FABP4/aP2 Regulates Macrophage Redox Signaling and Inflammasome Activation via Control of UCP2

Chromodomain Y-like (CDYL) inhibition ameliorates acute kidney injury in mice by regulating tubular pyroptosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common disease, but lacking effective drug treatments. Chromodomain Y-like (CDYL) is a kind of chromodomain protein that has been implicated in transcription regulation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one derivative (compound D03) is the first potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of CDYL (KD = 0.5 μM). In this study, we investigated the expression of CDYL in three different models of cisplatin (Cis)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced AKI mice. By conducting RNA sequencing and difference analysis of kidney samples, we found that tubular CDYL was abnormally and highly expressed in injured kidneys of AKI patients and mice. Overexpression of CDYL in cisplatin-induced AKI mice aggravated tubular injury and pyroptosis via regulating fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4)-mediated reactive oxygen species production. Treatment of cisplatin-induced AKI mice with compound D03 (2.5 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.) effectively attenuated the kidney dysfunction, pathological damages and tubular pyroptosis without side effects on liver or kidney function and other tissue injuries. Collectively, this study has, for the first time, explored a novel aspect of CDYL for tubular epithelial cell pyroptosis in kidney injury, and confirmed that inhibition of CDYL might be a promising therapeutic strategy against AKI.

Long-chain fatty acids - The turning point between 'mild' and 'severe' acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease characterized by localized pancreatic injury and a systemic inflammatory response. Fatty acids (FAs), produced during the breakdown of triglycerides (TGs) in blood and peripancreatic fat, escalate local pancreatic inflammation to a systemic level by damaging pancreatic acinar cells (PACs) and triggering M1 macrophage polarization. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of lipases' roles in the onset and progression of AP, as well as the effects of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) on the function of pancreatic acinar cells (PACs). Abnormalities in the function of PACs include Ca2+ overload, premature trypsinogen activation, protein kinase C (PKC) expression, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and mitochondrial and autophagic dysfunction. The study highlights the contribution of long-chain saturated fatty acids (LC-SFAs), especially palmitic acid (PA), to M1 macrophage polarization through the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, we investigated lipid lowering therapy for AP. This review establishes a theoretical foundation for pro-inflammatory mechanisms associated with FAs in AP and facilitating drug development.

The molecular mechanism of macrophage-adipocyte crosstalk in maintaining energy homeostasis

Interactions between macrophages and adipocytes in adipose tissue are critical for the regulation of energy metabolism and obesity. Macrophage polarization induced by cold or other stimulations can drive metabolic reprogramming of adipocytes, browning, and thermogenesis. Accordingly, investigating the roles of macrophages and adipocytes in the maintenance of energy homeostasis is critical for the development of novel therapeutic approaches specifically targeting macrophages in metabolic disorders such as obesity. Current review outlines macrophage polarization not only regulates the release of central nervous system and inflammatory factors, but controls mitochondrial function, and other factor that induce metabolic reprogramming of adipocytes and maintain energy homeostasis. We also emphasized on how the adipocytes conversely motivate the polarization of macrophage. Exploring the interactions between adipocytes and macrophages may provide new therapeutic strategies for the management of obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Extracellular vesicle mediated targeting delivery of growth differentiation factor-15 improves myocardial repair by reprogramming macrophages post myocardial injury

OBJECTIVE

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered considerable attention among researchers as candidates for natural drug delivery systems. This study aimed to investigate whether extracellular vesicle mediated targeting delivery of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) improves myocardial repair by reprogramming macrophages post myocardial injury.

METHODS

EVs were isolated from macrophages transfected with GDF15 (EXO-GDF15) and control macrophages (EXO-NC). In vitro and vivo experiments, we compared their reprogram ability of macrophages and regeneration activity. Furthermore, proteomic analysis were employed to determine the specific mechanism by which GDF15 repairs the myocardium.

RESULTS

Compared with EXO-NC, EXO-GDF15 significantly regulated macrophage phenotypic shift, inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and enhanced endothelial cell angiogenesis. Moreover, EXO-GDF15 also significantly regulated macrophage heterogeneity and inflammatory cytokines, reduced fibrotic area, and enhanced cardiac function in infarcted rats. Proteomic analysis revealed a decrease in fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) protein expression following treatment with EXO-GDF15. Mechanistically, the reprogramming of macrophages by EXO-GDF15 is accomplished through the activation of Smad2/3 phosphorylation, which subsequently inhibits the production of FABP4.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracellular vesicle mediated targeting delivery of growth differentiation factor-15 improves myocardial repair by reprogramming macrophages post myocardial injury via down-regulating the expression of FABP4. EXO-GDF15 may serve as a promising approach of immunotherapy.

Semaglutide modulates prothrombotic and atherosclerotic mechanisms, associated with epicardial fat, neutrophils and endothelial cells network

BACKGROUND

Obesity has increased in recent years with consequences on diabetes and other comorbidities. Thus, 1 out of 3 diabetic patients suffers cardiovascular disease (CVD). The network among glucose, immune system, endothelium and epicardial fat has an important role on pro-inflammatory and thrombotic mechanisms of atherogenesis. Since semaglutide, long-acting glucagon like peptide 1- receptor agonist (GLP-1-RA), a glucose-lowering drug, reduces body weight, we aimed to study its effects on human epicardial fat (EAT), aortic endothelial cells and neutrophils as atherogenesis involved-cardiovascular cells.

METHODS

EAT and subcutaneous fat (SAT) were collected from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Differential glucose consumption and protein cargo of fat-released exosomes, after semaglutide or/and insulin treatment were analyzed by enzymatic and TripleTOF, respectively. Human neutrophils phenotype and their adhesion to aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) or angiogenesis were analyzed by flow cytometry and functional fluorescence analysis. Immune cells and plasma protein markers were determined by flow cytometry and Luminex-multiplex on patients before and after 6 months treatment with semaglutide.

RESULTS

GLP-1 receptor was expressed on fat and neutrophils. Differential exosomes-protein cargo was identified on EAT explants after semaglutide treatment. This drug increased secretion of gelsolin, antithrombotic protein, by EAT, modulated CD11b on neutrophils, its migration and endothelial adhesion, induced by adiposity protein, FABP4, or a chemoattractant. Monocytes and neutrophils phenotype and plasma adiposity, stretch, mesothelial, fibrotic, and inflammatory markers on patients underwent semaglutide treatment for 6 months showed a 20% reduction with statistical significance on FABP4 levels and an 80% increase of neutrophils-CD88.

CONCLUSION

Semaglutide increases endocrine activity of epicardial fat with antithrombotic properties. Moreover, this drug modulates the pro-inflammatory and atherogenic profile induced by the adiposity marker, FABP4, which is also reduced in patients after semaglutide treatment.

Oridonin attenuates atherosclerosis by inhibiting foam macrophage formation and inflammation through FABP4/PPARγ signalling

Both lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in lesion macrophages fuel the progression of atherosclerosis, leading to high mortality of cardiovascular disease. A therapeutic strategy concurrently targeting these two risk factors is promising, but still scarce. Oridonin, the bioactive medicinal compound, is known to protect against inflammatory response and lipid dysfunction. However, its effect on atherosclerosis and the underlying molecular mechanism remain elusive. Here, we showed that oridonin attenuated atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic ApoE knockout mice. Meanwhile, we confirmed the protective effect of oridonin on the oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced foam macrophage formation, resulting from increased cholesterol efflux, as well as reduced inflammatory response. Mechanistically, the network pharmacology prediction and further experiments revealed that oridonin dramatically facilitated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), thereby regulating liver X receptor-alpha (LXRα)-induced ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) expression and nuclear factor NF-kappa-B (NF-κB) translocation. Antagonist of PPARγ reversed the cholesterol accumulation and inflammatory response mediated by oridonin. Besides, RNA sequencing analysis revealed that fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) was altered responding to lipid modulation effect of oridonin. Overexpression of FABP4 inhibited PPARγ activation and blunted the benefit effect of oridonin on foam macrophages. Taken together, oridonin might have potential to protect against atherosclerosis by modulating the formation and inflammatory response in foam macrophages through FABP4/PPARγ signalling.

