1
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Chen ZY, Panga MJ, Zhang X, Qiao S, Chen S, Appiah C, Zhao Y. Estrogen alleviates liver fibrosis and restores metabolic homeostasis in ovariectomy-induced liver injury and carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) exposure. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176774. [PMID: 38936452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
AIM Given estrogen's recognized regulatory influence on diverse metabolic and immune functions, this study sought to explore its potential impact on fibrosis and elucidate the underlying metabolic regulations. METHODS Female mice underwent ovary removal surgery, followed by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration to induce liver injury. Biochemical index analysis and histopathological examination were then conducted. The expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and collagen type 1 alpha 1 chain (COL1A1) were assessed using western blotting to further elucidate the extent of liver injury. Finally, metabolite extraction and metabolomic analysis were performed to evaluate metabolic changes. RESULTS Ovary removal exacerbated CCl4-induced liver damage, while estrogen supplementation provided protection against hepatic changes resulting from OVX. Furthermore, estrogen mitigated liver injury induced by CCl4 treatment in vivo. Estrogen supplementation significantly restored liver damage induced by OVX and CCl4. Comparative analysis revealed significant alterations in pathways including aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, lysine degradation, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism in estrogen treatment. CONCLUSION Estrogen supplementation alleviates liver injury induced by OVX and CCl4, highlighting its protective effects against fibrosis and associated metabolic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Yi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Mogellah John Panga
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Shuai Qiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Shitian Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Clara Appiah
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China.
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2
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Park H, Ha H, Lee H, Lee G, Go GW, Yoon TM, Kim TY, Kim W. Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms by Yam (Dioscorea japonica Thunb.) and Gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. Et Zucc.) Extracts in Ovariectomized Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024:e2400158. [PMID: 38934532 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202400158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE The decline in estrogen during menopause contributes to a variety of menopausal symptoms, for which hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been extensively applied. Regarding side effects and limited effectiveness of HRT for specific individuals, there is a growing interest in safe alternatives such as phytoestrogens which are structurally analogous to estrogens. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of yam and gromwell extracts, rich in bioactive compounds, and the synergistic effect of extracts on symptoms induced by estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. METHODS AND RESULTS OVX mice receive dietary intervention of either yam, gromwell extract, or their mixture for 14 weeks. Sham-operated mice and E2-injected OVX mice serve as positive controls. Following 14 weeks of oral administration, blood, adipose tissue, vagina, uterus, femurs, and tibias are harvested for further investigation. Consequently, yam and gromwell extracts ameliorate menopausal conditions such as weight gain, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis in estrogen-deficient OVX mice. In addition, the mixture of yam and gromwell extracts synergistically aids in the relief of the indications. CONCLUSION These results indicate the potential use of yam and gromwell extracts, as well as their mixture, for the development of healthy functional foods to modulate menopausal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyejeong Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Ha
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeji Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongwhan Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Woong Go
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Mi Yoon
- Antimicrobial Materials Lab., Dynesoze Co., Ltd., R&D Center, Yongin, 16827, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yeol Kim
- Antimicrobial Materials Lab., Dynesoze Co., Ltd., R&D Center, Yongin, 16827, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooki Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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3
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Yang CW, Liu HM, Chang ZY, Liu GH, Chang HH, Huang PY, Lee TY. Puerarin Modulates Hepatic Farnesoid X Receptor and Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5274. [PMID: 38791314 PMCID: PMC11121391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is associated with alterations in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota dysbiosis. This study investigated the effects of puerarin, a bioactive isoflavone, on lipid metabolism disorders and gut microbiota in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Supplementation with puerarin reduced plasma alanine aminotransferase, liver triglyceride, liver free fatty acid (FFA), and improved gut microbiota dysbiosis in obese mice. Puerarin's beneficial metabolic effects were attenuated when farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was antagonized, suggesting FXR-mediated mechanisms. In hepatocytes, puerarin ameliorated high FFA-induced sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 1 signaling, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in an FXR-dependent manner. In obese mice, puerarin reduced liver damage, regulated hepatic lipogenesis, decreased inflammation, improved mitochondrial function, and modulated mitophagy and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways, but was less effective in FXR knockout mice. Puerarin upregulated hepatic expression of FXR, bile salt export pump (BSEP), and downregulated cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1) and sodium taurocholate transporter (NTCP), indicating modulation of bile acid synthesis and transport. Puerarin also restored gut microbial diversity, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and the abundance of Clostridium celatum and Akkermansia muciniphila. This study demonstrates that puerarin effectively ameliorates metabolic disturbances and gut microbiota dysbiosis in obese mice, predominantly through FXR-dependent pathways. These findings underscore puerarin's potential as a therapeutic agent for managing obesity and enhancing gut health, highlighting its dual role in improving metabolic functions and modulating microbial communities.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Isoflavones/pharmacology
- Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects
- Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Mice
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/drug therapy
