High-fat diet from perilla oil induces insulin resistance despite lower serum lipids and increases hepatic fatty acid oxidation in rats

Research Note: Effect of increasing fat supplementation in diets on productive performance, egg quality, and fatty liver incidence in laying hens throughout the entire laying cycle

This study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing fat supplementation in diets on productive performance, egg quality, and fatty liver incidence in laying hens during the entire laying cycle. A total of three hundred eighty-four 18-wk-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments with 8 replicates for a 52-wk feeding trial. Each replicate comprised 16 consecutive cages with 1 hen per cage. The experimental diets were prepared by supplementing 0, 1.5, or 3.0% tallow to a basal diet, but all nutrients and energy in 3 diets were formulated to be equalized according to the recommended nutrient and energy concentrations at each phase of laying hens. Results indicated that increasing fat supplementation in diets decreased (linear, P < 0.01) feed conversion ratio (FCR) by increased egg mass (linear, P < 0.05) but decreased feed intake (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) in laying hens during overall periods. Increasing fat supplementation in diets decreased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) egg yolk color during overall periods. Increasing fat supplementation in diets had no effects on liver color and hemorrhagic score measured at 60 wk (phase 3) and 70 wk of age (phase 4) without affecting hepatic fat concentrations during overall periods. However, the relative abdominal fat weight in laying hens was increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) during overall periods by increasing fat supplementation in diets. In conclusion, increasing fat supplementation up to 3.0% in diets improves FCR with no impacts on fatty liver incidence and economics in laying hens throughout the entire laying cycle.

Effects of dietary adjustment of n-3:n-6 fatty-acid ratio to 1:2 on anti-inflammatory and insulin-signaling pathways in ovariectomized mice with high fat diet-induced obesity

Estrogen deficiency increases the secretion of inflammatory mediators and can lead to obesity. Consequently, estrogen deficiency can cause metabolic syndrome, particularly insulin resistance during menopause. Both fish oil and perilla oil contain n-3 fatty acids, which may regulate several inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, adjusting the dietary n-3:n-6 fatty-acid ratio to 1:2 may help treat or prevent chronic diseases. Therefore, we investigated the effect of anti-inflammatory and insulin-signaling pathways, not solely in relation to the (n-3:n-6 fatty-acid ratio at 1:2), but also considering the origin of n-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and perilla oil, in a mouse model of estrogen deficiency induced by ovariectomy and obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Female C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups: sham mice on a normal diet; ovariectomized (OVX) mice on a normal diet (OC); OVX mice on a HFD plus lard oil (OL), fish oil (OF), or perilla oil (OP). The dietary n-3:n-6 ratio in the OF and OP groups was adjusted to 1:2. The results showed OF group exhibited significantly lower abdominal adipose tissue weight, fewer liver lipid droplets, and smaller uterine adipocytes, compared with the OL group. Compared with the OL group, the OF and OP groups exhibited higher oral glucose tolerance and lower serum alanine aminotransferase activity, triacylglycerol levels, and total cholesterol levels. Hepatic JAK2, STAT3, and SOCS3 mRNA expression and p-NF-κB p65 and IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the OF and OP groups than in the OL group. Only the OF group exhibited an increase in PI3K and Akt mRNA expression, decrease in GLUT2 mRNA expression, and considerable elevation of p-Akt. Both fish and perilla oil reduced inflammatory signaling markers. However, only fish oil improved insulin signaling (PI3K, Akt, and GLUT2). Our data suggest that fish oil can alleviate insulin signaling through activating the PI3K-Akt-GLUT2 cascade signaling pathway.

