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Booijink R, Ramachandran P, Bansal R. Implications of innate immune sexual dimorphism for MASLD pathogenesis and treatment. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:614-627. [PMID: 38853100 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.05.004] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is significantly higher in men versus women. Increased prevalence is observed in postmenopausal women, suggesting that age and sex (hormones) influence MASLD development and progression. Molecular data further reveal that sex regulates the innate immune responses with an essential role in MASLD progression. To date, there has been limited focus on the role of innate immune sexual dimorphism in MASLD, and differences between men and women are not considered in the current drug discovery landscape. In this review, we summarize the sex disparities and innate immune sexual dimorphism in MASLD pathogenesis. We further highlight the importance of harnessing sexual dimorphism in identifying therapeutic targets, developing pharmacological therapies, and designing (pre-) clinical studies for the personalized treatment for MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richell Booijink
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Prakash Ramachandran
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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2
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Wang R, Yan R, Jiao J, Li F, Zhang H, Chang Z, Wei H, Yan S, Li J. Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1398184. [PMID: 38974809 PMCID: PMC11224539 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1398184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical observational studies aims to clarify the correlation between the intake levels of fruits and vegetables and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on the association between vegetable or fruit intake with the risk of NAFLD from the foundation of each database up until September 2023. The relative risk (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled for both the highest and lowest consumption levels of vegetables and fruits to explore their association with the incidence of NAFLD. Results The meta-analysis encompassed 11 studies with a total of 493,682 patients. A higher consumption of vegetables (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67-0.91) and fruits (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.83-0.93) was found to have a negative correlation with the risk of NAFLD, denoting an inverse association. This correlation, however, varied among different ethnic groups and gender. Conclusions Our results indicate that increased consumption of vegetables and fruits is associated with a reduced likelihood of developing NAFLD. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#searchadvanced, identifier: CRD42023460430.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Ruijuan Yan
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Junzhe Jiao
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Feilong Li
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Advanced Instituted of Medicine Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhanjie Chang
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Hailiang Wei
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Shuguang Yan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Jingtao Li
- Department of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
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3
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Moore BF. Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:154-166. [PMID: 38172481 PMCID: PMC10933144 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00544-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To consolidate information on the obesogenic and cardiometabolic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis. RECENT FINDINGS A PubMed search strategy updated from January 1, 2014, through 14 June 2023, produced a total of 47 epidemiologic studies and 12 animal studies. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is consistently associated with small for gestational age and low birth weight. After birth, these offspring gain weight rapidly and have increased adiposity and higher glucose (fat mass percentage) in childhood. More preclinical and prospective studies are needed to deepen our understanding of whether these associations vary by sex, dose, timing, and composition of cannabis (e.g., ratio of delta-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC] to cannabidiol [CBD]). Addressing these gaps may help to solidify causality and identify intervention strategies. Based on the available data, clinicians and public health officials should continue to caution against cannabis use during pregnancy to limit its potential obesogenic and adverse cardiometabolic effects on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna F Moore
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N Revere Ct, Aurora, 80045, CO, USA.
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4
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Ruppert PMM, Kersten S. Mechanisms of hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis during fasting. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:107-124. [PMID: 37940485 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Fasting is part of many weight management and health-boosting regimens. Fasting causes substantial metabolic adaptations in the liver that include the stimulation of fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. The induction of fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis during fasting is mainly driven by interrelated changes in plasma levels of various hormones and an increase in plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels and is mediated transcriptionally by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α, supported by CREB3L3 (cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3 like 3). Compared with men, women exhibit higher ketone levels during fasting, likely due to higher NEFA availability, suggesting that the metabolic response to fasting shows sexual dimorphism. Here, we synthesize the current molecular knowledge on the impact of fasting on hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M M Ruppert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 C Odense, Denmark
| | - Sander Kersten
- Nutrition, Metabolism, and Genomics Group, Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands; Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Danpanichkul P, Kongarin S, Permpatdechakul S, Polpichai N, Duangsonk K, Manosroi W, Chaiyakunapruk N, Mousa OY, Kim D, Chen VL, Wijarnpreecha K. The Surreptitious Burden of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Elderly in the Asia-Pacific Region: An Insight from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6456. [PMID: 37892594 PMCID: PMC10607093 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a significant health threat worldwide. The aging population and a rise in metabolic syndrome in Asia might influence the epidemiology of NAFLD among the elderly. However, there is a lack of understanding of the burden and recommendations for NAFLD in this group. Our study sought to investigate the trends in the NAFLD burden among the elderly in the Asia-Pacific region. We employed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study for an in-depth analysis of the prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) along with age-standardized rate (ASR) associated with NAFLD in elderly populations (age 65-89 years) across the Asia-Pacific region, including the Southeast Asia (SEA) and Western Pacific (WP) regions, from 2010 to 2019. This study also examined the trends and disparities in NAFLD burden across different nations and sexes. In 2019, there were over 120 million cases of NAFLD in the elderly in the Asia-Pacific region. The ASR of prevalence was higher in SEA compared to WP (36,995.37 vs. 32,821.78 per 100,000). ASR of prevalence increased with annual percentage change (APC) +0.95% in the WP while it increased by +0.87% in SEA. During the study period, the ASR of DALYs decreased in SEA (APC -0.41%) but remained stable in the WP region. The burden of NAFLD in the elderly population in Asia-Pacific has increased, underscoring the timely intervention to tackle this high and rising burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pojsakorn Danpanichkul
- Immunology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Siwanart Kongarin
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | | | - Natchaya Polpichai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60640, USA;
| | - Kwanjit Duangsonk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Worapaka Manosroi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Clinical Epidemiology and Clinical Statistics Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Omar Y. Mousa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Mayo Clinic Health System, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
| | - Donghee Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Vincent L. Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 41809, USA
| | - Karn Wijarnpreecha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
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Fridén M, Mora AM, Lind L, Risérus U, Kullberg J, Rosqvist F. Diet composition, nutrient substitutions and circulating fatty acids in relation to ectopic and visceral fat depots. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:1922-1931. [PMID: 37633021 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.08.013] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Short-term randomized trials have demonstrated that replacing saturated fat (SFA) with polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) causes a reduction or prevention of liver fat accumulation, but population-based studies on diet and body fat distribution are limited. We investigated cross-sectional associations between diet, circulating fatty acids and liver fat, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and other fat depots using different energy-adjustment models. METHODS Sex-stratified analyses of n = 9119 (for serum fatty acids) to 13 849 (for nutrients) participants in UK Biobank were conducted. Fat depots were assessed by MRI, circulating fatty acids by NMR spectroscopy and diet by repeated 24-h recalls. Liver fat, VAT and IMAT were primary outcomes; total adipose tissue (TAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) were secondary outcomes. Three a priori defined models were constructed: the all-components model, standard model and leave-one-out model (main model including specified nutrient substitutions). Imiomics (MRI-derived) was used to confirm and visualize associations. RESULTS In women, substituting carbohydrates and free sugars with saturated fat (SFA) was positively associated with liver fat (β (95% CI) = 0.19 (0.02, 0.36) and β (95% CI) = 0.20 (0.05-0.35), respectively) and IMAT (β (95% CI) = 0.07 (0.00, 0.14) and β (95% CI) = 0.08 (0.02, 0.13), respectively), whereas substituting animal fat with plant fat was inversely associated with IMAT, ASAT and TAT. In the all-components and standard models, SFA and animal fat were positively associated with liver fat, IMAT and VAT whereas plant fat was inversely associated with IMAT in women. Few associations were observed in men. Circulating polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were inversely associated with liver fat, IMAT and VAT in both men and women, whereas SFA and monounsaturated fatty acids were positively associated. CONCLUSIONS Type of dietary fat may be an important determinant of ectopic fat in humans consuming their habitual diet. Plant fat and PUFA should be preferred over animal fat and SFA. This is corroborated by circulating fatty acids and overall consistent through different energy adjustment models. TWITTER SUMMARY In UK Biobank, intake of saturated- and animal fat were positively whereas biomarkers of polyunsaturated fat were inversely associated with liver-, visceral- and intermuscular fat. Type of dietary fat may be a determinant of ectopic fat, a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fridén
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Andrés Martínez Mora
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ulf Risérus
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Joel Kullberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Antaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik Rosqvist
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Ciarambino T, Crispino P, Guarisco G, Giordano M. Gender Differences in Insulin Resistance: New Knowledge and Perspectives. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7845-7861. [PMID: 37886939 PMCID: PMC10605445 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance is the main mechanism in a whole series of pathological conditions, which are not only of metabolic interest but also of a systemic type. This phenomenon means that the body's cells become less sensitive to the hormone insulin, leading to higher levels of insulin in the blood. Insulin resistance is a phenomenon that can be found in both men and women and in particular, in the latter, it is found mainly after menopause. Premenopause, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, and the presence of estrogen can affect insulin sensitivity. Androgens, such as testosterone, are typically higher in men and can contribute to insulin resistance. In both sexes, different human body types affect the distribution and location of body fat, also influencing the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Insulin resistance is also associated with some neurological and neurogenerative disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, atherosclerosis, and some of the main neoplastic pathologies. A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and self-maintenance, can help to prevent the onset of insulin resistance, regardless of gender, although the different habits between men and women greatly affect the implementation of preventative guidelines that help in fighting the manifestations of this metabolic disorder. This review may help to shed light on gender differences in metabolic diseases by placing a necessary focus on personalized medical management and by inspiring differentiated therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Ciarambino