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/drug effects
- Male
- Dysbiosis
- Mice, Obese
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 11/metabolism
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Member 11/genetics
- Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase/metabolism
- Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase/genetics
- Mice, Knockout
- Organic Anion Transporters, Sodium-Dependent/metabolism
- Organic Anion Transporters, Sodium-Dependent/genetics
- Symporters/metabolism
- Symporters/genetics
- Lipid Metabolism/drug effects
- Hepatocytes/metabolism
- Hepatocytes/drug effects
- Akkermansia
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Wei Yang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Division of Internal and Pediatric Chinese Medicine, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333423, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Miao Liu
- Graduate Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
| | - Zi-Yu Chang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan;
| | - Geng-Hao Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan;
- Division of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
- Sleep Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333008, Taiwan
| | - Hen-Hong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
| | - Po-Yu Huang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Linsen Chinese Medicine and Kunming Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 10844, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Yan Lee
- Graduate Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan;
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4
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Grayson C, Faerman B, Koufos O, Mailloux RJ. Fatty acid oxidation drives mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production by α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107159. [PMID: 38479602 PMCID: PMC10997840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (mH2O2) generating capacity of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) and compared it to components of the electron transport chain using liver mitochondria isolated from male and female C57BL6N mice. We show for the first time there are some sex dimorphisms in the production of mH2O2 by electron transport chain complexes I and III when mitochondria are fueled with different substrates. However, in our investigations into these sex effects, we made the unexpected and compelling discovery that 1) KGDH serves as a major mH2O2 supplier in male and female liver mitochondria and 2) KGDH can form mH2O2 when liver mitochondria are energized with fatty acids but only when malate is used to prime the Krebs cycle. Surprisingly, 2-keto-3-methylvaleric acid (KMV), a site-specific inhibitor for KGDH, nearly abolished mH2O2 generation in both male and female liver mitochondria oxidizing palmitoyl-carnitine. KMV inhibited mH2O2 production in liver mitochondria from male and female mice oxidizing myristoyl-, octanoyl-, or butyryl-carnitine as well. S1QEL 1.1 (S1) and S3QEL 2 (S3), compounds that inhibit reactive oxygen species generation by complexes I and III, respectively, without interfering with OxPhos and respiration, had a negligible effect on the rate of mH2O2 production when pyruvate or acyl-carnitines were used as fuels. However, inclusion of KMV in reaction mixtures containing S1 and/or S3 almost abolished mH2O2 generation. Together, our findings suggest KGDH is the main mH2O2 generator in liver mitochondria, even when fatty acids are used as fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn Grayson
- The School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ben Faerman
- The School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivia Koufos
- The School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ryan J Mailloux
- The School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.
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5
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Kumari R, Ponte ME, Franczak E, Prom JC, O'Neil MF, Sardiu ME, Lutkewitte AJ, Christenson LK, Shankar K, Morris EM, Thyfault JP. VCD-induced menopause mouse model reveals reprogramming of hepatic metabolism. Mol Metab 2024; 82:101908. [PMID: 38432400 PMCID: PMC10944007 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menopause adversely impacts systemic energy metabolism and increases the risk of metabolic disease(s) including hepatic steatosis, but the mechanisms are largely unknown. Dosing female mice with vinyl cyclohexene dioxide (VCD) selectively causes follicular atresia in ovaries, leading to a murine menopause-like phenotype. METHODS In this study, we treated female C57BL6/J mice with VCD (160 mg/kg i.p. for 20 consecutive days followed by verification of the lack of estrous cycling) to investigate changes in body composition, energy expenditure (EE), hepatic mitochondrial function, and hepatic steatosis across different dietary conditions. RESULTS VCD treatment induced ovarian follicular loss and increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in female mice, mimicking a menopause-like phenotype. VCD treatment did not affect body composition, or EE in mice on a low-fat diet (LFD) or in response to a short-term (1-week) high-fat, high sucrose diet (HFHS). However, the transition to a HFHS lowered cage activity in VCD mice. A chronic HFHS diet (16 weeks) significantly increased weight gain, fat mass, and hepatic steatosis in VCD-treated mice compared to HFHS-fed controls. In the liver, VCD mice showed suppressed hepatic mitochondrial respiration on LFD, while chronic HFHS resulted in compensatory increases in hepatic mitochondrial respiration. Also, liver RNA sequencing revealed that VCD promoted global upregulation of hepatic lipid/cholesterol synthesis pathways. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the VCD-induced menopause model compromises hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid/cholesterol homeostasis that sets the stage for HFHS diet-induced steatosis while also increasing susceptibility to obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Kumari
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA; KU Diabetes Institute and Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Michael E Ponte
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; KU Diabetes Institute and Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Edziu Franczak
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA; KU Diabetes Institute and Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - John C Prom
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Maura F O'Neil
- Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Mihaela E Sardiu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; KU Diabetes Institute and Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Andrew J Lutkewitte
- KU Diabetes Institute and Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - E Matthew Morris
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; KU Diabetes Institute and Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO, USA.
| | - John P Thyfault
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA; KU Diabetes Institute and Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO, USA.
