PGC-1alpha inhibits oleic acid induced proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) family in physiological and pathophysiological process and diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) family (PGC-1s), consisting of three members encompassing PGC-1α, PGC-1β, and PGC-1-related coactivator (PRC), was discovered more than a quarter-century ago. PGC-1s are essential coordinators of many vital cellular events, including mitochondrial functions, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, and inflammation. Accumulating evidence has shown that PGC-1s are implicated in many diseases, such as cancers, cardiac diseases and cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, kidney diseases, motor system diseases, and metabolic disorders. Examining the upstream modulators and co-activated partners of PGC-1s and identifying critical biological events modulated by downstream effectors of PGC-1s contribute to the presentation of the elaborate network of PGC-1s. Furthermore, discussing the correlation between PGC-1s and diseases as well as summarizing the therapy targeting PGC-1s helps make individualized and precise intervention methods. In this review, we summarize basic knowledge regarding the PGC-1s family as well as the molecular regulatory network, discuss the physio-pathological roles of PGC-1s in human diseases, review the application of PGC-1s, including the diagnostic and prognostic value of PGC-1s and several therapies in pre-clinical studies, and suggest several directions for future investigations. This review presents the immense potential of targeting PGC-1s in the treatment of diseases and hopefully facilitates the promotion of PGC-1s as new therapeutic targets.

Effects of quercetin on hepatic fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) levels in rats fed with high fructose

BACKGROUND

Available studies show that quercetin reduces Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its complications, increases insulin sensitivity and improves glucose levels. It has been reported that the increase in hepatic gene expressions of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21), an important metabolic regulator of insulin sensitivity, glucose and energy homeostasis, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), which plays a central role in the regulation of cellular energy metabolism, eliminate the negative effects of fructose in fructose-fed rats. The main purpose of our study is to examine the effects of quercetin on hepatic FGF-21 and PGC-1α expressions and levels, as well as its protective and therapeutic role on MetS components in rats fed with fructose.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In our study, 24 Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into 4 groups: control, fructose, quercetin, fructose+quercetin (n = 6). During the 10-week experiment, quercetin was administered at a daily dose of 15 mg/kg body weight and fructose at a rate of 20%. Blood pressure and weights of all groups were measured and recorded. At the end of week 10, blood and liver tissue samples were taken. Serum insulin, glucose and triglyceride, total, HDL and VLDL cholesterol levels were determined from the samples. Insulin resistance was calculated using the HOMA-IR formula. Hepatic PGC-1α and FGF-21 protein levels and their mRNA expressions were determined. Criteria for metabolic syndrome were successfully established with fructose. It was observed that the administration of quercetin alone and in combination with fructose exerted positive effects and improved MetS criteria. It was determined that the administration of quercetin increased hepatic FGF-21 and PGC-1α protein levels and Messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of them, which were decreased by fructose application.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study showed that 10-week administration of quercetin at 15 mg/kg exerted beneficial effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the fructose-mediated MetS model; therefore, quercetin may have great potential in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders.

Guanmaitong Granule Attenuates Atherosclerosis by Inhibiting Inflammatory Immune Response in ApoE−/− Mice Fed High-Fat Diet

Background

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Guanmaitong granule (GMTG) is a TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) prescribed to treat AS. However, its mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

We obtained reliable ingredients and targets of GMTG using the HERB database. AS-related targets were obtained from HERB and GeneCards databases. The target database was constructed by intersecting the ingredients of GMTG with the AS-related targets. STRING and Cytoscape were used to create protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and screen core targets. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analyses were performed using R. Finally, the ApoE^−/− mice AS model was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) for in vivo validation of core pathways and targets.

Results

A total of 124 ingredients and 418 potential targets of GMTG for treating AS were obtained. Numerous ingredients and targets were related to Panax notoginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Astragalus. Most core targets and pathways were involved in the inflammatory immune response. GMTG could decrease serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein level and increase the serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level. Furthermore, GMTG reduced the plaque burden and promoted plaque remodeling by reducing plaque area, lipid deposition, foam cell content, and collagen fiber content in the plaque in the aortic root of ApoE^−/− mice. GMTG inhibited systemic and plaque inflammatory immune response and increased plaque stability by inhibiting the excessive release of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-induced inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 beta.

