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Rajendran R, Suman S, Divakaran SJ, Swatikrishna S, Tripathi P, Jain R, Sagar K, Rajakumari S. Sesaminol alters phospholipid metabolism and alleviates obesity-induced NAFLD. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23835. [PMID: 39037555 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400412rr] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance is increasing worldwide. We previously demonstrated that sesaminol increases thermogenesis in adipocytes, improves insulin sensitivity, and mitigates obesity in mice. In this study, we demonstrated that sesaminol increased mitochondrial activity and reduced ROS production in hepatocytes. Therefore, we delve into the metabolic action of sesaminol in obesity-induced NAFLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MAFLD). Here, we report that sesaminol induces OXPHOS proteins and mitochondrial function in vivo. Further, our data suggest that sesaminol administration reduces hepatic triacylglycerol accumulation and LDL-C levels. Prominently, the lipidomics analyses revealed that sesaminol administration decreased the major phospholipids such as PC, PE, PI, CL, and PS to maintain membrane lipid homeostasis in the liver upon HFD challenge. Besides, SML reduced ePC and SM molecular species and increased PA levels in the HFD-fed mice. Also, sesaminol renders anti-inflammatory properties and dampens fibrosis markers in the liver. Remarkably, SML lowers the hepatic levels of ALT and AST enzymes and alleviates NAFLD in diet-induced obese mice. The molecular docking analysis identifies peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors as potential endogenous receptors for sesaminol. Together, our study demonstrates plant lignan sesaminol as a potential small molecule that alters the molecular species of major phospholipids, including sphingomyelin and ether-linked PCs in the liver tissue, improves metabolic parameters, and alleviates obesity-induced fatty liver disease in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajprabu Rajendran
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanskriti Suman
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Soumya Jaya Divakaran
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sahu Swatikrishna
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Purnima Tripathi
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Rashi Jain
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Karan Sagar
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sona Rajakumari
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Dai L, Jiang R, Zhan Z, Zhang L, Qian Y, Xu X, Yang W, Zhang Z. Machine learning-based algorithm identifies key mitochondria-related genes in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:137. [PMID: 38720280 PMCID: PMC11077862 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02122-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that hepatocyte mitochondrial dysfunction leads to abnormal lipid metabolism, redox imbalance, and programmed cell death, driving the onset and progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Identifying hub mitochondrial genes linked to NASH may unveil potential therapeutic targets. METHODS Mitochondrial hub genes implicated in NASH were identified via analysis using 134 algorithms. RESULTS The Random Forest algorithm (RF), the most effective among the 134 algorithms, identified three genes: Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), and triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cell 2 (TREM2). They were upregulated and positively associated with genes promoting inflammation, genes involved in lipid synthesis, fibrosis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis activity scores in patients with NASH. Moreover, using these three genes, patients with NASH were accurately categorized into cluster 1, exhibiting heightened disease severity, and cluster 2, distinguished by milder disease activity. CONCLUSION These three genes are pivotal mitochondrial genes implicated in NASH progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Dai
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Renao Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhicheng Zhan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yuyang Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xinjian Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenqi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui Province, China.
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Chiang CH, Zhang TR, Hsu PS, Lin SP, Chen CY. Weight regain, but not weight loss exacerbates hepatic fibrosis during multiple weight cycling events in male mice. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:965-976. [PMID: 38265751 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03326-w] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Weight cycling is a phenomenon characterized by fluctuating body weight that is commonly observed in individuals employing intentional weight loss methods. Despite its prevalence, the impact of weight cycling on health remains equivocal. The current investigation aimed to examine the effects of weight cycling on liver health. METHODS The weight cycling model was established by switching the feeding method of mice between ad libitum (AL) and restricted intake (DR or 60% of AL) of the breeding diet to cause weight gain and weight loss, respectively. The weight cycling model comprised two and a half cycles, with one group terminating the experience during the weight-gain period (S-AL) and the other during the weight-loss period (S-DR). Liver tissue was collected to investigate morphology alterations, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial homeostasis. RESULTS The results demonstrated that the termination point of weight cycling affected body weight and hepatic steatosis. All parameters examined in the S-DR mice exhibited a comparable trend to those observed in the DR mice. Notably, S-AL mice showed a significant increase in lipid metabolism-related proteins in the liver compared to AL-fed mice, along with reduced lipid droplets. Moreover, hepatic apoptosis and fibrosis were exacerbated in the S-AL mice compared to AL mice, whereas mitochondrial fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy were decreased in the S-AL mice. CONCLUSION Weight cycling ending in weight gain exacerbated hepatic fibrosis, potentially by inducing apoptosis or disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis. Conversely, weight cycling ending in weight loss demonstrated beneficial effects on hepatic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hsien Chiang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Rui Zhang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pu-Sheng Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shau-Ping Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yi Chen