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6
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Zanini BM, de Avila BM, Garcia DN, Hense JD, Veiga GB, Barreto MM, Ashiqueali S, Mason JB, Yadav H, Masternak M, Schneider A. Dynamics of serum exosome microRNA profile altered by chemically induced estropause and rescued by estrogen therapy in female mice. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01129-9. [PMID: 38499957 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The decline in the ovarian reserve leads to menopause and reduced serum estrogens. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs, which can regulate gene expression and be secreted by cells and trafficked in serum via exosomes. Serum miRNAs regulate tissue function and disease development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify miRNA profiles in serum exosomes of mice induced to estropause and treated with 17β-estradiol (E2). Female mice were divided into three groups including control (CTL), injected with 4-Vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), and injected with VCD plus E2 (VCD + E2). Estropause was confirmed by acyclicity and a significant reduction in the number of ovarian follicles (p < 0.05). Body mass gain during estropause was higher in VCD and VCD + E2 compared to CTL females (p = 0.02). Sequencing of miRNAs was performed from exosomes extracted from serum, and 402 miRNAs were detected. Eight miRNAs were differentially regulated between CTL and VCD groups, seven miRNAs regulated between CTL and VCD + E2 groups, and ten miRNAs regulated between VCD and VCD + E2 groups. Only miR-200a-3p and miR-200b-3p were up-regulated in both serum exosomes and ovarian tissue in both VCD groups, suggesting that these exosomal miRNAs could be associated with ovarian activity. In the hepatic tissue, only miR-370-3p (p = 0.02) was up-regulated in the VCD + E2 group, as observed in serum. Our results suggest that VCD-induced estropause and E2 replacement have an impact on the profile of serum exosomal miRNAs. The miR-200 family was increased in serum exosomes and ovarian tissue and may be a candidate biomarker of ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jéssica Damé Hense
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sarah Ashiqueali
- College of Medicine, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Mason
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical and Life Sciences, Center for Integrated BioSystems, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Hariom Yadav
- USF Center for Microbiome Research, and Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Microbiomes Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michal Masternak
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Augusto Schneider
- Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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7
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Smiriglia A, Lorito N, Serra M, Perra A, Morandi A, Kowalik MA. Sex difference in liver diseases: How preclinical models help to dissect the sex-related mechanisms sustaining NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2023; 26:108363. [PMID: 38034347 PMCID: PMC10682354 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a few preclinical findings are confirmed in the clinic, posing a critical issue for clinical development. Therefore, identifying the best preclinical models can help to dissect molecular and mechanistic insights into liver disease pathogenesis while being clinically relevant. In this context, the sex relevance of most preclinical models has been only partially considered. This is particularly significant in NAFLD and HCC, which have a higher prevalence in men when compared to pre-menopause women but not to those in post-menopausal status, suggesting a role for sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the diseases. This review gathers the sex-relevant findings and the available preclinical models focusing on both in vitro and in vivo studies and discusses the potential implications and perspectives of introducing the sex effect in the selection of the best preclinical model. This is a critical aspect that would help to tailor personalized therapies based on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Smiriglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicla Lorito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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8
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Kumari R, Ponte ME, Franczak E, Prom JC, O'Neil MF, Sardiu ME, Lutkewitte AJ, Shankar K, Morris EM, Thyfault JP. VCD-induced menopause mouse model reveals reprogramming of hepatic metabolism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.14.571644. [PMID: 38168213 PMCID: PMC10760158 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Menopause adversely impacts systemic energy metabolism and increases the risk of metabolic disease(s) including hepatic steatosis, but the mechanisms are largely unknown. Dosing female mice with vinyl cyclohexene dioxide (VCD) selectively causes follicular atresia in ovaries, leading to a murine menopause-like phenotype. In this study, we treated female C57BL6/J mice with VCD (160mg/kg i.p. for 20 consecutive days followed by verification of the lack of estrous cycling) to investigate changes in body composition, energy expenditure (EE), hepatic mitochondrial function, and hepatic steatosis across different dietary conditions. VCD treatment induced ovarian follicular loss and increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in female mice, mimicking a menopause-like phenotype. VCD treatment did not affect body composition, or EE in mice on a low-fat diet or in response to a short-term (1-week) high-fat, high sucrose diet (HFHS). However, the transition to a HFHS lowered cage activity in VCD mice. A chronic HFHS diet (16 weeks) significantly increased weight gain, fat mass, and hepatic steatosis in VCD-treated mice compared to HFHS-fed controls. In the liver, VCD mice showed suppressed hepatic mitochondrial respiration on LFD, while chronic HFHS diet resulted in compensatory increases in hepatic mitochondrial respiration. Also, liver RNA sequencing revealed that VCD promoted global upregulation of hepatic lipid/cholesterol synthesis pathways. Our findings suggest that the VCD- induced menopause model compromises hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid/cholesterol homeostasis that sets the stage for HFHS diet-induced steatosis while also increasing susceptibility to obesity.
