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Bielka W, Przezak A, Pawlik A. Follistatin and follistatin-like 3 in metabolic disorders. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2023; 169:106785. [PMID: 37739334 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2023.106785] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST) is a glycoprotein which main role is antagonizing activity of transforming growth factor β superfamily members. Folistatin-related proteins such as follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) also reveal these properties. The exact function of them has still not been established, but it can be bound to the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. So far, there were performed a few studies about their role in type 2 diabetes, obesity or gestational diabetes and even less in type 1 diabetes. The outcomes are contradictory and do not allow to draw exact conclusions. In this article we summarize the available information about connections between follistatin, as well as follistatin-like 3, and metabolic disorders. We also emphasize the strong need of performing further research to explain their exact role, especially in the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Bielka
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Przezak
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
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Valenzuela-Vallejo L, Chrysafi P, Kouvari M, Guatibonza-Garcia V, Mylonakis SC, Katsarou A, Verrastro O, Markakis G, Eslam M, Papatheodoridis G, Mingrone G, George J, Mantzoros CS. Circulating hormones in biopsy-proven steatotic liver disease and steatohepatitis: A Multicenter Observational Study. Metabolism 2023; 148:155694. [PMID: 37757973 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of metabolic/inflammatory hormonal systems in metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains to be fully elucidated. PURPOSE To report the levels of the novel total and H-specific growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and other established hormonal systems and to describe hormonal patterns in controls and patients with MASLD and its stages. METHODS This is a multicenter study from two Gastroenterology-Hepatology Departments (Greece and Australia) and one Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery Department (Italy). Overall, n = 455 serum samples of patients with biopsy-proven MASLD (n = 374) and Controls (n = 81) were recruited. RESULTS We report for the first time that total and H-specific GDF-15 levels are higher in MASLD, at-risk metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and severe fibrosis than in Controls. In addition, follistatin-like-3 (FSTL-3), free insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), leptin, and insulin levels were higher in MASLD patients than in Controls, while adiponectin levels were lower in MASLD subjects than in Controls. Activin-A, follistatin (FST), FSTL-3, and insulin levels significantly increased in severe fibrosis compared to no/mild fibrosis, while free IGF-1 decreased. In addition, adiponectin levels were lower in subjects without fibrosis vs. any fibrosis. Moreover, GDF-15 presented a strong positive association for the likelihood of having MASLD and at-risk MASH, while in adjusted analyses, FST and adiponectin showed inverse associations. Two different patterns of at-risk MASH were revealed through unsupervised analysis (total variation explained=54%). The most frequent pattern met in our sample (34.3%) was characterized by higher levels of total and H-specific GDF-15, follistatins, and activins, as well as low adiponectin levels. The second pattern revealed was characterized by high levels of free IGF-1, insulin, and leptin, with low levels of activin-A and adiponectin. Similar patterns were also generated in the case of overall MASLD. CONCLUSIONS Total and H-specific GDF-15 levels increase as MASLD severity progresses. FSTL-3, free IGF-1, leptin, and insulin are also higher, whereas adiponectin and activin-A levels are lower in the MASLD group than in Controls. Hormonal systems, including GDF-15, may not only be involved in the pathophysiology but could also prove useful for the diagnostic workup of MASLD and its stages and may potentially be of therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Valenzuela-Vallejo
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Pavlina Chrysafi
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Matina Kouvari
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Valentina Guatibonza-Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Sophia C Mylonakis
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Angeliki Katsarou
