Insulin increases ceramide synthesis in skeletal muscle

Ceramides Mediate Insulin-Induced Impairments in Cerebral Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in ApoE4 Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease worldwide. A large body of work implicates insulin resistance in the development and progression of AD. Moreover, impairment in mitochondrial function, a common symptom of insulin resistance, now represents a fundamental aspect of AD pathobiology. Ceramides are a class of bioactive sphingolipids that have been hypothesized to drive insulin resistance. Here, we describe preliminary work that tests the hypothesis that hyperinsulinemia pathologically alters cerebral mitochondrial function in AD mice via accrual of the ceramides. Homozygous male and female ApoE4 mice, an oft-used model of AD research, were given chronic injections of PBS (control), insulin, myriocin (an inhibitor of ceramide biosynthesis), or insulin and myriocin over four weeks. Cerebral ceramide content was assessed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates were measured with high-resolution respirometry, and H2O2 emissions were quantified via biochemical assays on brain tissue from the cerebral cortex. Significant increases in brain ceramides and impairments in brain oxygen consumption were observed in the insulin-treated group. These hyperinsulinemia-induced impairments in mitochondrial function were reversed with the administration of myriocin. Altogether, these data demonstrate a causative role for insulin in promoting brain ceramide accrual and subsequent mitochondrial impairments that may be involved in AD expression and progression.

Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Supplement Exerts Beneficial, Tissue-Specific Effects on Mitochondrial Efficiency and Redox Status in Healthy Adult Mice

Yerba maté, a herbal tea derived from Ilex paraguariensis, has previously been reported to be protective against obesity-related and other cardiometabolic disorders. Using high-resolution respirometry and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, the effects of four weeks of yerba maté consumption on mitochondrial efficiency and cellular redox status in skeletal muscle, adipose, and liver, tissues highly relevant to whole-body metabolism, were explored in healthy adult mice. Yerba maté treatment increased the mitochondrial oxygen consumption in adipose but not in the other examined tissues. Yerba maté increased the ATP concentration in skeletal muscle and decreased the ATP concentration in adipose. Combined with the observed changes in oxygen consumption, these data yielded a significantly higher ATP:O2, a measure of mitochondrial efficiency, in muscle and a significantly lower ATP:O2 in adipose, which was consistent with yerba maté-induced weight loss. Yerba maté treatment also altered the hepatic glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) redox potential to a more reduced redox state, suggesting the treatment's potential protective effects against oxidative stress and for the preservation of cellular function. Together, these data indicate the beneficial, tissue-specific effects of yerba maté supplementation on mitochondrial bioenergetics and redox states in healthy mice that are protective against obesity.

Bio-Hacking Better Health-Leveraging Metabolic Biochemistry to Maximise Healthspan

In the pursuit of longevity and healthspan, we are challenged with first overcoming chronic diseases of ageing: cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, dementias, type 2 diabetes mellitus. These are hyperinsulinaemia diseases presented in different tissue types. Hyperinsulinaemia reduces endogenous antioxidants, via increased consumption and reduced synthesis. Hyperinsulinaemia enforces glucose fuelling, consuming 4 NAD+ to produce 2 acetyl moieties; beta-oxidation, ketolysis and acetoacetate consume 2, 1 and 0, respectively. This decreases sirtuin, PARPs and oxidative management capacity, leaving reactive oxygen species to diffuse to the cytosol, upregulating aerobic glycolysis, NF-kB and cell division signalling. Also, oxidising cardiolipin, reducing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and apoptosis ability; driving a tumourigenic phenotype. Over time, increasing senescent/pathological cell populations occurs, increasing morbidity and mortality. Beta-hydroxybutyrate, an antioxidant, metabolite and signalling molecule, increases synthesis of antioxidants via preserving NAD+ availability and enhancing OXPHOS capacity. Fasting and ketogenic diets increase ketogenesis concurrently decreasing insulin secretion and demand; hyperinsulinaemia inhibits ketogenesis. Lifestyles that maintain lower insulin levels decrease antioxidant catabolism, additionally increasing their synthesis, improving oxidative stress management and mitochondrial function and, subsequently, producing healthier cells. This supports tissue and organ health, leading to a better healthspan, the first challenge that must be overcome in the pursuit of youthful longevity.