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital of Marcianise, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Pietro Crispino
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital of Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Gloria Guarisco
- Diabetology, University Sapienza of Rome, Hospital of Latina, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Mauro Giordano
- Internal Medicine Department, University of Campania, L. Vanvitelli, 81100 Naples, Italy;
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8
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Beraza N. Ketohexokinase-C: The mechanistic link between dietary sugars and protein acetylation during liver steatosis. J Hepatol 2023; 79:16-18. [PMID: 36958528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Beraza
- Gut Microbes and Health Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
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9
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Mátis D, Hegyi P, Teutsch B, Tornai T, Erőss B, Pár G, Váncsa S. Improved body composition decreases the fat content in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a meta-analysis and systematic review of longitudinal studies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1114836. [PMID: 37215704 PMCID: PMC10194653 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1114836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Based on cross-sectional studies, there is a link between body composition parameters and steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, whether long-term changes in different body composition parameters will result in NAFLD resolution is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the literature on longitudinal studies evaluating the association between NAFLD resolution and body composition change. Methods Based on the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook, we performed a systematic search on September 26th, 2021, in three databases: Embase, MEDLINE (via PubMed), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Eligible studies reported on patients with NAFLD (liver fat >5%) and examined the correlation between body composition improvement and decrease in steatosis. We did not have pre-defined body composition or steatosis measurement criteria. Next, we calculated pooled correlation coefficient (r) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Furthermore, we narratively summarized articles with other statistical methods. Results We included 15 studies in our narrative review and five in our quantitative synthesis. Based on two studies with 85 patients, we found a pooled correlation coefficient of r = 0.49 (CI: 0.22-0.69, Spearman's correlation) between the change of visceral adipose tissue and liver steatosis. Similarly, based on three studies with 175 patients, the correlation was r = 0.33 (CI: 0.19-0.46, Pearson's correlation). On the other hand, based on two studies with 163 patients, the correlation between subcutaneous adipose tissue change and liver steatosis change was r = 0.42 (CI: 0.29-0.54, Pearson's correlation). Furthermore, based on the studies in the narrative synthesis, body composition improvement was associated with steatosis resolution. Conclusions Based on the included studies, body composition improvement may be associated with a decrease in liver fat content in NAFLD. Systematic review registration Identifier: CRD42021278584.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Mátis
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Brigitta Teutsch
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Tornai
- Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Erőss
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Pár
- Division of Gastroenterology, First Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Szilárd Váncsa
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Kugler BA, Thyfault JP, McCoin CS. Sexually dimorphic hepatic mitochondrial adaptations to exercise: a mini-review. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:685-691. [PMID: 36701482 PMCID: PMC10027083 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00711.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise is a physiological stress that disrupts tissue and cellular homeostasis while enhancing systemic metabolic energy demand mainly through the increased workload of skeletal muscle. Although the extensive focus has been on skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise, the liver senses these disruptions in metabolic energy homeostasis and responds to provide the required substrates to sustain increased demand. Hepatic metabolic flexibility is an energetically costly process that requires continuous mitochondrial production of the cellular currency ATP. To do so, the liver must maintain a healthy functioning mitochondrial pool, attained through well-regulated and dynamic processes. Intriguingly, some of these responses are sex-dependent. This mini-review examines the hepatic mitochondrial adaptations to exercise with a focus on sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Kugler
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- KU Diabetes Institute, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
| | - John P Thyfault
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- KU Diabetes Institute, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
| | - Colin S McCoin
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- KU Diabetes Institute, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States
- Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles and Nutrition, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
- Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is a metabolic process occurring mainly within the liver, in humans. Insulin is a primary signal for promoting DNL; thus, nutritional state is a key determinant for upregulation of the pathway. However, the effects of dietary macronutrient composition on hepatic DNL remain unclear. Nor is it clear if a nutrition-induced increase in DNL results in accumulation of intra-hepatic triglyceride (IHTG); a mechanism often proposed for pathological IHTG. Here, we review the latest evidence surrounding the nutritional regulation of hepatic DNL. RECENT FINDINGS The role of carbohydrate intake on hepatic DNL regulation has been well studied, with only limited data on the effects of fats and proteins. Overall, increasing carbohydrate intake typically results in an upregulation of DNL, with fructose being more lipogenic than glucose. For fat, it appears that an increased intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids downregulates DNL, whilst, in contrast, an increased dietary protein intake may upregulate DNL. SUMMARY Although DNL is upregulated with high-carbohydrate or mixed-macronutrient meal consumption, the effects of fat and protein remain unclear. Additionally, the effects of different phenotypes (including sex, age, ethnicity, and menopause status) in combination with different diets (enriched in different macronutrients) on hepatic DNL requires elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Cross
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford
| | - David J Dearlove
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford
| | - Leanne Hodson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
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12
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Shi Y, Zhong H, Pang L. Maternal micronutrient disturbance as risks of offspring metabolic syndrome. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 75:127097. [PMID: 36272194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a constellation of individual metabolic disturbances, including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The established pathogenesis of MetS varies extensively with gender, age, ethnic background, and nutritional status. In terms of nutritional status, micronutrients are more likely to be discounted as essential components of required nutrition than macronutrients due to the small amount required. Numerous observational studies have shown that pregnant women frequently experience malnutrition, especially in developing and low-income countries, resulting in chronic MetS in the offspring due to the urgent and increasing demands for micronutrients during gestation and lactation. Over the past few decades, scientific developments have revolutionized our understanding of the association between balanced maternal micronutrients and MetS in the offspring. Examples of successful individual, dual, or multiple maternal micronutrient interventions on the offspring include iron for hypertension, selenium for type 2 diabetes, and a combination of folate and vitamin D for adiposity. In this review, we aim to elucidate the effects of maternal micronutrient intake on offspring metabolic homeostasis and discuss potential perspectives and challenges in the field of maternal micronutrient interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Shi
- Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Medical Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Hong Zhong
- Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Medical Institute, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Lingxia Pang
- Department of Child Healthcare, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
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13
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He L, Wang X, Ding Z, Liu L, Cheng H, Bily D, Wu C, Zhang K, Xie L. Deleting Gata4 in hepatocytes promoted the progression of NAFLD via increasing steatosis and apoptosis, and desensitizing insulin signaling. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 111:109157. [PMID: 36150682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Gata4 is a member of the zinc finger GATA transcription factor family and is required for liver development during the embryonic stage. Gata4 expression is repressed during NAFLD progression, however how it functions in this situation remains unclear. Here, Gata4 was deleted specifically in hepatocytes via Cre recombinase driven by the Alb promoter region. Under a high-fat diet (HFD) or methionine and choline deficient diet (MCD), Gata4 knockout (KO) male, but not female, mice displayed more severe NAFLD or NASH, evidenced by increased steatosis, fibrosis, as well as a higher NAS score and serum ALT level. The Gata4KO male liver exposed to a HFD or MCD had a reduced ratio of pACC/ACC, similar to the Gata4KO hepatocytes treated with palmitic acid. More cell apoptosis, which is associated with activated JNK signaling and inhibited NFκB signaling, was observed in the Gata4KO male liver and isolated hepatocytes. However, the inflammatory status in the Gata4KO male liver was similar to the control liver. Importantly, lower activation of AKT signaling in the liver, which is consistent with de-sensitized insulin signaling in isolated hepatocytes, was found in the Gata4KO male. In summary, our data demonstrated that loss of Gata4 in hepatocytes promoted NAFLD progression in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leya He
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Zehuan Ding
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Henghui Cheng
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Donalyn Bily
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Institute of Biosciences & Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Linglin Xie
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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14
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Baumgartner C, Krššák M, Vila G, Krebs M, Wolf P. Ectopic lipid metabolism in anterior pituitary dysfunction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1075776. [PMID: 36860364 PMCID: PMC9968795 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1075776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, adapted lifestyle and dietary habits in industrialized countries have led to a progress of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Concomitant insulin resistance and derangements in lipid metabolism foster the deposition of excess lipids in organs and tissues with limited capacity of physiologic lipid storage. In organs pivotal for systemic metabolic homeostasis, this ectopic lipid content disturbs metabolic action, thereby promotes the progression of metabolic disease, and inherits a risk for cardiometabolic complications. Pituitary hormone syndromes are commonly associated with metabolic diseases. However, the impact on subcutaneous, visceral, and ectopic fat stores between disorders and their underlying hormonal axes is rather different, and the underlying pathophysiological pathways remain largely unknown. Pituitary disorders might influence ectopic lipid deposition indirectly by modulating lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, but also directly by organ specific hormonal effects on energy metabolism. In this review, we aim to I) provide information about the impact of pituitary disorders on ectopic fat stores, II) and to present up-to-date knowledge on potential pathophysiological mechanisms of hormone action in ectopic lipid metabolism.