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Ornella Verrastro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Markakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Georgios Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Geltrude Mingrone
- Department of Gastroenterology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America; Department of Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, United States of America
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Puolakkainen T, Rummukainen P, Pihala-Nieminen V, Ritvos O, Savontaus E, Kiviranta R. Treatment with Soluble Activin Type IIB Receptor Ameliorates Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss and Fat Gain in Mice. Calcif Tissue Int 2022; 110:504-517. [PMID: 35024891 PMCID: PMC8927044 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-021-00934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In postmenopausal osteoporosis, hormonal changes lead to increased bone turnover and metabolic alterations including increased fat mass and insulin resistance. Activin type IIB receptors bind several growth factors of the TGF-β superfamily and have been demonstrated to increase muscle and bone mass. We hypothesized that ActRIIB-Fc treatment could improve bone and muscle mass, inhibit fat accumulation, and restore metabolic alterations in an ovariectomy (OVX) model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female C57Bl/6 N mice were subjected to SHAM or OVX procedures and received intraperitoneal injections of either PBS or ActRIIB-Fc (5 mg/kg) once weekly for 7 weeks. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTT and ITT, respectively) were performed at 7 and 8 weeks, respectively. Bone samples were analyzed with micro-computed tomography imaging, histomorphometry, and quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Bone mass decreased in OVX PBS mice compared to the SHAM PBS group but ActRIIB-Fc was able to prevent these changes as shown by µCT and histological analyses. This was due to decreased osteoclast numbers and function demonstrated by histomorphometric and qRT-PCR analyses. OVX induced adipocyte hypertrophy that was rescued by ActRIIB-Fc, which also decreased systemic adipose tissue accumulation. OVX itself did not affect glucose levels in GTT but ActRIIB-Fc treatment resulted in impaired glucose clearance in both SHAM and OVX groups. OVX induced mild insulin resistance in ITT but ActRIIB-Fc treatment did not affect this. CONCLUSION Our results reinforce the potency of ActRIIB-Fc as a bone-enhancing agent but also bring new insight into the metabolic effects of ActRIIB-Fc in normal and OVX mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tero Puolakkainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Petri Rummukainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Vappu Pihala-Nieminen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eriika Savontaus
- Clinical Pharmacology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riku Kiviranta
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520, Turku, Finland.
- Department of Endocrinology, Division of Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Deep proteomic profiling unveils arylsulfatase A as a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis inducible hepatokine and regulator of glycemic control. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1259. [PMID: 35273160 PMCID: PMC8913628 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28889-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and type 2 diabetes are closely linked, yet the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning this bidirectional relationship remain unresolved. Using proteomic approaches, we interrogate hepatocyte protein secretion in two models of murine NASH to understand how liver-derived factors modulate lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. We reveal striking hepatokine remodelling that is associated with insulin resistance and maladaptive lipid metabolism, and identify arylsulfatase A (ARSA) as a hepatokine that is upregulated in NASH and type 2 diabetes. Mechanistically, hepatic ARSA reduces sulfatide content and increases lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) accumulation within lipid rafts and suppresses LPC secretion from the liver, thereby lowering circulating LPC and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) levels. Reduced LPA is linked to improvements in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and systemic glycemic control. Hepatic silencing of Arsa or inactivation of ARSA's enzymatic activity reverses these effects. Together, this study provides a unique resource describing global changes in hepatokine secretion in NASH, and identifies ARSA as a regulator of liver to muscle communication and as a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes.
