Renal lipotoxicity: insights from experimental models

Liraglutide alleviates high-fat diet-induced kidney injury in mice by regulating the CaMKKβ/AMPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has been shown to regulate blood sugar and control body weight, but its ability to treat obesity-related nephropathy has been poorly studied. Therefore, this study was designed to observe the characteristics and potential mechanism of liraglutide against obesity-related kidney disease.

METHODS

Thirty-six C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6 per group). Obesity-related nephropathy was induced in mice by continuous feeding of high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, liraglutide (0.6 mg/kg) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonists bortezomib (200 μg/kg) were injected for 12 weeks, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to detect the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine in serum, as well as urinary protein in urine. Besides, hematoxylin-eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to observe the pathological changes of kidney tissue; immunohistochemistry, western blot, and real-time quantitative PCR to assess the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase beta (CaMKKβ)/AMPK signaling pathway activation.

RESULTS

Liraglutide significantly reduced serum lipid loading, improved kidney function, and relieved kidney histopathological damage and glycogen deposition in the mouse model of obesity-related kidney disease induced by HFD. In addition, liraglutide also significantly inhibited the CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway in kidney tissue of HFD-induced mice. However, bortezomib partially reversed the therapeutic effect of liraglutide on HDF-induced nephropathy in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Liraglutide has a therapeutic effect on obesity-related kidney disease, and such an effect may be achieved by inhibiting the CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway in kidney tissue.

Aqueous extract of Phellinus igniarius ameliorates hyperuricemia and renal injury in adenine/potassium oxonate-treated mice

Phellinus igniarius is an important medicinal and edible fungus with diverse biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aqueous extract from P. igniarius (API) on the treatment of hyperuricemia (HUA) and related kidney damage. The chemical constituents of API were determined. The therapeutic effects of API on HUA and renal injury were assessed in adenine/potassium oxonate (PO)-treated mice. The constituent analysis of API revealed a predominance of polysaccharides (33.4 %), followed by total flavonoids (9.1 %), and total triterpenoids (3.5 %). Compared to control, the adenine/PO treatment greatly elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels but this elevation was attenuated by API. In the liver, the expression and activity of xanthine oxidase (XOD) were increased by HUA which were diminished by API. Furthermore, API was found to enhance the expression of UA transporter ABCG2 in the kidney and intestine of HUA mice, suggesting elevating UA excretion. Additionally, API ameliorated HUA-induced renal injury, as indicated by reduced serum BUN/creatinine levels, decreased glomerular and tubular damage, and lowered fibrotic levels. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that P. igniarius may regulate mitochondrial function to improve HUA-related renal injury. This prediction was then substantialized by the API-induced upregulation of NAD+/NADH ratio, ATP level, SOD2 activity, and expression of SOD2/PCG-1α/PPARγ in the kidney of HUA mice. Our results demonstrate that API may effectively ameliorate HUA by reducing UA production in the liver and enhancing UA excretion in the kidney and intestine, and it might be a potential therapy to HUA-related renal injury.

Cardiometabolic comorbidities and complications of obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Obesity and chronic kidney disease are two ongoing progressive clinical pandemics of major public health and clinical care significance. Because of their growing prevalence, chronic indolent course and consequent complications both these conditions place significant burden on the health care delivery system especially in developed countries like the United States. Beyond the chance coexistence of both of these conditions in the same patient based on high prevalence it is now apparent that obesity is associated with and likely has a direct causal role in the onset, progression and severity of chronic kidney disease. The causes and underlying pathophysiology of this are myriad, complicated and multi-faceted. In this review, continuing the theme of this special edition of the journal on " The Cross roads between Endocrinology and Nephrology" we review the epidemiology of obesity related chronic kidney disease (ORCKD), and its various underlying causes and pathophysiology. In addition, we delve into the consequent comorbidities and complications associated with ORCKD with particular emphasis on the cardio metabolic consequences and then review the current body of evidence for available strategies for chronic kidney disease modulation in ORCKD as well as the potential unique role of weight reduction and management strategies in its improvement and risk reduction.