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15
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Kelly AC, J Rosario F, Chan J, Cox LA, Powell TL, Jansson T. Transcriptomic responses are sex-dependent in the skeletal muscle and liver in offspring of obese mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2022; 323:E336-E353. [PMID: 35858246 PMCID: PMC9529275 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00263.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Infants born to obese mothers are more likely to develop metabolic disease, including glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis, in adult life. We examined the effects of maternal obesity on the transcriptome of skeletal muscle and liver tissues of the near-term fetus and 3-mo-old offspring in mice born to dams fed a high-fat and -sugar diet. Previously, we have shown that male, but not female, offspring develop glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and liver steatosis at 3 mo old. Female C57BL6/J mice were fed normal chow or an obesogenic high-calorie diet before mating and throughout pregnancy. RNAseq was performed on the liver and gastrocnemius muscle following collection from fetuses on embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5) as well as from 3-mo-old offspring from obese dams and control dams. Significant genes were generated for each sex, queried for enrichment, and modeled to canonical pathways. RNAseq was corroborated by protein quantification in offspring. The transcriptomic response to maternal obesity in the liver was more marked in males than females. However, in both male and female offspring of obese dams, we found significant enrichment for fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial transport, and oxidative stress in the liver transcriptomes as well as decreased protein concentrations of electron transport chain members. In skeletal muscle, pathway analysis of gene expression revealed sexual dimorphic patterns, including metabolic processes of fatty acids and glucose, as well as PPAR, AMPK, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Transcriptomic responses to maternal obesity in skeletal muscle were more marked in female offspring than males. Female offspring had greater expression of genes associated with glucose uptake, and protein abundance reflected greater activation of mTOR signaling. Skeletal muscle and livers in mice born to obese dams had sexually dimorphic transcriptomic responses that changed from the fetus to the adult offspring. These data provide insights into mechanisms underpinning metabolic programming in maternal obesity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transcriptomic data support that fetuses of obese mothers modulate metabolism in both muscle and liver. These changes were strikingly sexually dimorphic in agreement with published findings that male offspring of obese dams exhibit pronounced metabolic disease earlier. In both males and females, the transcriptomic responses in the fetus were different than those at 3 mo, implicating adaptive mechanisms throughout adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Kelly
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Fredrick J Rosario
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jeannie Chan
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Laura A Cox
- Section of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Precision Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Theresa L Powell
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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16
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Hughey CC, Puchalska P, Crawford PA. Integrating the contributions of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism to lipotoxicity and inflammation in NAFLD pathogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2022; 1867:159209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2022.159209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Nutritional Status of Saudi Children with Celiac Disease Following the Ministry of Health’s Gluten-Free Diet Program. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142792. [PMID: 35889749 PMCID: PMC9315680 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of Saudi children with celiac disease (CD) who followed the Ministry of Health’s gluten-free diet (GFD) program. This study involved 66 children with CD (29 boys and 37 girls) from 5 hospitals belonging to the Ministry of Health. Socioeconomic characteristics were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric indices were measured using a body composition analyzer. Dietary intake was assessed using three 24 h dietary records. The biochemical parameters were determined in the hospitals’ laboratories. According to the findings, the majority of respondents had ages ranging from 10 to 13 years, a father and mother with a university education, a high family income, and 5 to 7 family members. Carbohydrates and protein intake for both genders were significantly higher than the DRI’s recommended dietary intake. However, the majority of nutrients consumed were at levels significantly lower than the DRI. Both genders had normal anthropometric indices, with girls having at significantly higher indices than boys. The biochemical parameters of both genders were comparable and within the normal range, except for vitamin D, which was below the normal range. The most important factors influencing nutritional status were age for both genders, and family income and number of family members for boys. In conclusion, data obtained for nutrient intake, anthropometric indicators, body composition, and biochemical analysis indicated that CD children following the Ministry of Health GFD program have a generally good nutritional status.
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18
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O'Bryan SM, Connor KR, Drummer DJ, Lavin KM, Bamman MM. Considerations for Sex-Cognizant Research in Exercise Biology and Medicine. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:903992. [PMID: 35721874 PMCID: PMC9204149 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.903992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As the fields of kinesiology, exercise science, and human movement developed, the majority of the research focused on male physiology and extrapolated findings to females. In the medical sphere, basing practice on data developed in only males resulted in the removal of drugs from the market in the late 1990s due to severe side effects (some life-threatening) in females that were not observed in males. In response to substantial evidence demonstrating exercise-induced health benefits, exercise is often promoted as a key modality in disease prevention, management, and rehabilitation. However, much like the early days of drug development, a historical literature knowledge base of predominantly male studies may leave the exercise field vulnerable to overlooking potentially key biological differences in males and females that may be important to consider in prescribing exercise (e.g., how exercise responses may differ between sexes and whether there are optimal approaches to consider for females that differ from conventional approaches that are based on male physiology). Thus, this review will discuss anatomical, physiological, and skeletal muscle molecular differences that may contribute to sex differences in exercise responses, as well as clinical considerations based on this knowledge in athletic and general populations over the continuum of age. Finally, this review summarizes the current gaps in knowledge, highlights the areas ripe for future research, and considerations for sex-cognizant research in exercise fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia M. O'Bryan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kathleen R. Connor
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Devin J. Drummer
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kaleen M. Lavin
- The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, United States
| | - Marcas M. Bamman
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Marcas M. Bamman
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19
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Herring RA, Shojaee-Moradie F, Stevenage M, Parsons I, Jackson N, Mendis J, Middleton B, Umpleby AM, Fielding BA, Davies M, Russell-Jones DL. The SGLT2 Inhibitor Dapagliflozin Increases the Oxidation of Ingested Fatty Acids to Ketones in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2022; 45:1408-1415. [PMID: 35312749 DOI: 10.2337/dc21-2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism for increased ketogenesis following treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in people with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The design was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with a 4-week washout period. Participants received dapagliflozin or placebo in random order for 4 weeks. After each treatment, they ingested 30 mL of olive oil containing [U-13C]palmitate to measure ketogenesis, with blood sampling for 480 min. Stable isotopes of glucose and glycerol were infused to measure glucose flux and lipolysis, respectively, at 450-480 min. RESULTS Glucose excretion rate was higher and peripheral glucose uptake lower with dapagliflozin than placebo. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) concentrations and [13C2]BOHB concentrations were higher and glucose concentrations lower with dapagliflozin than placebo. Nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) were higher with dapagliflozin at 300 and 420 min, but lipolysis at 450-480 min was not different. Triacylglycerol at all time points and endogenous glucose production rate at 450-480 min were not different between treatments. CONCLUSIONS The increase in ketone enrichment from the ingested palmitic acid tracer suggests that meal-derived fatty acids contribute to the increase in ketones during treatment with dapagliflozin. The increase in BOHB concentration with dapagliflozin occurred with only minimal changes in plasma NEFA concentration and no change in lipolysis. This finding suggests a metabolic switch to increase ketogenesis within the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roselle A Herring
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Research, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, U.K.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K
| | - Fariba Shojaee-Moradie
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Research, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, U.K
| | - Mary Stevenage
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Research, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, U.K
| | - Iain Parsons
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Research, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, U.K
| | - Nicola Jackson
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K
| | - Jeewaka Mendis
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K
| | - Benita Middleton
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K
| | - A Margot Umpleby
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K
| | - Barbara A Fielding
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K
| | - Melanie Davies
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, U.K.,National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, U.K
| | - David L Russell-Jones
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Research, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, U.K.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K
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20
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Hazlehurst JM, Lim TR, Charlton C, Miller JJ, Gathercole LL, Cornfield T, Nikolaou N, Harris SE, Moolla A, Othonos N, Heather LC, Marjot T, Tyler DJ, Carr C, Hodson L, McKeating J, Tomlinson JW. Acute intermittent hypoxia drives hepatic de novo lipogenesis in humans and rodents. Metabol Open 2022; 14:100177. [PMID: 35313531 PMCID: PMC8933516 DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2022.100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver condition. It is tightly associated with an adverse metabolic phenotype (including obesity and type 2 diabetes) as well as with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) of which intermittent hypoxia is a critical component. Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is a significant contributor to hepatic lipid content and the pathogenesis of NAFLD and has been proposed as a key pathway to target in the development of pharmacotherapies to treat NAFLD. Our aim is to use experimental models to investigate the impact of hypoxia on hepatic lipid metabolism independent of obesity and metabolic disease. Methods Human and rodent studies incorporating stable isotopes and hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp studies were performed to assess the regulation of DNL and broader metabolic phenotype by intermittent hypoxia. Cell-based studies, including pharmacological and genetic manipulation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF), were used to examine the underlying mechanisms. Results Hepatic DNL increased in response to acute intermittent hypoxia in humans, without alteration in glucose production or disposal. These observations were endorsed in a prolonged model of intermittent hypoxia in rodents using stable isotopic assessment of lipid metabolism. Changes in DNL were paralleled by increases in hepatic gene expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase 1 and fatty acid synthase. In human hepatoma cell lines, hypoxia increased both DNL and fatty acid uptake through HIF-1α and -2α dependent mechanisms. Conclusions These studies provide robust evidence linking intermittent hypoxia and the regulation of DNL in both acute and sustained in vivo models of intermittent hypoxia, providing an important mechanistic link between hypoxia and NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M. Hazlehurst
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Teegan Reina Lim
- Department of Gastro & Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 544894, Singapore
| | - Catriona Charlton
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Jack J. Miller
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
- Department of Physics, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, OX1 3PUT, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura L. Gathercole
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Thomas Cornfield
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Nikolaos Nikolaou
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Shelley E. Harris
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Ahmad Moolla