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Glucagon is associated with NAFLD inflammatory progression in type 2 diabetes, not with NAFLD fibrotic progression. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:e818-e823. [PMID: 34402473 PMCID: PMC8734619 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Higher prevalence of progressive stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hyperglucagonemia were observed in type 2 diabetes. We aim to investigate whether islet alpha cell dysfunction (evaluated by glucagon) associates with NAFLD progression in type 2 diabetic adults. METHODS A total of 4937 diabetic participants were enrolled from seven communities in Shanghai, China. Probable nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was defined by the presence of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. Probable NAFLD fibrosis score was used to identify patients with different risk stratification of bridging fibrosis (stage 3) or cirrhosis (stage 4). RESULTS After adjustment for age, sex, duration of diabetes, current smoking, waist circumference, C-peptide, HbA1c, dyslipidemia, hypertension and use of incretins and SGLT2 inhibitor, glucagon quartiles were negatively associated with probable NASH (Q4 vs. Q1 OR 0.71, 95% confidence interval, 0.53-0.96, P for trend=0.010), though they were not associated with simple NAFLD (P for trend=0.176). Furthermore, glucagon was not significantly associated with fibrotic progression of liver steatosis in diabetic patients with NAFLD (P for trend=0.889). CONCLUSIONS Significant associations were observed among glucagon and inflammatory progression of NAFLD, but not with fibrotic progression. Further understanding the association between islet alpha cell and liver may lead to development of treatment strategies for NAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Hepatokines as a Molecular Transducer of Exercise. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030385. [PMID: 33498410 PMCID: PMC7864203 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise has health benefits and prevents a range of chronic diseases caused by physiological and biological changes in the whole body. Generally, the metabolic regulation of skeletal muscle through exercise is known to have a protective effect on the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Besides this, the importance of the liver as an endocrine organ is a hot research topic. Hepatocytes also secrete many hepatokines in response to nutritional conditions and/or physical activity. In particular, certain hepatokines play a major role in the regulation of whole-body metabolic homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the recent research findings on the exercise-mediated regulation of hepatokines, including fibroblast growth factor 21, fetuin-A, angiopoietin-like protein 4, and follistatin. These hepatokines serve as molecular transducers of the metabolic benefits of physical activity in chronic metabolic diseases, including NAFLD, T2D, and CVDs, in various tissues.
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Brown ML, Schneyer A. A Decade Later: Revisiting the TGFβ Family's Role in Diabetes. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:36-47. [PMID: 33261990 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In 2010, we published a review summarizing the role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) family of proteins in diabetes. At that time there were still many outstanding questions that needed to be answered. In this updated review, we revisit the topic and provide new evidence that supports findings from previous studies included in the 2010 review and adds to the knowledge base with new findings and information. The most substantial contributions in the past 10 years have been in the areas of human data, the investigation of TGFβ family members other than activin [e.g., bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), nodal], and the expansion of β-cell number through various mechanisms including transdifferentiation, which was previously believed to not be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan Schneyer
- Fairbanks Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Springfield, MA 01199, USA
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Physiopathology of Lifestyle Interventions in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113472. [PMID: 33198247 PMCID: PMC7697937 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health problem, and its prevalence has increased in recent years. Diet and exercise interventions are the first-line treatment options, with weight loss via a hypocaloric diet being the most important therapeutic target in NAFLD. However, most NAFLD patients are not able to achieve such weight loss. Therefore, the requisite is the investigation of other effective therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes research on understanding complex pathophysiology underlying dietary approaches and exercise interventions with the potential to prevent and treat NAFLD.
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Polyzos SA, Perakakis N, Boutari C, Kountouras J, Ghaly W, Anastasilakis AD, Karagiannis A, Mantzoros CS. Targeted Analysis of Three Hormonal Systems Identifies Molecules Associated with the Presence and Severity of NAFLD. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5613670. [PMID: 31690932 PMCID: PMC7112980 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate circulating levels and liver gene expression of 3 hormonal pathways associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation to identify leads towards potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS We compared circulating levels of (1) proglucagon-derived hormones (glucagon-like peptide [GLP]-1, GLP-2, glicentin, oxyntomodulin, glucagon, major proglucagon fragment [MPGF]), (2) follistatins-activins (follistatin-like [FSTL]3, activin B), (3) IGF axis (insulin-like growth factor [IGF]-1, total and intact IGF binding protein [IGFBP]-3 and IGFBP-4, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein [PAPP]-A) in 2 studies: (1) 18 individuals with early stage NAFLD versus 14 controls (study 1; early NAFLD study) and in (2) 31 individuals with biopsy proven NAFLD (15 with simple steatosis [SS] and 16 with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]), vs 50 controls (24 lean and 26 obese) (study 2). Liver gene expression was assessed in 22 subjects (12 controls, 5 NASH, 5 NASH-related cirrhosis). RESULTS Patients in early stages of NAFLD demonstrate higher fasting MPGF and lower incremental increase of glicentin during oral glucose tolerance test than controls. In more advanced stages, FSTL3 levels are higher in NASH than simple steatosis and, within NAFLD patients, in those with more severe lobular and portal inflammation. The IGF-1/intact IGFBP-3 ratio is lower in patients with liver fibrosis. Genes encoding follistatin, activin A, activin B, and the IGF-1 receptor are higher in NASH. CONCLUSION MPGF and glicentin may be involved in early stages of NAFLD, whereas FSTL3 and IGF-1/intact IGFBP3 in the progression to NASH and liver fibrosis respectively, suggesting potential as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios A Polyzos