Uncoupling protein 2 modulates polarization and metabolism of human primary macrophages via glycolysis and the NF‑κB pathway

Metabolic abnormalities, particularly the M1/M2 macrophage imbalance, play a critical role in the development of various diseases, leading to severe inflammatory responses. The present study aimed to investigate the role of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in regulating macrophage polarization, glycolysis, metabolic reprogramming, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation. Primary human macrophages were first polarized into M1 and M2 subtypes, and these two subtypes were infected by lentivirus-mediated UCP2 overexpression or knockdown, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting and flow cytometry to analyze the effects of UCP2 on glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), ROS production and cytokine secretion, respectively. The results demonstrated that UCP2 expression was suppressed in M1 macrophages and increased in M2 macrophages, suggesting its regulatory role in macrophage polarization. UCP2 overexpression decreased macrophage glycolysis, increased OXPHOS, decreased ROS production, and led to the conversion of M1 polarization to M2 polarization. This process involved NF-κB signaling to regulate the secretion profile of cytokines and chemokines and affected the expression of key enzymes of glycolysis and a key factor for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis (nuclear respiratory factor 1). UCP2 knockdown in M2 macrophages exacerbated inflammation and oxidative stress by promoting glycolysis, which was attenuated by the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose. These findings highlight the critical role of UCP2 in regulating macrophage polarization, metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress through its effects on glycolysis, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for macrophage-driven inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

Effect of cogon grass root ethanol extract on fatty acid binding protein 4 and oxidative stress markers in a sepsis mouse model

Background: Sepsis causes several immunological and metabolic alterations that induce oxidative stress. The modulation of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been shown to worsen this condition. Extract of cogon grass root (ECGR) contains flavonoids and isoeugenol compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the effects of ECGR on FABP4 and oxidative stress-related factors in a sepsis mouse model. Methods: Twenty-nine male mice ( Mus musculus) of the Deutsche Denken Yoken strain were divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, mice treated with 10 μL/kg body weight (BW) lipopolysaccharide (LPS); and groups 3 and 4, mice pre-treated with 90 and 115 mg/kg BW, respectively, and then treated with 10 μL/kg BW LPS for 14 d. Blood, liver, lymph, and cardiac tissue samples were collected and subjected to histological and complete blood examinations. Antioxidant (Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and superoxide dismutase), FABP4 levels, and immune system-associated biomarker levels (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were measured. Results: Significant increases in platelet levels (p = 0.03), cardiomyocyte counts (p =0.004), and hepatocyte counts (p = 0.0004) were observed in group 4 compared with those in group 2. Conversely, compared with those in group 2, there were significant decreases in TNF-α expression in group 3 (p = 0.004), white pulp length and width in group 4 (p = 0.001), FABP4 levels in groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.015 and p = 0.012, respectively), lymphocyte counts in group 4 (p = 0.009), and monocyte counts (p = 0.000) and polymorphonuclear cell counts in the livers (p = 0.000) and hearts (p = 0.000) of groups 3 and 4. Gpx3 activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p = 0.04). Conclusions: ECGR reduces FABP4 level and modulating oxidative stress markers in sepsis mouse model.

Peripheral and central macrophages in obesity

Obesity is associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation. Excessive nutrient intake causes adipose tissue expansion, which may in turn cause cellular stress that triggers infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells from the circulation as well as activation of cells that are residing in the adipose tissue. In particular, the adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are important in the pathogenesis of obesity. A pro-inflammatory activation is also found in other organs which are important for energy metabolism, such as the liver, muscle and the pancreas, which may stimulate the development of obesity-related co-morbidities, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Interestingly, it is now clear that obesity-induced pro-inflammatory signaling also occurs in the central nervous system (CNS), and that pro-inflammatory activation of immune cells in the brain may be involved in appetite dysregulation and metabolic disturbances in obesity. More recently, it has become evident that microglia, the resident macrophages of the CNS that drive neuroinflammation, may also be activated in obesity and can be relevant for regulation of hypothalamic feeding circuits. In this review, we focus on the action of peripheral and central macrophages and their potential roles in metabolic disease, and how macrophages interact with other immune cells to promote inflammation during obesity.

The Multifunctional Family of Mammalian Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins

Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are small lipid-binding proteins abundantly expressed in tissues that are highly active in fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Ten mammalian FABPs have been identified, with tissue-specific expression patterns and highly conserved tertiary structures. FABPs were initially studied as intracellular FA transport proteins. Further investigation has demonstrated their participation in lipid metabolism, both directly and via regulation of gene expression, and in signaling within their cells of expression. There is also evidence that they may be secreted and have functional impact via the circulation. It has also been shown that the FABP ligand binding repertoire extends beyond long-chain FAs and that their functional properties also involve participation in systemic metabolism. This article reviews the present understanding of FABP functions and their apparent roles in disease, particularly metabolic and inflammation-related disorders and cancers.

Pathophysiological Insight into Fatty Acid-Binding Protein-4: Multifaced Roles in Reproduction, Pregnancy, and Offspring Health

Fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4), commonly known as adipocyte-fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), is a pleiotropic adipokine that broadly affects immunity and metabolism. It has been increasingly recognized that FABP4 dysfunction is associated with various metabolic syndromes, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic inflammation. However, its explicit roles within the context of women's reproduction and pregnancy remain to be investigated. In this review, we collate recent studies probing the influence of FABP4 on female reproduction, pregnancy, and even fetal health. Elevated circulating FABP4 levels have been found to correlate with impaired reproductive function in women, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. Throughout pregnancy, FABP4 affects maternal-fetal interface homeostasis by affecting both glycolipid metabolism and immune tolerance, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, gestational obesity, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Moreover, maternal FABP4 levels exhibit a substantial linkage with the metabolic health of offspring. Herein, we discuss the emerging significance and potential application of FABP4 in reproduction and pregnancy health and delve into its underlying mechanism at molecular levels.

Chaperonin counteracts diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by aiding sirtuin 3 in the control of fatty acid oxidation

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The mitochondrial chaperonin heat shock protein (HSP) 60 is indispensable in protein folding and the mitochondrial stress response; however, its role in nutrient metabolism remains uncertain. This study investigated the role of HSP60 in diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

We studied human biopsies from individuals with NAFLD, murine high-fat-diet (HFD; a diet with 60% energy from fat)-induced obesity (DIO), transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing Hsp60 (Hsp60-Tg), and human HepG2 cells transfected with HSP60 cDNA or with HSP60 siRNA. Histomorphometry was used to assess hepatic steatosis, biochemistry kits were used to measure insulin resistance and glucose tolerance, and an automated home cage phenotyping system was used to assess energy expenditure. Body fat was assessed using MRI. Macrophage infiltration, the lipid oxidation marker 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and the oxidative damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were detected using immunohistochemistry. Intracellular lipid droplets were evaluated by Nile red staining. Expression of HSP60, and markers of lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation were quantified using RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Investigations were analysed using the two-way ANOVA test.

