improved insulin sensitivity observed after administration of peroxisome proliferators.

Topology of hepatic mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase I

Our earlier work using intact mitochondria and isolated mitochondrial outer membranes confirms the observations of Murthy and Pande that CPT-I is located on the mitochondrial outer membranes and supports the notion that this enzyme has a malonyl-CoA binding domain facing the cytosol and an acyl-CoA binding domain facing the inter membrane space. Our data also suggests that coenzyme A binds at the active site of CPT-I, as does acyl-CoA, 2-bromopalmitoyl-CoA, and (+)-hemipalmitoylcarnitinium, but malonyl-CoA does not bind at that site. Inhibition of CPT-I at the malonyl-CoA binding site by HPG and Ro 25-0187, which have no CoA moiety, contributes to a resolution of this question in that the CoA itself is not essential for the binding of malonyl-CoA to its regulatory site, but the dicarbonyl function which is present in malonyl-CoA, HPG, and Ro 25-0187 is absolutely essential. Our re-evaluation of the topology of hepatic mitochondrial CPT-I confirms the original observations that this enzyme has at least two different binding domains, one domain binding malonyl-CoA, HPG, and Ro-25-187 and the other domain binding acyl-CoA and other inhibitors of CPT-I. Furthermore, the malonyl-CoA binding domain is exposed to the cytosolic face of the membrane. Our data showing that treatment of the intact mitochondria with trypsin causes release of adenylate kinase which indicates that trypsin has damaged the mitochondrial outer membrane, possibly allowing trypsin to enter the intermembrane space and act on CPT from within the outer membrane. Since trypsin's action is limited to arginine and lysine residues, an alternative explanation could be that the portion of the protein domain responsible for malonyl-CoA inhibition may not contain these residues. The latter explanation is plausible, since malonyl-CoA was able to protect against loss of activity and sensitivity to inhibition, but did not protect against loss of adenylate kinase, suggesting that rupture of the outer membrane is not necessarily related to loss of CPT activity. These results suggest that some protein domain that is necessary for CPT activity is exposed on the outer surface of the outer membranes. Therefore, it seems likely that trypsin would have to be able to hydrolyse protein domains of CPT that are inaccessible to Nagarse and papain.

Theophylline-induced changes in the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase in rat cardiac tissues

This study is conducted to investigate the influence of oral theophylline administration (100 mg/kg bw per day) on the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) in cardiac tissues of rats for 5-week interval treatments. Results showed significant increase in the activity of CPT was observed in cardiac tissues of theophylline-treated groups as compared to either control or placebo groups. Moreover, the results showed positive correlations between the cardiac concentrations of long-chain acylcarnitine (LC) and the activity of CPT and between plasma concentrations of LC and the cardiac concentrations of LC (P<0.01), respectively. The observed changes in activity of cardiac CPT might be due to the result from theophylline- enhanced decrease the sensitivity of CPT to inhibition by malonyl-CoA and/or from theophylline-enhanced mobilization of lipid from adipose tissues which consequently stimulated an increased carnitine transport into the tissues to form palmitoylcarnitine groups for subsequent beta-oxidation inside the mitochondria. Thus, these accumulations of acylcarnitine groups in mitochondria may increase the catalytic action of CPT.

Contribution of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase to the high fatty acid oxidation rates seen in the diabetic heart

Myocardial glucose oxidation is markedly reduced in the uncontrolled diabetic. We determined whether this was due to direct biochemical changes in the heart or whether this was due to altered circulating levels of insulin and substrates that can be seen in the diabetic. Isolated working hearts from control or diabetic rats (streptozotocin, 55 mg/kg iv administered 6 wk before study) were aerobically perfused with either 5 mM [(14)C]glucose and 0.4 mM [(3)H]palmitate (low-fat/low-glucose buffer) or 20 mM [(14)C]glucose and 1.2 mM [(3)H]palmitate (high-fat/high-glucose buffer) +/-100 microU/ml insulin. The presence of insulin increased glucose oxidation in control hearts perfused with low-fat/low-glucose buffer from 553 +/- 85 to 1,150 +/- 147 nmol x g dry wt(-1) x min(-1) (P < 0. 05). If control hearts were perfused with high-fat/high-glucose buffer, palmitate oxidation was significantly increased by 112% (P < 0.05), but glucose oxidation decreased to 55% of values seen in the low-fat/low-glucose group (P < 0.05). In diabetic hearts, glucose oxidation was very low in hearts perfused with low-fat/low-glucose buffer (9 +/- 1 nmol x g dry wt(-1) x min(-1)) and was not altered by insulin or high-fat/high-glucose buffer. These results suggest that neither circulating levels of substrates nor insulin was responsible for the reduced glucose oxidation in diabetic hearts. To determine if subcellular changes in the control of fatty acid oxidation contribute to these changes, we measured the activity of three enzymes involved in the control of fatty acid oxidation; AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD). Although AMPK and ACC activity in control and diabetic hearts was not different, MCD activity and expression in all diabetic rat heart perfusion groups were significantly higher than that seen in corresponding control hearts. These results suggest that an increased MCD activity contributes to the high fatty acid oxidation rates and reduced glucose oxidation rates seen in diabetic rat hearts.