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Nantia Othonos
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Lisa C. Heather
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Thomas Marjot
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Damian J. Tyler
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Carolyn Carr
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Leanne Hodson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Jane McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Jeremy W. Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
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21
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Sandovici I, Fernandez-Twinn DS, Hufnagel A, Constância M, Ozanne SE. Sex differences in the intergenerational inheritance of metabolic traits. Nat Metab 2022; 4:507-523. [PMID: 35637347 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Strong evidence suggests that early-life exposures to suboptimal environmental factors, including those in utero, influence our long-term metabolic health. This has been termed developmental programming. Mounting evidence suggests that the growth and metabolism of male and female fetuses differ. Therefore, sexual dimorphism in response to pre-conception or early-life exposures could contribute to known sex differences in susceptibility to poor metabolic health in adulthood. However, until recently, many studies, especially those in animal models, focused on a single sex, or, often in the case of studies performed during intrauterine development, did not report the sex of the animal at all. In this review, we (a) summarize the evidence that male and females respond differently to a suboptimal pre-conceptional or in utero environment, (b) explore the potential biological mechanisms that underlie these differences and (c) review the consequences of these differences for long-term metabolic health, including that of subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionel Sandovici
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denise S Fernandez-Twinn
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Hufnagel
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miguel Constância
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Susan E Ozanne
- Metabolic Research Laboratories and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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22
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Fridén M, Kullberg J, Ahlström H, Lind L, Rosqvist F. Intake of Ultra-Processed Food and Ectopic-, Visceral- and Other Fat Depots: A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:774718. [PMID: 35445063 PMCID: PMC9013765 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.774718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between intake of ultra-processed food (UPF) and liver fat, pancreas fat and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) but also subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), VAT/SAT ratio and total fat mass. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional analysis of n = 286 50-year old men and women. Energy percentage (%E) from UPF was calculated from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Food items were categorized according to the NOVA-classification system and fat depots were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Associations were analyzed using linear regression, adjusted for sex, education, physical activity, smoking, dietary factors and BMI. Results Mean intake of UPF was 37.8 ± 10.2 %E and the three largest contributors to this were crisp- and wholegrain breads and spreads, indicating overall healthy food choices. Consumption of UPF was associated with higher intake of energy, carbohydrates and fiber and lower intake of protein and polyunsaturated fat but no differences were observed for total fat, saturated fat (SFA), monounsaturated fat, sugar or alcohol between tertiles of UPF. Intake of UPF was positively associated with liver- and pancreas fat, VAT, VAT/SAT and inversely associated with total fat mass in crude models. The association for VAT remained after full adjustment (β = 0.01 (95% CI: 0.002, 0.02), P = 0.02) and was driven by women. Conclusion Energy intake from UPF is not associated with ectopic fat, SAT or total fat after adjustment for multiple confounders in this population having overall healthy food habits. However, a positive association between UPF and VAT was observed which was driven by women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fridén
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joel Kullberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Antaros Medical AB, BioVenture Hub, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Håkan Ahlström
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Antaros Medical AB, BioVenture Hub, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lars Lind
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Epidemiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Rosqvist
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Fredrik Rosqvist
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23
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Nagarajan SR, Cross E, Sanna F, Hodson L. Dysregulation of hepatic metabolism with obesity: factors influencing glucose and lipid metabolism. Proc Nutr Soc 2022; 81:1-11. [PMID: 34726148 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665121003761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a key metabolic organ that undertakes a multitude of physiological processes over the course of a day, including intrahepatic lipid and glucose metabolism which plays a key role in the regulation of systemic lipid and glucose concentrations. It serves as an intermediary organ between exogenous (dietary) and endogenous energy supply to extrahepatic organs. Thus, perturbations in hepatic metabolism can impact widely on metabolic disease risk. For example, the accumulation of intra-hepatocellular TAG (IHTG), for which adiposity is almost invariably a causative factor may result in dysregulation of metabolic pathways. Accumulation of IHTG is likely due to an imbalance between fatty acid delivery, synthesis and removal (via oxidation or export as TAG) from the liver; insulin plays a key role in all of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Nagarajan
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - E Cross
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - F Sanna
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - L Hodson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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24
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Dumolt JH, Patel MS, Rideout TC. Gestational hypercholesterolemia programs hepatic steatosis in a sex-specific manner in ApoE-deficient mice. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 101:108945. [PMID: 35016999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.108945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Maternal hypercholesterolemia (MHC), a pathological condition characterized by an exaggerated rise in maternal serum cholesterol during pregnancy, may influence offspring hepatic lipid metabolism and increase the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As NAFLD is characterized by a sexual dimorphic response, we assessed whether early-life exposure to excessive cholesterol influences the development of NAFLD in offspring and whether this occurs in a sex-specific manner. Female apoE-/- mice were randomly assigned to a control (CON) or a high cholesterol (CH; 0.15%) diet prior to breeding. At parturition, a cross-fostering approach was used to establish three groups: (1) normal cholesterol exposure throughout gestation and lactation (CON-CON); (2) excessive cholesterol exposure throughout gestation and lactation (CH-CH); and (3) excessive cholesterol exposure in the gestation period only (CH-CON). Adult male offspring (PND 84) exposed to excessive cholesterol during gestation only (CH-CON) demonstrated hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation and reduced lipogenic gene expression. However, male mice with a prolonged cholesterol exposure throughout gestation and lactation (CH-CH) had a similar, but not exacerbated hepatic response. Further, with the exception of higher serum TG in adult CH-CH females, evidence for a programming effect in female offspring was largely absent in comparison with males. These results indicate a sexual dimorphic response with respect to the effect of MHC on later life hepatic steatosis and highlight the gestation period as the most influential malprogramming window for hepatic lipid dysfunction in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerad H Dumolt
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mulchand S Patel
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Todd C Rideout
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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25
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Plasma Oxylipin Profile Discriminates Ethnicities in Subjects with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: An Exploratory Analysis. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020192. [PMID: 35208265 PMCID: PMC8875408 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver pathology that includes steatosis, or non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Without a clear pathophysiological mechanism, it affects Hispanics disproportionately compared to other ethnicities. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and inflammatory lipid mediators including oxylipin (OXL) and endocannabinoid (eCB) are altered in NAFLD and thought to contribute to its pathogenesis. However, the existence of ethnicity-related differences is not clear. We employed targeted lipidomic profiling for plasma PUFAs, non-esterified OXLs and eCBs in White Hispanics (HIS, n = 10) and Caucasians (CAU, n = 8) with biopsy-confirmed NAFL, compared with healthy control subjects (HC; n = 14 HIS; n = 8 CAU). NAFLD was associated with diminished long chain PUFA in HIS, independent of histological severity. Differences in plasma OXLs and eCBs characterized ethnicities in NASH, with lower arachidonic acid derived OXLs observed in HIS. The secondary analysis comparing ethnicities within NASH (n = 12 HIS; n = 17 CAU), confirms these ethnicity-related differences and suggests lower lipoxygenase(s) and higher soluble epoxide hydrolase(s) activities in HIS compared to CAU. While causes are not clear, these lipidomic differences might be with implications for NAFLD severity and are worth further investigation. We provide preliminary data indicating ethnicity-specific lipidomic signature characterizes NASH which requires further validation.
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26
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Chen XY, Wang C, Huang YZ, Zhang LL. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease shows significant sex dimorphism. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:1457-1472. [PMID: 35211584 PMCID: PMC8855265 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i5.1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has been renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, is a growing global medical problem. The incidence of NAFLD and its associated end-stage liver disease is increasing each year, and many research advancements have been achieved to date. This review focuses on the current knowledge of the sex differences in NAFLD and does not elaborate on areas without differences. Studies have revealed significant sex differences in the prevalence, influencing factors, pathophysiology, complications and therapies of NAFLD. Men have a higher incidence than women. Compared with women, men exhibit increased visceral fat deposition, are more susceptible to leptin resistance, lack estrogen receptors, and tend to synthesize fatty acids into fat storage. Male patients will experience more severe hepatic fibrosis and a higher incidence of liver cancer. However, once NAFLD occurs, women show a faster progression of liver fibrosis, higher levels of liver cell damage and inflammation and are less likely to undergo liver transplantation than men. In general, men have more risk factors and more severe pathophysiological reactions than women, whereas the development of NAFLD is faster in women, and the treatments for women are more limited than those for men. Thus, whether sex differences should be considered in the individualized prevention and treatment of NAFLD in the future is worth considering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Yu Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China
| | - Cong Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China
| | - Li-Li Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 404100, China
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27
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Green CJ, Marjot T, Walsby-Tickle J, Charlton C, Cornfield T, Westcott F, Pinnick KE, Moolla A, Hazlehurst JM, McCullagh J, Tomlinson JW, Hodson L. Metformin maintains intrahepatic triglyceride content through increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 186:367-377. [PMID: 35038311 PMCID: PMC8859923 DOI: 10.1530/eje-21-0850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metformin is a first-line pharmacotherapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, a condition closely associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although metformin promotes weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity, its effect on intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) remains unclear. We investigated the effect of metformin on IHTG, hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL), and fatty acid (FA) oxidation in vivo in humans. DESIGN AND METHODS Metabolic investigations, using stable-isotope tracers, were performed in ten insulin-resistant, overweight/obese human participants with NAFLD who were treatment naïve before and after 12 weeks of metformin treatment. The effect of metformin on markers of s.c. adipose tissue FA metabolism and function, along with the plasma metabolome, was investigated. RESULTS Twelve weeks of treatment with metformin resulted in a significant reduction in body weight and improved insulin sensitivity, but IHTG content and FA oxidation remained unchanged. Metformin treatment was associated with a significant decrease in VLDL-triglyceride (TG) concentrations and a significant increase in the relative contribution of DNL-derived FAs to VLDL-TG. There were subtle and relatively few changes in s.c. adipose tissue FA metabolism and the plasma metabolome with metformin treatment. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the mechanisms of action of metformin whereby it improves insulin sensitivity and promotes weight loss, without improvement in IHTG; these observations are partly explained through increased hepatic DNL and a lack of change in FA oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte J Green