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9
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Chalifoux O, Faerman B, Mailloux RJ. Mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production by pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase in oxidative eustress and oxidative distress. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105399. [PMID: 37898400 PMCID: PMC10692731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDH) are vital entry points for monosaccharides and amino acids into the Krebs cycle and thus integral for mitochondrial bioenergetics. Both complexes produce mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (mH2O2) and are deactivated by electrophiles. Here, we provide an update on the role of PDH and KGDH in mitochondrial redox balance and their function in facilitating metabolic reprogramming for the propagation of oxidative eustress signals in hepatocytes and how defects in these pathways can cause liver diseases. PDH and KGDH are known to account for ∼45% of the total mH2O2 formed by mitochondria and display rates of production several-fold higher than the canonical source complex I. This mH2O2 can also be formed by reverse electron transfer (RET) in vivo, which has been linked to metabolic dysfunctions that occur in pathogenesis. However, the controlled emission of mH2O2 from PDH and KGDH has been proposed to be fundamental for oxidative eustress signal propagation in several cellular contexts. Modification of PDH and KGDH with protein S-glutathionylation (PSSG) and S-nitrosylation (PSNO) adducts serves as a feedback inhibitor for mH2O2 production in response to glutathione (GSH) pool oxidation. PSSG and PSNO adduct formation also reprogram the Krebs cycle to generate metabolites vital for interorganelle and intercellular signaling. Defects in the redox modification of PDH and KGDH cause the over generation of mH2O2, resulting in oxidative distress and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). In aggregate, PDH and KGDH are essential platforms for emitting and receiving oxidative eustress signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Chalifoux
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ben Faerman
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ryan J Mailloux
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.
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10
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Gannon OJ, Naik JS, Riccio D, Mansour FM, Abi-Ghanem C, Salinero AE, Kelly RD, Brooks HL, Zuloaga KL. Menopause causes metabolic and cognitive impairments in a chronic cerebral hypoperfusion model of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:34. [PMID: 37221553 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00518-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of women with dementia are post-menopausal. Despite clinical relevance, menopause is underrepresented in rodent models of dementia. Before menopause, women are less likely than men to experience strokes, obesity, and diabetes-known risk factors for vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). During menopause, ovarian estrogen production stops and the risk of developing these dementia risk factors spikes. Here, we aimed to determine if menopause worsens cognitive impairment in VCID. We hypothesized that menopause would cause metabolic dysfunction and increase cognitive impairment in a mouse model of VCID. METHODS We performed a unilateral common carotid artery occlusion surgery to produce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and model VCID in mice. We used 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide to induce accelerated ovarian failure and model menopause. We evaluated cognitive impairment using behavioral tests including novel object recognition, Barnes maze, and nest building. To assess metabolic changes, we measured weight, adiposity, and glucose tolerance. We explored multiple aspects of brain pathology including cerebral hypoperfusion and white matter changes (commonly observed in VCID) as well as changes to estrogen receptor expression (which may mediate altered sensitivity to VCID pathology post-menopause). RESULTS Menopause increased weight gain, glucose intolerance, and visceral adiposity. VCID caused deficits in spatial memory regardless of menopausal status. Post-menopausal VCID specifically led to additional deficits in episodic-like memory and activities of daily living. Menopause did not alter resting cerebral blood flow on the cortical surface (assessed by laser speckle contrast imaging). In the white matter, menopause decreased myelin basic protein gene expression in the corpus callosum but did not lead to overt white matter damage (assessed by Luxol fast blue). Menopause did not significantly alter estrogen receptor expression (ERα, ERβ, or GPER1) in the cortex or hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we have found that the accelerated ovarian failure model of menopause caused metabolic impairment and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of VCID. Further studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanism. Importantly, the post-menopausal brain still expressed estrogen receptors at normal (pre-menopausal) levels. This is encouraging for any future studies attempting to reverse the effects of estrogen loss by activating brain estrogen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Gannon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Janvie S Naik
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - David Riccio
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Febronia M Mansour
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Charly Abi-Ghanem
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Abigail E Salinero
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Richard D Kelly
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Heddwen L Brooks
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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11