Conclusion

Radix notoginseng, Radix salviae liguliobae, and Radix astragali are the main ingredients of GMTG for treating AS. Further, GMTG could regulate the level of serum lipids and inhibit inflammatory immune response, which resulted in anti-AS effects such as plaque stabilization, reduction of plaque burden, and plaque remodeling. GMTG is a promising multi-target treatment for AS.

Conditional Deletion of PGC-1α Results in Energetic and Functional Defects in NK Cells

During an immune response, natural killer (NK) cells activate specific metabolic pathways to meet the increased energetic and biosynthetic demands associated with effector functions. Here, we found in vivo activation of NK cells during Listeria monocytogenes infection-augmented transcription of genes encoding mitochondria-associated proteins in a manner dependent on the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α. Using an Ncr1Cre-based conditional knockout mouse, we found that PGC-1α was crucial for optimal NK cell effector functions and bioenergetics, as the deletion of PGC-1α was associated with decreased cytotoxic potential and cytokine production along with altered ADP/ATP ratios. Lack of PGC-1α also significantly impaired the ability of NK cells to control B16F10 tumor growth in vivo, and subsequent gene expression analysis showed that PGC-1α mediates transcription required to maintain mitochondrial activity within the tumor microenvironment. Together, these data suggest that PGC-1α-dependent transcription of specific target genes is required for optimal NK cell function during the response to infection or tumor growth.

Palmitate decreases migration and proliferation and increases oxidative stress and inflammation in smooth muscle cells: role of the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Fatty acids are essential to cell functionality and may exert diverging vascular effects including migration, proliferation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study examined the effect of palmitate on human coronary artery smooth muscle cell (HCASMC) function. An in vitro wound-healing assay indicated that palmitate decreased HCASMC migration in dose- and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assays indicated that palmitate decreased HCASMC proliferation in a dose-response manner. Palmitate also increased reactive oxygen species formation, malondialdehyde content, and intracellular lipid droplets accompanied with increased fatty acid binding protein 4 expression. Moreover, palmitate induced gene expression (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, matrix metalloproteinase-2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and intracellular protein content (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and urokinase plasminogen activator) of inflammatory mediators. Finally, we showed that palmitate activates the transcription factor Nrf2 and the upstream kinases ERK1/2 and Akt in HCASMCs. The inhibitor of Nrf2, trigonelline, significantly attenuated palmitate-induced HCASMC expression of the Nrf2 target gene NQO1. These findings indicate that palmitate might be critically related to HCASMC function by slowing cell migration and proliferation and inducing lipid-laden cells, oxidative stress, and inflammation in part by activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor. Palmitate's activation of proinflammatory Nrf2 signaling may represent a novel mechanism mediating the proatherogenic actions of saturated fatty acids.

Comparison of trans-fatty acids on proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells

Consumption of trans-fatty acids has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Milk and dairy products contain trans-fatty acids, such as transvaccenic acid (TVA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Although artificially hydrogenated trans-fatty acids (e.g., elaidic acid (EA)) are known to induce atherosclerosis, it is unclear whether ruminant trans-fats, such as TVA, are associated with such diseases. Therefore, we investigated the effects of TVA on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VSMCs were treated with TVA, CLA, and EA at 0-100 μM for 24 h. Cell proliferation and migration increased upon treatment with EA, not with TVA and CLA. EA increased protein expression of proliferation-associated proteins (cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D1), while TVA and CLA decreased CDK4 expression. These results suggest that TVA is not as risky as other trans-fatty acids such as EA in the vascular system.

