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Pedersen AKN, Gormsen LC, Nielsen S, Jessen N, Bjerre M. Metformin Improves the Prerequisites for FGF21 Signaling in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e552-e561. [PMID: 37776319 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 acts as a metabolic regulator and its therapeutic use is under investigation. FGF21 signaling requires binding to surface receptors, FGFR1c and β-klotho. FGF21 resistance is observed in metabolic diseases and FGF21 signaling is regulated by fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Metformin is reported to influence expression and secretion of FGF21 in preclinical models, but the effect of metformin on FGF21 in a clinical trial remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate how 12 weeks of treatment with metformin affects the FGF21 signaling pathway in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS Randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with T2D (n = 24) receiving either metformin (1000 mg twice daily) or placebo. A control group of body mass index- and age-matched healthy individuals (n = 12) received a similar dose of metformin. Blood samples and muscle and fat biopsies were collected at study entry and after 12 weeks. METHODS Plasma levels of FGF21 (total and intact) and FAP (total and activity) were measured. Muscle and fat biopsies were analyzed for mRNA and protein expression of targets relevant for activation of the FGF21 signaling pathway. RESULTS Circulating FAP activity decreased after metformin treatment compared with placebo (P = .006), whereas FGF21 levels were unchanged. Metformin treatment increased gene and protein expression of β-klotho, FGFR1c, and pFGFR1c in adipose tissue. FGF21 mRNA expression increased in muscle tissue after metformin and the FGF21 protein, but not mRNA levels, were observed in adipose tissue. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that metformin suppresses the circulating FAP activity and upregulates the expression of FGFR1c and β-klotho for increased FGF21 signaling in adipose tissue, thus improving peripheral FGF21 sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kathrine Nissen Pedersen
- Medical/Steno Aarhus Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lars Christian Gormsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Søren Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Niels Jessen
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Mette Bjerre
- Medical/Steno Aarhus Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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2
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Kar E, Alataş Ö, Şahıntürk V, Öz S. Effects of metformin on lipopolysaccharide induced inflammation by activating fibroblast growth factor 21. Biotech Histochem 2021; 97:44-52. [PMID: 33663305 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2021.1894353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria that produces endotoxemia, which may cause septic shock. Metformin (MET) is a widely used hypoglycemic drug that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine polypeptide that affects glucose and lipid metabolism, and also possesses anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the effects of MET and FGF21 on inflammation due to LPS induced endotoxemia in male rats. Animals were divided into five groups: control, LPS, pre-MET LPS, LPS + 1 h MET and LPS + 3 h MET. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, FGF2, interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured. Malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase and FGF21 levels were measured in liver tissue samples. Histopathology of all groups was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. LPS caused severe inflammatory liver damage. MET exhibited a partially protective effect and reduced inflammation significantly. FGF21 is produced in the liver following inflammation and MET may increase its production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Kar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Özkan Alataş
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Varol Şahıntürk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Semih Öz
- Vocational School of Health Services, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
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3
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Keuper M, Häring HU, Staiger H. Circulating FGF21 Levels in Human Health and Metabolic Disease. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2019; 128:752-770. [PMID: 31108554 DOI: 10.1055/a-0879-2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is primarily produced and secreted by the liver as a hepatokine. This hormone circulates to its target tissues (e. g., brain, adipose tissue), which requires two components, one of the preferred FGF receptor isoforms (FGFR1c and FGFR3c) and the co-factor beta-Klotho (KLB) to trigger downstream signaling pathways. Although targeting FGF21 signaling in humans by analogues and receptor agonists results in beneficial effects, e. g., improvements in plasma lipids and decreased body weight, it failed to recapitulate the improvements in glucose handling shown for many mouse models. FGF21's role and metabolic effects in mice and its therapeutic potential have extensively been reviewed elsewhere. In this review we focus on circulating FGF21 levels in humans and their associations with disease and clinical parameters, focusing primarily on obesity and obesity-associated diseases such as type-2 diabetes. We provide a comprehensive overview on human circulating FGF21 levels under normal physiology and metabolic disease. We discuss the emerging field of inactivating FGF21 in human blood by fibroblast activation protein (FAP) and its potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Keuper