RESULTS

Decreased HSP60 expression correlated with severe steatosis in human NAFLD biopsies and murine DIO. Hsp60-Tg mice developed less body fat, had reduced serum triglyceride levels, lower levels of insulin resistance and higher serum adiponectin levels than wild-type mice upon HFD feeding. Respiratory quotient profile indicated that fat in Hsp60-Tg mice may be metabolised to meet energy demands. Hsp60-Tg mice showed amelioration of HFD-mediated hepatic steatosis, M1/M2 macrophage dysregulation, and 4-HNE and 8-OHdG overproduction. Forced HSP60 expression reduced the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, while preserving mitochondrial respiratory complex activity and enhancing fatty acid oxidation. Furthermore, HSP60 knockdown enhanced intracellular lipid formation and loss of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) signalling in HepG2 cells upon incubation with palmitic acid (PA). Forced HSP60 expression improved SIRT3 signalling and repressed PA-mediated intracellular lipid formation. SIRT3 inhibition compromised HSP60-induced promotion of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα levels), while also decreasing levels of fatty acid oxidation markers.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

Mitochondrial HSP60 promotes fatty acid oxidation while repressing mitochondrial stress and inflammation to ameliorate the development of NAFLD by preserving SIRT3 signalling. This study reveals the hepatoprotective effects of HSP60 and indicates that HSP60 could play a fundamental role in the development of therapeutics for NAFLD or type 2 diabetes.

RNAseq Analysis of FABP4 Knockout Mouse Hippocampal Transcriptome Suggests a Role for WNT/β-Catenin in Preventing Obesity-Induced Cognitive Impairment

Microglial fatty-acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a regulator of neuroinflammation. We hypothesized that the link between lipid metabolism and inflammation indicates a role for FABP4 in regulating high fat diet (HFD)-induced cognitive decline. We have previously shown that obese FABP4 knockout mice exhibit decreased neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. FABP4 knockout and wild type mice were fed 60% HFD for 12 weeks starting at 15 weeks old. Hippocampal tissue was dissected and RNA-seq was performed to measure differentially expressed transcripts. Reactome molecular pathway analysis was utilized to examine differentially expressed pathways. Results showed that HFD-fed FABP4 knockout mice have a hippocampal transcriptome consistent with neuroprotection, including associations with decreased proinflammatory signaling, ER stress, apoptosis, and cognitive decline. This is accompanied by an increase in transcripts upregulating neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, and spatial working memory. Pathway analysis revealed that mice lacking FABP4 had changes in metabolic function that support reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, and improved energy homeostasis and cognitive function. Analysis suggested a role for WNT/β-Catenin signaling in the protection against insulin resistance, alleviating neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. Collectively, our work shows that FABP4 represents a potential target in alleviating HFD-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive decline and suggests a role for WNT/β-Catenin in this protection.

Semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) stimulates browning on subcutaneous fat adipocytes and mitigates inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in visceral fat adipocytes of obese mice

Semaglutide (GLP-1 agonist) was approved for treating obesity. Although the effects on weight loss and metabolism are known, the responses of adipocytes to semaglutide are yet limited. C57BL/6 male mice (n = 20/group) were fed a control diet (C) or a high-fat (HF) diet for 16 weeks and then separated into four groups (n = 10/group) for an additional four weeks: C, C diet and semaglutide, HF, and HF diet and semaglutide. Epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) fat pads were studied with biochemistry, immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, stereology, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In obese mice, semaglutide reduced the fat pad masses (eWAT, -55%; sWAT, -40%), plasmatic cytokines, and proinflammatory gene expressions: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (-60%); interleukin (IL)-6 (-55%); IL-1 beta (-40%); monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (-90%); and leptin (-80%). Semaglutide also lessened endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress genes of activating transcription factor-4 (-85%), CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (-55%), and growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 45 (-45%). The obese mice's adipocyte hypertrophy and macrophage infiltration were equally reduced by semaglutide. Semaglutide enhanced multiloculation and uncoupled protein 1 (UCP1) labeling in obese mice: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (+560%) and gamma (+150%), fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (+215%), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha coactivator (+110%), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (+260%), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (+120%). Semaglutide also increased thermogenetic gene expressions for the browning phenotype maintenance: beta-3 adrenergic receptor (+520%), PR domain containing 16 (+90%), and Ucp1 (+110%). In conclusion, semaglutide showed significant beneficial effects beyond weight loss, directly on fat pads and adipocytes of obese mice, remarkably anti-inflammatory, and reduced adipocyte size and ER stress. Besides, semaglutide activated adipocyte browning, improving UCP1, mitochondrial biogenesis, and thermogenic marker expressions help weight loss.

Inhibition of FABP4 attenuates cardiac fibrosis through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac fibrosis is a key biological process of cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a lipid-binding protein that can regulate glucose and lipid homeostasis, and its expression was elevated in heart failure. However, whether FABP4 is involved in cardiac fibrosis remains unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cardiac fibrosis model was established in male C57BL/6 mice with subcutaneously infused angiotensin II (Ang-II) (2.8 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. DMSO or FABP4 inhibitor BMS309403 (50 mg/kg/day) was intraperitoneally injected for 4 weeks. Ang II-infused mice, FABP4 inhibitor (BMS309403) injected mice, and ventricular tissue were used for morphological studies, and histological and biochemical analyses (FABP4 protein composition and expression).

RESULTS

Ang II infusion increased FABP4 mRNA and protein expression in the mouse ventricular tissue. After treatment with FABP4 inhibitor BMS309403 for 4 weeks, mice showed improved cardiac structure and function as detected by echocardiography. BMS309403 suppressed cardiac and systemic inflammatory response, reduced collagen deposition, and mRNA expression of collagen type I (COL1A1) and collagen type III (COL3A1) in Ang II-infused mice. BMS309403 also reduced the number of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)+cells and decreased the mRNA expression of α-SMA, matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) in ventricular tissue.

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effect of BMS309403 on cardiac fibrosis might be associated with inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which Ang II activated. Thus, our data speculated that inhibition of FABP4 could significantly induce cardiac fibrosis.

Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins: Their Roles in Ischemic Stroke and Potential as Drug Targets

Stroke is among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. However, despite long-term research yielding numerous candidate neuroprotective drugs, there remains a lack of effective neuroprotective therapies for ischemic stroke patients. Among the factors contributing to this deficiency could be that single-target therapy is insufficient in addressing the complex and extensive mechanistic basis of ischemic brain injury. In this context, lipids serve as an essential component of multiple biological processes and play important roles in the pathogenesis of numerous common neurological diseases. Moreover, in recent years, fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), a family of lipid chaperone proteins, have been discovered to be involved in the onset or development of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. However, comparatively little attention has focused on the roles played by FABPs in ischemic stroke. We have recently demonstrated that neural tissue-associated FABPs are involved in the pathological mechanism of ischemic brain injury in mice. Here, we review the literature published in the past decade that has reported on the associations between FABPs and ischemia and summarize the relevant regulatory mechanisms of FABPs implicated in ischemic injury. We also propose candidate FABPs that could serve as potential therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke.

A Review on Preclinical Models of Ischemic Stroke: Insights Into the Pathomechanisms and New Treatment Strategies

BACKGROUND

Stroke is a serious neurovascular problem and the leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The disrupted demand to supply ratio of blood and glucose during cerebral ischemia develops hypoxic shock, and subsequently necrotic neuronal death in the affected regions. Multiple causal factors like age, sex, race, genetics, diet, and lifestyle play an important role in the occurrence as well as progression of post-stroke deleterious events. These biological and environmental factors may be contributed to vasculature variable architecture and abnormal neuronal activity. Since recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is the only clinically effective clot bursting drug, there is a huge unmet medical need for newer therapies for the treatment of stroke. Innumerous therapeutic interventions have shown promise in the experimental models of stroke but failed to translate it into clinical counterparts.

METHODS

Original publications regarding pathophysiology, preclinical experimental models, new targets and therapies targeting ischemic stroke have been reviewed since the 1970s.