Functional characterization of mammalian mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferases I and II expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris

Mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferases I and II (CPTI and CPTII), together with the carnitine carrier, transport long-chain fatty acyl-CoA from the cytosol to the mitochondrial matrix for beta-oxidation. Recent progress in the expression of CPTI and CPTII cDNA clones in Pichia pastoris, a yeast with no endogenous CPT activity, has greatly facilitated the characterization of these important enzymes in fatty acid oxidation. It is now well established that yeast-expressed CPTI is a catalytically active, malonyl CoA-sensitive, distinct enzyme that is reversibly inactivated by detergents. CPTII is a catalytically active, malonyl CoA-insensitive, distinct enzyme that is detergent stable. Reconstitution studies with yeast-expressed CPTI have established for the first time that detergent inactivation of CPTI is reversible, suggesting that CPTI is active only in a membrane environment. By constructing a series of deletion mutants of the N-terminus of liver CPTI, we have mapped the residues essential for malonyl CoA inhibition and binding to the conserved first six N-terminal amino acid residues. Mutation of glutamic acid 3 to alanine abolished malonyl CoA inhibition and high affinity malonyl CoA binding, but not catalytic activity, whereas mutation of histidine 5 to alanine caused partial loss in malonyl CoA inhibition. Our mutagenesis studies demonstrate that glutamic acid 3 and histidine 5 are necessary for malonyl CoA inhibition and binding to liver CPTI, but not catalytic activity.

Cytosolic triglycerides and oxidative stress in central obesity: the missing link between excessive atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and beta-cell failure?

Central obesity is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here we present a hypothesis that may explain the excess atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and progressive beta-cell failure. Central obesity is associated with increased cytosolic triglyceride stores in non-adipose tissues such as muscles, liver and pancreatic beta-cells. A high cytosolic triglyceride content is accompanied by elevated concentrations of cytosolic long-chain acyl-CoA esters, the metabolically active form of fatty acids. These esters inhibit mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocators, resulting in an intramitochondrial ADP deficiency. In vitro, such ADP deficiency is a potent stimulator of mitochondrial oxygen free radical production, and we assume that this mechanism is also active in vivo. The decline of organ function with normal ageing is thought to be due, at least partly, to a continuous low-grade mitochondrial oxygen free radical production. In tissues containing increased cytosolic triglyceride stores this process will be accelerated. Tissues with a high-energy demand or poor free radical scavenging capacity, such as pancreatic beta-cells, are likely to be more susceptible to this process. This is how we explain their gradual dysfunctioning in central obesity. Likewise we propose that the enhanced production of oxygen free radicals in endothelial cells, or vascular smooth muscle cells, leads to the increased subendothelial oxidation of LDL and atherosclerosis, as well as to the endothelial dysfunction and microalbuminuria.

Fatty acid oxidation in the reperfused ischemic heart

Myocardial ATP production is dependent chiefly on the oxidative decarboxylation of glucose and fatty acids. The co-utilization of these and other substrates is determined by both the amount of any given substrate supplied to the heart as well as by complex intracellular regulatory mechanisms. This regulated balance is altered during and after ischemia. During aerobic reperfusion of ischemic myocardium, a rapid recovery of energy production is desirable for the complete recovery of muscle contractile function. It is now clear that the type of energy substrate used by the heart during reperfusion will directly influence this contractile recovery. By increasing the relative proportion of glucose oxidized to that of fatty acids, the mechanical function of the reperfused heart can be improved. However, fatty acid oxidation recovers quickly during reperfusion and dominates as a source of oxygen consumption. These high rates of fatty acid oxidation occur at the expense of glucose oxidation, resulting in a decreased recovery of both cardiac function and efficiency during reperfusion. One contributory factor to these high rates of fatty acid oxidation is a decrease in myocardial malonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) levels. Malonyl-CoA, which is synthesized by acetyl-CoA carboxylase, is an essential metabolic intermediary in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation. A decrease in malonyl-CoA level results in an increase of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 mediated fatty acid uptake into the mitochondria. This mechanism seems important in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation in the postischemic heart and is discussed in detail in this review, with reference to specific clinical scenarios of ischemia and reperfusion and options for modulating cardiac energy metabolism.