- First Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Perakakis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chrysoula Boutari
- Second Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Jannis Kountouras
- Second Medical Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Wael Ghaly
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physiology, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | | | - Asterios Karagiannis
- Second Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Christos S. Mantzoros, 330 Brookline Avenue, East campus, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Stoneman Building, ST-820 Boston, MA 02215, USA. E-mail:
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Enhanced insulin signaling and its downstream effects in iron-overloaded primary hepatocytes from hepcidin knock-out mice. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118621. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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The caveolin-1 regulated protein follistatin protects against diabetic kidney disease. Kidney Int 2019; 96:1134-1149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Watt MJ, Miotto PM, De Nardo W, Montgomery MK. The Liver as an Endocrine Organ-Linking NAFLD and Insulin Resistance. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:1367-1393. [PMID: 31098621 DOI: 10.1210/er.2019-00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a dynamic organ that plays critical roles in many physiological processes, including the regulation of systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. Dysfunctional hepatic lipid metabolism is a cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide, and is closely associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Through the use of advanced mass spectrometry "omics" approaches and detailed experimentation in cells, mice, and humans, we now understand that the liver secretes a wide array of proteins, metabolites, and noncoding RNAs (miRNAs) and that many of these secreted factors exert powerful effects on metabolic processes both in the liver and in peripheral tissues. In this review, we summarize the rapidly evolving field of "hepatokine" biology with a particular focus on delineating previously unappreciated communication between the liver and other tissues in the body. We describe the NAFLD-induced changes in secretion of liver proteins, lipids, other metabolites, and miRNAs, and how these molecules alter metabolism in liver, muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreas to induce insulin resistance. We also synthesize the limited information that indicates that extracellular vesicles, and in particular exosomes, may be an important mechanism for intertissue communication in normal physiology and in promoting metabolic dysregulation in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Watt
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paula M Miotto
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - William De Nardo
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
The health-promoting effects of physical activity to prevent and treat metabolic disorders are numerous. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet completely deciphered. In recent years, studies have referred to the liver as an endocrine organ, since it releases specific proteins called hepatokines. Some of these hepatokines are involved in whole body metabolic homeostasis and are theorized to participate in the development of metabolic disease. In this regard, the present review describes the role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21, Fetuin-A, Angiopoietin-like protein 4, and Follistatin in metabolic disease and their production in response to acute exercise. Also, we discuss the potential role of hepatokines in mediating the beneficial effects of regular exercise and the future challenges to the discovery of new exercise-induced hepatokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Ennequin
- PEPITE EA4267, EPSI, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Besançon , France
| | - Pascal Sirvent
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Laboratoire des Adaptations Métaboliques à l'Exercice en conditions Physiologiques et Pathologiques (AME2P), CRNH Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand , France
| | - Martin Whitham
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham , Birmingham , United Kingdom
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Perakakis N, Kokkinos A, Peradze N, Tentolouris N, Ghaly W, Tsilingiris D, Alexandrou A, Mantzoros CS. Follistatins in glucose regulation in healthy and obese individuals. Diabetes Obes Metab 2019; 21:683-690. [PMID: 30393997 PMCID: PMC6368471 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS It has been suggested recently that follistatin (FST) and its homologous protein, follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3), may be a therapeutic target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes because of their glucose-regulatory effects in rodents. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated this hypothesis in humans by studying the physiology of a possible glycaemia-follistatin feedback loop, that is, whether glucose, but not lipid intake (oral or intravenous), can regulate circulating FST and FSTL3 in healthy humans (n = 32), whether the levels of follistatins change in response to various types of bariatric operation in morbidly obese individuals, with or without type 2 diabetes (n = 41), and whether such changes are associated prospectively with improvement of glucose homeostasis/insulin sensitivity. RESULTS In healthy individuals, circulating FST decreases after intravenous or oral glucose intake compared to controls, indicating the presence of a negative feedback mechanism. In morbid obesity, insulin resistance, glycaemia, circulating FST and FSTL3 are all reduced (by 22%-33%) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy. Importantly, the changes in circulating FST 3 months after bariatric surgery are associated prospectively with the changes in glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and HbA1c observed 6 months postoperatively in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence of an important role of FST in glucose homeostasis in healthy individuals as well as in severely obese individuals with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Our data extend recent results from animal studies to humans and support the need for further evaluation of FST inactivation strategies for targeting hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Perakakis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alexander Kokkinos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Natia Peradze