RESULTS

We highlighted the critical underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of cerebral stroke and preclinical stroke models. We discuss the strengths and caveats of widely used ischemic stroke models, and commented on the potential translational problems. We also describe the new emerging treatment strategies, including stem cell therapy, neurotrophic factors and gut microbiome-based therapy for the management of post-stroke consequences.

CONCLUSION

There are still many inter-linked pathophysiological alterations with regards to stroke, animal models need not necessarily mimic the same conditions of stroke pathology and newer targets and therapies are the need of the hour in stroke research.

Analysis of immune related gene expression profiles and immune cell components in patients with Barrett esophagus

Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a well-known precancerous condition of esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, the immune cells and immune related genes involved in BE development and progression are not fully understood. Therefore, our study attempted to investigate the roles of immune cells and immune related genes in BE patients. The raw gene expression data were downloaded from the GEO database. The limma package in R was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then we performed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random forest (RF) analyses to screen key genes. The proportion of infiltrated immune cells was evaluated using the CIBERSORT algorithm between BE and normal esophagus (NE) samples. The spearman index was used to show the correlations of immune genes and immune cells. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic value of key genes in BE. A total of 103 differentially expressed immune-related genes were identified between BE samples and normal samples. Then, 7 genes (CD1A, LTF, FABP4, PGC, TCF7L2, INSR,SEMA3C) were obtained after Lasso analysis and RF modeling. CIBERSORT analysis revealed that resting CD4 T memory cells and gamma delta T cells were present at significantly lower levels in BE samples. Moreover, plasma cell and regulatory T cells were present at significantly higher levels in BE samples than in NE samples. INSR had the highest AUC values in ROC analysis. We identified 7 immune related genes and 4 different immune cells in our study, that may play vital roles in the occurrence and development of BE. Our findings improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of BE.

Adipose Tissue Secretion Pattern Influences β-Cell Wellness in the Transition from Obesity to Type 2 Diabetes

The dysregulation of the β-cell functional mass, which is a reduction in the number of β-cells and their ability to secure adequate insulin secretion, represents a key mechanistic factor leading to the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Obesity is recognised as a leading cause of β-cell loss and dysfunction and a risk factor for T2D. The natural history of β-cell failure in obesity-induced T2D can be divided into three steps: (1) β-cell compensatory hyperplasia and insulin hypersecretion, (2) insulin secretory dysfunction, and (3) loss of β-cell mass. Adipose tissue (AT) secretes many hormones/cytokines (adipokines) and fatty acids that can directly influence β-cell function and viability. As this secretory pattern is altered in obese and diabetic patients, it is expected that the cross-talk between AT and pancreatic β-cells could drive the maintenance of the β-cell integrity under physiological conditions and contribute to the reduction in the β-cell functional mass in a dysmetabolic state. In the current review, we summarise the evidence of the ability of the AT secretome to influence each step of β-cell failure, and attempt to draw a timeline of the alterations in the adipokine secretion pattern in the transition from obesity to T2D that reflects the progressive deterioration of the β-cell functional mass.

Soluble Carrier Transporters and Mitochondria in the Immunometabolic Regulation of Macrophages

Significance: Immunometabolic regulation of macrophages is a growing area of research across many fields. Here, we review the contribution of solute carriers (SLCs) in regulating macrophage metabolism. We also highlight key mechanisms that regulate SLC function, their effects on mitochondrial activity, and how these intracellular activities contribute to macrophage fitness in health and disease. Recent Advances: SLCs serve as a major drug absorption pathway and represent a novel category of therapeutic drug targets. SLC dynamics affect cellular nutritional sensors, such as AMP-activated protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin, and consequently alter the cellular metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics within macrophages to adapt to a new functional phenotype. Critical Issues: SLC function affects macrophage phenotype, but their mechanisms of action and how their functions contribute to host health remain incompletely defined. Future Directions: Few studies focus on the impact of solute transporters on macrophage function. Identifying which SLCs are present in macrophages and determining their functional roles may reveal novel therapeutic targets with which to treat metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 906-919.

Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptosis via a Lipid-regulated SIRT1-p53-ASC Axis in Macrophages From Male Mice and Humans

Obesity-linked diabetes is associated with accumulation of proinflammatory macrophages into adipose tissue leading to inflammasome activation and pyroptotic secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Targeting fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) uncouples obesity from inflammation, attenuates characteristics of type 2 diabetes and is mechanistically linked to the cellular accumulation of monounsaturated fatty acids in macrophages. Herein we show that pharmacologic inhibition or genetic deletion of FABP4 activates silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and deacetylates its downstream targets p53 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Pharmacologic inhibition of fatty acid synthase or stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase inhibits, whereas exogenous addition of C16:1 or C18:1 but not their saturated acyl chain counterparts, activates SIRT1 and p53/STAT3 signaling and IL-1β/IL-18 release. Expression of the p53 target gene ASC [apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (CARD)] required for assembly of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is downregulated in FABP4 null mice and macrophage cell lines leading to loss of procaspase 1 activation and pyroptosis. Concomitant with loss of ASC expression in FABP4-/- macrophages, inflammasome activation, gasdermin D processing, and functional activation of pyroptosis are all diminished in FABP4 null macrophages but can be rescued by silencing SIRT1 or exogenous expression of ASC. Taken together, these results reveal a novel lipid-regulated pathway linking to SIRT1-p53-ASC signaling and activation of inflammasome action and pyroptosis.

MicroRNA-223-3p inhibits oxidized low-density lipoprotein-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via directly targeting NLRP3 and FOXO3

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial players in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis (AS), and the low miR-223-3p level is observed in AS patients. However, the function and mechanism behind miR-223-3p in AS progression have not been fully elucidated.

METHOD

In the present study, THP-1 cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) were employed as the cell model of AS. The expression levels of miR-223-3p, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, pro-caspase-1, cleaved interleukin 18 (IL-18), cleaved IL-1β, and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot (WB) analyses. The relationship between miR-223-3p and FOXO3 or NLRP3 was determined using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The production of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α was examined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

MiR-223-3p was decreased in AS patients and ox-LDL-induced THP-1 cells, and its upregulation downregulated the abundance of NLRP3, caspase-1, cleaved IL-18, cleaved IL-1β, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells treated with ox-LDL or not, and the depletion of miR-223-3p revealed an opposite phenomenon. NLPR3 and FOXO3 were identified as two authentic targets of miR-223-3p. Knockdown of NLRP3 or FOXO3 reversed the stimulatory effect of the miR-223-3p inhibitor on the inflammatory responses of THP-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that miR-223-3p inhibited ox-LDL-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via directly targeting NLRP3 and FOXO3 in THP-1 cells, which offered a prospective therapeutic target for AS therapy.

Unveiling the Role of the Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in the Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, is a progressive disease ranging from fatty liver to steatohepatitis (metabolic-associated steatohepatitis; MASH). Nevertheless, it remains underdiagnosed due to the lack of effective non-invasive methods for its diagnosis and staging. Although MAFLD has been found in lean individuals, it is closely associated with obesity-related conditions. Adipose tissue is the main source of liver triglycerides and adipocytes act as endocrine organs releasing a large number of adipokines and pro-inflammatory mediators involved in MAFLD progression into bloodstream. Among the adipocyte-derived molecules, fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been recently associated with fatty liver and additional features of advanced stages of MAFLD. Additionally, emerging data from preclinical studies propose FABP4 as a causal actor involved in the disease progression, rather than a mere biomarker for the disease. Therefore, the FABP4 regulation could be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy to MAFLD. Here, we review the current knowledge of FABP4 in MAFLD, as well as its potential role as a therapeutic target for this disease.