Triglyceride-Glucose Index Associated with Future Renal Function Decline in the General Population

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index), calculated as the logarithmic product of fasting triglyceride and glucose concentrations, is recognized as a simple marker of insulin resistance. However, the association between the TyG index and future decline of renal function remains unclear in the general population.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the TyG index was associated with future decline of renal function in the general population who had not progressed to chronic kidney disease stage G2.

DESIGN

Retrospective longitudinal observational cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals who received a population-based health checkup at JA Ehime Kouseiren Checkup Center from 2010 to 2019 (n = 134,007). Individuals without data of baseline fasting triglyceride or glucose levels, or baseline and follow-up data of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), or those with baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were excluded.

MAIN MEASURES

Future renal function decline, defined as a ≥ 25% decrease in eGFR from baseline.

KEY RESULTS

Of 10,758 participants, 8,076 were classified into the low TyG index group (TyG index < 8.76, 1st to 3rd quartiles) and 2,682 into the high TyG index group (TyG index ≥ 8.76, 4th quartile). The mean follow-up period was 37.8 ± 23.6 months. The incidence rates of renal function decline were 0.31 and 0.69 per 100 person-years in the low and high TyG index groups, respectively. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, high TyG index was significantly associated with future renal function decline (hazard ratio 2.25, 95% CI 1.40-3.60). This association was consistent across subgroups stratified by age, sex, body mass index, baseline eGFR, and diagnosed hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

CONCLUSION

In the general population, high TyG index was associated with future renal function decline. The TyG index may be useful in identifying individuals at high risk for future renal function decline in the setting of health checkups.

Lipidomic profiles in serum and urine in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) accounts for approximately 80% of cases of nephrotic syndrome. The involvement of aberrant lipid metabolism in early SSNS is poorly understood, warranting further investigation. This study aimed to explore alterations in lipid metabolism associated with SSNS pathogenesis.

METHODS

A screening cohort containing serum (50 SSNS, 37 controls) and urine samples (27 SSNS, 26 controls) was analyzed by untargeted lipidomic profiling using UHPLC-QTOF-MS. Then, a validation cohort (20 SSNS, 56 controls) underwent further analysis to check the potential clinical application by ROC curve analysis.

RESULTS

Lipidomic profiling of serum and urine samples revealed significant lipid alterations in SSNS patients, with the alterations in the serum samples being more significant. An elevated concentration of PE and PG and downregulated concentration of FA were observed in SSNS serum. A total of 38 dysregulated lipids and 5 lipid metabolic pathways were identified in the serum samples in SSNS patients. Validation in the second cohort confirmed differential regulation of nine kinds of lipids, including 5 up-regulated substances [SM d33:2 (m/z = 686.5361), SHexCer d34:1 (m/z = 779.521), PI 20:4_22:4 (m/z = 934.5558), Cer_NS d18:1_23:0 (m/z = 635.6216), and GM3 d36:1 (m/z = 1180.7431)], as well as 4 down-regulated substances: [CE 18:1 (m/z = 650.601), PE 38:6 (m/z = 763.5205), PC 17:0_20:4 (m/z = 795.5868) and EtherPC 16:2e_20:4 (m/z = 763.5498)].

CONCLUSIONS

Untargeted lipidomic analysis successfully identified specific lipid class changes in patients with SSNS, providing a deeper understanding of lipid alterations and underlying mechanisms associated with SSNS.

Defining the threshold: triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio's non-linear impact on tubular atrophy in primary membranous nephropathy

Background

Hyperlipidemia is common in primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) patients, and tubular atrophy (TA) is an unfavorable prognostic factor. However, the correlation between the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and TA is controversial. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and TA in PMN patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study and collected data from 363 PMN patients at Shenzhen Second People's Hospital from January 2008 to April 2023. The primary objective was to evaluate the independent correlation between the TG/HDL-C ratio and TA using binary logistic regression model. We used a generalized additive model along with smooth curve fitting and multiple sensitivity analyses to explore the relationship between these variables. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to delve deeper into the results.