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Molecular Bioscience, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans-Ulrich Häring
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Interfaculty Centre for Pharmacogenomics and Pharma Research at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Angiology, Nephrology, and Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Harald Staiger
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Interfaculty Centre for Pharmacogenomics and Pharma Research at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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4
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Mao CF, Zhang XR, Johnson A, He JL, Kong ZL. Modulation of Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Male Rat Reproductive Dysfunction with Micro-Nanoencapsulated Echinacea purpurea Ethanol Extract. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4237354. [PMID: 30246020 PMCID: PMC6136540 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4237354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem that affects a patient's life quality throughout the world due to its worst complications. It was recognized that chronic hyperglycemia with oxidative stress was the major cause of male infertility. Echinacea purpurea ethanol extract (EE) contains phenolic acid and isobutylamides had been proven to ameliorate diabetic complications. Chitosan/silica nanoparticles are well-known in the medicinal field because of its controlled release and drug delivery properties. This study was aimed at investigating whether the EE encapsulated chitosan/silica nanoparticle (nano-EE) can enhance the amelioration of male infertility. Our results indicated that the average size of nano-EE was 218 ± 42 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 66.9% and loading capacity of 39.9%. The reduction in oxidative stress and antioxidant activity of nano-EE was observed in LC-540 cells. In in vivo experiment, 33 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce diabetes in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Diabetic rats were treated with nano (465 mg/kg), nano-EE 1 (93mg/kg), nano-EE3 (279mg/kg), nano-EE5 (465 mg/kg), and metformin (Met) (200 mg/kg) for 7 weeks. The results show that the nano-EE5 can improve hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF 21) resistance. It was also confirmed that nano-EE5 significantly improved the testis tissue structure, increasing sperm quality and DNA integrity as well as reducing reactive oxygen species level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Feng Mao
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Xiu-Ru Zhang
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Athira Johnson
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Ling He
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
| | - Zwe-Ling Kong
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, 2 Pei-Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan
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van Stee MF, de Graaf AA, Groen AK. Actions of metformin and statins on lipid and glucose metabolism and possible benefit of combination therapy. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2018; 17:94. [PMID: 29960584 PMCID: PMC6026339 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-018-0738-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with diabetes type 2 have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and commonly use combination therapy consisting of the anti-diabetic drug metformin and a cholesterol-lowering statin. However, both drugs act on glucose and lipid metabolism which could lead to adverse effects when used in combination as compared to monotherapy. In this review, the proposed molecular mechanisms of action of statin and metformin therapy in patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia are critically assessed, and a hypothesis for mechanisms underlying interactions between these drugs in combination therapy is developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariël F. van Stee
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert A. de Graaf
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Albert K. Groen
- Amsterdam Diabetes Center and Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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6
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Hu Y, Liu J, Wang G, Xu Y. The Effects of Exenatide and Metformin on Endothelial Function in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Case-Control Study. Diabetes Ther 2018; 9:1295-1305. [PMID: 29754323 PMCID: PMC5984938 DOI: 10.1007/s13300-018-0435-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exenatide is a new antidiabetic glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. In addition to its hypoglycemic effect, exenatide may have a potential protective benefit on vascular endothelial function. This study attempted to compare the effects of exenatide and traditional antidiabetic drug metformin treatment on endothelial function in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS Ninety overweight patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were recruited; 45 patients received exenatide (Exe) treatment and 45 patients received metformin (Met) treatment for 12 weeks. The control groups included 37 overweight and 24 non-overweight individuals. The parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism and endothelial function were measured before and after treatment. Vascular endothelial dysfunction was measured by reactive hyperemia index. RESULTS Newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes had more serious vascular endothelial dysfunction than both overweight and normal-weight control groups. The levels of body mass index, glucose, HbA1c, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, and homeostasis model assessment β-cell function were improved significantly by both