Free Fatty Acids Induce Autophagy and LOX-1 Upregulation in Cultured Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Elevation of free fatty acids (FFAs) is known to affect microvascular function and contribute to obesity-associated insulin resistance, hypertension, and microangiopathy. Proliferative and synthetic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) increase intimal thickness and destabilize atheromatous plaques. This study aimed to investigate whether saturated palmitic acid (PA) and monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) modulate autophagy activity, cell proliferation, and vascular tissue remodeling in an aortic VSMC cell line. Exposure to PA and OA suppressed growth of VSMCs without apoptotic induction, but enhanced autophagy flux with elevation of Beclin-1, Atg5, and LC3I/II. Cotreatment with autophagy inhibitors potentiated the FFA-suppressed VSMC growth and showed differential actions of PA and OA in autophagy flux retardation. Both FFAs upregulated lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) but only OA increased LDL uptake by VSMCs. Mechanistically, FFAs induced hyperphosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38 MAPK. All pathways, except OA-activated PI3K/Akt cascade, were involved in the LOX-1 upregulation, whereas blockade of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK cascades ameliorated the FFA-induced growth suppression on VSMCs. Moreover, both FFAs exhibited tissue remodeling effect through increasing MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and their gelatinolytic activities, whereas high-dose OA significantly suppressed collagen type I expression. Conversely, siRNA-mediated LOX-1 knockdown significantly attenuated the OA-induced tissue remodeling effects in VSMCs. In conclusion, OA and PA enhance autophagy flux, suppress aortic VSMC proliferation, and exhibit vascular remodeling effect, thereby leading to the loss of VSMCs and interstitial ECM in vascular walls and eventually the instability of atheromatous plaques. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1249-1261, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Differences in the skeletal muscle transcriptome profile associated with extreme values of fatty acids content

Background

Lipids are a class of molecules that play an important role in cellular structure and metabolism in all cell types. In the last few decades, it has been reported that long-chain fatty acids (FAs) are involved in several biological functions from transcriptional regulation to physiological processes. Several fatty acids have been both positively and negatively implicated in different biological processes in skeletal muscle and other tissues. To gain insight into biological processes associated with fatty acid content in skeletal muscle, the aim of the present study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functional pathways related to gene expression regulation associated with FA content in cattle.

Results

Skeletal muscle transcriptome analysis of 164 Nellore steers revealed no differentially expressed genes (DEGs, FDR 10%) for samples with extreme values for linoleic acid (LA) or stearic acid (SA), and only a few DEGs for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 5 DEGs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 4 DEGs) and palmitic acid (PA, 123 DEGs), while large numbers of DEGs were associated with oleic acid (OA, 1134 DEGs) and conjugated linoleic acid cis9 trans11 (CLA-c9t11, 872 DEGs). Functional annotation and functional enrichment from OA DEGs identified important genes, canonical pathways and upstream regulators such as SCD, PLIN5, UCP3, CPT1, CPT1B, oxidative phosphorylation mitochondrial dysfunction, PPARGC1A, and FOXO1. Two important genes associated with lipid metabolism, gene expression and cancer were identified as DEGs between animals with high and low CLA-c9t11, specifically, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and RNPS.

Conclusion

Only two out of seven classes of molecules of FA studied were associated with large changes in the expression profile of skeletal muscle. OA and CLA-c9t11 content had significant effects on the expression level of genes related to important biological processes associated with oxidative phosphorylation, and cell growth, survival, and migration. These results contribute to our understanding of how some FAs modulate metabolism and may have protective health function.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3306-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Role of PGC-1α in Vascular Regulation: Implications for Atherosclerosis

Mitochondrial dysfunction results in high levels of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, leading to disruption of endothelial homeostasis. Recent discoveries have clarified several pathways, whereby mitochondrial dysregulation contributes to endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease burden. One such pathway centers around peroxisome proliferator receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a transcriptional coactivator linked to mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense, among other functions. Although primarily investigated for its therapeutic potential in obesity and skeletal muscle differentiation, the ability of PGC-1α to alter a multitude of cellular functions has sparked interest in its role in the vasculature. Within this context, recent studies demonstrate that PGC-1α plays a key role in endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell regulation through effects on oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and cell proliferation. The ability of PGC-1α to affect these parameters is relevant to vascular disease progression, particularly in relation to atherosclerosis. Upregulation of PGC-1α can prevent the development of, and even encourage regression of, atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, PGC-1α is poised to serve as a promising target in vascular disease. This review details recent findings related to PGC-1α in vascular regulation, regulation of PGC-1α itself, the role of PGC-1α in atherosclerosis, and therapies that target this key protein.