Adipokines, Hepatokines and Myokines: Focus on Their Role and Molecular Mechanisms in Adipose Tissue Inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue (AT) is a hallmark of obesity and contributes to various metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation in ATs is characterized by macrophage infiltration and the activation of inflammatory pathways mediated by NF-κB, JNK, and NLRP3 inflammasomes. Adipokines, hepatokines and myokines - proteins secreted from AT, the liver and skeletal muscle play regulatory roles in AT inflammation via endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine pathways. For example, obesity is associated with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory adipokines (e.g., leptin, resistin, chemerin, progranulin, RBP4, WISP1, FABP4, PAI-1, Follistatin-like1, MCP-1, SPARC, SPARCL1, and SAA) and reduced levels of anti-inflammatory adipokines such as adiponectin, omentin, ZAG, SFRP5, CTRP3, vaspin, and IL-10. Moreover, some hepatokines (Fetuin A, DPP4, FGF21, GDF15, and MANF) and myokines (irisin, IL-6, and DEL-1) also play pro- or anti-inflammatory roles in AT inflammation. This review aims to provide an updated understanding of these organokines and their role in AT inflammation and related metabolic abnormalities. It serves to highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of these organokines and their clinical significance. Insights into the roles and mechanisms of these organokines could provide novel and potential therapeutic targets for obesity-induced inflammation.

Microglia and Macrophages in Neuroprotection, Neurogenesis, and Emerging Therapies for Stroke

Stroke remains the number one cause of morbidity in the United States. Within weeks to months after an ischemic event, there is a resolution of inflammation and evidence of neurogenesis; however, years following a stroke, there is evidence of chronic inflammation in the central nervous system, possibly by the persistence of an autoimmune response to brain antigens as a result of ischemia. The mechanisms underlying the involvement of macrophage and microglial activation after stroke are widely acknowledged as having a role in ischemic stroke pathology; thus, modulating inflammation and neurological recovery is a hopeful strategy for treating the long-term outcomes after ischemic injury. Current treatments fail to provide neuroprotective or neurorestorative benefits after stroke; therefore, to ameliorate brain injury-induced deficits, therapies must alter both the initial response to injury and the subsequent inflammatory process. This review will address differences in macrophage and microglia nomenclature and summarize recent work in elucidating the mechanisms of macrophage and microglial participation in antigen presentation, neuroprotection, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptic remodeling, and immune modulating strategies for treating the long-term outcomes after ischemic injury.

Fatty acid binding protein 4 regulates pancreatic cancer cell proliferation via activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2

BACKGROUND

Obesity and diabetes are associated with an increased incidence of pancreatic cancer. Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), noted to be higher in patients with severe obesity, is linked to the development and progression of several cancers, and its level in the circulation decreases after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we evaluate the role of FABP4 in pancreatic cancer progression.

SETTING

University Hospital and Laboratories, United States.

METHODS AND RESULTS

When Panc-1 (human) and Pan02 (mouse) pancreatic cancer cells were treated with FABP4 or the-single-point mutant FABP4 (R126Q, fatty acid binding site mutant), only FABP4 stimulated cellular proliferation. The transcriptional activity of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) was increased in response to FABP4 but not the R126Q. FABP4 treatment also led to downregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. Consistent with induced cell propagation by FABP4, the growth of Pan02 tumor was decreased in FABP4-null animals compared with C57BL/6J controls.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that FABP4 increases pancreatic cancer proliferation via activation of NRF2 and downregulation of ROS activity.

Contradictory roles of lipid metabolism in immune response within the tumor microenvironment

Complex interactions between the immune system and tumor cells exist throughout the initiation and development of cancer. Although the immune system eliminates malignantly transformed cells in the early stage, surviving tumor cells evade host immune defense through various methods and even reprogram the anti-tumor immune response to a pro-tumor phenotype to obtain unlimited growth and metastasis. The high proliferation rate of tumor cells increases the demand for local nutrients and oxygen. Poorly organized vessels can barely satisfy this requirement, which results in an acidic, hypoxic, and glucose-deficient tumor microenvironment. As a result, lipids in the tumor microenvironment are activated and utilized as a primary source of energy and critical regulators in both tumor cells and related immune cells. However, the exact role of lipid metabolism reprogramming in tumor immune response remains unclear. A comprehensive understanding of lipid metabolism dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment and its dual effects on the immune response is critical for mapping the detailed landscape of tumor immunology and developing specific treatments for cancer patients. In this review, we have focused on the dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment and have discussed its contradictory roles in the tumor immune response. In addition, we have summarized the current therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism in tumor immunotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive summary of lipid metabolism in the tumor immune response.

Altered adipokine levels are associated with dimethyl fumarate treatment in multiple sclerosis patients

BACKGROUND

Obesity is linked to increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) and worsening disease severity. Recent experimental and clinical data indicates that adipokines are involved in regulating immune response and serve as cross talk between immune and neural system. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an oral MS medication with unknown mechanism of action. It upregulates the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, a pathway for adipocyte differentiation. To determine a possible relationship between treatment with dimethyl fumarate, serum adipokine profiles and treatment response in patients with MS, we conducted an observational cohort study and measured serum adipokine and Vitamin D levels before and after treatment with DMF and examined their association with treatment response.

METHODS

We identified patients enrolled in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at Brigham and Women's Hospital (CLIMB) study who were treated with dimethyl fumarate and had available serum samples. Longitudinal pre-treatment and on-treatment samples were available in 23 patients. Cross-sectional on-treatment samples were available in 91 patients, who were classified into DMF responders and non-responders based on radiologic and clinical relapse activity or disability progression. We measured serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin, ghrelin, fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP-4) and-5 (FABP-5), vitamins D2 and D3. Statistical analysis was performed with paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

After treatment with DMF, serum adiponectin levels significantly increased, whereas FABP-4 levels significantly decreased compared to baseline levels, without a statistically significant change in the patients' BMI. Ghrelin levels were insignificantly lower post-treatment. FABP-4 levels were significantly higher in DMF responders compared to non-responders. This effect was sex-specific, with higher FABP4 levels associated with treatment response in males, but not females.

CONCLUSION

DMF treatment is associated with significant changes in serum adipokine levels, primarily adiponectin and FABP-4. Sex may affect the association between FABP-4 and treatment response.

A-FABP in Metabolic Diseases and the Therapeutic Implications: An Update

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), which is also known as ap2 or FABP4, is a fatty acid chaperone that has been further defined as a fat-derived hormone. It regulates lipid homeostasis and is a key mediator of inflammation. Circulating levels of A-FABP are closely associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic diseases with imminent diagnostic and prognostic significance. Numerous animal studies have elucidated the potential underlying mechanisms involving A-FABP in these diseases. Recent studies demonstrated its physiological role in the regulation of adaptive thermogenesis and its pathological roles in ischemic stroke and liver fibrosis. Due to its implication in various diseases, A-FABP has become a promising target for the development of small molecule inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies for disease treatment. This review summarizes the clinical and animal findings of A-FABP in the pathogenesis of cardio-metabolic diseases in recent years. The underlying mechanism and its therapeutic implications are also highlighted.