exenatide and metformin treatment. Both exenatide and metformin treatment can improve vascular endothelial function (Exe group: 1.67 ± 0.52 vs 1.98 ± 0.67, P < 0.05; Met group: 1.68 ± 0.29 vs 1.82 ± 0.24, P < 0.05). Exenatide treatment was no less effective than metformin in improving endothelial function (0.31 ± 0.70 vs 0.13 ± 0.24, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes may have vascular endothelial dysfunction. Both exenatide and metformin treatment can improve vascular endothelial dysfunction, and exenatide was no less effective than metformin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjin Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Yan K, Chen W, Zhu H, Lin G, Pan H, Li N, Wang L, Yang H, Liu M, Gong F. Ileal Transposition Surgery Decreases Fat Mass and Improves Glucose Metabolism in Diabetic GK Rats: Possible Involvement of FGF21. Front Physiol 2018; 9:191. [PMID: 29593555 PMCID: PMC5854974 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Ileal transposition (IT) surgery has been reported to improve glucose and lipid metabolism, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a powerful metabolic regulator. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of IT surgery on metabolism and its possible relationship with the FGF21 signaling pathway in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. Methods: Ten-week-old male GK rats were subjected to IT surgery with translocation of a 10 cm ileal segment to the proximal jejunum (IT group) or sham surgery without the ileum transposition (Sham-IT group). Rats in the no surgery group did not receive any surgical intervention. Six weeks later, body weight, fat mass, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and serum levels of FGF21 and leptin were measured. The expression of the FGF21 signaling pathway and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning-related genes in the WAT and liver were evaluated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Results: IT surgery significantly decreased the body weights and FBG levels and increased the insulin sensitivity of GK rats. The total WAT mass of the IT rats showed a 41.5% reduction compared with the Sham-IT rats, and serum levels of FGF21 and leptin of the IT rats decreased by 26.3 and 61.7%, respectively (all P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and its co-receptor β klotho (KLB) in the perirenal WAT (pWAT) of the IT rats were 1.4- and 2.4-fold that of the Sham-IT rats, respectively, and the FGFR1 protein levels were 1.7-fold of the Sham-IT rats (all P < 0.05). In accordance with the pWAT, the protein levels of FGFR1 and KLB in the epididymal WAT (eWAT) of the IT rats notably increased to 3.0- and 3.9-fold of the Sham-IT rats (P < 0.05). Furthermore, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) protein levels in the eWAT and pWAT of the IT rats also increased to 2.2- and 2.3-fold of the Sham-IT rats (P < 0.05). However, the protein levels of FGFR1 and KLB in the subcutaneous WAT (sWAT) of the IT rats decreased by 34.4 and 72.1%, respectively, compared with the Sham-IT rats (P < 0.05). In addition, the protein levels of FGF21 and KLB in the livers of IT rats were 3.9- and 2.3-fold of the Sham-IT rats (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: IT surgery significantly decreased fat mass and improved glucose metabolism in diabetic GK rats. These beneficial roles of IT surgery were probably associated with its stimulatory action on the expression of FGFR1 and KLB in both the eWAT and the pWAT, thereby promoting UCP1 expression in these tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemin Yan
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weijie Chen
- Department of Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huijuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guole Lin
- Department of Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Pan
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Naishi Li
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Linjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Meijuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fengying Gong
- Key Laboratory of Endocrinology of National Health and Family Planning Commission, Department of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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8
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Metformin ameliorates experimental-obesity-associated autoimmune arthritis by inducing FGF21 expression and brown adipocyte differentiation. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:e432. [PMID: 29371695 PMCID: PMC5799802 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease involving excessive inflammation. Recently, RA associated with a metabolic disorder was revealed to be non-responsive to RA medications. Metformin has been reported to have a therapeutic effect on RA and obesity. The aim of this investigation was to study the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of metformin's action in an experimental model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) associated with obesity. Metformin was administered daily for 13 weeks to mice with CIA that had been fed a high-fat diet. Metformin ameliorated the development of CIA in obese mice by reducing autoantibody expression and joint inflammation. Furthermore, metformin decreased the expression levels of pSTAT3 and pmTOR and had a small normalizing effect on the metabolic profile of obese CIA mice. In addition, metformin increased the production of pAMPK and FGF21. Metformin also induced the differentiation of brown adipose tissue (BAT), which led to a reciprocal balance between T helper (Th) 17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that metformin can dampen the development of CIA in obese mice and reduce metabolic dysfunction by inducing BAT differentiation. Thus, metformin could be a therapeutic candidate for non-responsive RA.