Protective Role of Mitochondrial Uncoupling Proteins against Age-Related Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The accumulation of oxidative damage to DNA and other biomolecules plays an important role in the etiology of aging and age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is especially sensitive to oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from the accumulation of mtDNA damage impairs normal cellular function and leads to a bioenergetic crisis that accelerates aging and associated diseases. Age-related mitochondrial dysfunction decreases ATP production, which directly affects insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells and triggers the gradual development of the chronic metabolic dysfunction that characterizes T2D. At the same time, decreased glucose oxidation in skeletal muscle due to mitochondrial damage leads to prolonged postprandial blood glucose rise, which further worsens glucose homeostasis. ROS are not only highly reactive by-products of mitochondrial respiration capable of oxidizing DNA, proteins, and lipids but can also function as signaling and effector molecules in cell membranes mediating signal transduction and inflammation. Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of various tissues can be activated by ROS to protect cells from mitochondrial damage. Mitochondrial UCPs facilitate the reflux of protons from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the matrix, thereby dissipating the proton gradient required for oxidative phosphorylation. There are five known isoforms (UCP1-UCP5) of mitochondrial UCPs. UCP1 can indirectly reduce ROS formation by increasing glutathione levels, thermogenesis, and energy expenditure. In contrast, UCP2 and UCP3 regulate fatty acid metabolism and insulin secretion by beta cells and modulate insulin sensitivity. Understanding the functions of UCPs may play a critical role in developing pharmacological strategies to combat T2D. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the protective role of various UCP homologs against age-related oxidative stress in T2D.

Serum C18:1-Cer as a Potential Biomarker for Early Detection of Gestational Diabetes

We hypothesized that sphingolipids may be early biomarkers of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Here, 520 women with normal fasting plasma glucose levels were recruited in the first trimester and tested with a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in the 24th–28th week of pregnancy. Serum sphingolipids concentrations were measured in the first and the second trimester by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) in 53 patients who were diagnosed with GDM, as well as 82 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 32 non-pregnant women. In the first trimester, pregnant women showed higher concentrations of C16:0, C18:1, C22:0, C24:1, and C24:0-Cer and lower levels of sphinganine (SPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) compared to non-pregnant women. During pregnancy, we observed significant changes in C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and C24:1-Cer levels in the GDM group and C18:1 and C24:0-Cer in NGT. The GDM (pre-conversion) and NGT groups in the first trimester differed solely in the levels of C18:1-Cer (AUC = 0.702 p = 0.008), also considering glycemia. Thus, C18:1-Cer revealed its potential as a GDM biomarker. Sphingolipids are known to be a modulator of insulin resistance, and our results indicate that ceramide measurements in early pregnancy may help with GDM screening.

Role of nitric oxide in type 1 diabetes-induced osteoporosis

Type 1 diabetes (T1D)-induced osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mineral density, bone quality, rate of bone healing, bone formation, and increased bone resorption. Patients with T1D have a 2-7-fold higher risk of osteoporotic fracture. The mechanisms leading to increased risk of osteoporotic fracture in T1D include insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, lower insulin-like growth factor-1, hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, and inflammation. In addition, a higher probability of falling, kidney dysfunction, weakened vision, and neuropathy indirectly increase the risk of osteoporotic fracture in T1D patients. Decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability contributes to the pathophysiology of T1D-induced osteoporotic fracture. This review discusses the role of NO in osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in T1D. In addition, the mechanisms involved in reduced NO bioavailability and activity in type 1 diabetic bones as well as NO-based therapy for T1D-induced osteoporosis are summarized. Available data indicates that lower NO bioavailability in diabetic bones is due to disruption of phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase/protein kinase B/endothelial NO synthases and NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate/protein kinase G signaling pathways. Thus, NO bioavailability may be boosted directly or indirectly by NO donors. As NO donors with NO-like effects in the bone, inorganic nitrate and nitrite can potentially be used as novel therapeutic agents for T1D-induced osteoporosis. Inorganic nitrites and nitrates can decrease the risk for osteoporotic fracture probably directly by decreasing osteoclast activity, decreasing fat accumulation in the marrow cavity, increasing osteoblast activity, and increasing bone perfusion or indirectly, by improving hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and reducing body weight.