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Michel L, Auvray M, Askenatzis L, Badet-Denisot MA, Bignon J, Durand P, Mahuteau-Betzer F, Chevalier A. Visualization of an Endogenous Mitochondrial Azoreductase Activity under Normoxic Conditions Using a Naphthalimide Azo-Based Fluorogenic Probe. Anal Chem 2024; 96:1774-1780. [PMID: 38230524 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, we demonstrate the existence of an endogenous mitochondrial azoreductase (AzoR) activity that can induce the cleavage of N═N double bonds of azobenzene compounds under normoxic conditions. To this end, 100% OFF-ON azo-based fluorogenic probes derived from 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide fluorophores were synthesized and evaluated. The in vitro study conducted with other endogenous reducing agents of the cell, including reductases, demonstrated both the efficacy and the selectivity of the probe for AzoR. Confocal experiments with the probe revealed an AzoR activity in the mitochondria of living cells under normal oxygenation conditions, and we were able to demonstrate that this endogenous AzoR activity appears to be expressed at different levels across different cell lines. This discovery provides crucial information for our understanding of the biochemical processes occurring within the mitochondria. It thus contributes to a better understanding of its function, which is implicated in numerous pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurane Michel
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, Université Paris-Saclay, UPR 2301, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marie Auvray
- CNRS UMR 9187, Inserm U1196 Chemistry and Modeling for the Biology of Cancer Institut Curie,Université PSL, 91400 Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 9187, Inserm U1196 Chemistry and Modeling for the Biology of Cancer, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Laurie Askenatzis
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, Université Paris-Saclay, UPR 2301, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marie-Ange Badet-Denisot
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, Université Paris-Saclay, UPR 2301, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Jérôme Bignon
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, Université Paris-Saclay, UPR 2301, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Philippe Durand
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, Université Paris-Saclay, UPR 2301, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Florence Mahuteau-Betzer
- CNRS UMR 9187, Inserm U1196 Chemistry and Modeling for the Biology of Cancer Institut Curie,Université PSL, 91400 Orsay, France
- CNRS UMR 9187, Inserm U1196 Chemistry and Modeling for the Biology of Cancer, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Arnaud Chevalier
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, Université Paris-Saclay, UPR 2301, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Lu H, Fan L, Zhang W, Chen G, Xiang A, Wang L, Lu Z, Zhai Y. The mitochondrial genome-encoded peptide MOTS-c interacts with Bcl-2 to alleviate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis progression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113587. [PMID: 38206815 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a metabolism-associated fatty liver disease with accumulated mitochondrial stress, and targeting mitochondrial function is a potential therapy. The mitochondrial genome-encoded bioactive peptide MOTS-c plays broad physiological roles, but its effectiveness and direct targets in NASH treatment are still unclear. Here, we show that long-term preventive and short-term therapeutic effects of MOTS-c treatments alleviate NASH-diet-induced liver steatosis, cellular apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Mitochondrial oxidative capacity and metabolites profiling analysis show that MOTS-c significantly reverses NASH-induced mitochondrial metabolic deficiency. Moreover, we identify that MOTS-c directly interacts with the BH3 domain of antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), increases Bcl-2 protein stability, and suppresses Bcl-2 ubiquitination. By using a Bcl-2 inhibitor or adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated Bcl-2 knockdown, we further confirm that MOTS-c improves NASH-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis, which are dependent on Bcl-2 function. Therefore, our findings show that MOTS-c is a potential therapeutic agent to inhibit the progression of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanyu Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Linni Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Translational Medicine Center, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China; The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Translational Medicine Center, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - An Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zifan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Translational Medicine Center, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yue Zhai
- Department of Cell Biology, National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Qiao L, Dou X, Song X, Chang J, Yi H, Xu C. Targeting mitochondria with antioxidant nutrients for the prevention and treatment of postweaning diarrhea in piglets. ANIMAL NUTRITION (ZHONGGUO XU MU SHOU YI XUE HUI) 2023; 15:275-287. [PMID: 38033610 PMCID: PMC10685042 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets poses a significant challenge and presents a grave threat to the global swine industry, resulting in considerable financial losses and compromising the welfare of animals. PWD is commonly associated with gut homeostatic imbalance, including oxidative stress, excessive inflammation, and microbiota dysbiosis. Antibiotic use has historically been a common initiative to combat PWD, but concerns about the development of antibiotic resistance have led to increased interest in alternative strategies. Mitochondria are key players in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and