Expression and regulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-Ialpha and -Ibeta genes

Two genes control expression of mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I), the enzyme that catalyzes the primary rate-controlling step in fatty acid oxidation. Two CPT-I isoforms have been found--a "liver" isoform (CPT-Ialpha) expressed in most tissues, but not in skeletal muscles, and a "muscle" isoform (CPT-Ibeta) expressed in muscles and adipocytes. Liver CPT-Ialpha increases dramatically at birth, but heart CPT-Ialpha is abundant in the fetus and diminishes at birth. Insulin, thyroid hormone, and fatty acids regulate expression of CPT-Ialpha in liver, whereas electrical stimulation increases CPT-Ibeta and decreases CPT-Ialpha in cardiac myocytes. Both genes are TATA-less and contain Sp1 transcription factor binding sites upstream of the start site of transcription. Multiple transcripts of both CPT-Ialpha and CPT-Ibeta exist, some of which may have roles in regulating fatty acid oxidation.

A single amino acid change (substitution of glutamate 3 with alanine) in the N-terminal region of rat liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase I abolishes malonyl-CoA inhibition and high affinity binding

We have recently shown by deletion mutation analysis that the conserved first 18 N-terminal amino acid residues of rat liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (L-CPTI) are essential for malonyl-CoA inhibition and binding (Shi, J., Zhu, H., Arvidson, D. N. , Cregg, J. M., and Woldegiorgis, G. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 11033-11038). To identify specific residue(s) involved in malonyl-CoA binding and inhibition of L-CPTI, we constructed two more deletion mutants, Delta12 and Delta6, and three substitution mutations within the conserved first six amino acid residues. Mutant L-CPTI, lacking either the first six N-terminal amino acid residues or with a change of glutamic acid 3 to alanine, was expressed at steady-state levels similar to wild type and had near wild type catalytic activity. However, malonyl-CoA inhibition of these mutant enzymes was reduced 100-fold, and high affinity malonyl-CoA binding was lost. A mutant L-CPTI with a change of histidine 5 to alanine caused only partial loss of malonyl-CoA inhibition, whereas a mutant L-CPTI with a change of glutamine 6 to alanine had wild type properties. These results demonstrate that glutamic acid 3 and histidine 5 are necessary for malonyl-CoA binding and inhibition of L-CPTI by malonyl-CoA but are not required for catalysis.

Topological and functional analysis of the rat liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The rat liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (L-CPT 1) expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was correctly inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane and shared the same folded conformation as the native enzyme found in rat liver mitochondria. Comparison of the biochemical properties of the yeast-expressed L-CPT 1 with those of the native protein revealed the same detergent lability and similar sensitivity to malonyl-CoA inhibition and affinity for carnitine. Normal Michaelis-Menten kinetics towards palmitoyl-CoA were observed when careful experimental conditions were used for the CPT assay. Thus, the expression in S. cerevisiae is a valid model to study the structure-function relationships of L-CPT 1.

The effect of fasting/refeeding and insulin treatment on the expression of the regulatory genes of ketogenesis in intestine and liver of suckling rats

The influence of fasting/refeeding and insulin treatment on ketogenesis in 12-day-old suckling rats was studied in intestine and liver by determining mRNA levels and enzyme activity of the two genes responsible for regulation of ketogenesis: carnitine palmitoyl transferase I (CPT I) and mitochondrial HMG-CoA synthase. Fasting produced hardly any change in mRNA or activity of CPT 1 in intestine, but led to a decrease in mitochondrial (mit.) HMG-CoA synthase. In liver, while mRNA levels and activity for CPT I increased, neither parameter was changed in HMG-CoA synthase. The comparison of these values with the ketogenic rate of both tissues under the fasting/refeeding treatment shows that HMG-CoA synthase could be the main gene responsible for regulation of ketogenesis in suckling rats. The small changes produced in serum ketone bodies in fasting/refeeding, with a profile similar to the ketogenic rate of the liver, indicate that liver contributes most to ketone body synthesis in suckling rats under these experimental conditions. Short-term insulin treatment produced increases in mRNA levels and activity in CPT I in intestine, but it also decreased both parameters in mit. HMG-CoA synthase. In liver, graphs of mRNA and activity were nearly identical in both genes. There was a marked decrease in mRNA levels and activity, resembling those values observed in adult rats. As in fasting/refeeding, the ketogenic rate correlated better to mit. HMG-CoA synthase than CPT I, and liver was the main organ regulating ketogenesis after insulin treatment. Serum ketone body concentrations were decreased by insulin but recovered after the second hour. Long-term insulin treatment had little effect on the mRNA levels for CPT I or mit. HMG-CoA synthase, but both the expressed and total activities of mit. HMG-CoA synthase were reduced by half in both intestine and liver. The ketogenic rate of both organs was decreased to 40% by long-term insulin treatment. The different effects of refeeding and insulin treatment on the expression of both genes, on the ketogenic rate, and on ketone body concentrations are discussed.