MicroRNA-19b/221/222 induces endothelial cell dysfunction via suppression of PGC-1α in the progression of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a master regulator of cellular energy metabolism that is associated with many cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. However, the role and underling regulatory mechanisms of PGC-1α in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are not completely understood. Here, we identified the microRNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate PGC-1α production and their roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A significant down-regulation of PGC-1α protein was observed in human atherosclerotic vessel samples. Using microarray and bioinformatics analyses, PGC-1α was identified as a common target gene of miR-19b-3p, miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p, which are mainly located in the intima of atherosclerotic vessels. In vitro induction of miR-19b-3p, miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p by the inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IFNγ may affect PGC-1α protein production and consequently result in mitochondrial dysfunction in Human Aortic Endothelial Cells (HAECs). The overexpression of miR-19b-3p, miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p in HAECs caused intracellular ROS accumulation, which led to cellular apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results demonstrate that PGC-1α plays a protective role against the vascular complications of atherosclerosis. Moreover, the posttranscriptional regulation of PGC-1α by miR-19b/221/222 was unveiled, which provides a novel mechanism in which a panel of microRNAs can modulate endothelial cell apoptosis via the regulation mitochondrial function.

Macrophage PPAR gamma Co-activator-1 alpha participates in repressing foam cell formation and atherosclerosis in response to conjugated linoleic acid

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has the unique property of inducing regression of pre-established murine atherosclerosis. Understanding the mechanism(s) involved may help identify endogenous pathways that reverse human atherosclerosis. Here, we provide evidence that CLA inhibits foam cell formation via regulation of the nuclear receptor coactivator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α, and that macrophage PGC-1α plays a role in atheroprotection in vivo. PGC-1α was identified as a hub gene within a cluster in the aorta of the apoE^−/− mouse in the CLA-induced regression model. PGC-1α was localized to macrophage/foam cells in the murine aorta where its expression was increased during CLA-induced regression. PGC-1α expression was also detected in macrophages in human atherosclerosis and was inversely linked to disease progression in patients with the disease. Deletion of PGC-1α in bone marrow derived macrophages promoted, whilst over expression of the gene inhibited foam cell formation. Importantly, macrophage specific deletion of PGC-1α accelerated atherosclerosis in the LDLR^−/− mouse in vivo. These novel data support a functional role for PGC-1α in atheroprotection.

Lithium chloride inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and alleviates injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia via induction of PGC-1α

The proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes importantly to the development of in-stent restenosis. Lithium has recently been shown to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, but its actions in VSMCs and the direct molecular target responsible for its action remains unknown. On the other hand, PGC-1α is a transcriptional coactivator which negatively regulates the pathological activation of VSMCs. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to determine if lithium chloride (LiCl) retards VSMC proliferation and migration and if PGC-1α mediates the effects of lithium on VSMCs. We found that pretreatment of LiCl increased PGC-1α protein expression and nuclear translocation in a dose-dependent manner. MTT and EdU incorporation assays indicated that LiCl inhibited serum-induced VSMC proliferation. Similarly, deceleration of VSMC migration was confirmed by wound healing and transwell assays. LiCl also suppressed ROS generation and cell cycle progression. At the molecular level, LiCl reduced the protein expression levels or phosphorylation of key regulators involved in the cell cycle re-entry, adhesion, inflammation and motility. In addition, in vivo administration of LiCl alleviated the pathophysiological changes in balloon injury-induced neointima hyperplasia. More importantly, knockdown of PGC-1α by siRNA significantly attenuated the beneficial effects of LiCl on VSMCs both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that LiCl has great potentials in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases related to VSMC abnormal proliferation and migration. In addition, PGC-1α may serve as a promising drug target to regulate cardiovascular physiological homeostasis.