their dysfunction is intricately linked to the onset and progression of PWD. Accumulating evidence suggests that targeting mitochondrial function using antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and polyphenolic compounds, may represent a promising approach for preventing and treating PWD. Moreover, nutrients based on antioxidant strategies have been shown to improve mitochondrial function, restore intestinal redox balance, and reduce oxidative damage, which is a key driver of PWD. The present review begins with an overview of the potential interplay between mitochondria and gut homeostasis in the pathogenesis of PWD in piglets. Subsequently, alternative strategies to prevent and treat PWD using antioxidant nutrients to target mitochondria are described and discussed. Ultimately, we delve into potential limitations and suggest future research directions in this field for further advancement. Overall, targeting mitochondria using antioxidant nutrients may be a promising approach to combat PWD and provides a potential nutrition intervention strategy for regulating gut homeostasis of weaned piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiao
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Xina Dou
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Xiaofan Song
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Jiajing Chang
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Hongbo Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510640, China
| | - Chunlan Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
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Paoli A, Cerullo G. Investigating the Link between Ketogenic Diet, NAFLD, Mitochondria, and Oxidative Stress: A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051065. [PMID: 37237931 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Together with the global rise in obesity and metabolic syndrome, the prevalence of individuals who suffer from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has risen dramatically. NAFLD is currently the most common chronic liver disease and includes a continuum of liver disorders from initial fat accumulation to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), considered the more severe forms, which can evolve in, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Common features of NAFLD includes altered lipid metabolism mainly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, which, as a vicious cycle, aggravates oxidative stress and promotes inflammation and, as a consequence, the progressive death of hepatocytes and the severe form of NAFLD. A ketogenic diet (KD), i.e., a diet very low in carbohydrates (<30 g/die) that induces "physiological ketosis", has been demonstrated to alleviate oxidative stress and restore mitochondrial function. Based on this, the aim of the present review is to analyze the body of evidence regarding the potential therapeutic role of KD in NAFLD, focusing on the interplay between mitochondria and the liver, the effects of ketosis on oxidative stress pathways, and the impact of KD on liver and mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Paoli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Research Center for High Performance Sport, UCAM Catholic University of Murcia, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Cerullo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Tactics with Prebiotics for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease via the Improvement of Mitophagy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065465. [PMID: 36982539 PMCID: PMC10049478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitophagy/autophagy plays a protective role in various forms of liver damage, by renovating cellular metabolism linking to sustain liver homeostasis. A characterized pathway for mitophagy is the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-dependent signaling pathway. In particular, PINK1-mediated mitophagy could play an indispensable role in improving the metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) which could precede to steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway might regulate the various characteristics of cellular homeostasis including energy metabolism, cell proliferation, and/or cell protection. Therefore, targeting mitophagy with the alteration of PI3K/AKT/mTOR or PINK1/Parkin-dependent signaling to eliminate impaired mitochondria might be an attractive strategy for the treatment of MAFLD. In particular, the efficacy of prebiotics for the treatment of MAFLD has been suggested to be useful via the modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/AMPK pathway. Additionally, several edible phytochemicals could activate mitophagy for the improvement of mitochondrial damages, which could also be a promising option to treat MAFLD with providing liver protection. Here, the potential therapeutics with several phytochemicals has been discussed for the treatment of MAFLD. Tactics with a viewpoint of prospective probiotics might contribute to the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Hu J, Zheng Y, Ying H, Ma H, Li L, Zhao Y. Alanyl-Glutamine Protects Mice against Methionine- and Choline-Deficient-Diet-Induced Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14183796. [PMID: 36145172 PMCID: PMC9503574 DOI: 10.3390/nu14183796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common chronic liver disease with increasing prevalence rates over years and is associated with hepatic lipid accumulation, liver injury, oxidative stress, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis and lack of approved pharmacological therapy. Alanyl-glutamine (Ala-Gln) is a recognized gut-trophic nutrient that has multiple pharmacological effects in the prevention of inflammation- and oxidative-stress-associated diseases. Nevertheless, whether Ala-Gln has a protective effect on NASH still lacks evidence. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of Ala-Gln on NASH and its underlying mechanisms. Here, C57BL/6 mice were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet to establish the model of NASH, and Ala-Gln at doses of 500 and 1500 mg/kg were intraperitoneally administered to mice along with a MCD diet. The results showed that Ala-Gln treatment significantly attenuated MCD-induced hepatic pathological changes, lowered NAFLD activity score, and reduced plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Ala-Gln dramatically alleviated lipid accumulation in liver through modulating the expression levels of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR). In addition, Ala-Gln exerted an anti-oxidant effect by elevating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Moreover, Ala-Gln exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect via decreasing the accumulation of activated macrophages and suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators. Notably, Ala-Gln suppressed the development of liver fibrosis in MCD-diet-fed mice, which may be due to the inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation. In conclusion, these findings revealed that Ala-Gln prevents the progression of NASH through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation and provided the proof that Ala-Gln might be an effective pharmacological agent to treat NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaji Hu