Rethinking Fragility Fractures in Type 2 Diabetes: The Link between Hyperinsulinaemia and Osteofragilitas

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD), conditions of hyperinsulinaemia, have lower levels of osteocalcin and bone remodelling, and increased rates of fragility fractures. Unlike osteoporosis with lower bone mineral density (BMD), T2DM bone fragility "hyperinsulinaemia-osteofragilitas" phenotype presents with normal to increased BMD. Hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance positively associate with increased BMD and fragility fractures. Hyperinsulinaemia enforces glucose fuelling, which decreases NAD+-dependent antioxidant activity. This increases reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial fission, and decreases oxidative phosphorylation high-energy production capacity, required for osteoblasto/cytogenesis. Osteocytes directly mineralise and resorb bone, and inhibit mineralisation of their lacunocanalicular space via pyrophosphate. Hyperinsulinaemia decreases vitamin D availability via adipocyte sequestration, reducing dendrite connectivity, and compromising osteocyte viability. Decreased bone remodelling and micropetrosis ensues. Trapped/entombed magnesium within micropetrosis fossilisation spaces propagates magnesium deficiency (MgD), potentiating hyperinsulinaemia and decreases vitamin D transport. Vitamin D deficiency reduces osteocalcin synthesis and favours osteocyte apoptosis. Carbohydrate restriction/fasting/ketosis increases beta-oxidation, ketolysis, NAD+-dependent antioxidant activity, osteocyte viability and osteocalcin, and decreases excess insulin exposure. Osteocalcin is required for hydroxyapatite alignment, conferring bone structural integrity, decreasing fracture risk and improving metabolic/endocrine homeodynamics. Patients presenting with fracture and normal BMD should be investigated for T2DM and hyperinsulinaemia.

Metabolic Phenotypes and Step by Step Evolution of Type 2 Diabetes: A New Paradigm

Unlike bolus insulin secretion mechanisms, basal insulin secretion is poorly understood. It is essential to elucidate these mechanisms in non-hyperinsulinaemia healthy persons. This establishes a baseline for investigation into pathologies where these processes are dysregulated, such as in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), certain cancers and dementias. Chronic hyperinsulinaemia enforces glucose fueling, depleting the NAD+ dependent antioxidant activity that increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Consequently, beta-cell mitochondria increase uncoupling protein expression, which decreases the mitochondrial ATP surge generation capacity, impairing bolus mediated insulin exocytosis. Excessive ROS increases the Drp1:Mfn2 ratio, increasing mitochondrial fission, which increases mtROS; endoplasmic reticulum-stress and impaired calcium homeostasis ensues. Healthy individuals in habitual ketosis have significantly lower glucagon and insulin levels than T2DM individuals. As beta-hydroxybutyrate rises, hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis supply extra-hepatic glucose needs, and osteocalcin synthesis/release increases. We propose insulin’s primary role is regulating beta-hydroxybutyrate synthesis, while the role of bone regulates glucose uptake sensitivity via osteocalcin. Osteocalcin regulates the alpha-cell glucagon secretory profile via glucagon-like peptide-1 and serotonin, and beta-hydroxybutyrate synthesis via regulating basal insulin levels. Establishing metabolic phenotypes aids in resolving basal insulin secretion regulation, enabling elucidation of the pathological changes that occur and progress into chronic diseases associated with ageing.

Thromboembolic Complications of SARS-CoV-2 and Metabolic Derangements: Suggestions from Clinical Practice Evidence to Causative Agents

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus (CoV)-2 is a recently identified positive sense single-strand RNA (ssRNA) β-coronavirus. The viral spike proteins infect human hosts by binding to the cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The infection causes a systemic illness involving cell metabolism. This widespread involvement is implicated in the pathophysiology of the illness which ranges from mild to severe, requiring multi organ support, ranging from oxygen supplementation to full cardiovascular and respiratory support. Patients with multiple co-existing comorbidities are also at a higher risk. The aim of this review is to explore the exact mechanisms by which COVID-19 affects patients systemically with a primary focus on the bleeding and thrombotic complications linked with the disease. Issues surrounding the thrombotic complications following administration of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Astra-Zeneca-Oxford) vaccine have also been illustrated. Risk stratification and treatment options in these patients should be tailored according to clinical severity with input from a multidisciplinary team.