Results

Of the 363 PMN patients, 75 had TA (20.66%). The study population had a mean age of 46.598 ± 14.462 years, with 217 (59.78%) being male. After adjusting for sex, age, BMI, hypertension, history of diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, UPRO, eGFR, HB, FPG, and ALB, we found that the TG/HDL-C ratio was an independent risk factor for TA in PMN patients (OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.61, P=0.0213). A non-linear correlation was observed between the TG/HDL-C ratio and TA, with an inflection point at 4.25. The odds ratios (OR) on the left and right sides of this inflection point were 1.56 (95% CI: 1.17, 2.07) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.04, 1.54), respectively. Sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. Subgroup analysis showed a consistent association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and TA, implying that factors such as gender, BMI, age, UPRO, ALB, hypertension and severe nephrotic syndrome had negligible effects on the link between the TG/HDL-C ratio and TA.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a non-linear positive correlation between the TG/HDL-C ratio and the risk of TA in PMN patients, independent of other factors. Specifically, the association is more pronounced when the ratio falls below 4.25. Based on our findings, it would be advisable to decrease the TG/HDL-C ratio below the inflection point in PMN patients as part of treatment strategies.

Fatty acids and inflammatory stimuli induce expression of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 to promote lipid remodeling in diabetic kidney disease

Fatty acid handling and complex lipid synthesis are altered in the kidney cortex of diabetic patients. We recently showed that inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system without changes in glycemia can reverse diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and restore the lipid metabolic network in the kidney cortex of diabetic (db/db) mice, raising the possibility that lipid remodeling may play a central role in DKD. However, the roles of specific enzymes involved in lipid remodeling in DKD have not been elucidated. In the present study, we used this diabetic mouse model and a proximal tubule epithelial cell line (HK2) to investigate the potential relationship between long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) and lipid metabolism in response to fatty acid exposure and inflammatory signals. We found ACSL1 expression was significantly increased in the kidney cortex of db/db mice, and exposure to palmitate or tumor necrosis factor-α significantly increased Acsl1 mRNA expression in HK-2 cells. In addition, palmitate treatment significantly increased the levels of long-chain acylcarnitines and fatty acyl CoAs in HK2 cells, and these increases were abolished in HK2 cell lines with specific deletion of Acsl1(Acsl1KO cells), suggesting a key role for ACSL1 in fatty acid β-oxidation. In contrast, tumor necrosis factor-α treatment significantly increased the levels of short-chain acylcarnitines and long-chain fatty acyl CoAs in HK2 cells but not in Acsl1KO cells, consistent with fatty acid channeling to complex lipids. Taken together, our data demonstrate a key role for ACSL1 in regulating lipid metabolism, fatty acid partitioning, and inflammation.

Kidney damage predictors in children with metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy obesity phenotype

BACKGROUND

Obesity and kidney damage have been closely linked in adults, but little is still known in childhood.

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of kidney damage in children with metabolically healthy (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy (MUO) obesity phenotypes.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 396 children with obesity (mean age 10.72 ± 2.71 years, body mass index-standard deviation score, BMI-SDS, 2.23 ± 0.57) stratified according to metabolic phenotypes. Kidney damage was defined as the presence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73m2) and/or albuminuria (≥ 30 mg/g urinary creatinine).

RESULTS

Kidney damage was found in 20.9% of the study population. Children with kidney damage had higher BMI-SDS, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and inflammation markers levels and increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) than those without kidney damage (all p < 0.005). MUO and MHO subjects had respectively an odds ratio (OR) to show kidney damage of of 1.92 (95%CI:1.22-3.01; p = 0.005) and 1.05 (95%CI:1.00-1.09; p = 0.028) after adjustments. Moreover, we found that only HOMA-IR was closely associated to kidney damage in MUO group (OR = 2.07;95%CI:1.20-3.57; p = 0.007), while HOMA-IR (OR = 1.15;95%CI:1.02-1.29; p = 0.011) and uric acid (OR = 1.15;95% CI:1.02-1.30; p = 0.010) were the only significant risk factors for kidney damage in MHO group.