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- Ningbo Institute of Marine Medicine, Peking University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Yigang Zheng
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Hanglu Ying
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Huabin Ma
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Long Li
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Min RWM, Aung FWM, Liu B, Arya A, Win S. Mechanism and Therapeutic Targets of c-Jun-N-Terminal Kinases Activation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10082035. [PMID: 36009582 PMCID: PMC9406172 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10082035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) is the most common chronic liver disease. Activation of mitogen-activated kinases (MAPK) cascade, which leads to c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation occurs in the liver in response to the nutritional and metabolic stress. The aberrant activation of MAPKs, especially c-Jun-N-terminal kinases (JNKs), leads to unwanted genetic and epi-genetic modifications in addition to the metabolic stress adaptation in hepatocytes. A mechanism of sustained P-JNK activation was identified in acute and chronic liver diseases, suggesting an important role of aberrant JNK activation in NASH. Therefore, modulation of JNK activation, rather than targeting JNK protein levels, is a plausible therapeutic application for the treatment of chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bryant Liu
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Ave., HMR 612, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Aliza Arya
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Ave., HMR 612, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Sanda Win
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Ave., HMR 612, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Correspondence:
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Siemienowicz KJ, Filis P, Thomas J, Fowler PA, Duncan WC, Rae MT. Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Risk of Liver Disease in an Ovine Model of “PCOS Males”. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061291. [PMID: 35740312 PMCID: PMC9220073 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
First-degree male relatives of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) sufferers can develop metabolic abnormalities evidenced by elevated circulating cholesterol and triglycerides, suggestive of a male PCOS equivalent. Similarly, male sheep overexposed to excess androgens in fetal life develop dyslipidaemia in adolescence. Dyslipidaemia, altered lipid metabolism, and dysfunctional hepatic mitochondria are associated with the development of non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). We therefore dissected hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism in adolescent prenatally androgenized (PA) males from an ovine model of PCOS. Testosterone was directly administered to male ovine fetuses to create prenatal androgenic overexposure. Liver RNA sequencing and proteomics occurred at 6 months of age. Hepatic lipids, glycogen, ATP, reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, and collagen were assessed. Adolescent PA males had an increased accumulation of hepatic cholesterol and glycogen, together with perturbed glucose and fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, with altered mitochondrial transport, decreased oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis, and impaired mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction in PA males was associated with increased hepatic ROS level and signs of early liver fibrosis, with clinical relevance to NAFLD progression. We conclude that excess in utero androgen exposure in male fetuses leads to a PCOS-like metabolic phenotype with dysregulated mitochondrial function and likely lifelong health sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna J. Siemienowicz
- School of Applied Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK; (J.T.); (M.T.R.)
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (P.F.); (P.A.F.)
| | - Jennifer Thomas
- School of Applied Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK; (J.T.); (M.T.R.)
| | - Paul A. Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (P.F.); (P.A.F.)
| | - W. Colin Duncan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK;
| | - Mick T. Rae
- School of Applied Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK; (J.T.); (M.T.R.)
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Xu HE, Guo JS. All about NASH: disease biology, targets, and opportunities on the road to NASH drugs. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1101-1102. [PMID: 35379932 PMCID: PMC9061727 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00900-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H Eric Xu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jin-Song Guo
- DrugTimes Team, BioSeed (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201203, China.
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YANG L, YANG C, SONG ZX, WAN M, XIA H, XU D, PAN D, WANG SK, SHU G, SUN G. Effects of blended oils with different n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders and hepatic steatosis in rats. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.81322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhi Xiu SONG
- Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China
| | | | | | | | - Da PAN
- Southeast University, China
| | | | - Guofang SHU
- Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, China
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