Regulation of mammalian acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase

Long-chain fatty acids are involved in all aspects of cellular structure and function. For controlling amounts of fatty acids, cells are endowed with two acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) systems. ACC-alpha is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biogenesis of long-chain fatty acids, and ACC-beta is believed to control mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. These two isoforms of ACC control the amount of fatty acids in the cells. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of ACC-alpha cause enzyme inactivation and activation, respectively, and serve as the enzyme's short-term regulatory mechanism. Covalently modified enzymes become more sensitive toward cellular metabolites. In addition, many hormones and nutrients affect gene expression. The gene products formed are heterogeneous and tissue specific. The ACC-beta gene is located on human chromosome 12; the cDNA for this gene has just been cloned. The gene for the alpha-isoform is located on human chromosome 17. The catalytic core of the beta-isoform is homologous to that of the alpha-isoform, except for an additional peptide of about 150 amino acids at the N terminus. This extra peptide sequence makes the beta-form about 10,000 daltons larger, and it is thought to be involved in the unique role that has been assigned to this enzyme. The detailed control mechanisms for the beta-isoform are not known.

Change in expression of heart carnitine palmitoyltransferase I isoforms with electrical stimulation of cultured rat neonatal cardiac myocytes

Electrical stimulation of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes in culture produces increases in myocyte size (hypertrophy) and organization of actin into myofibrillar arrays. The maturation of the cells is associated with enhanced contractile parameters and cellular calcium content. The numbers and intensity of cellular mitochondrial profiles increase, as measured by scanning laser confocal microscopy. Consistent with the hypertrophic response is increased cellular content of beta-myosin heavy chain and cytochrome oxidase subunit Va messages, as well as increases in cytochrome oxidase activity in the stimulated cardiac myocytes. Myocyte contractile capacity is associated with increased expression of the muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT-I) isoform as measured by Northern analysis, immunoblotting, and altered sensitivity of CPT-I activity to malonyl-CoA in the stimulated cells. The data suggest that a switch from the liver isoform of CPT-I, prominent in the neonatal rat heart, to the muscle CPT-I which predominates in adult rat heart, takes place in the neonatal cardiac myocytes over the same time period as the hypertrophic-mediated changes in myofibrillar assembly and increased contractile activity.

No correlation between changes in fatty acid-binding protein content and fatty acid oxidation capacity of rat tissues in experimental diabetes

Fatty acid-binding protein is considered to play an important role in fatty acid oxidation. Since diabetes mellitus causes marked changes of this latter metabolic process, we compared the effect of this pathological condition on both parameters in a comparative investigation of different rat tissues. Palmitate oxidation capacity and content of fatty acid-binding protein were determined in liver, heart and quadriceps muscle from rats with 2-week streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and controls. In liver homogenates fatty acid oxidation capacity increased by 90%, but their content of fatty acid-binding protein decreased by 35%. Fatty acid oxidation capacity of heart and quadriceps muscle and fatty acid-binding protein content of quadriceps muscle did not change, but fatty acid-binding protein content of heart muscle doubled. Long-term diabetes (8 months) had a similar effect on content of this protein. In summary, changes of fatty acid oxidation capacity do not appear to correlate with fatty acid-binding protein content during the development of diabetes. This does not preclude other functions of fatty acid-binding proteins in regulation of lipid metabolism and processes in which fatty acids play a modulatory role.