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Fuller KNZ, Allen J, Kumari R, Akakpo JY, Ruebel M, Shankar K, Thyfault JP. Pre- and Post-Sexual Maturity Liver-specific ERα Knockout Does Not Impact Hepatic Mitochondrial Function. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad053. [PMID: 37197409 PMCID: PMC10184454 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared with males, premenopausal women and female rodents are protected against hepatic steatosis and present with higher functioning mitochondria (greater hepatic mitochondrial respiration and reduced H2O2 emission). Despite evidence that estrogen action mediates female protection against steatosis, mechanisms remain unknown. Here we validated a mouse model with inducible reduction of liver estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) (LERKO) via adeno-associated virus (AAV) Cre. We phenotyped the liver health and mitochondrial function of LERKO mice (n = 10-12 per group) on a short-term high-fat diet (HFD), and then tested whether timing of LERKO induction at 2 timepoints (sexually immature: 4 weeks old [n = 11 per group] vs sexually mature: 8-10 weeks old [n = 8 per group]) would impact HFD-induced outcomes. We opted for an inducible LERKO model due to known estrogen-mediated developmental programming, and we reported both receptor and tissue specificity with our model. Control mice were ERαfl/fl receiving AAV with green fluorescent protein (GFP) only. Results show that there were no differences in body weight/composition or hepatic steatosis in LERKO mice with either short-term (4-week) or chronic (8-week) high-fat feeding. Similarly, LERKO genotype nor timing of LERKO induction (pre vs post sexual maturity) did not alter hepatic mitochondrial O2 and H2O2 flux, coupling, or OXPHOS protein. Transcriptomic analysis showed that hepatic gene expression in LERKO was significantly influenced by developmental stage. Together, these studies suggest that hepatic ERα is not required in female protection against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis nor does it mediate sexual dimorphism in liver mitochondria function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly N Z Fuller
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 64128, USA
| | - Julie Allen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 64128, USA
| | - Roshan Kumari
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 64128, USA
| | - Jephte Y Akakpo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Meghan Ruebel
- USDA-ARS, Southeast Area, Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- USDA-ARS, Southeast Area, Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - John P Thyfault
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 64128, USA
- KU Diabetes Institute and Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Center for Children’s Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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12
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Frick JM, Eller OC, Foright RM, Levasseur BM, Yang X, Wang R, Winter MK, O'Neil MF, Morris EM, Thyfault JP, Christianson JA. High-fat/high-sucrose diet worsens metabolic outcomes and widespread hypersensitivity following early-life stress exposure in female mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2023; 324:R353-R367. [PMID: 36693166 PMCID: PMC9970659 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00216.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to stress early in life has been associated with adult-onset comorbidities such as chronic pain, metabolic dysregulation, obesity, and inactivity. We have established an early-life stress model using neonatal maternal separation (NMS) in mice, which displays evidence of increased body weight and adiposity, widespread mechanical allodynia, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation in male mice. Early-life stress and consumption of a Western-style diet contribute to the development of obesity; however, relatively few preclinical studies have been performed in female rodents, which are known to be protected against diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction. In this study, we gave naïve and NMS female mice access to a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet beginning at 4 wk of age. Robust increases in body weight and fat were observed in HFS-fed NMS mice during the first 10 wk on the diet, driven partly by increased food intake. Female NMS mice on an HFS diet showed widespread mechanical hypersensitivity compared with either naïve mice on an HFS diet or NMS mice on a control diet. HFS diet-fed NMS mice also had impaired glucose tolerance and fasting hyperinsulinemia. Strikingly, female NMS mice on an HFS diet showed evidence of hepatic steatosis with increased triglyceride levels and altered glucocorticoid receptor levels and phosphorylation state. They also exhibited increased energy expenditure as observed via indirect calorimetry and expression of proinflammatory markers in perigonadal adipose. Altogether, our data suggest that early-life stress exposure increased the susceptibility of female mice to develop diet-induced metabolic dysfunction and pain-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Frick
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - Olivia C Eller
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - Rebecca M Foright
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - Brittni M Levasseur
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - Xiaofang Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - Ruipeng Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - Michelle K Winter
- Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Association, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - Maura F O'Neil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - E Matthew Morris
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - John P Thyfault
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - Julie A Christianson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
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13
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Rome FI, Shobert GL, Voigt WC, Stagg DB, Puchalska P, Burgess SC, Crawford PA, Hughey CC. Loss of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 dysregulates metabolic responses to acute exercise but enhances adaptations to exercise training in mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2023; 324:E9-E23. [PMID: 36351254 PMCID: PMC9799143 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00222.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Acute exercise increases liver gluconeogenesis to supply glucose to working muscles. Concurrently, elevated liver lipid breakdown fuels the high energetic cost of gluconeogenesis. This functional coupling between liver gluconeogenesis and lipid oxidation has been proposed to underlie the ability of regular exercise to enhance liver mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and decrease liver steatosis in individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Herein we tested whether repeated bouts of increased hepatic gluconeogenesis are necessary for exercise training to lower liver lipids. Experiments used diet-induced obese mice lacking hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (KO) to inhibit gluconeogenesis and wild-type (WT) littermates. 