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nicholas Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Wael Ghaly
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Physiology, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Alexandrou
- First Department of Surgery, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos S. Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Peng LN, Chou MY, Liang CK, Lee WJ, Kojima T, Lin MH, Loh CH, Chen LK. Association between serum activin A and metabolic syndrome in older adults: Potential of activin A as a biomarker of cardiometabolic disease. Exp Gerontol 2018; 111:197-202. [PMID: 30071284 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease imposes substantial burdens of morbidity and mortality that increase with population aging. Estimating cardiometabolic risk accurately and expediently is challenging, and no single biomarker is satisfactory; hence, we investigated the potential of serum activin A for this purpose. Study data were collected from 433 community-dwelling adults age ≥53 years from Yilan County, Taiwan. Data included: demographics and medical history; physical measurements (blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference); comprehensive functional assessments (frailty, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, nutritional status); fasting blood biochemistry (glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin-like growth factor-1, activin A, stratified into high, medium and low tertiles, and others); and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Metabolic syndrome was considered a proxy for overall cardiometabolic risk. Subjects mean age was 69.3 ± 9.2 years, 48.3% were males. Compared to women, men had higher systolic blood pressure, education levels, relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass, waist circumference, physical activity, walking speed, free androgen index, and levels of serum uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. High activin A was significantly associated with age, relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass in both gender, waist circumference in women, current alcohol drinking, hypertension, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. There were dose-dependent relationships (low to high) between serum activin A and frailty, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, metabolic syndrome, uric acid, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Logistic regression analyses showed older age, serum uric acid, and metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with medium and high activin-A status, whereas, skeletal muscle mass, insulin-like growth factor-1 and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were associated with high, but not medium, serum activin A. This discovery of a dose-dependent association between serum activin A levels, age, and metabolic syndrome, suggests activin A may be a biomarker of overall cardiometabolic risk; however, further studies are needed to evaluate its potential applications in assessing and managing cardiometabolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ning Peng
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yueh Chou
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, 386 Ta-Chun 1st Rd., Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kuang Liang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, 386 Ta-Chun 1st Rd., Kaohsiung 81362, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ju Lee
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital Yuanshan Branch, 386 Rongguang Rd., Yuanshan Township, YiLan County 264, Taiwan
| | - Taro Kojima
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Jongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ming-Hsien Lin
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hui Loh
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Aging and Health, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, 707, Sec. 3, Chung Yang Rd., Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, National Yang Ming University School of Medicine, 115, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Aging and Health Research Center, National Yang Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Linong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Rd., Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
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16
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Increased activin A levels in prediabetes and association with carotid intima-media thickness: a cross-sectional analysis from I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9957. [PMID: 29967428 PMCID: PMC6028626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27795-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A and its binding protein follistatin may be crucial in glucose homeostasis, as multifunctional proteins mediating inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. However, clinical data on the activin A level in prediabetes, and the association between the circulating activin A level and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), are lacking. We aimed to investigate activin A and follistatin levels and their associations with cIMT. In total, 470 inhabitants of I-Lan county (235 men; mean age 69 ± 9 years) with measurements of serum activin A and follistatin levels were included. Patients with prediabetes and diabetes had significantly increased activin A concentrations compared with those in the normal glycemic group (both p < 0.001). A multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that the circulating activin A level was associated with prediabetes and diabetes independently of other risk factors. Moreover, the circulating activin A levels were associated positively with cIMT in prediabetes (rs = 0.264, p = 0.001). In conclusion, activin A level, but not follistatin, was elevated independent of demographic variables with borderline significance and was correlated positively with cIMT in prediabetes. Activin A and follistatin levels were elevated in diabetes. In addition, elevated activin A was an independent risk factor for prediabetes and diabetes.