CONCLUSION

An increased risk of kidney damage has been observed in children with obesity and in particular in those with MUO phenotype. As their role on kidney function, HOMA-IR should be monitored in MUO children and both HOMA-IR and uric acid in MHO children.

Association Between Chinese Visceral Adipose Index and Albuminuria in Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

To explore the correlation between Chinese visceral adipose index (CVAI) and urinary microalbumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) and urinary albumin, and whether there is any difference in correlation between Han and Tujia ethnicity.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Changde, Hunan, China from May 2021 to December 2021. Biochemical indicators including anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, and UACR of the participants were measured. Univariate analysis, multivariate analyses and multinomial logistic regression analysis were carried out to assess the association between CVAI and albuminuria. In addition, curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were used to explore the nonlinear association between CVAI and albuminuria, and to observe whether there were ethnic differences in this association.

Results

A total of 2026 adult residents were enrolled in this study, 500 of whom had albuminuria. Population-standardized prevalence of albuminuria is 19.06%. In the multivariable model adjusted for confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) of albuminuria for pre-unit increase of CVAI and pre-SD increase of CVAI were 1.007 (1.003-1.010) and 1.298 (1.127-1.496), respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analysis confirmed the robustness and consistency of the results.The generalized additive model showed that CVAI and albuminuria had a nonlinear relationship with inflection point at 97.201 using the threshold effect. Compared with Han ethnic groups, the threshold between CVAI and albuminuria in Tujia people moved backward. The thresholds were 159.785 and 98.527, respectively.

Conclusion

There was a positive nonlinear dose-response relationship between increased CVAI and higher levels of albuminuria. Maintaining appropriate CVAI levels may be important for the prevention of albuminuria.

Fatty acid metabolism reprogramming in ccRCC: mechanisms and potential targets

Lipid droplet formation is a defining histological feature in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) but the underlying mechanisms and importance of this biological behaviour have remained enigmatic. De novo fatty acid (FA) synthesis, uptake and suppression of FA oxidation have all been shown to contribute to lipid storage, which is a necessary tumour adaptation rather than a bystander effect. Clinical studies and mechanistic investigations into the roles of different enzymes in FA metabolism pathways have revealed new metabolic vulnerabilities that hold promise for clinical effect. Several metabolic alterations are associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with ccRCC, as lipogenic genes drive tumorigenesis. Enzymes involved in the intrinsic FA metabolism pathway include FA synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, ATP citrate lyase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, cluster of differentiation 36, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A and the perilipin family, and each might be potential therapeutic targets in ccRCC owing to the link between lipid deposition and ccRCC risk. Adipokines and lipid species are potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring in patients with ccRCC. FA metabolism could potentially be targeted for therapeutic intervention in ccRCC as small-molecule inhibitors targeting the pathway have shown promising results in preclinical models.

Lipid Parameters and the Development of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Individuals

Epidemiological evidence suggests that lipid parameters are related to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nevertheless, prospective studies that comprehensively assess the effect of routinely available lipid measures on the development of CKD are lacking. The aim of this study was to longitudinally assess the influence of lipid metabolism indicators on the presence of CKD in a large community-based population. We conducted a prospective cohort study at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, China, with 5345 patients of 40 years or older. Cox regression models were conducted, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess lipid parameters and their relationship with the incidence of CKD. During the follow-up period, 340 (6.4%) subjects developed CKD. The incidence of CKD increased progressively with quartile values of triglyceride (TG), the ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C/HDL-C) and the ratio of TG to HDL-C, but decreased with HDL-C quartiles (p < 0.0001 for all trends). Pearson’s correlation analysis and multiple regression analyses indicated that these parameters were also associated with various indicators of kidney function. Moreover, we found that among all the lipid parameters, TG/HDL-C emerged as the most effective predictor of CKD. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TG/HDL-C better predicts the incidence of CKD in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals than other lipid parameters tested in the study.

