[14C]palmitate uptake in isolated rat liver mitochondria: effects of fasting, diabetes mellitus, and inhibitors of carnitine acyltransferase

Lipidomic-based investigation into the regulatory effect of Schisandrin B on palmitic acid level in non-alcoholic steatotic livers

Schisandrin B (SchB) is one of the most abundant bioactive dibenzocyclooctadiene derivatives found in the fruit of Schisandra chinensis. Here, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects of SchB on non-alcoholic fatty-liver disease (NAFLD). In lipidomic study, ingenuity pathway analysis highlighted palmitate biosynthesis metabolic pathway in the liver samples of SchB-treated high-fat-diet-fed mice. Further experiments showed that the SchB treatment reduced expression and activity of fatty acid synthase, expressions of hepatic mature sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and hepatic level of palmitic acid which is known to promote progression of steatosis to steatohepatitis. Furthermore, the treatment also reduced hepatic fibrosis, activated nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 which is known to attenuate the progression of NASH-related fibrosis. Interestingly, in fasting mice, a single high-dose SchB induced transient lipolysis and increased the expressions of adipose triglyceride lipase and phospho-hormone sensitive lipase. The treatment also increased plasma cholesterol levels and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity, reduced the hepatic low-density-lipoprotein receptor expression in these mice. Our data not only suggest SchB is a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD, but also provided important information for a safe consumption of SchB because SchB overdosed under fasting condition will have adverse effects on lipid metabolism.

Age-related changes of long-chain fatty acid metabolism in rat liver

Palmitate oxidation activity and the activities of several enzymes involved in long-chain fatty acid metabolism were examined in the liver of young adult (2-month-old) and senescent (32-month-old) female rats. Palmitate oxidation activity in rat liver mitochondria showed age-related decrease, as judged by the rates of both 14CO2 production and formation of radioactive acid-soluble products from [1-14C]palmitate. In addition, long-chain acyl-coenzyme A synthetase activity was found to be decreased in liver mitochondria and increased in liver microsomes in senescent rats. These results suggest that, in the rat liver, preferential channeling of long-chain fatty acids through the triacylglycerol synthetic pathway may increase with age, and as a result, energy production by their oxidation may decrease.

Evidence for modulation of insulin action and degradation independently of insulin binding

The interrelationships between insulin binding, action, and degradation were investigated in isolated hepatocytes with the aid of an insulin-receptor antibody (IRA) preparation that does not affect insulin binding. These IRA have insulin-like effects as determined by their ability to stimulate [14C]acetate incorporation into lipids. However, this effect is less than that of insulin; and in the presence of insulin and IRA, the effects of insulin are partially inhibited. The IRA have no effect on lipogenesis stimulated by postreceptor insulin "mimickers." The IRA also significantly inhibit insulin degradation. However, they do not affect insulin degradation in the presence of a large excess of unlabeled hormone. Taken together these data demonstrate that insulin action and degradation can be modulated independently of binding and suggest that the IRA partially inhibit insulin action and degradation through a portion of the insulin receptor that is not a determinant of insulin binding. It is possible, however, that there exist in the antiserum heterogeneous antibodies that bind to nonreceptor sites on the plasma membrane and mediate some of the phenomena observed.