FABP4 facilitates inflammasome activation to induce the Treg/Th17 imbalance in preeclampsia via forming a positive feedback with IL-17A

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. Elevated fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) levels have been observed in patients with PE, however, the mechanism by which FABP4 contributes to the pathogenesis of PE remains unclear. In this study, we compared the levels of FABP4 and cytokines between 20 PE patients and 10 healthy pregnant women by using ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, and flow cytometry (fluorescence-activated cell sorting, FACS). Elevated FABP4 was accompanied by regulatory T (Treg)/T helper type 17 (Th17) imbalance in PE. Knockdown of FABP4 attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) production in primary macrophages. In addition, silencing of FABP4 also suppressed Th17 differentiation via paracrine signaling. Overexpression of FABP4 promoted Th17 differentiation via increasing IL-17A/IL-23 release. Reciprocally, IL-17A upregulated FABP4 and activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo studies revealed that FABP4 inhibitor BMS309403 ameliorated PE clinical phenotypes, the Treg/Th17 imbalance, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in PE mice model. In conclusion, FABP4 facilitates inflammasome activation to induce the imbalance of Treg/Th17 in PE via forming a positive feedback with IL-17A.

Mitochondrial unfolded protein response: A novel pathway in metabolism and immunity

Mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mitoUPR) is a mitochondria stress response to maintain mitochondrial proteostasis during stress. Increasing evidence suggests that mitoUPR participates in diverse physiological processes especially metabolism and immunity. Although mitoUPR regulates metabolism in many aspects, it is mainly reflected in the regulation of energy metabolism. During stress, mitoUPR alters energy metabolism via suppressing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) or increasing glycolysis. MitoUPR also alters energy metabolism and regulates diverse metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cancers, fatty liver and obesity. In addition, mitoUPR also participates in immune process during stress. MitoUPR can induce innate immune response during various infections and may regulate inflammatory response during diverse inflammations. Considering the pleiotropic actions of mitoUPR, mitoUPR may supply diverse therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases and immune diseases.

Akebia saponin D ameliorates metabolic syndrome (MetS) via remodeling gut microbiota and attenuating intestinal barrier injury

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex, multifactorial disease which lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. However, selective, and potent drugs for the treatment of MetS are still lacking. Previous studies have found that Akebia saponin D (ASD) has beneficial effects on metabolic diseases such as obesity, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, our study was designed to determine the effect and mechanism of action of ASD against MetS in a high-fat diet (HFD) induced mouse model. ASD significantly decreased plasma lipid and insulin resistance in these mice, and a targeted approach using metabolomic analyses of plasma and feces indicated that glucose and lipids in these mice crossed the damaged intestinal barrier into circulation. Furthermore, ASD was able to increase lipid excretion and inhibit intestinal epithelial lipid absorption. Results for gut microbiota composition showed that ASD significantly reduced HFD-associated Alistipes, Prevotella, and enhanced the proportions of Butyricimonas, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium. After 14 weeks of ASD/fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) interventions the developed gut barrier dysfunction was restored. Additionally, RNA-seq revealed that ASD reduced the lipid-induced tight junction (TJ) damage in intestinal epithelial cells via down-regulation of the PPAR-γ-FABP4 pathway in vitro and that use of the PPAR-γ inhibitor (T0070907) was able to partially block the effects of ASD, indicating that the PPAR-γ/FABP4 pathway is a critical mediator involved in the improvement of MetS. Our results demonstrated that ASD not only modifies the gut microbiome but also ameliorates the HFD-induced gut barrier disruption via down-regulation of the PPAR-γ-FABP4 pathway. These findings suggest a promising, and novel therapeutic strategy for gut protection against MetS.

Intermittent pressure imitating rolling manipulation ameliorates injury in skeletal muscle cells through oxidative stress and lipid metabolism signalling pathways

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese medicine manipulation (TCMM) is often used to treat human skeletal muscle injury, but its mechanism remains unclear due to difficulty standardizing and quantifying manipulation parameters.

METHODS

Here, dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) was utilized to induce human skeletal muscle cell (HSkMC) impairments. Cells in a three-dimensional environment were divided into the control normal group (CNG), control injured group (CIG) and rolling manipulation group (RMG). The RMG was exposed to intermittent pressure imitating rolling manipulation (IPIRM) of TCMM via the FX‑5000™ compression system. Skeletal muscle damage was assessed via the cell proliferation rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and creatine kinase (CK) activity. Isobaric tagging for relative and absolute protein quantification (iTRAQ) and bioinformatic analysis were used to evaluate differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).

RESULTS

Higher-pressure IPIRM ameliorated the skeletal muscle cell injury induced by 1.2 mM DSP. Thirteen common DEPs after IPIRM were selected. Key biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, and pathways were identified as mechanisms underlying the protective effect of TCMM against skeletal muscle damage. Some processes (response to oxidative stress, response to wounding, response to stress and lipid metabolism signalling pathways) were related to skeletal muscle cell injury. Western blotting for 4 DEPs confirmed the reliability of iTRAQ.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher-pressure IPIRM downregulated the CD36, Hsp27 and FABP4 proteins in oxidative stress and lipid metabolism pathways, alleviating excessive oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorder in injured HSkMCs. The techniques used in this study might provide novel insights into the mechanism of TCMM.

Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Obesity-Mediated Metabolic Disorders

NLRP3 inflammasome is one of the multimeric protein complexes of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat (NLR)-containing pyrin and HIN domain family (PYHIN). When activated, NLRP3 inflammasome triggers the release of pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL)-1β and IL-18, an essential step in innate immune response; however, defective checkpoints in inflammasome activation may lead to autoimmune, autoinflammatory, and metabolic disorders. Among the consequences of NLRP3 inflammasome activation is systemic chronic low-grade inflammation, a cardinal feature of obesity and insulin resistance. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome in adipose tissue may help in the development of specific inhibitors for the treatment and prevention of obesity-mediated metabolic diseases. In this narrative review, the current understanding of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and regulation is highlighted, including its putative roles in adipose tissue dysfunction and insulin resistance. Specific inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome activation which can potentially be used to treat metabolic disorders are also discussed.

Optimizing adipogenic transdifferentiation of bovine mesenchymal stem cells: a prominent role of ascorbic acid in FABP4 induction

Adipocyte differentiation of bovine adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) was induced by foetal bovine serum (FBS), biotin, pantothenic acid, insulin, rosiglitazone, dexamethasone and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, followed by incubation in different media to test the influence of ascorbic acid (AsA), bovine serum lipids (BSL), FBS, glucose and acetic acid on transdifferentiation into functional adipocytes. Moreover, different culture plate coatings (collagen-A, gelatin-A or poly-L-lysine) were tested. The differentiated ASC were subjected to Nile red staining, DAPI staining, immunocytochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (for NT5E, THY1, ENG, PDGFRα, FABP4, PPARγ, LPL, FAS, GLUT4). Nile red quantification showed a significant increase in the development of lipid droplets in treatments with AsA and BSL without FBS. The presence of BSL induced a prominent increase in FABP4 mRNA abundance and in FABP4 immunofluorescence signals in coincubation with AsA. The abundance of NT5E, ENG and THY1 mRNA decreased or tended to decrease in the absence of FBS, and ENG was additionally suppressed by AsA. DAPI fluorescence was higher in cells cultured in poly-L-lysine or gelatin-A coated wells. In additional experiments, the multi-lineage differentiation potential to osteoblasts was verified in medium containing ß-glycerophosphate, dexamethasone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ using alizarin red staining. In conclusion, bovine ASC are capable of multi-lineage differentiation. Poly-L-lysine or gelatin-A coating, the absence of FBS, and the presence of BSL and AsA favour optimal transdifferentiation into adipocytes. AsA supports transdifferentiation via a unique role in FABP4 induction, but this is not linearly related to the primarily BSL-driven lipid accumulation.