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Brown ML, Andrzejewski D, Burnside A, Schneyer AL. Activin Enhances α- to β-Cell Transdifferentiation as a Source For β-Cells In Male FSTL3 Knockout Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1043-54. [PMID: 26727106 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes results from inadequate β-cell number and/or function to control serum glucose concentrations so that replacement of lost β-cells could become a viable therapy for diabetes. In addition to embryonic stem cell sources for new β-cells, evidence for transdifferentiation/reprogramming of non-β-cells to functional β-cells is accumulating. In addition, de-differentiation of β-cells observed in diabetes and their subsequent conversion to α-cells raises the possibility that adult islet cell fate is malleable and controlled by local hormonal and/or environmental cues. We previously demonstrated that inactivation of the activin antagonist, follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) resulted in β-cell expansion and improved glucose homeostasis in the absence of β-cell proliferation. We recently reported that activin directly suppressed expression of critical α-cell genes while increasing expression of β-cell genes, supporting the hypothesis that activin is one of the local hormones controlling islet cell fate and that increased activin signaling accelerates α- to β-cell transdifferentiation. We tested this hypothesis using Gluc-Cre/yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) α-cell lineage tracing technology combined with FSTL3 knockout (KO) mice to label α-cells with YFP. Flow cytometry was used to quantify unlabeled and labeled α- and β-cells. We found that Ins+/YFP+ cells were significantly increased in FSTL3 KO mice compared with wild type littermates. Labeled Ins+/YFP+ cells increased significantly with age in FSTL3 KO mice but not wild type littermates. Sorting results were substantiated by counting fluorescently labeled cells in pancreatic sections. Activin treatment of isolated islets significantly increased the number of YFP+/Ins+ cells. These results suggest that α- to β-cell transdifferentiation is influenced by activin signaling and may contribute substantially to β-cell mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Brown
- Departments of Nutrition (M.L.B.) and Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Danielle Andrzejewski
- Departments of Nutrition (M.L.B.) and Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Amy Burnside
- Departments of Nutrition (M.L.B.) and Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Alan L Schneyer
- Departments of Nutrition (M.L.B.) and Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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18
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Mattila J, Havula E, Suominen E, Teesalu M, Surakka I, Hynynen R, Kilpinen H, Väänänen J, Hovatta I, Käkelä R, Ripatti S, Sandmann T, Hietakangas V. Mondo-Mlx Mediates Organismal Sugar Sensing through the Gli-Similar Transcription Factor Sugarbabe. Cell Rep 2015; 13:350-64. [PMID: 26440885 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.08.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The ChREBP/Mondo-Mlx transcription factors are activated by sugars and are essential for sugar tolerance. They promote the conversion of sugars to lipids, but beyond this, their physiological roles are insufficiently understood. Here, we demonstrate that in an organism-wide setting in Drosophila, Mondo-Mlx controls the majority of sugar-regulated genes involved in nutrient digestion and transport as well as carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, human orthologs of the Mondo-Mlx targets display enrichment among gene variants associated with high circulating triglycerides. In addition to direct regulation of metabolic genes, Mondo-Mlx maintains metabolic homeostasis through downstream effectors, including the Activin ligand Dawdle and the Gli-similar transcription factor Sugarbabe. Sugarbabe controls a subset of Mondo-Mlx-dependent processes, including de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid desaturation. In sum, Mondo-Mlx is a master regulator of other sugar-responsive pathways essential for adaptation to a high-sugar diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaakko Mattila
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Essi Havula
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Erja Suominen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Mari Teesalu
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Ida Surakka
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00270, Finland; Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki 00251, Finland
| | - Riikka Hynynen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Helena Kilpinen
- EMBL-EBI, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Juho Väänänen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Iiris Hovatta
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland; Department of Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki 00251, Finland
| | - Reijo Käkelä
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland
| | - Samuli Ripatti
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00270, Finland; Health and Substance Abuse Services, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki 00251, Finland; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Thomas Sandmann
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Ville Hietakangas
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland; Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00790, Finland.