Temperature effects on malonyl-CoA inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I

Malonyl-CoA inhibition of hepatic mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and malonyl-CoA binding were measured at temperatures ranging from 0 degrees C to 37 degrees C. Protease treatment of mitochondria resulted in greatly diminished malonyl-CoA binding, indicating that the method used detected malonyl-CoA binding sites located on the outer surface of the mitochondrial outer membrane as expected. The apparent Ki for malonyl-CoA inhibition was found to increase with increasing temperature. Arrhenius plots for the initial velocity of the enzymatic reaction and for the Ki for malonyl-CoA both indicated a transition temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C with the transition for the malonyl-CoA interaction being more pronounced. Total specific binding of malonyl-CoA to mitochondrial proteins increased with increasing temperature, and Kd values decreased. The opposite effect of temperature on Kd values and Ki values was surprising because it was expected that these equilibrium constants would be identical. These observations indicate that Kd values for malonyl-CoA binding and Ki values for inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I by malonyl-CoA represent two significantly different binding phenomena. These data suggest that either: (a) malonyl-CoA binding measurements are unrelated to malonyl-CoA inhibition, or (b) inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I by malonyl-CoA involves more complex relationships than binding of malonyl-CoA to a single protein.

Diabetes and proteolysis: effects on carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I and malonyl-CoA binding

Malonyl-CoA binding and malonyl-CoA inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I (CPT-I) were measured in hepatic mitochondria from normal and diabetic rats and in protease-treated mitochondria from fed rats to test the hypothesis that proteolysis represents a mechanism by which diabetes produces changes in the sensitivity of CPT-I to inhibition by malonyl-CoA. As in diabetes, protease treatment increased the apparent Ki values for malonyl-CoA. Palmitoyl-CoA greatly diminished malonyl-CoA specific binding in the mitochondrial system being studied, suggesting strong competition at the malonyl-CoA binding site. Proteolysis decreased capacity for specific binding of malonyl-CoA by 60-80%, but it had no effect on binding affinity. In contrast, the decreased specific binding of malonyl-CoA seen in the diabetic state is accompanied by increased binding affinity. Furthermore, observed Kd values differed from Ki values by a factor of 10 or more, suggesting that measured Kd and Ki may represent different ligand-protein complexes. These data suggest that alterations in inhibition of CPT-I by malonyl-CoA occurring in the diabetic state may involve mechanisms other than simple proteolytic removal of malonyl-CoA binding sites.

Hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I has two independent inhibitory binding sites for regulation of fatty acid oxidation

Partial proteolysis of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT-I) in intact mitochondria results in greatly diminished sensitivity to inhibition by its physiological inhibitor, malonyl-CoA, but inhibition by succinyl-CoA and methylmalonyl-CoA was affected to a lesser extent, whereas inhibition by coenzyme A, acetyl-CoA, and propionyl-CoA was not affected at all by proteinase treatment. These data suggested that inhibitors that are coenzyme A esters of short-chain dicarboxylic acids bind to a regulatory malonyl-CoA binding site located on the cytoplasmic face of the mitochondrial outer membrane while coenzyme A esters of monocarboxylic acids and free coenzyme A act at the active site in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. All inhibitors whose potency was altered by proteinase action provided protection against proteinases, whereas other inhibitors did not. Preincubation with the substrates carnitine, palmitoyl-CoA, or coenzyme A prior to proteolysis showed no protective effects against the loss of inhibition or loss of activity; however, preincubation with these substrates enhanced proteinase effects to more seriously diminish activity and inhibition by malonyl-CoA. Proteinases were also found to act on purified mitochondrial outer membranes to reduce inhibition by malonyl-CoA with little effect on activity. Using these outer membrane preparations it was found that the very potent inhibition of CPT-I by the active-site-directed substrate analog (+)-hemipalmitoylcarnitinium was not altered by proteinase treatment; however, inhibition by the malonyl-CoA analog Ro 25-0187, which is a more potent inhibitor than malonyl-CoA, was drastically reduced by proteinase treatment of mitochondrial outer membranes, confirming the different locations for the malonyl-CoA site and the active site. Coenzyme A and malonyl-CoA both act as competitive inhibitors with respect to the acyl-CoA substrate, but coenzyme A lacks cooperative effects seen with malonyl-CoA. For ligand binding to the malonyl-CoA regulatory site, there appears to be a requirement for two carbonyl groups in close juxtaposition, but there is apparently no requirement for the coenzyme A moiety per se. Current evidence, including the recently deduced primary structure for CPT-I, favors the hypothesis that (a) inhibitors of CPT-I may act at two distinct sites, (b) malonyl-CoA binds primarily to a regulatory site that is distinct from the active site of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I, and (c) the two inhibitory sites are located on opposite sides of the mitochondrial outer membrane.