Abbreviations: AcA: acetic acid; AsA: ascorbic acid; ASC: adipose-derived stem cells; BSL: bovine serum lipids; DAPI: 4´,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; DLK: delta like non-canonical notch ligand; DMEM: Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium; DPBS: Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline; ENG: endoglin; FABP: fatty acid binding protein; FAS: fatty acid synthase; GLUT4: glucose transporter type 4; IBMX: 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine; LPL: lipoprotein lipase; MSC: mesenchymal stem cells; α-MEM: α minimum essential medium; NT5E: ecto-5ʹ-nucleotidase; PDGFRα: platelet derived growth factor receptor α; PPARγ: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ; RPS19: ribosomal protein S19; SEM: standard error of the mean; THY1: Thy-1 cell surface antigen; TRT: treatment; TRT-Con: treatment negative control; YWHAZ: tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta

Elevated expression of FABP4 is associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Aim: Data from 124 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 69 healthy controls were collected. Materials & methods: ELISA was performed to detect serum FABP4 levels. Results: FABP4 level was elevated in RA patients and positively associated with 28-joint disease activity score, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for FABP4 was 0.685 for RA patients versus healthy controls (p = 0.001). RA patients were separated into low, moderate and high disease activity based on 28-joint disease activity score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic value was 0.877 for RA patients with high disease activity versus healthy controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: FABP4 was associated with disease activity in RA patients.

Knockdown of fatty acid binding protein 4 exacerbates Bacillus Calmette-Guerin infection-induced RAW264.7 cell apoptosis via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway

Mycobacterial infection can induce alveolar macrophage apoptosis, which plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that fatty acid oxidation is involved in apoptosis during various pathological processes, including bacterial infection. However, whether fatty acid oxidation regulates mycobacterial infection-induced macrophage apoptosis remains unclear. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the role of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) which is a carrier protein for fatty acids, in regulating apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells infected with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). In our study, the impact of BCG infection on apoptosis and fatty acid oxidation in RAW264.7 cells was examined. Notably, we found that FABP4 was overexpressed during this process. Furthermore, small interfering RNAs targeting FABP4 were used to investigate the role of FABP4 in regulating apoptosis and fatty acid oxidation in BCG-infected RAW264.7 cells. The results indicated that mycobacterial infection promoted apoptosis and enhanced fatty acid oxidation in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, FABP4 knockdown exacerbated BCG-induced apoptosis and upregulated the expression of p-PERK, p-eIF2α and chop, which are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers. In addition, FABP4 knockdown promoted fatty acid oxidation and ROS production, which result in the activation of ER stress. Our data suggested that FABP4 knockdown exacerbated BCG-induced apoptosis in RAW264.7 cells via the ER stress pathway.

Intrarenal Renin Angiotensin System Imbalance During Postnatal Life Is Associated With Increased Microvascular Density in the Mature Kidney

Environmental stress during early life is an important factor that affects the postnatal renal development. We have previously shown that male rats exposed to maternal separation (MatSep), a model of early life stress, are normotensive but display a sex-specific reduced renal function and exacerbated angiotensin II (AngII)-mediated vascular responses as adults. Since optimal AngII levels during postnatal life are required for normal maturation of the kidney, this study was designed to investigate both short- and long-term effect of MatSep on (1) the renal vascular architecture and function, (2) the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components status, and (3) the genome-wide expression of genes in isolated renal vasculature. Renal tissue and plasma were collected from male rats at different postnatal days (P) for intrarenal RAS components mRNA and protein expression measurements at P2, 6, 10, 14, 21, and 90 and microCT analysis at P21 and 90. Although with similar body weight and renal mass trajectories from P2 to P90, MatSep rats displayed decreased renal filtration capacity at P90, while increased microvascular density at both P21 and P90 (p < 0.05). MatSep increased renal expression of renin, and angiotensin type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors (p < 0.05), but reduced ACE2 mRNA expression and activity from P2-14 compared to controls. However, intrarenal levels of AngII peptide were reduced (p < 0.05) possible due to the increased degradation to AngIII by aminopeptidase A. In isolated renal vasculature from neonates, Enriched Biological Pathways functional clusters (EBPfc) from genes changed by MatSep reported to modulate extracellular structure organization, inflammation, and pro-angiogenic transcription factors. Our data suggest that male neonates exposed to MatSep could display permanent changes in the renal microvascular architecture in response to intrarenal RAS imbalance in the context of the atypical upregulation of angiogenic factors.

A pan-cancer blueprint of the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment revealed by single-cell profiling

The stromal compartment of the tumor microenvironment consists of a heterogeneous set of tissue-resident and tumor-infiltrating cells, which are profoundly moulded by cancer cells. An outstanding question is to what extent this heterogeneity is similar between cancers affecting different organs. Here, we profile 233,591 single cells from patients with lung, colorectal, ovary and breast cancer (n = 36) and construct a pan-cancer blueprint of stromal cell heterogeneity using different single-cell RNA and protein-based technologies. We identify 68 stromal cell populations, of which 46 are shared between cancer types and 22 are unique. We also characterise each population phenotypically by highlighting its marker genes, transcription factors, metabolic activities and tissue-specific expression differences. Resident cell types are characterised by substantial tissue specificity, while tumor-infiltrating cell types are largely shared across cancer types. Finally, by applying the blueprint to melanoma tumors treated with checkpoint immunotherapy and identifying a naïve CD4⁺ T-cell phenotype predictive of response to checkpoint immunotherapy, we illustrate how it can serve as a guide to interpret scRNA-seq data. In conclusion, by providing a comprehensive blueprint through an interactive web server, we generate the first panoramic view on the shared complexity of stromal cells in different cancers.

NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Adipose Tissues and Its Implications on Metabolic Diseases

Adipose tissue is an active endocrine and immune organ that controls systemic immunometabolism via multiple pathways. Diverse immune cell populations reside in adipose tissue, and their composition and immune responses vary with nutritional and environmental conditions. Adipose tissue dysfunction, characterized by sterile low-grade chronic inflammation and excessive immune cell infiltration, is a hallmark of obesity, as well as an important link to cardiometabolic diseases. Amongst the pro-inflammatory factors secreted by the dysfunctional adipose tissue, interleukin (IL)-1β, induced by the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, not only impairs peripheral insulin sensitivity, but it also interferes with the endocrine and immune functions of adipose tissue in a paracrine manner. Human studies indicated that NLRP3 activity in adipose tissues positively correlates with obesity and its metabolic complications, and treatment with the IL-1β antibody improves glycaemia control in type 2 diabetic patients. In mouse models, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 activation pathways or IL-1β prevents adipose tissue dysfunction, including inflammation, fibrosis, defective lipid handling and adipogenesis, which in turn alleviates obesity and its related metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize both the negative and positive regulators of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and its pathophysiological consequences on immunometabolism. We also discuss the potential therapeutic approaches to targeting adipose tissue inflammasome for the treatment of obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

Correlation of serum fatty acid binding protein-4 and interleukin-6 with airflow limitation and quality of life in stable and acute exacerbation of COPD

Background/aim

The serum fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP-4) level increases in chronic inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to examine serum FABP-4 and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in patients with stable and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the correlation of these markers with airflow limitation.

Materials and methodsS

We measured serum FABP-4 and IL-6 levels in 60 COPD patients [30 stable COPD (SCOPD), and 30 acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD)], and 30 healthy subjects and compared them with airflow limitation according to the COPD stage in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) criteria, peripheral O2 saturation (SpO2), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score. We also tested the association between serum FABP-4 levels and some characteristics of study parameters.

Results

Both serum FABP-4 and IL-6 levels increased with increasing severity of GOLD grades in SCOPD (P < 0.01 for both) and AECOPD groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). It also increased in patients with AECOPD group compared with SCOPD group in GOLD grades I-II (P < 0.01) and GOLD grades III-IV (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between serum FABP-4 level with IL-6, CAT score, and smoking history and inversely with FEV1 and SpO2.