Emerging Diabetic Novel Biomarkers of the 21st Century

Diabetes is a growing epidemic with estimated prevalence of infected to reach ~592 million by the year 2035. An effective way to approach is to detect the disease at a very early stage to reduce the complications and improve lifestyle management. Although several traditional biomarkers including glucated hemoglobin, glucated albumin, fructosamine, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol have helped in ease of diagnosis, there is lack of sensitivity and specificity and are inaccurate in certain clinical settings. Thus, search for new and effective biomarkers is a continuous process with an aim of accurate and timely diagnosis. Several novel biomarkers have surged in the present century that are helpful in timely detection of the disease condition. Although it is accepted that a single biomarker will have its inherent limitations, combining several markers will help to identify individuals at high risk of developing prediabetes and eventually its progression to frank diabetes. This review describes the novel biomarkers of the 21st century, both in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and their present potential for assessing risk stratification due to insulin resistance that will pave the way for improved clinical outcome.

Relationships between hyperinsulinaemia, magnesium, vitamin D, thrombosis and COVID-19: rationale for clinical management

Risk factors for COVID-19 patients with poorer outcomes include pre-existing conditions: obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart failure, hypertension, low oxygen saturation capacity, cancer, elevated: ferritin, C reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer. A common denominator, hyperinsulinaemia, provides a plausible mechanism of action, underlying CVD, hypertension and strokes, all conditions typified with thrombi. The underlying science provides a theoretical management algorithm for the frontline practitioners.Vitamin D activation requires magnesium. Hyperinsulinaemia promotes: magnesium depletion via increased renal excretion, reduced intracellular levels, lowers vitamin D status via sequestration into adipocytes and hydroxylation activation inhibition. Hyperinsulinaemia mediates thrombi development via: fibrinolysis inhibition, anticoagulation production dysregulation, increasing reactive oxygen species, decreased antioxidant capacity via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide depletion, haem oxidation and catabolism, producing carbon monoxide, increasing deep vein thrombosis risk and pulmonary emboli. Increased haem-synthesis demand upregulates carbon dioxide production, decreasing oxygen saturation capacity. Hyperinsulinaemia decreases cholesterol sulfurylation to cholesterol sulfate, as low vitamin D regulation due to magnesium depletion and/or vitamin D sequestration and/or diminished activation capacity decreases sulfotransferase enzyme SULT2B1b activity, consequently decreasing plasma membrane negative charge between red blood cells, platelets and endothelial cells, thus increasing agglutination and thrombosis.Patients with COVID-19 admitted with hyperglycaemia and/or hyperinsulinaemia should be placed on a restricted refined carbohydrate diet, with limited use of intravenous dextrose solutions. Degree/level of restriction is determined by serial testing of blood glucose, insulin and ketones. Supplemental magnesium, vitamin D and zinc should be administered. By implementing refined carbohydrate restriction, three primary risk factors, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia and hypertension, that increase inflammation, coagulation and thrombosis risk are rapidly managed.

Differential placental ceramide levels during gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with important factors that influence fetal development. Sphingolipids are known to be associated with the development of diabetes. Our objective was to examine ceramide, a key sphingolipid, hyperosmolarity, and apoptosis in placentas from GDM patients treated with insulin or diet.

METHODS

Ceramide levels were assessed in placental tissues using immunohistochemistry. Immunoblot was performed to quantify serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in ceramide biosynthesis, NFAT5, SMIT, AR, caspase 3 and the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. Trophoblast cells were treated with insulin or ceramide and assessments for mitochondrial respiration, caspase 3 and XIAP were also performed.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry showed increased ceramides in the placental villous trophoblasts of the insulin-treated GDM patients. Nuclear SPT was upregulated only in the insulin-treated GDM placenta when compared to controls. Nuclear NFAT5 was also increased in the GDM placenta. Active caspase 3 was elevated in placentas from both insulin- and diet-treated GDM patients. Mitochondrial respiration was decreased in trophoblasts treated with ceramide. Active caspase was not changed while XIAP protein was increased in trophoblasts treated with ceramide.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm the presence of ceramide in the human placenta of control and GDM patients. Furthermore, we conclude that ceramide is increased in the placental trophoblast during insulin treatment and that its upregulation correlates with elevated NFAT5, SMIT, increased apoptosis and decreased trophoblast mitochondrial respiration.