The Genome of the Korean Island-Originated Perilla citriodora 'Jeju17' Sheds Light on Its Environmental Adaptation and Fatty Acid and Lipid Production Pathways

Perilla is a key component of Korean food. It contains several plant-specialized metabolites that provide medical benefits. In response to an increased interest in healthy supplement food from the public, people are focusing on the properties of Perilla. Nevertheless, unlike rice and soybeans, there are few studies based on molecular genetics on Perilla, so it is difficult to systematically study the molecular breed. The wild Perilla, Perilla citriodora 'Jeju17', was identified a decade ago on the Korean island of Jeju. Using short-reads, long-reads, and Hi-C, a chromosome-scale genome spanning 676 Mbp, with high contiguity, was assembled. Aligning the 'Jeju17' genome to the 'PC002' Chinese species revealed significant collinearity with respect to the total length. A total of 31,769 coding sequences were predicted, among which 3331 were 'Jeju17'-specific. Gene enrichment of the species-specific gene repertoire highlighted environment adaptation, fatty acid metabolism, and plant-specialized metabolite biosynthesis. Using a homology-based approach, genes involved in fatty acid and lipid triacylglycerol biosynthesis were identified. A total of 22 fatty acid desaturases were found and comprehensively characterized. Expression of the FAD genes in 'Jeju17' was examined at the seed level, and hormone signaling factors were identified. The results showed that the expression of FAD genes in 'Jeju17' at the seed level was high 25 days after flowering, and their responses of hormones and stress were mainly associated with hormone signal transduction and abiotic stress via cis-elements patterns. This study presents a chromosome-level genome assembly of P. citriodora 'Jeju17', the first wild Perilla to be sequenced from the Korean island of Jeju. The analyses provided can be useful in designing ALA-enhanced Perilla genotypes in the future.

A comprehensive review of the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Perillae Fructus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Perilla frutescens (Linnaeus) Britton, Mem. Torrey Bot. Club 5: 277. 1894., is famous as a worldwide plant with multiple medical parts, including leaves, stems, fruits, etc. Perillae Fructus, the desiccative ripe fruit of P. frutescens, is locally called Zisuzi in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It is a popularly used herb for relieving cough and asthma, dissipating phlegm and treating constipation in some Asian countries, such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, etc. Various chemical compounds were isolated and identified from Perillae Fructus.

THE AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to summarize the botany, ethnopharmacological applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Perillae Fructus to provide scientific evidence for development and utilization Perillae Fructus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant information about Perillae Fructus was collected from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of science, CNKI, WanFang data, ancient classics and clinical reports. Some electronic databases were also retrieved.

RESULTS

Perillae Fructus was exerted to treat cough and asthma in traditional application. It also had the effect on moistening intestine to relieve constipation for tremendous lipid substances. Up to now, 193 compounds have been isolated and identified from Perillae Fructus, mainly including fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, triterpenoids and volatile oils. As for its pharmacological activities, prevalent traditional applications of Perillae Fructus have been supported by modern pharmacological experiments in vivo or in vitro, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Besides, Perillae Fructus also has hypolipidemic, anti-tumor, antibacterial effects, etc. This review will provide a scientific basis for further studies and rational applications of Perillae Fructus in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

According to its traditional applications, phytochemicals and pharmacological activities, Perillae Fructus was regarded as a valuable herb for application in medicine and food fields. Although some ingredients have been confirmed to have multiple pharmacological activities, their mechanisms of action are still unclear. Further studies on the material basis and mechanism of action are clearly warranted.

Effect of dietary concentrations of metabolizable energy and neutral detergent fiber on productive performance, egg quality, fatty liver incidence, and hepatic fatty acid metabolism in aged laying hens

The objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary concentrations of ME and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on productive performance, egg quality, fatty liver incidence, and hepatic fatty acid metabolism in aged laying hens. A total of three hundred twenty 75-wk-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 8 replicates. Each replicate consisted of 10 consecutive cages with 1 hen per cage. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangement consisting of 2 levels of ME (normal [commercially recommended AME_n levels; 2,730 kcal/kg] and low [50 kcal/kg reduction in AME_n; 2,680 kcal/kg]) and 2 levels of NDF (low [9.01 and 9.61%; normal-ME and low-ME diets_, respectively] and high [12.57 and 13.42%; normal-ME and low-ME diets_, respectively]) in the diet. The diets and water were provided to hens on an ad libitum basis for 12 wk. Results indicated that no interactions between dietary concentrations of ME and NDF were observed for all measurements except for egg yolk color, eggshell thickness, and 2 hepatic gene expressions (i.e., carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A and malic enzyme). For the main effects, increasing NDF concentrations in diets increased (P < 0.05) feed intake without affecting other productive performance. Hens fed normal-ME and high-NDF diets showed the darkest (P < 0.05) egg yolk color among those fed treatment diets, showing an interaction (P < 0.05). Increasing NDF concentrations in low-ME diets did not influence eggshell thickness, but those in normal-ME diets increased eggshell thickness in laying hens, showing an interaction (P < 0.05). For the main effects, increasing concentrations of dietary NDF or ME reduced (P < 0.05) hepatic fat concentrations with decreasing expressions in several genes related to fatty acid synthesis. In conclusion, increasing NDF concentrations in commercially-recommended ME diets decrease hepatic fat concentrations in aged laying hens, and therefore, may have a preventative effect on the fatty liver development in aged laying hens.

Advances in Understanding the Genetic Basis of Fatty Acids Biosynthesis in Perilla: An Update

Perilla, also termed as purple mint, Chinese basil, or Perilla mint, is a flavoring herb widely used in East Asia. Both crude oil and essential oil are employed for consumption as well as industrial purposes. Fatty acids (FAs) biosynthesis and oil body assemblies in Perilla have been extensively investigated over the last three decades. Recent advances have been made in order to reveal the enzymes involved in the fatty acid biosynthesis in Perilla. Among those fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid retained the attention of scientists mainly due to its medicinal and nutraceutical properties. Lipids synthesis in Perilla exhibited similarities with Arabidopsis thaliana lipids’ pathway. The homologous coding genes for polyunsaturated fatty acid desaturases, transcription factors, and major acyl-related enzymes have been found in Perilla via de novo transcriptome profiling, genome-wide association study, and in silico whole-genome screening. The identified genes covered de novo fatty acid synthesis, acyl-CoA dependent Kennedy pathway, acyl-CoA independent pathway, Triacylglycerols (TAGs) assembly, and acyl editing of phosphatidylcholine. In addition to the enzymes, transcription factors including WRINKLED, FUSCA3, LEAFY COTYLEDON1, and ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 have been suggested. Meanwhile, the epigenome aspect impacting the transcriptional regulation of FAs is still unclear and might require more attention from the scientific community. This review mainly outlines the identification of the key gene master players involved in Perilla FAs biosynthesis and TAGs assembly that have been identified in recent years. With the recent advances in genomics resources regarding this orphan crop, we provided an updated overview of the recent contributions into the comprehension of the genetic background of fatty acid biosynthesis. The provided resources can be useful for further usage in oil-bioengineering and the design of alpha-linolenic acid-boosted Perilla genotypes in the future.

Partial Replacement of Dietary Fat with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Attenuates the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatic Inflammation in Sprague-Dawley Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

In this study, we investigated whether the partial replacement of dietary fat with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ameliorated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic inflammation in rats fed a high-fat diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups and provided each of the following diets: (1) high-fat diet (HFD), (2) HFD with perilla oil (PO), and (3) HFD with corn oil (CO). After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (5 mg/kg) from Escherichia coli O55:B5 or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Following LPS stimulation, serum insulin levels were increased, while PO and CO lowered the serum levels of glucose and insulin. In the liver, LPS increased the triglyceride levels, while PO and CO alleviated the LPS-induced hepatic triglyceride accumulation. In the LPS injected rats, the mRNA expression of genes related to inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was attenuated by PO and CO in the liver. Furthermore, hepatic levels of proteins involved in the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, antioxidant response, and ER stress were lowered by PO- and CO-replacement. Therefore, the partial replacement of dietary fat with PUFAs alleviates LPS-induced hepatic inflammation during HFD consumption, which may decrease metabolic abnormalities.