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Andrzejewski D, Brown ML, Ungerleider N, Burnside A, Schneyer AL. Activins A and B Regulate Fate-Determining Gene Expression in Islet Cell Lines and Islet Cells From Male Mice. Endocrinology 2015; 156:2440-50. [PMID: 25961841 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
TGFβ superfamily ligands, receptors, and second messengers, including activins A and B, have been identified in pancreatic islets and proposed to have important roles regulating development, proliferation, and function. We previously demonstrated that Fstl3 (an antagonist of activin activity) null mice have larger islets with β-cell hyperplasia and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in the absence of altered β-cell proliferation. This suggested the hypothesis that increased activin signaling influences β-cell expansion by destabilizing the α-cell phenotype and promoting transdifferentiation to β-cells. We tested the first part of this hypothesis by treating α- and β-cell lines and sorted mouse islet cells with activin and related ligands. Treatment of the αTC1-6 α cell line with activins A or B suppressed critical α-cell gene expression, including Arx, glucagon, and MafB while also enhancing β-cell gene expression. In INS-1E β-cells, activin A treatment induced a significant increase in Pax4 (a fate determining β-cell gene) and insulin expression. In sorted primary islet cells, α-cell gene expression was again suppressed by activin treatment in α-cells, whereas Pax4 was enhanced in β-cells. Activin treatment in both cell lines and primary cells resulted in phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic-2 phosphorylation. Finally, treatment of αTC1-6 cells with activins A or B significantly inhibited proliferation. These results support the hypothesis that activin signaling destabilized the α-cell phenotype while promoting a β-cell fate. Moreover, these results support a model in which the β-cell expansion observed in Fstl3 null mice may be due, at least in part, to enhanced α- to β-cell transdifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Andrzejewski
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Melissa L Brown
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Nathan Ungerleider
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Amy Burnside
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Alan L Schneyer
- Departments of Veterinary and Animal Science (D.A., A.B., A.L.S.) and Nutrition (M.L.B.), and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program (N.U.), University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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20
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Brandt C, Hansen RH, Hansen JB, Olsen CH, Galle P, Mandrup-Poulsen T, Gehl J, Pedersen BK, Hojman P. Over-expression of Follistatin-like 3 attenuates fat accumulation and improves insulin sensitivity in mice. Metabolism 2015; 64:283-95. [PMID: 25456456 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Follistatin-like 3 (fstl3), a natural inhibitor of members of the TGF-β family, increases during resistance training in human plasma. Fstl3 primarily binds myostatin and activin A, and thereby inhibits their functions. We hypothesize that blocking myostatin and activin A signalling through systemic fstl3 over-expression protects against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. METHODS Fstl3 was over-expressed by DNA electrotransfer in tibialis anterior, quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles in female C57BL/C mice, and the mice were subsequently randomized to chow or high-fat feeding. Body weight, food intake, fat accumulation by MR scanning, and glucose, insulin and glucagon tolerance were evaluated, as was the response in body weight and metabolic parameters to 24h fasting. Effects of fstl3 on pancreatic insulin and glucagon content, and pancreatic islet morphology were determined. RESULTS Fstl3 over-expression reduced fat accumulation during high-fat feeding by 16%, and liver fat by 50%, as determined by MRI. No changes in body weight were observed, while the weight of the transfected muscles increased by 10%. No transcriptional changes were found in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Fstl3 mice displayed improved insulin sensitivity and muscle insulin signalling. In contrast, glucose tolerance was impaired in high-fat fed fstl3 mice, which was explained by increased hepatic glucagon sensitivity and glucose output, as well as a decrease in the pancreatic insulin/glucagon ratio. Accordingly, fstl3 transfection improved counter-regulation to 24h fasting. CONCLUSION Fstl3 over-expression regulates insulin and glucagon sensitivities through increased muscular insulin action, as well as increased hepatic glucagon sensitivity and pancreatic glucagon content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Brandt