2H/13C metabolic flux analysis quantified glucose and mitochondrial oxidative fluxes in untrained mice at rest and during acute exercise. Circulating and tissue metabolite levels were determined during sedentary conditions, acute exercise, and refeeding postexercise. Mice also underwent 6 wk of treadmill running protocols to define hepatic and extrahepatic adaptations to exercise training. Untrained KO mice were unable to maintain euglycemia during acute exercise resulting from an inability to increase gluconeogenesis. Liver triacylglycerides were elevated after acute exercise and circulating β-hydroxybutyrate was higher during postexercise refeeding in untrained KO mice. In contrast, exercise training prevented liver triacylglyceride accumulation in KO mice. This was accompanied by pronounced increases in indices of skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in KO mice. Together, these results show that hepatic gluconeogenesis is dispensable for exercise training to reduce liver lipids. This may be due to responses in ketone body metabolism and/or metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle to exercise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Exercise training reduces hepatic steatosis partly through enhanced hepatic terminal oxidation. During acute exercise, hepatic gluconeogenesis is elevated to match the heightened rate of muscle glucose uptake and maintain glucose homeostasis. It has been postulated that the hepatic energetic stress induced by elevating gluconeogenesis during acute exercise is a key stimulus underlying the beneficial metabolic responses to exercise training. This study shows that hepatic gluconeogenesis is not necessary for exercise training to lower liver lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferrol I Rome
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Gregory L Shobert
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - William C Voigt
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David B Stagg
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Patrycja Puchalska
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Shawn C Burgess
- Center for Human Nutrition, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Peter A Crawford
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Curtis C Hughey
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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14
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Fuller KNZ, McCoin CS, Stierwalt H, Allen J, Gandhi S, Perry CGR, Jambal P, Shankar K, Thyfault JP. Oral combined contraceptives induce liver mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and whole-body metabolic adaptations in female mice. J Physiol 2022; 600:5215-5245. [PMID: 36326014 DOI: 10.1113/jp283733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to age-matched men, pre-menopausal women show greater resilience against cardiovascular disease (CVD), hepatic steatosis, diabetes and obesity - findings that are widely attributed to oestrogen. However, meta-analysis data suggest that current use of oral combined contraceptives (OC) is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, and OC use further compounds with metabolic disease risk factors to increase CVD susceptibility. While mitochondrial function in tissues such as the liver and skeletal muscle is an emerging mechanism by which oestrogen may confer its protection, effects of OC use on mitochondria and metabolism in the context of disease risk remain unexplored. To answer this question, female C57Bl/6J mice were fed a high fat diet and treated with vehicle or OCs for 3, 12 or 20 weeks (n = 6 to 12 per group) at a dose and ratio that mimic the human condition of cycle cessation in the low oestrogen, high progesterone stage. Liver and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function (respiratory capacity, H2 O2 , coupling) was measured along with clinical outcomes of cardiometabolic disease such as obesity, glucose tolerance, hepatic steatosis and aortic atherosclerosis. The main findings indicate that regardless of treatment duration, OCs robustly increase hepatic mitochondrial H2 O2 levels, likely due to diminished antioxidant capacity, but have no impact on muscle mitochondrial H2 O2 . Furthermore, OC-treated mice had lower adiposity and hepatic triglyceride content compared to control mice despite reduced wheel running, spontaneous physical activity and total energy expenditure. Together, these studies describe tissue-specific effects of OC use on mitochondria as well as variable impacts on markers of metabolic disease susceptibility. KEY POINTS: Oestrogen loss in women increases risk for cardiometabolic diseases, a link that has been partially attributed to negative impacts on mitochondria and energy metabolism. To study the effect of oral combined contraceptives (OCs) on hepatic and skeletal muscle mitochondria and whole-body energy metabolism, we used an animal model of OCs which mimics the human condition of cessation of hormonal cycling in the low oestrogen, high progesterone state. OC-treated mice have increased hepatic mitochondrial oxidative stress and decreased physical activity and energy expenditure, despite displaying lower adiposity and liver fat at this time point. These pre-clinical data reveal tissue-specific effects of OCs that likely underlie the clinical findings of increased cardiometabolic disease in women who use OCs compared to non-users, when matched for obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly N Z Fuller
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Colin S McCoin
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA.,Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO, USA.,University of Kansas Diabetes Institute, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Harrison Stierwalt
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Julie Allen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Shivam Gandhi
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Center, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher G R Perry
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Muscle Health Research Center, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Purevsuren Jambal
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - John P Thyfault
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA.,Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, MO, USA.,University of Kansas Diabetes Institute, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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15