Conclusion

The study revealed that serum FABP-4 level was elevated with increasing GOLD grades in COPD patients, markedly in acute exacerbation phase. The increase was associated with elevated serum levels of IL-6 and severity of hypoxia. Thus, it seems that FABP-4 may be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD.

Consumption of the Fish Oil High-Fat Diet Uncouples Obesity and Mammary Tumor Growth through Induction of Reactive Oxygen Species in Protumor Macrophages

Obesity is associated with increased risk of many types of cancer and can be induced by various high-fat diets (HFD) from different fat sources. It remains unknown whether fatty acid composition in different HFD influences obesity-associated tumor development. Here we report that consumption of either a cocoa butter or fish oil HFD induced similar obesity in mouse models. While obesity induced by the cocoa butter HFD was associated with accelerated mammary tumor growth, consumption of the fish oil HFD uncoupled obesity from increased mammary tumor growth and exhibited a decrease in protumor macrophages. Compared with fatty acid (FA) components in both HFDs, n-3 FA rich in the fish oil HFD induced significant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and macrophage death. Moreover, A-FABP expression in the protumor macrophages facilitated intracellular transportation of n-3 FA and oxidation of mitochondrial FA. A-FABP deficiency diminished n-3 FA-mediated ROS production and macrophage death in vitro and in vivo. Together, our results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which n-3 FA induce ROS-mediated protumor macrophage death in an A-FABP-dependent manner. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides mechanistic insight into dietary supplementation with fish oil for breast cancer prevention and advances a new concept that not all HFDs leading to obesity are tumorigenic. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/12/2564/F1.large.jpg.

Periodontal Pathogens Modulate Lipid Flux via Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4

A strong correlation between chronic periodontitis and systemic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders) has been suggested for several decades. However, the evidence supporting this correlation is restricted primarily to epidemiologic studies, with only a few experimental outcomes confirming such a correlation and providing information about the underlying molecular mechanisms. To reveal a correlation between periodontitis and systemic diseases as well as a relevant molecular pathway, we investigated the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, which play roles in chronic periodontitis progression, on Raw264.7 and THP-1 macrophages. Infection with P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum significantly induced the expression of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), one of the most important adipokines that play a role in the progression of systemic diseases such as atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. Periodontal pathogen–induced FABP4 expression in macrophages promoted lipid uptake by these cells, as demonstrated by the diminished lipid accumulation in cells treated with an FABP4 inhibitor, BMS309403, or with knockdown of FABP4 expression. This periodontal pathogen–induced FABP4 expression was dependent on the JNK pathway, and JNK inhibition reduced lipid uptake by reducing FABP4 expression. Serum levels of antibodies against P. gingivalis correlated with serum FABP4 levels in humans, whereas no association occurred between F. nucleatum antibody titers and FABP4 levels. To our knowledge, this report is the first to experimentally demonstrate that periodontal pathogens stimulate lipid uptake in macrophages by modulating FABP4 expression. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that periodontitis may affect the progression of various systemic diseases.

Macrophage fatty acid metabolism and atherosclerosis: The rise of PUFAs

Among the pathways involved in the regulation of macrophage functions, the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids is central. Indeed, unsaturated fatty acids act as precursors of bioactive molecules such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, resolvins and related compounds. As components of phospholipids, they have a pivotal role in cell biology by regulating membrane fluidity and membrane-associated cellular processes. Finally, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are also endowed with ligand properties for numerous membrane or nuclear receptors. Although myeloid cells are dependent on the metabolic context for the uptake of essential FAs, recent studies showed that these cells autonomously handle the synthesis of n-3 and n-6 long chain PUFAs such as arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. Moreover, targeting PUFA metabolism in macrophages influences pathological processes, including atherosclerosis, by modulating macrophage functions. Omics evidence also supports a role for macrophage PUFA metabolism in the development of cardiometabolic diseases in humans. Currently, there is a renewed interest in the role of n-3/n-6 PUFAs and their oxygenated derivatives in the onset of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. Purified n-3 FA supplementation appears as a potential strategy in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the ability of immune cells to handle and to synthesize very long chain PUFA must absolutely be integrated and better understood.

miR‑455 targets FABP4 to protect human endometrial stromal cells from cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide

Oxidative stress and dysregulation of antioxidant systems are associated with various complications in pregnancy. Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease that affects women of reproductive age. Recent studies have indicated that oxidative stress may be involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. It has been reported that microRNAs can regulate the cellular response to oxidative stress, and mounting evidence indicates that fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) plays an essential role in the regulation of systemic redox capacity. In the present study, we demonstrated that miR-455 is a putative FABP4-targeting miRNA. A luciferase activity assay revealed that miR-455 can successfully bind to the 3′-UTR of FABP4. Overexpression of miR-455 led to the downregulation of FABP4 at both the mRNA and protein levels in a human endometrial stromal cell line. Then, the roles of miR-455 and FABP4 in oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in human endometrial stromal cells were examined. We found that ectopic expression of miR-455 protected cells from damage caused by H₂O₂. Further investigation found that forced expression of miR-455 reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were promoted. Silencing of FABP4 also generated cytoprotective effects against H₂O₂ in human endometrial stromal cells. Moreover, overexpression FABP4 abrogated the miR-455-mediated antioxidative stress effects in cells. Taken together, we propose that miR-455 protects human endometrial stromal cells from oxidative stress at least partly via regulation of FABP4.

Targeted delivery of CRISPR interference system against Fabp4 to white adipocytes ameliorates obesity, inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance

Obesity is an increasing pathophysiological problem in developed societies. Despite all major progress in understanding molecular mechanisms of obesity, currently available anti-obesity drugs have shown limited efficacy with severe side effects. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) mechanism based on catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) and single guide RNA (sgRNA) was combined with a targeted nonviral gene delivery system to treat obesity and obesity-induced type 2 diabetes. A fusion peptide targeting a vascular and cellular marker of adipose tissue, prohibitin, was developed by conjugation of adipocyte targeting sequence (CKGGRAKDC) to 9-mer arginine (ATS-9R). (dCas9/sgFabp4) + ATS-9R oligoplexes showed effective condensation and selective delivery into mature adipocytes. Targeted delivery of the CRISPRi system against Fabp4 to white adipocytes by ATS-9R induced effective silencing of Fabp4, resulting in reduction of body weight and inflammation and restoration of hepatic steatosis in obese mice. This RNA-guided DNA recognition platform provides a simple and safe approach to regress and treat obesity and obesity-induced metabolic syndromes.

Unconventional Secretion of Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 Is Mediated By Autophagic Proteins in a Sirtuin-1-Dependent Manner

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a leaderless lipid carrier protein primarily expressed by adipocytes and macrophages that not only functions intracellularly but is also secreted. The secretion is mediated via unconventional mechanism(s), and in a variety of species, metabolic dysfunction is correlated with elevated circulating FABP4 levels. In diabetic animals, neutralizing antibodies targeting serum FABP4 increase insulin sensitivity and attenuate hepatic glucose output, suggesting the functional importance of circulating FABP4. Using animal and cell-based models, we show that FABP4 is secreted from white, but not brown, adipose tissue in response to lipolytic stimulation in a sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)-dependent manner via a mechanism that requires some, but not all, autophagic components. Silencing of early autophagic genes such as Ulk1/2, Fip200, or Beclin-1 or chemical inhibition of ULK1/2 or VPS34 attenuated secretion, while Atg5 knockdown potentiated FABP4 release. Genetic knockout of Sirt1 diminished secretion, and serum FABP4 levels were undetectable in Sirt1 knockout mice. In addition, blocking SIRT1 by EX527 attenuated secretion while activating SIRT1 by resveratrol-potentiated secretion. These studies suggest that FABP4 secretion from adipocytes is regulated by SIRT1 and requires early autophagic components.