Candidate gene screening for lipid deposition using combined transcriptomic and proteomic data from Nanyang black pigs

Background

Lower selection intensities in indigenous breeds of Chinese pig have resulted in obvious genetic and phenotypic divergence. One such breed, the Nanyang black pig, is renowned for its high lipid deposition and high genetic divergence, making it an ideal model in which to investigate lipid position trait mechanisms in pigs. An understanding of lipid deposition in pigs might improve pig meat traits in future breeding and promote the selection progress of pigs through modern molecular breeding techniques. Here, transcriptome and tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteome (TMT)-based proteome analyses were carried out using longissimus dorsi (LD) tissues from individual Nanyang black pigs that showed high levels of genetic variation.

Results

A large population of Nanyang black pigs was phenotyped using multi-production trait indexes, and six pigs were selected and divided into relatively high and low lipid deposition groups. The combined transcriptomic and proteomic data identified 15 candidate genes that determine lipid deposition genetic divergence. Among them, FASN, CAT, and SLC25A20 were the main causal candidate genes. The other genes could be divided into lipid deposition-related genes (BDH2, FASN, CAT, DHCR24, ACACA, GK, SQLE, ACSL4, and SCD), PPARA-centered fat metabolism regulatory factors (PPARA, UCP3), transcription or translation regulators (SLC25A20, PDK4, CEBPA), as well as integrin, structural proteins, and signal transduction-related genes (EGFR).

Conclusions

This multi-omics data set has provided a valuable resource for future analysis of lipid deposition traits, which might improve pig meat traits in future breeding and promote the selection progress in pigs, especially in Nanyang black pigs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07764-2.

Assessment of potential human health risk due to heavy metal contamination in edible finfish and shellfish collected around Ennore coast, India

This study aims to estimate anthropogenic sources of pollutants such as heavy metals that pollute or poison the commercial marine finfish and shellfish present around the Ennore coastal area and to identify, quantify and manage the associated risks for the betterment of society. The levels of toxic heavy metal concentrations from monitoring and surveillance of copper, chromium, cadmium, mercury, lead and zinc heavy metals were estimated from water, sediment and commercial marine finfish and shellfish samples that were collected for study. The individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) and Metal Pollution Index (MPI) values varied between finfish and shellfish. Target hazard quotient (THQ) index values were calculated, and copper and zinc were found to be elevated at levels affecting children in particular. Thus, efforts are urgently needed to resolve the current and potential risks associated with the negative impact of heavy metal intake from seafood on human health. This study attempts to identify levels of metal contamination and corresponding risk factors with regard to human health.

Effect of vegetable oils with different fatty acid composition on high-fat diet-induced obesity and colon inflammation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Different fatty acids exert different health benefits. This study investigated the potential protective effects of perilla, olive, and safflower oils on high-fat diet-induced obesity and colon inflammation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Five-week old, C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 5 groups: low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) and high-fat diet supplemented with-perilla oil (HPO), olive oil (HOO), and safflower oil (HSO). After 16 weeks of the experimental period, the mice were sacrificed, and blood and tissues were collected. The serum was analyzed for obesity- and inflammation-related biomarkers. Gene expression of the biomarkers in the liver, adipose tissue, and colon tissue was analyzed. Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis was performed one week before sacrifice.

RESULTS

Treatment with all the three oils significantly improved obesity-induced increases in body weight, liver weight, and epididymal fat weight as well as serum triglyceride and leptin levels. Treatment with perilla oil (PO) and safflower oil (SO) increased adiponectin levels. The micro-CT analysis revealed that PO and SO reduced abdominal fat volume considerably. The mRNA expression of lipogenic genes was reduced in all the three oil-supplemented groups and PO upregulated lipid oxidation in the liver. Supplementation of oils improved macroscopic score, increased colon length, and decreased serum endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokine levels in the colon. The abundance of Bifidobacteria was increased and that of Enterobacteriaceae was reduced in the PO-supplemented group. All three oils reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels, as indicated by the mRNA expression. In addition, PO increased the expression of tight junction proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our data indicate that the three oils exert similar anti-obesity effects. Interestingly, compared with olive oil and SO, PO provides better protection against high-fat diet-induced colon inflammation, suggesting that PO consumption helps manage inflammation-related diseases and provides omega-3 fatty acids needed by the body.