Epicardial and subcutaneous adipose tissue Fatty acids profiles in diabetic and non-diabetic patients candidate for coronary artery bypass graft

INTRODUCTION

We have recently shown that in high cholesterol-fed rabbits, the sensitivity of epicardial adipose tissue to changes in dietary fat is higher than that of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Although the effects of diabetes on epicardial adipose tissue thickness have been studied, the influence of diabetes on profile of epicardial free fatty acids (FFAs) has not been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of diabetes on the FFAs composition in serum and in the subcutaneous and epicardial adipose tissues in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

METHODS

Forty non-diabetic and twenty eight diabetic patients candidate for CABG with >75% stenosis participated in this study. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profiles were assayed by auto analyzer. Phospholipids and non-estrified FFA of serum and the fatty acids profile of epicardial and subcutaneous adipose tissues were determined using gas chromatography method.

RESULTS

In the phospholipid fraction of diabetic patients' serum, the percentage of 16:0, 18:3n-9, 18:2n-6 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was lower than the corresponding values of the non-diabetics; whereas, 18:0 value was higher. A 100% increase in the amount of 18:0 and 35% decrease in the level of 18:1n-11 was observed in the diabetic patients' subcutaneous adipose tissue. In epicardial adipose tissue, the increase of 18:0 and conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) and decrease of 18:1n-11, w3 (20:5n-3) and 22:6n-3 were significant; but, the contents of arachidonic acid and its precursor linoleic acid were not affected by diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The fatty acids' profile of epicardial and subcutaneous adipose tissues is not equally affected by diabetes. The significant decrease of 16:0 and w3 fatty acids and increase of trans and conjugated fatty acids in epicardial adipose tissue in the diabetic patients may worsen the formation of atheroma in the related arteries.

The retinol dehydrogenase Rdh10 localizes to lipid droplets during acyl ester biosynthesis

Rdh10 catalyzes the first step of all-trans-retinoic acid biogenesis physiologically, conversion of retinol into retinal. We show that Rdh10 associates predominantly with mitochondria/mitochondrial-associated membrane (MAM) in the absence of lipid droplet biosynthesis, but also locates with lipid droplets during acyl ester biosynthesis. Targeting to lipid droplets requires the 32 N-terminal residues, which include a hydrophobic region followed by a net positive charge. Targeting to mitochondria/MAM and/or the stability of Rdh10 require both the N-terminal and the 48 C-terminal hydrophobic residues. Rdh10 behaves similarly to cellular retinol-binding protein, type 1, which also localizes to mitochondria/MAM before lipid droplet synthesis, and associates with lipid droplets during acyl ester synthesis (Jiang, W., and Napoli, J. L. (2012) Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1820, 859-8692). LRAT, an ER protein, also associates with lipid droplets upon acyl ester biosynthesis. Colocalization of Rdh10, Crbp1, and LRAT on lipid droplets suggests a metabolon that mediates retinol homeostasis.

Effect of PGC-1α on proliferation, migration, and transdifferentiation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells induced by high glucose

We assessed the role of PGC-1α (PPARγ coactivator-1 alpha) in glucose-induced proliferation, migration, and inflammatory gene expression of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We carried out phagocytosis studies to assess the role of PGC-1α in transdifferentiation of VSMCs by flow cytometry. We found that high glucose stimulated proliferation, migration and inflammatory gene expression of VSMCs, but overexpression of PGC-1α attenuated the effects of glucose. In addition, overexpression of PGC-1α decreased mRNA and protein level of VSMCs-related genes, and induced macrophage-related gene expression, as well as phagocytosis of VSMCs. Therefore, PGC-1α inhibited glucose-induced proliferation, migration and inflammatory gene expression of VSMCs, which are key features in the pathology of atherosclerosis. More importantly, PGC-1α transdifferentiated VSMCs to a macrophage-like state. Such transdifferentiation possibly increased the portion of VSMCs-derived foam cells in the plaque and favored plaque stability.

PGC-1 coactivators in the cardiovascular system

The beating heart consumes more ATP per weight than any other organ. The machineries required for this are many and complex. Fuel and oxygen must be transported via the vasculature, absorbed by cardiomyocytes, broken down, and regulated to match cellular demands. Much of this occurs in mitochondria, which comprise fully one third of cardiac mass. The PGC-1 proteins are transcriptional coactivators that have emerged as powerful orchestrators of these numerous processes, ensuring their proper coregulation in response to intracellular and extracellular cues. An important role for PGC-1s in cardiac function has been revealed over the past few years, and more recently interest in their role in the vasculature has been burgeoning. We review this literature, focusing on recent developments.