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Marjot
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Catriona Charlton
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Cornfield
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Felix Westcott
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Katherine E Pinnick
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Ahmad Moolla
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Jonathan M Hazlehurst
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - James McCullagh
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jeremy W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospital Trusts, Oxford, UK
| | - Leanne Hodson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospital Trusts, Oxford, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to L Hodson;
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Wang K, Yang F, Zhang P, Yang Y, Jiang L. Genetic effects of iron levels on liver injury and risk of liver diseases: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:964163. [PMID: 36185655 PMCID: PMC9523310 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.964163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Although iron homeostasis has been associated with liver function in many observational studies, the causality in this relationship remains unclear. By using Mendelian Randomization analyses, we aimed to evaluate the genetic effects of increased systemic iron levels on the risk of liver injury and various liver diseases. Moreover, in light of the sex-dependent iron regulation in human beings, we further estimated the sex-specific effect of iron levels in liver diseases. Methods Independent single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with systemic iron status (including four indicators) at the genome-wide significance level from the Genetics of Iron Status (GIS) Consortium were selected as instrumental variables. Summary data for six liver function biomarkers and five liver diseases were obtained from the UK Biobank, the Estonian Biobank, the eMERGE network, and FinnGen consortium. Mendelian Randomization assessment of the effect of iron on liver function and liver diseases was conducted. Results Genetically predicted iron levels were positively and significantly associated with an increased risk of different dimensions of liver injury. Furthermore, increased iron status posed hazardous effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. Sex-stratified analyses indicated that the hepatoxic role of iron might exist in NAFLD and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis development among men. No significantly causal relationship was found between iron status and viral hepatitis. Conclusion Our study adds to current knowledge on the genetic role of iron in the risk of liver injury and related liver diseases, which provides clinical and public health implications for liver disease prevention as iron status can be modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangkun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Ningbo First Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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29
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Jesuthasan A, Zhyzhneuskaya S, Peters C, Barnes AC, Hollingsworth KG, Sattar N, Lean MEJ, Taylor R, Al-Mrabeh AH. Sex differences in intraorgan fat levels and hepatic lipid metabolism: implications for cardiovascular health and remission of type 2 diabetes after dietary weight loss. Diabetologia 2022; 65:226-233. [PMID: 34657182 PMCID: PMC8660759 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-021-05583-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Type 2 diabetes confers a greater relative increase in CVD risk in women compared with men. We examined sex differences in intraorgan fat and hepatic VLDL1-triacylglycerol (VLDL1-TG) export before and after major dietary weight loss. METHODS A group with type 2 diabetes (n = 64, 30 male/34 female) and a group of healthy individuals (n = 25, 13 male/12 female) were studied. Intraorgan and visceral fat were quantified by magnetic resonance and VLDL1-TG export by intralipid infusion techniques. RESULTS Triacylglycerol content of the liver and pancreas was elevated in people with diabetes with no sex differences (liver 16.4% [9.3-25.0%] in women vs 11.9% [7.0-23.1%] in men, p = 0.57, and pancreas 8.3 ± 0.5% vs 8.5 ± 0.4%, p = 0.83, respectively). In the absence of diabetes, fat levels in both organs were lower in women than men (1.0% [0.9-1.7%] vs 4.5% [1.9-8.0%], p = 0.005, and 4.7 ± 0.4% vs 7.6 ± 0.5%, p< 0.0001, respectively). Women with diabetes had higher hepatic VLDL1-TG production rate and plasma VLDL1-TG than healthy women (559.3 ± 32.9 vs 403.2 ± 45.7 mg kg-1 day-1, p = 0.01, and 0.45 [0.26-0.77] vs 0.25 [0.13-0.33] mmol/l, p = 0.02), whereas there were no differences in men (548.8 ± 39.8 vs 506.7 ± 29.2 mg kg-1 day-1, p = 0.34, and 0.72 [0.53-1.15] vs 0.50 [0.32-0.68] mmol/l, p = 0.26). Weight loss decreased intraorgan fat and VLDL1-TG production rates regardless of sex, and these changes were accompanied by similar rates of diabetes remission (65.4% vs 71.0%) and CVD risk reduction (59.8% vs 41.5%) in women and men, respectively. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION In type 2 diabetes, women have liver and pancreas fat levels as high as those of men, associated with raised hepatic VLDL1-TG production rates. Dynamics of triacylglycerol turnover differ between sexes in type 2 diabetes and following weight loss. These changes may contribute to the disproportionately raised cardiovascular risk of women with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Jesuthasan
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sviatlana Zhyzhneuskaya
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carl Peters
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alison C Barnes
- Human Nutrition Research Centre, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kieren G Hollingsworth
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Naveed Sattar
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael E J Lean
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Roy Taylor
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Ahmad H Al-Mrabeh
- Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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30
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Cohen CC, Li KW, Alazraki AL, Beysen C, Carrier CA, Cleeton RL, Dandan M, Figueroa J, Knight-Scott J, Knott CJ, Newton KP, Nyangau EM, Sirlin CB, Ugalde-Nicalo PA, Welsh JA, Hellerstein MK, Schwimmer JB, Vos MB. Dietary sugar restriction reduces hepatic de novo lipogenesis in adolescent boys with fatty liver disease. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:150996. [PMID: 34907907 PMCID: PMC8670836 DOI: 10.1172/jci150996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDHepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is elevated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Improvements in hepatic fat by dietary sugar reduction may be mediated by reduced DNL, but data are limited, especially in children. We examined the effects of 8 weeks of dietary sugar restriction on hepatic DNL in adolescents with NAFLD and correlations between DNL and other metabolic outcomes.METHODSAdolescent boys with NAFLD (n = 29) participated in an 8-week, randomized controlled trial comparing a diet low in free sugars versus their usual diet. Hepatic DNL was measured as percentage contribution to plasma triglyceride palmitate using a 7-day metabolic labeling protocol with heavy water. Hepatic fat was measured by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction.RESULTSHepatic DNL was significantly decreased in the treatment group (from 34.6% to 24.1%) versus the control group (33.9% to 34.6%) (adjusted week 8 mean difference: -10.6% [95% CI: -19.1%, -2.0%]), which was paralleled by greater decreases in hepatic fat (25.5% to 17.9% vs. 19.5% to 18.8%) and fasting insulin (44.3 to 34.7 vs. 35.5 to 37.0 μIU/mL). Percentage change in DNL during the intervention correlated significantly with changes in free-sugar intake (r = 0.48, P = 0.011), insulin (r = 0.40, P = 0.047), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.39, P = 0.049), but not hepatic fat (r = 0.13, P = 0.532).CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that dietary sugar restriction reduces hepatic DNL and fasting insulin, in addition to reductions in hepatic fat and ALT, among adolescents with NAFLD. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that hepatic DNL is a critical metabolic abnormality linking dietary sugar and NAFLD.TRIAL REGISTRYClinicalTrials.gov NCT02513121.FUNDINGThe Nutrition Science Initiative (made possible by gifts from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, Ambrose Monell Foundation, and individual donors), the UCSD Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, the NIH, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University's Children's Clinical and Translational Discovery Core, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University Pediatric Biostatistical Core, the Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance, and the NIH National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C. Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelvin W. Li
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Adina L. Alazraki
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Radiology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Carissa A. Carrier
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Cleeton
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohamad Dandan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Janet Figueroa
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jack Knight-Scott
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cynthia J. Knott
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kimberly P. Newton
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Edna M. Nyangau
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Claude B. Sirlin
- Liver Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Patricia A. Ugalde-Nicalo
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jean A. Welsh
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Marc K. Hellerstein
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Schwimmer
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, UCSD, La Jolla, California, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Miriam B. Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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31
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Smith ME, Cisbani G, Metherel AH, Bazinet RP. The Majority of Brain Palmitic Acid is Maintained by Lipogenesis from Dietary Sugars and is Augmented in Mice fed Low Palmitic Acid Levels from Birth. J Neurochem 2021; 161:112-128. [PMID: 34780089 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previously, results from studies investigating if brain palmitic acid (16:0; PAM) was maintained by either dietary uptake or lipogenesis de novo (DNL) varied. Here, we utilize naturally occurring carbon isotope ratios (13 C/12 C; δ13 C) to uncover the origin of brain PAM. Additionally, we explored brain and liver fatty acid concentration, total brain metabolomic profile, and behaviour. BALB/c dams were equilibrated onto either a low PAM diet (LP; <2%) or high PAM diet (HP; >95%) prior to producing one generation of offspring. Offspring stayed on the respective diet of the dam until 15-weeks of age, at which time the Open Field test was conducted in the offspring, prior to euthanasia and tissue lipid extraction. Although liver PAM was lower in offspring fed the LP diet, as well as female offspring, brain PAM was not affected by diet or sex. Across offspring of either sex on both diets, brain 13 C-PAM revealed compared to dietary uptake, DNL from dietary sugars contributed 68.8%-79.5% and 46.6%-58.0% to the total brain PAM pool by both peripheral and local brain DNL, and local brain DNL alone, respectively. DNL was augmented in offspring fed the LP diet, and the ability to upregulate DNL in the liver or the brain depended on sex. Anxiety-like behaviours were decreased in offspring fed the LP diet and were correlated with markers of LP diet consumption including increased liver 13 C-PAM, warranting further investigation. Altogether, our results indicate that DNL from dietary sugars is a compensatory mechanism to maintain brain PAM in response to a LP diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Cisbani
- University of Toronto, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Toronto
| | - Adam H Metherel
- University of Toronto, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Toronto
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32
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Sex differences in the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2021; 93:19-26. [PMID: 34763304 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) remains uncertain. This study sought to assess the sex-specific association between NAFLD and PD risk considering that sex is an important factor in both conditions. METHODS We included 2,651,169 men and 2,998,904 women (≥40 years of age) who underwent health examinations in 2009 using database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. To define NAFLD, the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) was used and a score of at least 60 points was regarded as suggesting the presence of NAFLD. Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the presence of NAFLD/each component of FLI and the risk of PD. All analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS The median follow-up duration was 7.3 years in both men and women. Of the total study population, 23,233 patients with PD (10,578 men and 12,655 women) were identified. Among men, a decreased risk of PD was observed in those with NAFLD [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-0.91]. In contrast, among women, an increased risk of PD was observed in those with NAFLD (aHR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.16). This different association according to sex was more prominent among younger participants but was not significant in the old age group. CONCLUSIONS NAFLD defined by FLI is differently associated with the risk of PD by sex (i.e., low risk of PD in men with NAFLD vs. high risk of PD in women with NAFLD).