Pharmacokinetic and metabolomic analyses of Mangiferin calcium salt in rat models of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver is one of the most common comorbidities of diabetes. It can cause disturbance of glucose and lipid metabolism in the body, gradually develop into liver fibrosis, and even cause liver cirrhosis. Mangiferin has a variety of pharmacological activities, especially for the improvement of glycolipid metabolism and liver injury. However, its poor oral absorption and low bioavailability limit its further clinical development and application. The modification of mangiferin derivatives is the current research hotspot to solve this problem.

Methods

The plasma pharmacokinetic of mangiferin calcium salt (MCS) and mangiferin were monitored by HPLC. The urine metabolomics of MCS were conducted by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

Results

The pharmacokinetic parameters of MCS have been varied, and the oral absorption effect of MCS was better than mangiferin. Also MCS had a good therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetes and NAFLD rats by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Sixteen potential biomarkers had been identified based on metabolomics which were related to the corresponding pathways including Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, citric acid cycle, arginine biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, etc.

Conclusions

The present study validated the favorable pharmacokinetic profiles of MCS and the biochemical mechanisms of MCS in treating type 2 diabetes and NAFLD.

ELECTROACUPUNCTURE IMPROVES INSULIN SENSITIVITY IN HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED INSULIN RESISTANT RATS BY ACTIVATING SIRT1 AND GLUT4 IN QUADRICEPS FEMORIS

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongwan (CV12), and Fenglong (ST40) acupoints on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) expression in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin-resistant (IR) rats.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into normal control (NC), HFD, and HFD+EA groups. NC rats were fed a standard chow diet and did not receive EA. After being fed an HFD for eight weeks, rats in the HFD+EA group received EA at 2 Hz five times a week for eight weeks. Rats in the HFD group did not receive EA.

RESULTS

In HFD-induced IR rats, EA inhibited body weight increase and water intake, which were observed in HFD rats. EA had no effect on fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood sugar levels. Intraperitoneal insulin tolerance testing revealed that EA enhanced insulin sensitivity in HFD-induced IR rats. Compared with NC rats, SIRT1 and GLUT4 were downregulated in the quadriceps femoris of HFD-fed rats but were increased after eight weeks of EA stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

EA enhanced HFD-induced insulin resistance by activating SIRT1 and GLUT4 in the quadriceps femoris. These results provide powerful evidence supporting the beneficial effects of EA on HFD-induced insulin resistance.

Twelve-month Studies on Perilla Oil Intake in Japanese Adults-Possible Supplement for Mental Health

Perilla oil (PO), rich in α-linolenic acid (LNA, C18:3, ω-3), is increasingly alleged to have numerous health benefits in humans. However, the current reports detailing the effects of PO on human mental health are not adequate. Therefore, in the current investigation we compared the effects of PO or placebo treatment on the mental condition of healthy adult Japanese volunteers. At baseline and after 12 months of treatment, mental health condition was assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Apathy Scale, and serum biochemical parameters were determined. From baseline to 12 months of intervention, both SDS depression and apathy scores improved significantly in the PO-administered group. Compared to those of control group, serum norepinephrine and serotonin levels after 12 months decreased in the PO-administered group. The enhanced mental state observed in PO-subjects was accompanied by LNA level increases in erythrocyte plasma membranes. Our data demonstrate that PO intake enhances blood LNA levels and may maintain healthy mental conditions in adult subjects.