Distinct regulation of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene expression by cis and trans C18:1 fatty acids in human aortic smooth muscle cells

Consumption of trans fatty acids is positively correlated with cardiovascular diseases and with atherogenic risk factors. Trans fatty acids might play their atherogenic effects through lipid metabolism alteration of vascular cells. Accumulation of lipids in vascular smooth muscle cells is a feature of atherosclerosis and a consequence of lipid metabolism alteration. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (scd1) catalyses the production of monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g. oleic acid) and its expression is associated with lipogenesis induction and with atherosclerosis development. We were interested in analysing the regulation of delta-9 desaturation rate and scd1 expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) exposed to cis and trans C18:1 fatty acid isomers (cis-9 oleic acid, trans-11 vaccenic acid or trans-9 elaidic acid) for 48 h at 100 μM. Treatment of HASMC with these C18:1 fatty acid isomers led to differential effects on delta-9 desaturation; oleic acid repressed the desaturation rate more potently than trans-11 vaccenic acid, whereas trans-9 elaidic acid increased the delta-9 desaturation rate. We then correlated the delta-9 desaturation rate with the expression of scd1 protein and mRNA. We showed that C18:1 fatty acids controlled the expression of scd1 at the transcriptional level in HASMC, leading to an increase in scd1 mRNA content by trans-9 elaidic acid treatment, whereas a decrease in scd1 mRNA content was observed with cis-9 oleic acid and trans-11 vaccenic acid treatments. Altogether, this work highlights a differential capability of C18:1 fatty acid isomers to control scd1 gene expression, which presumes of different consequent effects on cell functions.

PGC-1 coactivators in the control of energy metabolism

Chronic disruption of energy balance, where energy intake exceeds expenditure, is a major risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome. The latter is characterized by a constellation of symptoms including obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Altered expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of these disorders. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1) family of transcriptional coactivators is emerging as a hub linking nutritional and hormonal signals and energy metabolism. PGC-1α and PGC-1β are highly responsive to environmental cues and coordinate metabolic gene programs through interaction with transcription factors and chromatin-remodeling proteins. PGC-1α has been implicated in the pathogenic conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration, and cardiomyopathy, whereas PGC-1β plays an important role in plasma lipoprotein homeostasis and serves as a hepatic target for niacin, a potent hypotriglyceridemic drug. Here, we review recent advances in the identification of physiological and pathophysiological contexts involving PGC-1 coactivators, and also discuss their implications for therapeutic development.

The inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on platelet-derived growth factor-induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration through up-regulating PGC-1α expression

Dexamethasone has been shown to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, which is required for preventing restenosis. However, the mechanism underlying effect of dexamethasone remains unknown. We have previously demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) can inhibit VSMC migration and proliferation. Here, we investigated the role of PGC-1α in dexamethasone-reduced VSMC migration and explored the possible mechanism. We first examined PGC-1α expression in cultured rat aortic VSMCs. The results revealed that incubation of VSMCs with dexamethasone could significantly elevate PGC-1α mRNA expression. In contrast, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) decreased PGC-1α expression while stimulating VSMC migration. Mechanistic study showed that suppression of PGC-1α by small interfering RNA strongly abrogated the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on VSMC migration, whereas overexpression of PGC-1α had the opposite effect. Furthermore, an analysis of MAPK signal pathways showed that dexamethasone inhibited ERK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in VSMCs. Overexpression of PGC-1α decreased both basal and PDGF-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, but it had no effect on ERK phosphorylation. Finally, inhibition of PPARγ activation by a PPARγ antagonist GW9662 abolished the suppressive effects of PGC-1α on p38 MAPK phosphorylation and VSMC migration. These effects of PGC-1α were enhanced by a PPARγ agonist troglitazone. Collectively, our data indicated for the first time that one of the anti-migrated mechanisms of dexamethasone is due to the induction of PGC-1α expression. PGC-1α suppresses PDGF-induced VSMC migration through PPARγ coactivation and, consequently, p38 MAPK inhibition.