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Abstract
The acronym nonalcoholic fatty-liver disease (NAFLD) groups a heterogeneous patient population. Although in many patients the primary driver is metabolic dysfunction, a complex and dynamic interaction of different factors (i.e., sex, presence of one or more genetic variants, coexistence of different comorbidities, diverse microbiota composition, and various degrees of alcohol consumption among others) takes place to determine disease subphenotypes with distinct natural history and prognosis and, eventually, different response to therapy. This review aims to address this topic through the analysis of existing data on the differential contribution of known factors to the pathogenesis and clinical expression of NAFLD, thus determining the different clinical subphenotypes observed in practice. To improve our understanding of NAFLD heterogeneity and the dominant drivers of disease in patient subgroups would predictably impact on the development of more precision-targeted therapies for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Arrese
- Department of Gastroenterology, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan P. Arab
- Department of Gastroenterology, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Barrera
- Department of Gastroenterology, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Benedikt Kaufmann
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego, California
| | - Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Universita degli Studi di Milano, Translational Medicine, Department of Transfusion, Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Pad Marangoni, Milan, Italy
| | - Ariel E. Feldstein
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego, California
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Abstract
Ketone bodies play significant roles in organismal energy homeostasis, serving as oxidative fuels, modulators of redox potential, lipogenic precursors, and signals, primarily during states of low carbohydrate availability. Efforts to enhance wellness and ameliorate disease via nutritional, chronobiological, and pharmacological interventions have markedly intensified interest in ketone body metabolism. The two ketone body redox partners, acetoacetate and D-β-hydroxybutyrate, serve distinct metabolic and signaling roles in biological systems. We discuss the pleiotropic roles played by both of these ketones in health and disease. While enthusiasm is warranted, prudent procession through therapeutic applications of ketogenic and ketone therapies is also advised, as a range of metabolic and signaling consequences continue to emerge. Organ-specific and cell-type-specific effects of ketone bodies are important to consider as prospective therapeutic and wellness applications increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Puchalska
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA; ,
| | - Peter A Crawford
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA; , .,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Della Torre S. Beyond the X Factor: Relevance of Sex Hormones in NAFLD Pathophysiology. Cells 2021; 10:2502. [PMID: 34572151 PMCID: PMC8470830 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major health issue worldwide, being frequently associated with obesity, unbalanced dietary regimens, and reduced physical activity. Despite their greater adiposity and reduced physical activity, women show a lower risk of developing NAFLD in comparison to men, likely a consequence of a sex-specific regulation of liver metabolism. In the liver, sex differences in the uptake, synthesis, oxidation, deposition, and mobilization of lipids, as well as in the regulation of inflammation, are associated with differences in NAFLD prevalence and progression between men and women. Given the major role of sex hormones in driving hepatic sexual dimorphism, this review will focus on the role of sex hormones and their signaling in the regulation of hepatic metabolism and in the molecular mechanisms triggering NAFLD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Dean AE, Reichardt F, Anakk S. Sex differences feed into nuclear receptor signaling along the digestive tract. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166211. [PMID: 34273530 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in physiology are noted in clinical and animal studies. However, mechanisms underlying these observed differences between males and females remain elusive. Nuclear receptors control a wide range of physiological pathways and are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, stomach, liver and intestine. We investigated the literature pertaining to ER, AR, FXR, and PPAR regulation and highlight the sex differences in nutrient metabolism along the digestive system. We chose these nuclear receptors based on their metabolic functions, and hormonal actions. Intriguingly, we noted an overlap in target genes of ER and FXR that modulate mucosal integrity and GLP-1 secretion, whereas overlap in target genes of PPARα with ER and AR modulate lipid metabolism. Sex differences were seen not only in the basal expression of nuclear receptors, but also in activation as their endogenous ligand concentrations fluctuate depending on nutrient availability. Finally, in this review, we speculate that interactions between the nuclear receptors may influence overall metabolic decisions in the gastrointestinal tract in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Dean
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - François Reichardt
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Sayeepriyadarshini Anakk
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America; Cancer center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America.
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Oke SL, Lee K, Papp R, Laviolette SR, Hardy DB. In Utero Exposure to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Leads to Postnatal Catch-Up Growth and Dysmetabolism in the Adult Rat Liver. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147502. [PMID: 34299119 PMCID: PMC8305322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rates of gestational cannabis use have increased despite limited evidence for its safety in fetal life. Recent animal studies demonstrate that prenatal exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis) promotes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), culminating in postnatal metabolic deficits. Given IUGR is associated with impaired hepatic function, we hypothesized that Δ9-THC offspring would exhibit hepatic dyslipidemia. Pregnant Wistar rat dams received daily injections of vehicular control or 3 mg/kg Δ9-THC i.p. from embryonic day (E) 6.5 through E22. Exposure to Δ9-THC decreased the liver to body weight ratio at birth, followed by catch-up growth by three weeks of age. At six months, Δ9-THC-exposed male offspring exhibited increased visceral adiposity and higher hepatic triglycerides. This was instigated by augmented expression of enzymes involved in triglyceride synthesis (ACCα, SCD, FABP1, and DGAT2) at three weeks. Furthermore, the expression of hepatic DGAT1/DGAT2 was sustained at six months, concomitant with mitochondrial dysfunction (i.e., elevated p66shc) and oxidative stress. Interestingly, decreases in miR-203a-3p and miR-29a/b/c, both implicated in dyslipidemia, were also observed in these Δ9-THC-exposed offspring. Collectively, these findings indicate that prenatal Δ9-THC exposure results in long-term dyslipidemia associated with enhanced hepatic lipogenesis. This is attributed by mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby L. Oke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.L.O.); (K.L.); (R.P.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Kendrick Lee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.L.O.); (K.L.); (R.P.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rosemary Papp
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.L.O.); (K.L.); (R.P.)
| | - Steven R. Laviolette
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
| | - Daniel B. Hardy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.L.O.); (K.L.); (R.P.)
- The Children’s Health Research Institute, The Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Dankel SN, Bjørndal B, Lindquist C, Grinna ML, Rossmann CR, Bohov P, Nygård O, Hallström S, Strand E, Berge RK. Hepatic Energy Metabolism Underlying Differential Lipidomic Responses to High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diets in Male Wistar Rats. J Nutr 2021; 151:2610-2621. [PMID: 34132338 PMCID: PMC8417924 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-carbohydrate diets are suggested to exert metabolic benefits by reducing circulating triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations, possibly by enhancing mitochondrial activity. OBJECTIVE We aimed to elucidate mechanisms by which dietary carbohydrate and fat differentially affect hepatic and circulating TG, and how these mechanisms relate to fatty acid composition. METHODS Six-week-old, ∼300 g male Wistar rats were fed a high-carbohydrate, low-fat [HC; 61.3% of energy (E%) carbohydrate] or a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (HF; 63.5 E% fat) diet for 4 wk. Parameters of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function were measured in plasma and liver, with fatty acid composition (GC), high-energy phosphates (HPLC), carnitine metabolites (HPLC-MS/MS), and hepatic gene expression (qPCR) as main outcomes. RESULTS In HC-fed rats, plasma TG was double and hepatic TG 27% of that in HF-fed rats. The proportion of oleic acid (18:1n-9) was 60% higher after HF vs. HC feeding while the proportion of palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) and vaccenic acid (18:1n-7), and estimated activities of stearoyl-CoA desaturase, SCD-16 (16:1n-7/16:0), and de novo lipogenesis (16:0/18:2n-6) were 1.5-7.5-fold in HC vs. HF-fed rats. Accordingly, hepatic expression of fatty acid synthase (Fasn) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acaca/Acc) was strongly upregulated after HC feeding, accompanied with 8-fold higher FAS activity and doubled ACC activity. There were no differences in expression of liver-specific biomarkers of mitochondrial biogenesis and activity (Cytc, Tfam, Cpt1, Cpt2, Ucp2, Hmgcs2); concentrations of ATP, AMP, and energy charge; plasma carnitine/acylcarnitine metabolites; or peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation. CONCLUSIONS In male Wistar rats, dietary carbohydrate was converted into specific fatty acids via hepatic lipogenesis, contributing to higher plasma TG and total fatty acids compared with high-fat feeding. In contrast, the high-fat, low-carbohydrate feeding increased hepatic fatty acid content, without affecting hepatic mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bodil Bjørndal
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Carine Lindquist
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mari L Grinna
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Pavol Bohov
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ottar Nygård
- Mohn Nutrition Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Seth Hallström
- Division of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elin Strand
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Barretto SA, Lasserre F, Huillet M, Régnier M, Polizzi A, Lippi Y, Fougerat A, Person E, Bruel S, Bétoulières C, Naylies C, Lukowicz C, Smati S, Guzylack L, Olier M, Théodorou V, Mselli-Lakhal L, Zalko D, Wahli W, Loiseau N, Gamet-Payrastre L, Guillou H, Ellero-Simatos S. The pregnane X receptor drives sexually dimorphic hepatic changes in lipid and xenobiotic metabolism in response to gut microbiota in mice. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:93. [PMID: 33879258 PMCID: PMC8059225 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01050-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota-intestine-liver relationship is emerging as an important factor in multiple hepatic pathologies, but the hepatic sensors and effectors of microbial signals are not well defined. RESULTS By comparing publicly available liver transcriptomics data from conventional vs. germ-free mice, we identified pregnane X receptor (PXR, NR1I2) transcriptional activity as strongly affected by the absence of gut microbes. Microbiota depletion using antibiotics in Pxr+/+ vs Pxr-/- C57BL/6J littermate mice followed by hepatic transcriptomics revealed that most microbiota-sensitive genes were PXR-dependent in the liver in males, but not in females. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that microbiota-PXR interaction controlled fatty acid and xenobiotic metabolism. We confirmed that antibiotic treatment reduced liver triglyceride content and hampered xenobiotic metabolism in the liver from Pxr+/+ but not Pxr-/- male mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify PXR as a hepatic effector of microbiota-derived signals that regulate the host's sexually dimorphic lipid and xenobiotic metabolisms in the liver. Thus, our results reveal a potential new mechanism for unexpected drug-drug or food-drug interactions. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Ann Barretto