Effects of dietary perilla seed oil supplementation on lipid metabolism, meat quality, and fatty acid profiles in Yellow-feathered chickens

This study evaluated the effect of the dietary replacement of 1% lard (CT) with 1% perilla oil (PO), 0.9% perilla oil + 0.1% anise oil (PA), or 0.9% perilla oil + 0.1% ginger oil (PG) on indices of lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, meat quality, and fatty acid profiles from Yellow-feathered chickens at day 63. Compared with the CT chickens, those given perilla oil had decreased (P < 0.05) plasma lipid levels including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCH), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Hepatic TG, TCH levels, and fatty acid synthase activity were also decreased (P < 0.05) in chickens fed diets containing perilla oil. Abdominal fat percentage was significantly decreased in birds fed the PG compared to CT diets. Birds fed the PA or PG diets had increased (P < 0.05) hepatic total SOD, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase than in chickens given PO alone. In addition, the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in breast muscle was lower (P < 0.05) in birds fed PO compared with those given PG, and the reverse was true for content of malondialdehyde. Compared with the CT diet, the PO diet decreased breast muscle shear values and increased yellowness (b*) of breast muscle (P < 0.05). Birds fed the PA or PG diets had meat with better overall acceptability than those fed the CT diet. Chickens fed perilla oil diets exhibited higher contents of α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), DHA (22:6n-3), polyunsaturated fatty acids, and n-3 fatty acids, together with a lower content of myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), total saturated fatty acids, and n-6/n-3 ratio compared to controls (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that perilla oil has the potential to decrease lipid-related indices and improve fatty acid profiles of breast meat in chickens without adverse effect on antioxidant status or meat quality; this was even better when perilla oil was given together with anise oil or ginger oil.

Trace metal distribution in crab organs and human health risk assessment on consumption of crabs collected from coastal water of South East coast of India

The concentrations of nine heavy metals accumulated in different organs of two crab species collected from the South East coast of India were estimated. The order of trace metal concentration in different organs of Portunus pelagicus was Cu > Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb > Co > Hg = Cr = U in gills, Cu > Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb = Co > Hg > Cr = U in hepatopancreas, and Cu > Cr > Ni > Mn > Cd > Pb > Co > Hg > U in muscles, whereas that for Portunus sanguinolentus was Cu > Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb > Co > Hg > Cr = U in gills, Cu > Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb = Co > U > Cr = Hg in hepatopancreas, and Cr > Cu > Ni > Mn > Cd > Co > Pb > Hg = U in muscles. The order of trace metal uptake for different organs was gills > hepatopancreas > muscles. Individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) values varied between 0.0 and 0.52, 0.0 and 0.28, and 0.06 and 0.30 for gills, hepatopancreas, and muscles, respectively. Cr in muscles of P. sanguinolentus and Cu and Cd in all organs of both the species were found to be higher than the maximum permitted concentration recommended by food safety guidelines. Target hazard quotient (THQ) results suggested that there is a potential risk due to Co, Cd, and Cr, particularly for children, if the crab consumption frequency is more than once a month.

Data Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry Can Identify Circulating Proteins That Predict Future Weight Loss with a Diet and Exercise Programme

We investigated biological determinants that would associate with the response to a diet and weight loss programme in impaired glucose regulation (IGR) people using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra (SWATH) mass spectrometry (MS), a data acquisition method which complement traditional mass spectrometry-based proteomics techniques. Ten women and 10 men with IGR underwent anthropometric measurements and fasting blood tests. SWATH MS was carried out with subsequent immunoassay of specific peptide levels. After a six-month intervention, 40% of participants lost 3% or more in weight, 45% of patients remained within 3% of their starting weight and 15% increased their weight by 3% or more. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) level was reduced with weight loss with improvements in insulin sensitivity. SWATH MS on pre-intervention samples and subsequent principal component analysis identified a cluster of proteins associated with future weight loss, including insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) and Vitamin D binding protein. Individuals who lost 3% in weight had significantly higher baseline IGF-II levels than those who did not lose weight. SWATH MS successfully discriminated between individuals who were more likely to lose weight and potentially improve their sensitivity to insulin. A higher IGF-II baseline was predictive of success with weight reduction, suggesting that biological determinants are important in response to weight loss and exercise regimes. This may permit better targeting of interventions to prevent diabetes in the future.