Sirtuin 3 Deficiency Aggravates Kidney Disease in Response to High-Fat Diet through Lipotoxicity-Induced Mitochondrial Damage

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is the primary mitochondrial deacetylase that controls the antioxidant pathway and energy metabolism. We previously found that renal Sirt3 expression and activity were reduced in mice with type 2 diabetic nephropathy associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities and that a specific SIRT3 activator improved renal damage. SIRT3 is modulated by diet, and to assess whether Sirt3 deficiency aggravates mitochondrial damage and accelerates kidney disease in response to nutrient overloads, wild-type (WT) and Sirt3^−/− mice were fed a high-fat-diet (HFD) or standard diet for 8 months. Sirt3^−/− mice on HFD exhibited earlier and more severe albuminuria compared to WT mice, accompanied by podocyte dysfunction and glomerular capillary rarefaction. Mesangial matrix expansion, tubular vacuolization and inflammation, associated with enhanced lipid accumulation, were more evident in Sirt3^−/− mice. After HFD, kidneys from Sirt3^−/− mice showed more oxidative stress than WT mice, mitochondria ultrastructural damage in tubular cells, and a reduction in mitochondrial mass and energy production. Our data demonstrate that Sirt3 deficiency renders mice more prone to developing oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities in response to HFD, resulting in more severe kidney diseases, and this suggests that mitochondria protection may be a method to prevent HFD-induced renal injury.

The impact of dietary nutrient intake on gut microbiota in the progression and complications of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with changes in the function and composition of the gut microbiota. The ecosystem of the human gut consists of trillions of microorganisms forming an authentic metabolically active organ that is fueled by nutrients to produce bioactive compounds. These microbiota-derived metabolites may be protective for kidney function (e.g. short-chain fatty acids from fermentation of dietary fibers) or deleterious (e.g. gut-derived uremic toxins such as trimethylamine N-oxide, p-cresyl sulfate, and indoxyl sulfate from fermentation of amino acids). Although diet is the cornerstone of the management of the patient with CKD, it remains a relatively underused component of the clinician's armamentarium. In this review, we describe the latest advances in understanding diet-microbiota crosstalk in a uremic context, and how this communication might contribute to CKD progression and complications. We then discuss how this knowledge could be harnessed for personalized nutrition strategies to prevent patients with CKD progressing to end-stage kidney disease and its detrimental consequences.

Oxidative Stress and Lipid Dysregulation in Lipid Droplets: A Connection to Chronic Kidney Disease Revealed in Human Kidney Cells

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is defined as a condition causing the gradual loss of kidney function, shows renal lipid droplet (LD) accumulation that is associated with oxidative damage. There is a possibility that an LD abnormality in quality plays a role in CKD development. This study aimed to explore the chemical composition of LDs that are induced in human kidney cells during exposure to free fatty acids as an LD source and oxidized lipoproteins as oxidative stress. The LDs were aspirated directly from cells using nanotips, followed by in-tip microextraction, and the LD lipidomic profiling was conducted using nanoelectrospray mass spectrometry. As a result, the free fatty acids increased the LD lipid content and, at the same time, changed their composition significantly. The oxidized lipoproteins caused distorted proportions of intact lipids, such as triacylglycerols (TG), phosphatidylcholines (PC), phosphatidylethanolamines (PE), and cholesteryl esters (CE). Notably, the oxidized lipids, including the hydroperoxides of TG, PC, and PE, exhibited significant elevations in dose-dependent manners. Furthermore, the dysregulation of intact lipids was paralleled with the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides. The present study has revealed that the oxidation of lipids and the dysregulation of the lipid metabolism coexisted in LDs in the kidney cells, which has provided a potential new target for diagnosis and new insights into CKD.