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Frederic Lasserre
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Marine Huillet
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Marion Régnier
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Polizzi
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Yannick Lippi
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Fougerat
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Elodie Person
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandrine Bruel
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Colette Bétoulières
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Naylies
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Céline Lukowicz
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sarra Smati
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurence Guzylack
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Maïwenn Olier
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Vassilia Théodorou
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Laila Mselli-Lakhal
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Daniel Zalko
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Walter Wahli
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Loiseau
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurence Gamet-Payrastre
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Hervé Guillou
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandrine Ellero-Simatos
- Toxalim (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
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40
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Carpentier AC. 100 th anniversary of the discovery of insulin perspective: insulin and adipose tissue fatty acid metabolism. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2021; 320:E653-E670. [PMID: 33522398 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00620.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Insulin inhibits systemic nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) flux to a greater degree than glucose or any other metabolite. This remarkable effect is mainly due to insulin-mediated inhibition of intracellular triglyceride (TG) lipolysis in adipose tissues and is essential to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis, but also to limit the potential lipotoxic effects of NEFA in lean tissues that contribute to the development of diabetes complications. Insulin also regulates adipose tissue fatty acid esterification, glycerol and TG synthesis, lipogenesis, and possibly oxidation, contributing to the trapping of dietary fatty acids in the postprandial state. Excess NEFA flux at a given insulin level has been used to define in vivo adipose tissue insulin resistance. Adipose tissue insulin resistance defined in this fashion has been associated with several dysmetabolic features and complications of diabetes, but the mechanistic significance of this concept is not fully understood. This review focusses on the in vivo regulation of adipose tissue fatty acid metabolism by insulin and the mechanistic significance of the current definition of adipose tissue insulin resistance. One hundred years after the discovery of insulin and despite decades of investigations, much is still to be understood about the multifaceted in vivo actions of this hormone on adipose tissue fatty acid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- André C Carpentier
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Parry SA, Rosqvist F, Cornfield T, Barrett A, Hodson L. Oxidation of dietary linoleate occurs to a greater extent than dietary palmitate in vivo in humans. Clin Nutr 2021; 40:1108-1114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Al-Mrabeh A. β-Cell Dysfunction, Hepatic Lipid Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Health in Type 2 Diabetes: New Directions of Research and Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:226. [PMID: 33672162 PMCID: PMC7927138 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major problem for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dyslipidemia is one of the main drivers for both metabolic diseases. In this review, the major pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of β-cell dysfunction and recovery in T2DM are discussed in the context of abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. (i) In normal health, continuous exposure of the pancreas to nutrient stimulus increases the demand on β-cells. In the long term, this will not only stress β-cells and decrease their insulin secretory capacity, but also will blunt the cellular response to insulin. (ii) At the pre-diabetes stage, β-cells compensate for insulin resistance through hypersecretion of insulin. This increases the metabolic burden on the stressed β-cells and changes hepatic lipoprotein metabolism and adipose tissue function. (iii) If this lipotoxic hyperinsulinemic environment is not removed, β-cells start to lose function, and CVD risk rises due to lower lipoprotein clearance. (iv) Once developed, T2DM can be reversed by weight loss, a process described recently as remission. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which calorie restriction causes normalization of lipoprotein metabolism and restores β-cell function are not fully established. Understanding the pathophysiological and molecular basis of β-cell failure and recovery during remission is critical to reduce β-cell burden and loss of function. The aim of this review is to highlight the link between lipoprotein export and lipid-driven β-cell dysfunction in T2DM and how this is related to cardiovascular health. A second aim is to understand the mechanisms of β-cell recovery after weight loss, and to explore new areas of research for developing more targeted future therapies to prevent T2DM and the associated CVD events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Al-Mrabeh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Magnetic Resonance Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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Song M, Yuan F, Li X, Ma X, Yin X, Rouchka EC, Zhang X, Deng Z, Prough RA, McClain CJ. Analysis of sex differences in dietary copper-fructose interaction-induced alterations of gut microbial activity in relation to hepatic steatosis. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:3. [PMID: 33407877 PMCID: PMC7789350 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inadequate copper intake and increased fructose consumption represent two important nutritional problems in the USA. Dietary copper-fructose interactions alter gut microbial activity and contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study is to determine whether dietary copper-fructose interactions alter gut microbial activity in a sex-differential manner and whether sex differences in gut microbial activity are associated with sex differences in hepatic steatosis. METHODS Male and female weanling Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed ad libitum with an AIN-93G purified rodent diet with defined copper content for 8 weeks. The copper content is 6 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg in adequate copper diet (CuA) and marginal copper diet (CuM), respectively. Animals had free access to either deionized water or deionized water containing 10% fructose (F) (w/v) as the only drink during the experiment. Body weight, calorie intake, plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and liver histology as well as liver triglyceride were evaluated. Fecal microbial contents were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing. Fecal and cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS Male and female rats exhibit similar trends of changes in the body weight gain and calorie intake in response to dietary copper and fructose, with a generally higher level in male rats. Several female rats in the CuAF group developed mild steatosis, while no obvious steatosis was observed in male rats fed with CuAF or CuMF diets. Fecal 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed distinct alterations of the gut microbiome in male and female rats. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) identified sex-specific abundant taxa in different groups. Further, total SCFAs, as well as, butyrate were decreased in a more pronounced manner in female CuMF rats than in male rats. Of note, the decreased SCFAs are concomitant with the reduced SCFA producers, but not correlated to hepatic steatosis. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated sex differences in the alterations of gut microbial abundance, activities, and hepatic steatosis in response to dietary copper-fructose interaction in rats. The correlation between sex differences in metabolic phenotypes and alterations of gut microbial activities remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Song
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Hepatobiology&Toxicology Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Fang Yuan
- Hepatobiology&Toxicology Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208 USA
- Center for Regulatory and Environmental Analytical Metabolomics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208 USA
| | - Xiaohong Li
- KBRIN Bioinformatics Core, Louisville, KY 40292 USA
| | - Xipeng Ma
- Hepatobiology&Toxicology Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208 USA
- Center for Regulatory and Environmental Analytical Metabolomics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208 USA
| | - Xinmin Yin
- Hepatobiology&Toxicology Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208 USA
- Center for Regulatory and Environmental Analytical Metabolomics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208 USA
| | | | - Xiang Zhang
- Hepatobiology&Toxicology Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208 USA
- Center for Regulatory and Environmental Analytical Metabolomics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40208 USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Zhongbin Deng
- Hepatobiology&Toxicology Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Russell A. Prough
- Hepatobiology&Toxicology Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Craig J. McClain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Hepatobiology&Toxicology Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
- Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, KY 40206 USA
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Goossens GH, Jocken JWE, Blaak EE. Sexual dimorphism in cardiometabolic health: the role of adipose tissue, muscle and liver. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2021; 17:47-66. [PMID: 33173188 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-00431-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with many adverse health effects, such as an increased cardiometabolic risk. Despite higher adiposity for a given BMI, premenopausal women are at lower risk of cardiometabolic disease than men of the same age. This cardiometabolic advantage in women seems to disappear after the menopause or when type 2 diabetes mellitus develops. Sexual dimorphism in substrate supply and utilization, deposition of excess lipids and mobilization of stored lipids in various key metabolic organs (such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and the liver) are associated with differences in tissue-specific insulin sensitivity and cardiometabolic risk profiles between men and women. Moreover, lifestyle-related factors and epigenetic and genetic mechanisms seem to affect metabolic complications and disease risk in a sex-specific manner. This Review provides insight into sexual dimorphism in adipose tissue distribution, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and liver substrate metabolism and tissue-specific insulin sensitivity in humans, as well as the underlying mechanisms, and addresses the effect of these sex differences on cardiometabolic health. Additionally, this Review highlights the implications of sexual dimorphism in the pathophysiology of obesity-related cardiometabolic risk for the development of sex-specific prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs H Goossens
- Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| | - Johan W E Jocken
- Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ellen E Blaak
- Department of Human Biology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, Netherlands.