Hepatic lipid accumulation: cause and consequence of dysregulated glucoregulatory hormones

Fatty liver can be diet, endocrine, drug, virus or genetically induced. Independent of cause, hepatic lipid accumulation promotes systemic metabolic dysfunction. By acting as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligands, hepatic non-esterified fatty acids upregulate expression of gluconeogenic, beta-oxidative, lipogenic and ketogenic genes, promoting hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and ketosis. The typical hormonal environment in fatty liver disease consists of hyperinsulinemia, hyperglucagonemia, hypercortisolemia, growth hormone deficiency and elevated sympathetic tone. These endocrine and metabolic changes further encourage hepatic steatosis by regulating adipose tissue lipolysis, liver lipid uptake, de novo lipogenesis (DNL), beta-oxidation, ketogenesis and lipid export. Hepatic lipid accumulation may be induced by 4 separate mechanisms: (1) increased hepatic uptake of circulating fatty acids, (2) increased hepatic de novo fatty acid synthesis, (3) decreased hepatic beta-oxidation and (4) decreased hepatic lipid export. This review will discuss the hormonal regulation of each mechanism comparing multiple physiological models of hepatic lipid accumulation. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is typified by increased hepatic lipid uptake, synthesis, oxidation and export. Chronic hepatic lipid signaling through PPARgamma results in gene expression changes that allow concurrent activity of DNL and beta-oxidation. The importance of hepatic steatosis in driving systemic metabolic dysfunction is highlighted by the common endocrine and metabolic disturbances across many conditions that result in fatty liver. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the metabolic dysfunction that develops as a consequence of hepatic lipid accumulation is critical to identifying points of intervention in this increasingly prevalent disease state.

Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids high fat diet intervention on the synthesis of hepatic high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in obesity-insulin resistance rats

Background

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have previously been demonstrated in association with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including insulin resistance, cancer and cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of n-3 PUFA-rich perilla oil (PO) and fish oil (FO) high fat diet intervention against the synthesis of hepatic high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in obesity-insulin resistance model rats.

Methods

In the modeling period, the male SD rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. The rats in the high fat (HF) group were given a high fat pure diet containing 20.62 % lard. In the intervention period, the model rats were intervened with purified high-fat diets rich in PO or FO, containing same energy content with high fat pure diet in HF. After the intervention, the protein and mRNA expressions status of the key genes involved in synthesis of hepatic HDL-c were measured for further analytic comparison.

Results

The obesity-insulin resistance model rats were characterized by surprisingly high levels of serum triglyceride (TG) and increased body weight (P < 0.05, each). After the intervention, there were no apparent changes in the serum HDL-c and total cholesterol (TCH). In addition, the FO could up-regulate the hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein expressions, as well as increase the level of serum apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) (P < 0.0001), and elevate the hepatic apoA-1mRNA expression (P < 0.01). Different from FO, the PO specifically elevated the hepatic ABCA1mRNA expression (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The FO high fat diets promoted the synthesis of HDL-c in the obesity-insulin resistance rats.

Rhesus monkey model of liver disease reflecting clinical disease progression and hepatic gene expression analysis

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a significant public health issue with heavy medical and economic burdens. The aetiology of ALD is not yet completely understood. The development of drugs and therapies for ALD is hampered by a lack of suitable animal models that replicate both the histological and metabolic features of human ALD. Here, we characterize a rhesus monkey model of alcohol-induced liver steatosis and hepatic fibrosis that is compatible with the clinical progression of the biochemistry and pathology in humans with ALD. Microarray analysis of hepatic gene expression was conducted to identify potential molecular signatures of ALD progression. The up-regulation of expression of hepatic genes related to liver steatosis (CPT1A, FASN, LEPR, RXRA, IGFBP1, PPARGC1A and SLC2A4) was detected in our rhesus model, as was the down-regulation of such genes (CYP7A1, HMGCR, GCK and PNPLA3) and the up-regulation of expression of hepatic genes related to liver cancer (E2F1, OPCML, FZD7, IGFBP1 and LEF1). Our results demonstrate that this ALD model reflects the clinical disease progression and hepatic gene expression observed in humans. These findings will be useful for increasing the understanding of ALD pathogenesis and will benefit the development of new therapeutic procedures and pharmacological reagents for treating ALD.