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9
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Zhang Y, Liu Z, Zhou M, Liu C. Therapeutic effects of fibroblast growth factor‑21 against atherosclerosis via the NF‑κB pathway. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:1453-1460. [PMID: 29257234 PMCID: PMC5780083 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor‑21 (FGF‑21) is a pleiotropic protein predominantly secreted in the liver, adipose tissue and pancreas. It has been reported that the metabolic hormone effects of FGF‑21 on energy metabolism are essential for human vascular endothelial cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and the underlying primary mechanism of FGF‑21 on atherosclerosis in a rat model induced by vitamin D3 and a high fat diet. The rats with atherosclerosis were randomly divided into vehicle (PBS; negative control), FGF‑21 (6 mg/kg/d) and atorvastatin (6 mg/kg/d; positive control) groups (n=40 in each group). The rats with atherosclerosis received continuous drug or PBS administration via intravenous injection for a treatment period of 30 days, following which all animals were sacrificed. The expression levels of FGF‑21 were determined prior to and following treatment with the drug or PBS. Alterations in ultrastructure and histopathology in vascular endothelial cells were examined, and the expression of nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF‑κB) and levels of blood lipids in the thoracic aorta tissues were also determined. The results showed that typical atheromatous plaques formed, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of FGF‑21 were lower in the vascular endothelial cells of the rats with atherosclerosis, compared with the normal rats. FGF‑21 significantly reduced blood lipids and glucose in the rats with atherosclerosis, compared with those in the PBS and atorvastatin groups (P<0.01). The expression levels of Rho kinase and NF‑κB were significantly lower in the FGF‑21 group, compared with the normal control group (P<0.01). Statistically significant differences were found in atheromatous plaques and inflammatory factors in the FGF‑21 group, compared with the PBS and atorvastatin groups (P<0.01). In conclusion, FGF‑21 significantly downregulated the levels of blood lipids, Rho kinase and NF‑κB, which contributed to atherosclerosis therapy in the model rats and indicated the potential mechanisms against atherosclerosis in the model rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Changjian Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
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10
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Alterations in vitamin A/retinoic acid homeostasis in diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Proc Nutr Soc 2017; 76:597-602. [PMID: 28651670 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665117001069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for life and the phytochemical β-carotene, also known as pro-vitamin A, is an important dietary source of this vitamin. Vitamin A (retinol) is the parent compound of all bioactive retinoids but it is retinoic acid (RA) that is the active metabolite of vitamin A. The plasma concentration of retinol is maintained in a narrow range and its normal biological activities strictly regulated since excessive intake can lead to toxicity and thus also be detrimental to life. The present review will give an overview of how vitamin A homeostasis is maintained and move on to focus on the link between circulating vitamin A and metabolic disease states. Finally, we will examine how pharmacological or genetic alterations in vitamin A homeostasis and RA-signalling can influence body fat and blood glucose levels including a novel link to the liver secreted hormone fibroblast growth factor 21, an important metabolic regulator.
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11
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Morrice N, Mcilroy GD, Tammireddy SR, Reekie J, Shearer KD, Doherty MK, Delibegović M, Whitfield PD, Mody N. Elevated Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in obese, insulin resistant states is normalised by the synthetic retinoid Fenretinide in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43782. [PMID: 28256636 PMCID: PMC5335663 DOI: 10.1038/srep43782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has emerged as an important beneficial regulator of glucose and lipid homeostasis but its levels are also abnormally increased in insulin-resistant states in rodents and humans. The synthetic retinoid Fenretinide inhibits obesity and improves glucose homeostasis in mice and has pleotropic effects on cellular pathways. To identify Fenretinide target genes, we performed unbiased RNA-seq analysis in liver from mice fed high-fat diet ± Fenretinide. Strikingly, Fgf21 was the most downregulated hepatic gene. Fenretinide normalised elevated levels of FGF21 in both high-fat diet-induced obese mice and in genetically obese-diabetic Leprdbmice. Moreover, Fenretinide-mediated suppression of FGF21 was independent of body weight loss or improved hepatic insulin sensitivity and importantly does not induce unhealthy metabolic complications. In mice which have substantially decreased endogenous retinoic acid biosynthesis, Fgf21 expression was increased, whereas acute pharmacological retinoid treatment decreased FGF21 levels. The repression of FGF21 levels by Fenretinide occurs by reduced binding of RARα and Pol-II at the Fgf21 promoter. We therefore establish Fgf21 as a novel gene target of Fenretinide signalling via a retinoid-dependent mechanism. These results may be of nutritional and therapeutic importance for the treatment of obesity and type-2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Morrice
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, Scotland AB25 2ZD, UK.,Centre for Genome Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, 23 St Machar Drive, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland AB24 3UU, UK
| | - George D Mcilroy
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, Scotland AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Seshu R Tammireddy
- Lipidomics Research Facility, Department of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Science, University of Highlands and Islands, Old Perth Road, Inverness, Scotland IV2 3JH, UK
| | - Jennifer Reekie
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, Scotland AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kirsty D Shearer
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, Scotland AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mary K Doherty
- Lipidomics Research Facility, Department of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Science, University of Highlands and Islands, Old Perth Road, Inverness, Scotland IV2 3JH, UK
| | - Mirela Delibegović
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, Scotland AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Phillip D Whitfield
- Lipidomics Research Facility, Department of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Science, University of Highlands and Islands, Old Perth Road, Inverness, Scotland IV2 3JH, UK
| | - Nimesh Mody
- Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Campus, Aberdeen, Scotland AB25 2ZD, UK
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjit Unnikrishnan
- Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation , Chennai, India
| | - Viswanathan Mohan
- Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation , Chennai, India
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