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Hvass Hansen
- Research Group, Dept. of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jakob Bondo Hansen
- Immunoendocrinology lab, Section of Endocrinological Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Holkmann Olsen
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Pia Galle
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen
- Immunoendocrinology lab, Section of Endocrinological Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Bente Klarlund Pedersen
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Hojman
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and the Centre for Physical Activity Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Wang Q, Guo T, Portas J, McPherron AC. A soluble activin receptor type IIB does not improve blood glucose in streptozotocin-treated mice. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:199-208. [PMID: 25561902 PMCID: PMC4279095 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.10430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), or insulin dependent DM, is accompanied by decreased muscle mass. The growth factor myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of muscle growth, and a loss of MSTN signaling has been shown to increase muscle mass and prevent the development of obesity, insulin resistance and lipodystrophic diabetes in mice. The effects of MSTN inhibition in a T1DM model on muscle mass and blood glucose are unknown. We asked whether MSTN inhibition would increase muscle mass and decrease hyperglycemia in mice treated with streptozotocin (STZ) to destroy pancreatic beta cells. After diabetes developed, mice were treated with a soluble MSTN/activin receptor fused to Fc (ACVR2B:Fc). ACVR2B:Fc increased body weight and muscle mass compared to vehicle treated mice. Unexpectedly, ACVR2B:Fc reproducibly exacerbated hyperglycemia within approximately one week of administration. ACVR2B:Fc treatment also elevated serum levels of the glucocorticoid corticosterone. These results suggest that although MSTN/activin inhibitors increased muscle mass, they may be counterproductive in improving health in patients with T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- 1. Current Addresses: Pathology Department, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Tingqing Guo
- 2. Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, Changping District, Beijing, China
| | - Jennifer Portas
- Genetics of Development and Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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22
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Silva RN, Bueno PG, Avó LRS, Nonaka KO, Selistre-Araújo HS, Leal AMO. Effect of physical training on liver expression of activin A and follistatin in a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 47:746-52. [PMID: 25075578 PMCID: PMC4143201 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20143869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by fat accumulation in the liver and is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Activin A is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF)-β superfamily and inhibits hepatocyte growth. Follistatin antagonizes the biological actions of activin. Exercise is an important therapeutic strategy to reduce the metabolic effects of obesity. We evaluated the pattern of activin A and follistatin liver expression in obese rats subjected to swimming exercise. Control rats (C) and high-fat (HF) diet-fed rats were randomly assigned to a swimming training group (C-Swim and HF-Swim) or a sedentary group (C-Sed and HF-Sed). Activin βA subunit mRNA expression was significantly higher in HF-Swim than in HF-Sed rats. Follistatin mRNA expression was significantly lower in C-Swim and HF-Swim than in either C-Sed or HF-Sed animals. There was no evidence of steatosis or inflammation in C rats. In contrast, in HF animals the severity of steatosis ranged from grade 1 to grade 3. The extent of liver parenchyma damage was less in HF-Swim animals, with the severity of steatosis ranging from grade 0 to grade 1. These data showed that exercise may reduce the deleterious effects of a high-fat diet on the liver, suggesting that the local expression of activin-follistatin may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Silva
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - P G Bueno
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - L R S Avó
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - K O Nonaka
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - H S Selistre-Araújo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
| | - A M O Leal
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brasil
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