Fish oil supplementation alleviates depressant-like behaviors and modulates lipid profiles in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress

Background

Patients with major depressive disorder have a higher prevalence and incidence of dyslipidemia. However, clinical studies concerning the association between lipid levels and depression are inconsistent. Adipokines (like leptin and adiponectin) and ghrelin are strongly associated with lipid metabolism. Fish oil, which is reported to possess antidepressant effect, also have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and the cardiovascular system. In the present study, we investigated lipid metabolism in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and the effect of fish oil on lipid profiles, aforementioned adipokines and ghrelin.

Methods

Sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST) were used to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of fish oil. After the behavior tests, peripheral blood were collected. Serum parameters, including fasting triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TCH), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), free fatty acid (FFA), glucose (GLU), adipokines (leptin, adiponectin) and ghrelin were assayed.

Results

After 5 weeks of CUMS procedures, rats were induced to depressive-like state, and exhibited increased serum levels of TCH, HDL-c, FFA and decreased serum levels of leptin and ghrelin, whereas the serum status of adiponectin, GLU, TG and LDL-c remained stable. Fish oil treatment showed robust antidepressant effect and reversed the stress-induced lipid disturbance and decrease in serum concentration of ghrelin.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that CUMS altered the serum levels of lipid profiles, leptin and ghrelin in rats. Fish oil supplementation not only provided antidepressant-like effects, but also reversed the altered lipid profiles and ghrelin level in serum. Our data indicated that fish oil treatment exerts anti-depressant effect and regulates lipid disturbance simultaneously.

Estrogen and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation have a synergistic hypotriglyceridemic effect in ovariectomized rats

The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), EPA and DHA, as well as estrogen have been shown to decrease circulating levels of triglyceride (TG), but their underlying mode of action is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of n-3 PUFA consumption and estrogen injection on TG metabolism. Rats (n = 48) were fed a modified AIN-93G diet with 0, 1, or 2 % EPA + DHA relative to the total energy intake during 12 weeks. At 8 weeks, rats were ovariectomized (OVX), and after a 1-week recovery, rats were injected with either 17β-estradiol-3-benzoate (E2) or corn oil for the last 3 weeks. The n-3 PUFA consumption and E2 injection independently decreased the hepatic expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) (P < 0.05). There were interactions between n-3 PUFA consumption and E2 injection on hepatic expression of FAS and DGAT2. In addition, n-3 PUFA consumption and E2 injection up-regulated the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK, peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor α, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 in liver and skeletal muscle. E2 injection increased the expression of estrogen receptor α and β in skeletal muscle and liver, but n-3 PUFA consumption increased the expression of both receptors only in skeletal muscle. The present study suggests that the hypotriglyceridemic effects of n-3 PUFA consumption and E2 injection could be due to the down-regulation of hepatic TG synthesis and up-regulation of TG oxidation in liver and skeletal muscle in OVX rats.

Hepatic carboxylesterase 1 is induced by glucose and regulates postprandial glucose levels

Metabolic syndrome, characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension, increases the risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. Carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes triglycerides and cholesterol esters, and is important for lipid metabolism. Our previous data show that over-expression of mouse hepatic CES1 lowers plasma glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic ob/ob mice. In the present study, we determined the physiological role of hepatic CES1 in glucose homeostasis. Hepatic CES1 expression was reduced by fasting but increased in diabetic mice. Treatment of mice with glucose induced hepatic CES1 expression. Consistent with the in vivo study, glucose stimulated CES1 promoter activity and increased acetylation of histone 3 and histone 4 in the CES1 chromatin. Knockdown of ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), an enzyme that regulates histone acetylation, abolished glucose-mediated histone acetylation in the CES1 chromatin and glucose-induced hepatic CES1 expression. Finally, knockdown of hepatic CES1 significantly increased postprandial blood glucose levels. In conclusion, the present study uncovers a novel glucose-CES1-glucose pathway which may play an important role in regulating postprandial blood glucose levels.