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Li Y, Li W, Zhu X, Xu N, Meng Q, Jiang W, Zhang L, Yang M, Xu F, Li Y. VEGFB ameliorates insulin resistance in NAFLD via the PI3K/AKT signal pathway. J Transl Med 2024; 22:976. [PMID: 39468621 PMCID: PMC11520811 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05621-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most universal liver diseases with complicated pathogenesis throughout the world. Insulin resistance is a leading risk factor that contributes to the development of NAFLD. Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) was described by researchers as contributing to regulating lipid metabolic disorders. Here, we investigated VEGFB as a main target to regulate insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. METHODS In this study, bioinformatics, transcriptomics, morphological experiments, and molecular biology were used to explore the role of VEGFB in regulating insulin resistance in NAFLD and its molecular mechanism based on human samples, animal models, and cell models. RNA-seq was performed to analyze the signal pathways associated with VEGFB and NAFLD; Palmitic acid and High-fat diet were used to induce insulin-resistant HepG2 cells model and NAFLD animal model. Intracellular glucolipid contents, glucose uptake, hepatic and serum glucose and lipid levels were examined by Microassay and Elisa. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Oil Red O staining, and Periodic acid-schiff staining were used to analyze the hepatic steatosis, lipid droplet, and glycogen content in the liver. Western blot and quantitative real-time fluorescent PCR were used to verify the expression levels of the VEGFB and insulin resistance-related signals PI3K/AKT pathway. RESULTS We observed that VEGFB is genetically associated with NAFLD and the PI3K/AKT signal pathway. After VEGFB knockout, glucolipids levels were increased, and glucose uptake ability was decreased in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, body weight, blood glucose, blood lipids, and hepatic glucose of NAFLD mice were increased, and hepatic glycogen, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity were decreased. Moreover, VEGFB overexpression reduced glucolipids and insulin resistance levels in HepG2 cells. Specifically, VEGFB/VEGFR1 activates the PI3K/AKT signals by activating p-IRS1Ser307 expression, inhibiting p-FOXO1pS256 and p-GSK3Ser9 expressions to reduce gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis in the liver. Moreover, VEGFB could also enhance the expression level of GLUT2 to accelerate glucose transport and reduce blood glucose levels, maintaining glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS Our studies suggest that VEGFB could present a novel strategy for treating NAFLD as a positive factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medical, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Nuo Xu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medical, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qinyu Meng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenguo Jiang
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second School clinical Medicine, YanTai Affiliated Hospital of Bin Zhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Meizi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Chian, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Yana Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China.
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Sultan I, Ramste M, Peletier P, Hemanthakumar KA, Ramanujam D, Tirronen A, von Wright Y, Antila S, Saharinen P, Eklund L, Mervaala E, Ylä-Herttuala S, Engelhardt S, Kivelä R, Alitalo K. Contribution of VEGF-B-Induced Endocardial Endothelial Cell Lineage in Physiological Versus Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy. Circ Res 2024; 134:1465-1482. [PMID: 38655691 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.324136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies have shown the therapeutic potential of VEGF-B (vascular endothelial growth factor B) in revascularization of the ischemic myocardium, but the associated cardiac hypertrophy and adverse side effects remain a concern. To understand the importance of endothelial proliferation and migration for the beneficial versus adverse effects of VEGF-B in the heart, we explored the cardiac effects of autocrine versus paracrine VEGF-B expression in transgenic and gene-transduced mice. METHODS We used single-cell RNA sequencing to compare cardiac endothelial gene expression in VEGF-B transgenic mouse models. Lineage tracing was used to identify the origin of a VEGF-B-induced novel endothelial cell population and adeno-associated virus-mediated gene delivery to compare the effects of VEGF-B isoforms. Cardiac function was investigated using echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and micro-computed tomography. RESULTS Unlike in physiological cardiac hypertrophy driven by a cardiomyocyte-specific VEGF-B transgene (myosin heavy chain alpha-VEGF-B), autocrine VEGF-B expression in cardiac endothelium (aP2 [adipocyte protein 2]-VEGF-B) was associated with septal defects and failure to increase perfused subendocardial capillaries postnatally. Paracrine VEGF-B led to robust proliferation and myocardial migration of a novel cardiac endothelial cell lineage (VEGF-B-induced endothelial cells) of endocardial origin, whereas autocrine VEGF-B increased proliferation of VEGF-B-induced endothelial cells but failed to promote their migration and efficient contribution to myocardial capillaries. The surviving aP2-VEGF-B offspring showed an altered ratio of secreted VEGF-B isoforms and developed massive pathological cardiac hypertrophy with a distinct cardiac vessel pattern. In the normal heart, we found a small VEGF-B-induced endothelial cell population that was only minimally expanded during myocardial infarction but not during physiological cardiac hypertrophy associated with mouse pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Paracrine and autocrine secretions of VEGF-B induce expansion of a specific endocardium-derived endothelial cell population with distinct angiogenic markers. However, autocrine VEGF-B signaling fails to promote VEGF-B-induced endothelial cell migration and contribution to myocardial capillaries, predisposing to septal defects and inducing a mismatch between angiogenesis and myocardial growth, which results in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Sultan
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markus Ramste
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pim Peletier
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karthik Amudhala Hemanthakumar
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Deepak Ramanujam
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich, DZHK partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (D.R., S.E.)