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Aladhami AK, Unger CA, Hope MC, Cotham WE, Velázquez KT, Enos RT. Augmenting Skeletal Muscle Estrogen Does not Prevent or Rescue Obesity-linked Metabolic Impairments in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6678809. [PMID: 36039699 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We developed a novel mouse model with increased skeletal muscle estrogen content via inducible, skeletal-muscle-specific aromatase overexpression (SkM-Arom↑). We proposed to examine the effect that increased skeletal muscle estrogen both in gonadally intact and ovariectomized (OVX) female mice has on preventing or rescuing high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. METHODS In the prevention experiment, gonadally intact and OVX SkM-Arom↑ mice and littermate controls were fed a low-fat diet (LFD) or HFD for 13 weeks. SkM-Arom↑ was induced at the initiation of dietary treatment. In the intervention experiment, gonadally intact and OVX SkM-Arom↑ mice and littermate controls were fed an HFD for 14 weeks before induction of SkM-Arom↑ for 6 weeks. Glucose tolerance, insulin action, adipose tissue inflammation, and body composition were assessed. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine circulating and skeletal muscle steroid content. RESULTS SkM-Arom↑ significantly increased skeletal muscle 17β-estradiol (E2) and estrone (E1) in both experiments. Interestingly, this resulted in leakage of estrogens into circulation, producing a physiologically relevant E2 concentration. Consequently, bone mineral density (BMD) was enhanced and adipose tissue inflammation was reduced in the prevention experiment only. However, no benefits were seen with respect to changes in adiposity or metabolic outcomes. CONCLUSION We show that increasing skeletal muscle estrogen content does not provide a metabolic benefit in gonadally intact and OVX female mice in the setting of obesity. However, a chronic physiological concentration of circulating E2 can improve BMD and reduce adipose tissue inflammation independently of a metabolic benefit or changes in adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed K Aladhami
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA
- University of Baghdad, Nursing College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Christian A Unger
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA
| | - Marion C Hope
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA
| | - William E Cotham
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, USA
| | - Kandy T Velázquez
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA
| | - Reilly T Enos
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA
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16
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Xu L, Yuan Y, Che Z, Tan X, Wu B, Wang C, Xu C, Xiao J. The Hepatoprotective and Hepatotoxic Roles of Sex and Sex-Related Hormones. Front Immunol 2022; 13:939631. [PMID: 35860276 PMCID: PMC9289199 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most liver diseases, including acute liver injury, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, and end-stage liver diseases, are strongly linked with hormonal influences. Thus, delineating the clinical manifestation and underlying mechanisms of the “sexual dimorphism” is critical for providing hints for the prevention, management, and treatment of those diseases. Whether the sex hormones (androgen, estrogen, and progesterone) and sex-related hormones (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin) play protective or toxic roles in the liver depends on the biological sex, disease stage, precipitating factor, and even the psychiatric status. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, alcohol drinking, and smoking, also drastically affect the involving mechanisms of those hormones in liver diseases. Hormones deliver their hepatic regulatory signals primarily via classical and non-classical receptors in different liver cell types. Exogenous sex/sex-related hormone therapy may serve as a novel strategy for metabolic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, the undesired hormone-induced liver injury should be carefully studied in pre-clinical models and monitored in clinical applications. This issue is particularly important for menopause females with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and transgender populations who want to receive gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). In conclusion, basic and clinical studies are warranted to depict the detailed hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic mechanisms of sex/sex-related hormones in liver disease. Prolactin holds a promising perspective in treating metabolic and advanced liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaodi Che
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhi Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunchuan Wang
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengfang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chengfang Xu, ; Jia Xiao,
| | - Jia Xiao
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chengfang Xu, ; Jia Xiao,
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17
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Pyo S, Kim J, Hwang J, Heo JH, Kim K, Cho SR. Environmental Enrichment and Estrogen Upregulate Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Underlying Functional Improvement. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:869799. [PMID: 35592114 PMCID: PMC9113201 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.869799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is a promising therapeutic strategy in improving metabolic and neuronal responses, especially due to its non-invasive nature. However, the exact mechanism underlying the sex-differential effects remains unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of EE on metabolism, body composition, and behavioral phenotype based on sex. Long-term exposure to EE for 8 weeks induced metabolic changes and fat reduction. In response to the change in metabolism, the level of βHB were influenced by sex and EE possibly in accordance to the phases of estrogen cycle. The expression of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB)-related genes and proteins such as monocarboxylate transporters, histone deacetylases (HDAC), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were significantly regulated. In cerebral cortex and hippocampus, EE resulted in a significant increase in the level of βHB and a significant reduction in HDAC, consequently enhancing BDNF expression. Moreover, EE exerted significant effects on motor and cognitive behaviors, indicating a significant functional improvement in female mice under the condition that asserts the influence of estrogen cycle. Using an ovariectomized mice model, the effects of EE and estrogen treatment proved the hypothesis that EE upregulates β-hydroxybutyrate and BDNF underlying functional improvement in female mice. The above findings demonstrate that long-term exposure to EE can possibly alter metabolism by increasing the level of βHB, regulate the expression of βHB-related proteins, and improve behavioral function as reflected by motor and cognitive presentation following the changes in estrogen level. This finding may lead to a marked improvement in metabolism and neuroplasticity by EE and estrogen level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonil Pyo