Insulin selectively reduces mitochondrial uncoupling in brown adipose tissue in mice

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of prolonged hyperinsulinemia on mitochondrial respiration and uncoupling in distinct adipose tissue depots. Sixteen-week-old male mice were injected daily with placebo or insulin to induce an artificial hyperinsulinemia for 28 days. Following the treatment period, mitochondrial respiration and degree of uncoupling were determined in permeabilized perirenal, inguinal, and interscapular adipose tissue. White adipose tissue (WAT) mitochondria (inguinal and perirenal) respire at substantially lower rates compared with brown adipose tissue (BAT). Insulin treatment resulted in a significant reduction in mitochondrial respiration in inguinal WAT (iWAT) and interscapular BAT (iBAT), but not in perirenal WAT (pWAT). Furthermore, these changes were accompanied by an insulin-induced reduction in UCP-1 (uncoupling protein 1) and PGC-1α in iWAT and iBAT only, but not in pWAT or skeletal muscle. Compared with adipose tissue mitochondria in placebo conditions, adipose tissue from hyperinsulinemic mice manifested a site-specific reduction in mitochondrial respiration probably as a result of reduced uncoupling. These results may help explain weight gain so commonly seen with insulin treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

High-Mobility Group Box 1 Disrupts Metabolic Function with Cigarette Smoke Exposure in a Ceramide-Dependent Manner

We have previously found that cigarette smoke disrupts metabolic function, in part, by increasing muscle ceramide accrual. To further our understanding of this, we sought to determine the role of the cytokine high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which is increased with smoke exposure, in smoke-induced muscle metabolic perturbations. To test this theory, we determined HMGB1 from lungs of human smokers, as well as from lung cells from mice exposed to cigarette smoke. We also treated cells and mice directly with HMGB1, in the presence or absence of myriocin, an inhibitor of serine palmitoyltransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme in ceramide biosynthesis. Outcomes included assessments of insulin resistance and muscle mitochondrial function. HMGB1 was significantly increased in both human lungs and rodent alveolar macrophages. Further testing revealed that HMGB1 treatment elicited a widespread increase in ceramide species and reduction in myotube mitochondrial respiration, an increase in reactive oxygen species, and reduced insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Inhibition of ceramide biosynthesis with myriocin was protective. In mice, by comparing treatments of HMGB1 injections with or without myriocin, we found that HMGB1 injections resulted in increased muscle ceramides, especially C16 and C24, which were necessary for reduced muscle mitochondrial respiration and compromised insulin and glucose tolerance. In conclusion, HMGB1 may be a necessary intermediate in the ceramide-dependent metabolic consequences of cigarette smoke exposure.

β-Cell deletion of Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 nuclear receptors impedes mitochondrial respiration and insulin secretion

β-Cell insulin secretion is dependent on proper mitochondrial function. Various studies have clearly shown that the Nr4a family of orphan nuclear receptors is essential for fuel utilization and mitochondrial function in liver, muscle, and adipose. Previously, we have demonstrated that overexpression of Nr4a1 or Nr4a3 is sufficient to induce proliferation of pancreatic β-cells. In this study, we examined whether Nr4a expression impacts pancreatic β-cell mitochondrial function. Here, we show that β-cell mitochondrial respiration is dependent on the nuclear receptors Nr4a1 and Nr4a3. Mitochondrial respiration in permeabilized cells was significantly decreased in β-cells lacking Nr4a1 or Nr4a3. Furthermore, respiration rates of intact cells deficient for Nr4a1 or Nr4a3 in the presence of 16 mM glucose resulted in decreased glucose mediated oxygen consumption. Consistent with this reduction in respiration, a significant decrease in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion rates is observed with deletion of Nr4a1 or Nr4a3. Interestingly, the changes in respiration and insulin secretion occur without a reduction in mitochondrial content, suggesting decreased mitochondrial function. We establish that knockdown of Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 results in decreased expression of the mitochondrial dehydrogenase subunits Idh3g and Sdhb. We demonstrate that loss of Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 impedes production of ATP and ultimately inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. These data demonstrate for the first time that the orphan nuclear receptors Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 are critical for β-cell mitochondrial function and insulin secretion.

Insulin treatment increases myocardial ceramide accumulation and disrupts cardiometabolic function

Background

States of hyperinsulinemia, particularly insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, are becoming remarkably common, with roughly half a billion people likely to suffer from the disorder within the next 15 years. Along with this rise has been an associated increased burden of cardiovascular disease. Considering type 2 diabetics treated with insulin are more likely to suffer from heart complications, we sought to determine the specific effect of insulin on ceramide-dependent cardiometabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance and altered heart mitochondrial physiology.