- RNATICS GmbH, Planegg, Germany (D.R.)
| | - Annakaisa Tirronen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland (A.T., S.Y.-H.)
| | - Ylva von Wright
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Salli Antila
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pipsa Saharinen
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Eklund
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Finland (L.E.)
| | - Eero Mervaala
- Department of Pharmacology (E.M.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland (A.T., S.Y.-H.)
| | - Stefan Engelhardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich, DZHK partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (D.R., S.E.)
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (R.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland (R.K.)
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., R.K., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program (I.S., M.R., P.P., K.A.H., Y.v.W., S.A., P.S., K.A.), Faculty of Medicine, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Shang R, Lee CS, Wang H, Dyer R, Noll C, Carpentier A, Sultan I, Alitalo K, Boushel R, Hussein B, Rodrigues B. Reduction in Insulin Uncovers a Novel Effect of VEGFB on Cardiac Substrate Utilization. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:177-191. [PMID: 38150518 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.319972] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The heart relies heavily on external fatty acid (FA) for energy production. VEGFB (vascular endothelial growth factor B) has been shown to promote endothelial FA uptake by upregulating FA transporters. However, its impact on LPL (lipoprotein lipase)-mediated lipolysis of lipoproteins, a major source of FA for cardiac use, is unknown. METHODS VEGFB transgenic (Tg) rats were generated by using the α-myosin heavy chain promoter to drive cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression. To measure coronary LPL activity, Langendorff hearts were perfused with heparin. In vivo positron emission tomography imaging with [18F]-triglyceride-fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid and [11C]-palmitate was used to determine cardiac FA uptake. Mitochondrial FA oxidation was evaluated by high-resolution respirometry. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes, and cardiac function was monitored using echocardiography. RESULTS In Tg hearts, the vectorial transfer of LPL to the vascular lumen is obstructed, resulting in LPL buildup within cardiomyocytes, an effect likely due to coronary vascular development with its associated augmentation of insulin action. With insulin insufficiency following fasting, VEGFB acted unimpeded to facilitate LPL movement and increase its activity at the coronary lumen. In vivo PET imaging following fasting confirmed that VEGFB induced a greater FA uptake to the heart from circulating lipoproteins as compared with plasma-free FAs. As this was associated with augmented mitochondrial oxidation, lipid accumulation in the heart was prevented. We further examined whether this property of VEGFB on cardiac metabolism could be useful following diabetes and its associated cardiac dysfunction, with attendant loss of metabolic flexibility. In Tg hearts, diabetes inhibited myocyte VEGFB gene expression and protein secretion together with its downstream receptor signaling, effects that could explain its lack of cardioprotection. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the novel role of VEGFB in LPL-derived FA supply and utilization. In diabetes, loss of VEGFB action may contribute toward metabolic inflexibility, lipotoxicity, and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Shang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (R.S., C.S.L., H.W., B.H., B.R.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | - Chae Syng Lee
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (R.S., C.S.L., H.W., B.H., B.R.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | - Hualin Wang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (R.S., C.S.L., H.W., B.H., B.R.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | - Roger Dyer
- Department of Pediatrics (R.D.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | - Christophe Noll
- Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, QC, Canada (C.N., A.C.)
| | - André Carpentier
- Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, QC, Canada (C.N., A.C.)
| | - Ibrahim Sultan
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland (I.S., K.A.)
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Finland (I.S., K.A.)
| | - Robert Boushel
- School of Kinesiology (R.B.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | - Bahira Hussein
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (R.S., C.S.L., H.W., B.H., B.R.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | - Brian Rodrigues
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (R.S., C.S.L., H.W., B.H., B.R.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver
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Li YQ, Zhang LY, Zhao YC, Xu F, Hu ZY, Wu QH, Li WH, Li YN. Vascular endothelial growth factor B improves impaired glucose tolerance through insulin-mediated inhibition of glucagon secretion. World J Diabetes 2023; 14:1643-1658. [DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i11.1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a homeostatic state between euglycemia and hyperglycemia and is considered an early high-risk state of diabetes. When IGT occurs, insulin sensitivity decreases, causing a reduction in insulin secretion and an increase in glucagon secretion. Recently, vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) has been demonstrated to play a positive role in improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Therefore, we constructed a mouse model of IGT through high-fat diet feeding and speculated that VEGFB can regulate hyperglycemia in IGT by influencing insulin-mediated glucagon secretion, thus contributing to the prevention and cure of prediabetes.
AIM To explore the potential molecular mechanism and regulatory effects of VEGFB on insulin-mediated glucagon in mice with IGT.
METHODS We conducted in vivo experiments through systematic VEGFB knockout and pancreatic-specific VEGFB overexpression. Insulin and glucagon secretions were detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) was determined using western blot. Further, mRNA expression of forkhead box protein O1, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose-6 phosphatase was detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the correlation between the expression of proteins was analyzed via bioinformatics.