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joohee Kim
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jihye Hwang
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Hyun Heo
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyungri Kim
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Sung-Rae Cho
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Ishimwe JA, Dola T, Ertuglu LA, Kirabo A. Bile acids and salt-sensitive hypertension: a role of the gut-liver axis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H636-H646. [PMID: 35245132 PMCID: PMC8957326 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00027.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Salt-sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) affects 50% of the hypertensive and 25% of the normotensive populations. Importantly, SSBP is associated with increased risk for mortality in both populations independent of blood pressure. Despite its deleterious effects, the pathogenesis of SSBP is not fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests a novel role of bile acids in salt-sensitive hypertension and that they may play a crucial role in regulating inflammation and fluid volume homeostasis. Mechanistic evidence implicates alterations in the gut microbiome, the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), the farnesoid X receptor, and the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor TGR5 in bile acid-mediated effects on cardiovascular function. The mechanistic interplay between excess dietary sodium-induced alterations in the gut microbiome and immune cell activation, bile acid signaling, and whether such interplay may contribute to the etiology of SSBP is still yet to be defined. The main goal of this review is to discuss the potential role of bile acids in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease with a focus on salt-sensitive hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne A Ishimwe
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Thanvi Dola
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lale A Ertuglu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Annet Kirabo
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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Li X, Chen H, Yang H, Liu J, Li Y, Dang Y, Wang J, Wang L, Li J, Nie G. Study on the Potential Mechanism of Tonifying Kidney and Removing Dampness Formula in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Dyslipidemia Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Experimental Evidence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:918469. [PMID: 35872979 PMCID: PMC9302042 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.918469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of menopausal dyslipidemia is the main measure to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Tonifying Kidney and Removing Dampness Formula (TKRDF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that ameliorates dyslipidemia in postmenopausal women. This study applied network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro and in vitro experiments to investigate the underlying mechanism of TKRDF against postmenopausal dyslipidemia. METHODS Network pharmacology research was first conducted, and the active compounds and targets of TKRDF, as well as the targets of postmenopausal dyslipidemia, were extracted from public databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were used to identify the potential targets and signaling pathways of TKRDF in postmenopausal dyslipidemia. Molecular docking was then performed to evaluate the combination of active compounds with principal targets. Finally, an ovariectomized rat model was used for the in vivo experiment and alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) cells treated with palmitic acid were used for the in vitro experiments to provide further evidence for the research. RESULTS Based on network pharmacology analysis, we obtained 78 active compounds from TKRDF that acted on 222 targets of postmenopausal dyslipidemia. The analysis results indicated that IL6, TNF, VEGFA, AKT1, MAPK3, MAPK1, PPARG and PIK3CA, etc., were the potentially key targets, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was the possibly crucial pathway for TKRDF to treat postmenopausal dyslipidemia. Molecular docking suggested that the active compounds have good binding activity with the core targets. The in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that TKRDF ameliorates postmenopausal dyslipidemia by regulating hormone levels, inhibiting inflammation, promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting lipid synthesis, which appear to be related to TKRDF's regulation of the ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. CONCLUSION This study clarified the active ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of TKRDF for treating postmenopausal dyslipidemia. It also provided a feasible method to uncover the scientific basis and therapeutic mechanism for prescribing TCM in the treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Dang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiajing Wang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guangning Nie, ; Jun Li,
| | - Guangning Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guangning Nie, ; Jun Li,
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Della Torre S. Beyond the X Factor: Relevance of Sex Hormones in NAFLD Pathophysiology. Cells 2021; 10:2502. [PMID: 34572151 PMCID: PMC8470830 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health issue worldwide, being frequently associated with obesity, unbalanced dietary regimens, and reduced physical activity. Despite their greater adiposity and reduced physical activity, women show a lower risk of developing NAFLD in comparison to men, likely a consequence of a sex-specific regulation of liver metabolism. In the liver, sex differences in the uptake, synthesis, oxidation, deposition, and mobilization of lipids, as well as in the regulation of inflammation, are associated with differences in NAFLD prevalence and progression between men and women. Given the major role of sex hormones in driving hepatic sexual dimorphism, this review will focus on the role of sex hormones and their signaling in the regulation of hepatic metabolism and in the molecular mechanisms triggering NAFLD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
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