Methods

H9c2 cardiomyocytes and adult mice were treated with insulin with or without myriocin to inhibit ceramide biosynthesis. Insulin and glucose changes were tracked throughout the study and mitochondrial bioenergetics was determined in permeabilized cardiomyocytes and myocardium.

Results

Herein, we demonstrate that insulin is sufficient to disrupt heart mitochondrial respiration in both isolated cardiomyocytes and whole myocardium, possibly by increasing mitochondrial fission. Further, insulin increases ceramide accrual in a time-dependent manner, which is necessary for insulin-induced alterations in heart mitochondrial respiration and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Collectively, these observations have two implications. First, they indicate a pathological role of insulin in heart complications stemming from mitochondrial disruption. Second, they identify ceramide as a possible mediator of insulin-related heart disorders.

Obesity and kidney disease: differential effects of obesity on adipose tissue and kidney inflammation and fibrosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide a perspective by investigating the potential cross-talk between the adipose tissue and the kidney during obesity.

RECENT FINDINGS

It is well established that excessive caloric intake contributes to organ injury. The associated increased adiposity initiates a cascade of cellular events that leads to progressive obesity-associated diseases such as kidney disease. Recent evidence has indicated that adipose tissue produces bioactive substances that contribute to obesity-related kidney disease, altering the renal function and structure. In parallel, proinflammatory processes within the adipose tissue can also lead to pathophysiological changes in the kidney during the obese state.

SUMMARY

Despite considerable efforts to better characterize the pathophysiology of obesity-related metabolic disease, there are still a lack of efficient therapeutic strategies. New strategies focused on regulating adipose function with respect to AMP-activated protein kinase activation, NADPH oxidase function, and TGF-β may contribute to reducing adipose inflammation that may also provide renoprotection.

Cardiomyocyte mitochondrial respiration is reduced by receptor for advanced glycation end-product signaling in a ceramide-dependent manner

Cigarette smoke exposure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is already well established in numerous comorbidities, including cardiomyopathy. Given the role of AGEs and their receptor, RAGE, in activating inflammatory pathways, we sought to determine whether ceramides could be a mediator of RAGE-induced altered heart mitochondrial function. Using an in vitro model, we treated H9C2 cardiomyocytes with the AGE carboxy-methyllysine before mitochondrial respiration assessment. We discovered that mitochondrial respiration was significantly impaired in AGE-treated cells, but not when cotreated with myriocin, an inhibitor of de novo ceramide biosynthesis. Moreover, we exposed wild-type and RAGE knockout mice to secondhand cigarette smoke and found reduced mitochondrial respiration in the left ventricular myocardium from wild-type mice, but RAGE knockout mice were protected from this effect. Finally, conditional overexpression of RAGE in the lungs of transgenic mice elicited a robust increase in left ventricular ceramides in the absence of smoke exposure. Taken together, these findings suggest a RAGE-ceramide axis as an important contributor to AGE-mediated disrupted cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function.

Anti-Diabetic Effect of Aster sphathulifolius in C57BL/KsJ-db/db Mice

In this study, we investigated the anti-diabetic effect of Aster sphathulifolius (AS) extract in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. The db/db mice were orally administered with AS 50% ethanol extract at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day (db/db-AS50, db/db-AS100, and db/db-AS200, respectively) for 10 weeks. Food and water intake, fasting blood glucose concentrations, blood glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and plasma insulin levels were significantly lower in the db/db-AS200 group than in the vehicle-treated db/db group; whereas glucose tolerance was significantly improved in the db/db-AS200 group. Moreover, AS dose dependently increased both insulin receptor substrate 1 and glucose transporter type 4 expression in skeletal muscle, significantly increased glucokinase expression, and decreased glucose 6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expressions in the liver. The expressions of transcription factors, such as sterol-regulatory element-binding protein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and adipocyte protein 2, were upregulated in adipose tissue. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis showed that AS upregulated insulin production by increasing pancreatic β-cell mass. In summary, AS extract normalized hyperglycemia by multiple mechanisms: inhibition of glyconeogenesis, acceleration of glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism, and increase of glucose uptake. Using in vivo assays, this study has shown the potential of AS as a medicinal food and suggests the efficacy of AS for the use of prevention of diabetes.