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Gusdon AM, Hui Y, Chen J, Mathews CE, Qu S. Mitochondrial haplogroup G is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, while haplogroup A mitigates the effects of PNPLA3. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2021; 4:e00187. [PMID: 33532620 PMCID: PMC7831202 DOI: 10.1002/edm2.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We hypothesized that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups affect the risk of NAFLD in Han Chinese patients and interact with PNPLA3 genotypes. Design NAFLD and control patients were recruited from a tertiary care centre. The mitochondrial genome was amplified in overlapping segments and sequenced. Mitochondrial haplogroups were determined using Mitomaster. PNPLA3 rs738409 genotyping was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Patients We enrolled 655 NAFLD patients and 504 controls. Results More NAFLD patients encoded haplogroup G; odds ratio (OR) 1.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16, 2.80). Subhaplogroup G3 was present more frequently in NAFLD patients (25.8% vs 6.5%). The PNPLA3 CG genotype resulted in an OR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.25, 2.21), and the GG genotype resulted in an OR of 2.33 (95% CI 1.72, 3.17) for NAFLD. Patients with mitochondrial haplogroup A had a significantly higher frequency of genotype GG. Among patients with haplogroup A, no PNPLA3 genotype was associated with increased NAFLD risk (CG: OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.55, 2.34; GG: OR 1.04 95% CI 0.66, 2.65). Excluding haplogroup A, the OR for CG was 1.58 (95% CI 1.18, 2.12), and the OR for GG was 1.81 (95% CI 1.30, 2.51). Conclusion Haplogroup G was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD PNPLA3 GG genotype was overrepresented among patients encoding haplogroup A and was not associated with NAFLD risk among haplogroup A patients. Mitochondrial genetics influence NAFLD risk and interact with PNPLA3 genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Gusdon
- Department of NeurosurgeryMischer Neuroscience AssociatesUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTXUSA
| | - You Hui
- Department of EndocrinologyShanghai Tenth People's HospitalTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Florida College of MedicineGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Clayton E. Mathews
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory MedicineUniversity of Florida College of MedicineGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Shen Qu
- Department of EndocrinologyShanghai Tenth People's HospitalTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
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Cimini FA, Barchetta I, Ciccarelli G, Leonetti F, Silecchia G, Chiappetta C, Di Cristofano C, Capoccia D, Bertoccini L, Ceccarelli V, Carletti R, Fraioli A, Baroni MG, Morini S, Cavallo MG. Adipose tissue remodelling in obese subjects is a determinant of presence and severity of fatty liver disease. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2021; 37:e3358. [PMID: 32469428 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Experimental data suggest that visceral adipose tissue (VAT) dysfunction contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development in obesity, however, data on humans are limited. Aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between NAFLD and VAT morphofunctional impairment and to determine whether the extent of VAT remodelling is associated with liver damage and metabolic alterations in obesity. METHODS We analysed data from 40 obese individuals candidate to bariatric surgery in whom paired intraoperative liver and omental biopsies were performed for diagnosing NAFLD and VAT inflammation by immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression studies. RESULTS Within our study population, NAFLD was significantly associated with greater VAT CD68+ macrophages infiltration (P = .04), fibrosis (P = .04) and impaired microvascular density (P = .03) as well as increased expression of markers of local hypoxia, apoptosis and inflammation (UNC5B, CASP7, HIF1-α, IL-8, MIP2, WISP-1, all P < .01). The degree of VAT inflammation correlated with the severity of hepatic injury (steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis; all P < .01) and impaired gluco-metabolic profile. CONCLUSIONS In obese patients, NAFLD is associated in a dose-dependent manner with signs of VAT remodelling, which reflect more severe clinical metabolic impairment. Our study depicts morphological alterations and novel mediators of VAT dysfunction, adding knowledge for future therapeutic approaches to NAFLD and its metabolic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Agata Cimini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Barchetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gea Ciccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Frida Leonetti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Silecchia
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Chiappetta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Di Cristofano
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Danila Capoccia
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bertoccini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Carletti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Fraioli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Giorgio Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Disease, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Sergio Morini
- Laboratory of Microscopic and Ultrastructural Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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Liu H, Yan S, Chen G, Li B, Zhao L, Wang Y, Hu X, Jia X, Dou J, Mu Y, Wen J, Lyu Z. Association of the Ratio of Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels with the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Beijing. J Diabetes Res 2021; 2021:5524728. [PMID: 33969127 PMCID: PMC8081643 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5524728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (TG/HDL-C) is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the nonlinear relationship between TG/HDL-C and the incidence of T2DM in a Chinese population. METHODS We used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the incidence of T2DM among 7,791 participants from the Risk Evaluation of cAncers in Chinese diabeTic Individuals: a lONgitudinal (REACTION) cohort study at baseline. RESULTS After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, strenuous activity, education level, family histories of T2DM and tumors, and the presence of hypertension, tumor, stroke, and coronary heart disease, we showed that TG/HDL-C was positively associated with the incidence of T2DM at the 4-year follow-up (OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.26-1.78). TG/HDL-C and incidence of T2DM showed a nonlinear relationship; the inflection point of TG/HDL-C was 1.50. The ORs (95% CI) on the left and right sides of the inflection point were 2.50 (1.70-3.67) and 0.96 (0.67-1.37), respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) in the linear relationship, the OR of the incidence of T2DM was 1.60 (95%CI = 1.37-1.87). When the TG/HDL-C was less than 1.50 or greater than 1.76, the ORs (95% CI) were 2.41 (1.82-3.18) or 0.81 (0.53-1.25), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed no relationships of T2DM incidence with sex, BMI, family history of T2DM, or TG/HDL-C. CONCLUSION TG/HDL-C is positively associated with diabetes risk. In our study, with each increasing quintile, the risk of T2DM after 4 years was 1.60 or 1.49 depending on the variables adjusted. In addition, our cohort study showed a nonlinear relationship between TG/HDL-C and T2DM incidence, with an inflection point of 1.76 or 1.50, depending on the variables adjusted. When the TG/HDL was less than 1.50, the ORs (95% CI) were 2.41 (1.82-3.18) and 2.50 (1.70-3.67). When the TG/HDL-C was greater than 1.76 or 1.50, there was no significant difference in the change in OR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhou Liu
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Shuangtong Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Bing Li
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yajing Wang
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiaodong Hu
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xiaomeng Jia
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jingtao Dou
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yiming Mu
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Junping Wen
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Zhaohui Lyu
- The Department and Key Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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Metherel AH, Irfan M, Klingel SL, Mutch DM, Bazinet RP. Higher Increase in Plasma DHA in Females Compared to Males Following EPA Supplementation May Be Influenced by a Polymorphism in ELOVL2: An Exploratory Study. Lipids 2020; 56:211-228. [PMID: 33174255 DOI: 10.1002/lipd.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Young adult females have higher blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 22:6n-3 levels than males, and this is believed to be due to higher DHA synthesis rates, although DHA may also accumulate due to a longer half-life or a combination of both. However, sex differences in blood fatty acid responses to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 20:5n-3 or DHA supplementation have not been fully investigated. In this exploratory analysis, females and males (n = 14-15 per group) were supplemented with 3 g/day EPA, 3 g/day DHA, or olive oil control for 12 weeks. Plasma was analyzed for sex effects at baseline and changes following 12 weeks' supplementation for fatty acid levels and carbon-13 signature (δ13 C). Following EPA supplementation, the increase in plasma DHA in females (+23.8 ± 11.8, nmol/mL ± SEM) was higher than males (-13.8 ± 9.2, p < 0.01). The increase in plasma δ13 C-DHA of females (+2.79 ± 0.31, milliUrey (mUr ± SEM) compared with males (+1.88 ± 0.44) did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). The sex effect appears driven largely by increased plasma DHA in the AA genotype of females (+58.8 ± 11.5, nmol/mL ± SEM, n = 5) compared to GA + GG in females (+4.34 ± 13.5, n = 9) and AA in males (-29.1 ± 17.2, n = 6) for rs953413 in the ELOVL2 gene (p < 0.001). In conclusion, EPA supplementation increases plasma DHA levels in females compared to males, which may be dependent on the AA genotype for rs953413 in ELOVL2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Metherel
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Maha Irfan
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Shannon L Klingel
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - David M Mutch
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Richard P Bazinet
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
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Wang J, Qu HQ, Huang K, Wu W, Wang C, Liang L, Gong C, Xiong F, Luo F, Liu G, Chen S, Tian L, Hakonarson H, Fu J. High prevalence of elevated serum liver enzymes in Chinese children suggests metabolic syndrome as a common risk factor. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1590-1596. [PMID: 32767607 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study investigated the pattern of liver enzymes in a large cohort of Chinese children and adolescents, including 16 383 individuals aged 4-18 years old recruited at six medical centres in China. METHODS Clinical data were collected including weight, height, blood pressure, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and fasting lipid panel. We used an unsupervised machine learning algorithm, the K-means clustering method, to identify different patterns of increased liver enzymes. RESULTS Six clusters of elevated enzymes patterns were identified. The most common in 2.18% (325) of youth was elevated transaminases in the absence of features of metabolic syndrome(MetS), and they were thinner, and more likely to be from urban areas. The second cluster, with 1.47% (n = 220) youth had the most notable MetS features. They were older, obese and had central obesity, higher BP, triglycerides cholesterol and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Cluster 3 (0.6%, N = 90) had mild MetS, and cluster 4 (0.06%, N = 9), 5 (0.03%, N = 5) and 6 (0.007%, N = 1) were not related to MetS. CONCLUSIONS We identified two distinct groups of children with both increased liver enzymes and MetS features in this population sample of Chinese children. One of the two groups had increased liver enzymes as the predominant clinical features at a younger age, suggesting genetic susceptibility to the condition. Further work to understand the increased MetS risk in cluster 2 is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Qi Qu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ke Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiu Gong
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Genetic and Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feihong Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Shanghai Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Geli Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaoke Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Lifeng Tian
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Pediatrics and Division of Human Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Junfen Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Della Torre S. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease as a Canonical Example of Metabolic Inflammatory-Based Liver Disease Showing a Sex-Specific Prevalence: Relevance of Estrogen Signaling. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:572490. [PMID: 33071979 PMCID: PMC7531579 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.572490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is extensive evidence supporting the interplay between metabolism and immune response, that have evolved in close relationship, sharing regulatory molecules and signaling systems, to support biological functions. Nowadays, the disruption of this interaction in the context of obesity and overnutrition underlies the increasing incidence of many inflammatory-based metabolic diseases, even in a sex-specific fashion. During evolution, the interplay between metabolism and reproduction has reached a degree of complexity particularly high in female mammals, likely to ensure reproduction only under favorable conditions. Several factors may account for differences in the incidence and progression of inflammatory-based metabolic diseases between females and males, thus contributing to age-related disease development and difference in life expectancy between the two sexes. Among these factors, estrogens, acting mainly through Estrogen Receptors (ERs), have been reported to regulate several metabolic pathways and inflammatory processes particularly in the liver, the metabolic organ showing the highest degree of sexual dimorphism. This review aims to investigate on the interaction between metabolism and inflammation in the liver, focusing on the relevance of estrogen signaling in counteracting the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a canonical example of metabolic inflammatory-based liver disease showing a sex-specific prevalence. Understanding the role of estrogens/ERs in the regulation of hepatic metabolism and inflammation may provide the basis for the development of sex-specific therapeutic strategies for the management of such an inflammatory-based metabolic disease and its cardio-metabolic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Della Torre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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