The Roles of Fatty Acids and Apolipoproteins in the Kidneys

The kidneys are organs that require energy from the metabolism of fatty acids and glucose; several studies have shown that the kidneys are metabolically active tissues with an estimated energy requirement similar to that of the heart. The kidneys may regulate the normal and pathological function of circulating lipids in the body, and their glomerular filtration barrier prevents large molecules or large lipoprotein particles from being filtered into pre-urine. Given the permeable nature of the kidneys, renal lipid metabolism plays an important role in affecting the rest of the body and the kidneys. Lipid metabolism in the kidneys is important because of the exchange of free fatty acids and apolipoproteins from the peripheral circulation. Apolipoproteins have important roles in the transport and metabolism of lipids within the glomeruli and renal tubules. Indeed, evidence indicates that apolipoproteins have multiple functions in regulating lipid import, transport, synthesis, storage, oxidation and export, and they are important for normal physiological function. Apolipoproteins are also risk factors for several renal diseases; for example, apolipoprotein L polymorphisms induce kidney diseases. Furthermore, renal apolipoprotein gene expression is substantially regulated under various physiological and disease conditions. This review is aimed at describing recent clinical and basic studies on the major roles and functions of apolipoproteins in the kidneys.

The Metabolic Efficacy of a Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) Derivative in Treating Diet- and Genetic-Induced Obesity

Obesity is a global medical problem; its common form is known as diet-induced obesity (DIO); however, there are several rare genetic disorders, such as Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), that are also associated with obesity (genetic-induced obesity, GIO). The currently available therapeutics for treating DIO and GIO are very limited, and they result in only a partial improvement. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), a constituent of Cannabis sativa, gradually decarboxylates to cannabidiol (CBD). Whereas the anti-obesity properties of CBD have been reasonably identified, our knowledge of the pharmacology of CBDA is more limited due to its instability. To stabilize CBDA, a new derivative, CBDA-O-methyl ester (HU-580, EPM301), was synthesized. The therapeutic potential of EPM301 in appetite reduction, weight loss, and metabolic improvements in DIO and GIO was tested in vivo. EPM301 (40 mg/kg/d, i.p.) successfully resulted in weight loss, increased ambulation, as well as improved glycemic and lipid profiles in DIO mice. Additionally, EPM301 ameliorated DIO-induced hepatic dysfunction and steatosis. Importantly, EPM301 (20 and 40 mg/kg/d, i.p.) effectively reduced body weight and hyperphagia in a high-fat diet-fed Magel2^null mouse model for PWS. In addition, when given to standard-diet-fed Magel2^null mice as a preventive treatment, EPM301 completely inhibited weight gain and adiposity. Lastly, EPM301 increased the oxidation of different nutrients in each strain. All together, EPM301 ameliorated obesity and its metabolic abnormalities in both DIO and GIO. These results support the idea to further promote this synthetic CBDA derivative toward clinical evaluation in humans.

Adipose Stromal/Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Potential Next-Generation Anti-Obesity Agents

Over the last decade, several compounds have been identified for the treatment of obesity. However, due to the complexity of the disease, many pharmacological interventions have raised concerns about their efficacy and safety. Therefore, it is important to discover new factors involved in the induction/progression of obesity. Adipose stromal/stem cells (ASCs), which are mostly isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue, are the primary cells contributing to the expansion of fat mass. Like other cells, ASCs release nanoparticles known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are being actively studied for their potential applications in a variety of diseases. Here, we focused on the importance of the contribution of ASC-derived EVs in the regulation of metabolic processes. In addition, we outlined the advantages/disadvantages of the use of EVs as potential next-generation anti-obesity agents.

Effects of female obesity on conception, pregnancy and the health of offspring

As we all know, female obesity has become a global epidemic, which is usually accompanied with endocrine and metabolic disorders. Obese women are more likely to experience reproductive problems, including infertility, embryonic developmental defects and abnormality in offspring. Female obesity is a complex multifactorial condition, where there are many mechanisms involved in the effects of overweight and obesity on the development of these reproductive disorders. The insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia and hyperandrogenism, lipotoxicity and inflammation are important mechanisms. However, the precise mechanism concerning their correlation is still unclear. Fortunately, weight loss methods have been found to reverse the effects of maternal obesity on the fertility, fetus and offspring.