Serum palmitic acid-oleic acid ratio and the risk of coronary artery disease: a case-control study

Serum free fatty acids are risk factors for future coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the association between serum palmitic acid (PA)-oleic acid (OA) ratio and CAD risk in a case-control (n=108/129) study. The PA-OA ratio was associated with future CAD events independently of standard lipid values. The PA-OA ratio was significantly associated with the risk of fatal CAD [odds ratio (OR): 60.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.5-316.9; P<.001] while inversely associated in nonfatal CAD group (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02-0.53; P<.01), and no distinct modification by sex was found. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis found that PA-OA ratio did as well as triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B (apo B)-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) ratio at discriminating fatal CAD (area under ROC, TG, 0.692; apo B-HDLC, 0.683; PA-OA, 0.768, P<.001), and had similar effect with HDLC at discriminating nonfatal CADs (area under ROC, HDLC, 0.649; PA-OA, 0.659, P<.01).These findings suggested that PA-OA ratio did as well as and even better than traditional risk factors and arteriography examination in discriminating fatal and nonfatal CAD events. Serum PA-OA ratio could be a new factor for CAD risk assessment and prediction.

Oleic acid and adipokines synergize in inducing proliferation and inflammatory signalling in human vascular smooth muscle cells

In the context of obesity, perivascular fat produces various adipokines and releases free fatty acids, which may induce inflammation and proliferation in the vascular wall. In this study we investigated how adipokines, oleic acid (OA) and the combined treatment regulate human vascular smooth muscle cell (hVSMC) proliferation and migration and the underlying signalling pathways. Adipocyte-conditioned media (CM) generated from human adipocytes induces a prominent proliferation and migration of hVSMC. Autocrine action of adiponectin totally abolishes CM-induced proliferation. Furthermore, OA but not palmitic acid induces proliferation of hVSMC. CM itself does not contain fatty acids, but CM in combination with OA markedly enhances proliferation of hVSMC in a synergistic way. Both the nuclear factor (NF)-κB and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway were synergistically activated under these conditions and found to be essential for hVSMC proliferation. Expression of iNOS and production of nitric oxide was only enhanced by combined treatment inducing a marked release of VEGF. Combination of OA and VEGF induces an additive increase of hVSMC proliferation. We could show that the combination of CM and OA led to a synergistic proliferation of hVSMC. Expression of iNOS and production of nitric oxide were only enhanced under these conditions and were paralleled by a marked release of VEGF. These results suggest that the combined elevated release of fatty acids and adipokines by adipose tissue in obesity might be critically related to hVSMC dysfunction, vascular inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis.

Hypoxia induces PGC-1α expression and mitochondrial biogenesis in the myocardium of TOF patients

PGC-1alpha, a potent transcriptional coactivator, is the major regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and activity in the cardiac muscle. The dysregulation of PGC-1alpha and its target genes has been reported to be associated with congenital and acquired heart diseases. By examining myocardium samples from patients with Tetralogy of Fallot, we show here that PGC-1alpha expression levels are markedly increased in patients compared with healthy controls and positively correlated with the severity of cyanosis. Furthermore, hypoxia significantly induced the expression of PGC-1alpha and mitochondrial biogenesis in cultured cardiac myocytes. Mechanistic studies suggest that hypoxia-induced PGC-1alpha expression is regulated through the AMPK signaling pathway. Together, our data indicate that hypoxia can stimulate the expression of PGC-1alpha and mitochondrial biogenesis in the cardiac myocytes, and this process might provide a potential adaptive mechanism for cardiac myocytes to increase ATP output and minimize hypoxic damage to the heart.