RESULTS In mice with IGT and VEGFB knockout, glucagon secretion increased, and the protein expression of PI3K/AKT decreased dramatically. Further, in mice with VEGFB overexpression, glucagon levels declined, with the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION VEGFB/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 can promote insulin-mediated glucagon secretion by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to regulate glucose metabolism disorders in mice with IGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lu-Yang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu-Chi Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Hu
- School of Public Health and Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qi-Hao Wu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wen-Hao Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ya-Nuo Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
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Li YQ, Xin L, Zhao YC, Li SQ, Li YN. Role of vascular endothelial growth factor B in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its potential value. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:786-796. [PMID: 37397934 PMCID: PMC10308292 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i6.786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to fatty liver disease caused by liver injury factors other than alcohol. The disease is characterized by diffuse fat infiltration, including simple steatosis (no inflammatory fat deposition), nonalcoholic fatty hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and so on, which may cause liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer in the later stage of disease progression. At present, the pathogenesis of NAFLD is still being studied. The "two-hit" theory, represented by lipid metabolism disorder and inflammatory reactions, is gradually enriched by the "multiple-hit" theory, which includes multiple factors, such as insulin resistance and adipocyte dysfunction. In recent years, vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) has been reported to have the potential to regulate lipid metabolism and is expected to become a novel target for ameliorating metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes the regulatory role of VEGFB in the onset and development of NAFLD and illustrates its underlying molecular mechanism. In conclusion, the signaling pathway mediated by VEGFB in the liver may provide an innovative approach to the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Xin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu-Chi Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shang-Qi Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong, China, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ya-Nuo Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264000, Shandong Province, China
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Therapeutic Potential of VEGF-B in Coronary Heart Disease and Heart Failure: Dream or Vision? Cells 2022; 11:cells11244134. [PMID: 36552897 PMCID: PMC9776740 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death around the world. Based on the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members to regulate blood and lymphatic vessels and metabolic functions, several therapeutic approaches have been attempted during the last decade. However proangiogenic therapies based on classical VEGF-A have been disappointing. Therefore, it has become important to focus on other VEGFs such as VEGF-B, which is a novel member of the VEGF family. Recent studies have shown the very promising potential of the VEGF-B to treat CHD and heart failure. The aim of this review article is to present the role of VEGF-B in endothelial biology and as a potential therapeutic agent for CHD and heart failure. In addition, key differences between the VEGF-A and VEGF-B effects on endothelial functions are demonstrated.
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Luo X, Li RR, Li YQ, Yu HP, Yu HN, Jiang WG, Li YN. Reducing VEGFB expression regulates the balance of glucose and lipid metabolism in mice via VEGFR1. Mol Med Rep 2022; 26:285. [PMID: 35894135 PMCID: PMC9366154 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12801] [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] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, studies have demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) can affect the metabolism of fatty acids and glucose, and it is expected to become a target for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. At present, the specific mechanism that VEGFB regulates lipid and glucose metabolism balance is not completely understood. The present study used systemic VEGFB gene-knockout mice to investigate the effects of downregulation of the VEGFB gene on lipid metabolism and insulin secretion, and to explore the mechanism of the VEGFB pathway involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. The morphological changes in the liver and pancreas of mice after VEGFB gene deletion were observed under a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope, and the effects of VEGFB gene deletion on lipid metabolism and blood glucose balance were detected by a serological technique. The detection indexes included total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Simultaneously, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting insulin and glucagon were measured. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by using the insulin tolerance tests and glucose tolerance tests, and function of β-cell islets was evaluated by using the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic β-cell secretion index (HOMA-β). Τhe protein expression changes of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in mouse islets were detected by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) after the VEGFB gene was knocked down to analyze the mechanism of VEGFB that may be involved in glucose and lipid metabolism. It was observed that after VEGFB was knocked down, mouse hepatocytes exhibited steatosis and increased secretory vesicles in islet cells. The lipid metabolism indexes such as TG, TC and LDL increased significantly; however, the levels of FBS, postprandial blood glucose and HbA1c decreased, whereas the glucose tolerance increased. Serum insulin secretion increased and HOMA-IR decreased since VEGFB was knocked down. Western blotting and RT-qPCR results revealed that the expression levels of VEGFR1 and neuropilin-1 decreased after the VEGFB gene was knocked down, while the expression levels of VEGFA and VEGFR2 increased. The absence of VEGFB may be involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in mice by activating the VEGFA/VEGFR2 signaling pathway. VEGFB is expected to become a new target for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. At present, the mechanism of VEGFB involved in regulating lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism is not completely clear. It was identified that downregulating VEGFB improved lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. The role of VEGFB/VEGFR1 pathway and other family members in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism was detected, which provided a theoretical and experimental basis for VEGFB to affect the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Rong-Rong Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Qi Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Han-Pu Yu
- Clinical Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Ning Yu
- Department of Stomatology Medicine, School of Oral Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Guo Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Na Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
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