17beta-estradiol inhibits oleic acid-induced rat VSMC proliferation and migration by restoring PGC-1alpha expression

Estrogen shows a vasoprotective role through inhibiting the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The mechanism underlying the effect of estrogen, however, is not completely understood. Here, we explored the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) in estrogen-mediated vasoprotection. Firstly, we showed that oleic acid (OA) decreased PGC-1alpha expression while stimulating VSMC proliferation and migration. In contrast, administration of VSMCs with 17beta-estradiol (E(2), 1 or 10nM) significantly restored OA-decreased PGC-1alpha expression, treatment with 10nM E(2) almost completely abolished OA-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. Secondly, by using PGC-1alpha siRNA, the inhibitory effect of E(2) on VSMC growth is strongly reduced via suppressing PGC-1alpha expression, indicating that E(2) may exert its role through restoring PGC-1alpha. Finally, E(2) (10nM) treatment inhibits OA-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, however, suppression of PGC-1alpha expression abolishes this inhibitory effect of E(2). Our findings demonstrate for the first time that in OA-stimulated rat VSMCs, treatment with E(2) (1 or 10nM) diminishes VSMC proliferation and migration via restoring OA-decreased PGC-1alpha expression. This observation offers a novel molecular basis of the vasoprotective effect of estrogen.

PGC-1α attenuates neointimal formation via inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell migration in the injured rat carotid artery

Oxidative stress contributes significantly to the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the major pathogenic process of vascular diseases, but the mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), a major regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and energy balance, in VSMC migration in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of PGC-1α in cultured VSMCs led to a 74.5% reduction of migration activity and mitochondrial ROS generation by the increased expression of antioxidative proteins such as SOD-2 in the mitochondria. The knockdown of PGC-1α by specific small interfering (si)RNA markedly augmented VSMC migration activity and greatly reduced mitochondrial antioxidative protein expression. Furthermore, knockdown of SOD-2 expression by siRNA greatly reversed the inhibitory effect of PGC-1α overexpression on VSMC migration. In a rat carotid balloon injury model, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of PGC-1α greatly reduced neointimal formation (ratio of intima to media: 0.78 ± 0.09 vs. 1.45 ± 0.18 in the adenovirus + green fluorescent protein gene- transfected group). Moreover, the expression of SOD-2 was significantly increased in vivo in local vessels after injury in the PGC-1α-overexpressing group. These data strongly suggest that PGC-1α inhibits VSMC migration and neointimal formation after vascular injury in rats, mainly by upregulating the expression of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme SOD-2.

Unsaturated fatty acids promote hepatoma proliferation and progression through downregulation of the tumor suppressor PTEN

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The impact of dietary fatty acids on the development of cancers is highly controversial. We recently demonstrated that unsaturated fatty acids trigger the downregulation of the tumor suppressor PTEN through an mTOR/NF-kappaB-dependent mechanism in hepatocytes. In this study, we investigated whether unsaturated fatty acids promote hepatoma progression by downregulating PTEN expression.

METHODS

The effects of fatty acids and PTEN-specific siRNAs on proliferation, invasiveness and gene expression were assessed using HepG2 hepatoma cells. The tumor promoting activity of unsaturated fatty acids was evaluated in vivo using HepG2 xenografts in nude mice.

RESULTS

Incubation of HepG2 cells with unsaturated fatty acids, or PTEN-specific siRNAs, increased cell proliferation, cell migration and invasiveness, and altered the expression of genes involved in inflammation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and carcinogenesis. These effects were dependent on PTEN expression levels and were prevented by mTOR and NF-kappaB inhibitors. Consistent with these data, the development and size of subcutaneous HepG2-derived tumors in nude mice xenografts were dramatically increased when mice were fed with an oleic acid-enriched diet, even in the absence of weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that dietary unsaturated fatty acids promote hepatoma progression by reducing the expression of the tumor suppressor PTEN.

Characterization of ASC-2 as an antiatherogenic transcriptional coactivator of liver X receptors in macrophages

Activating signal cointegrator-2 (ASC-2) functions as a transcriptional coactivator of many nuclear receptors and also plays important roles in the physiology of the liver and pancreas by interacting with liver X receptors (LXRs), which antagonize the development of atherosclerosis. This study was undertaken to establish the specific function of ASC-2 in macrophages and atherogenesis. Intriguingly, ASC-2 was more highly expressed in macrophages than in the liver and pancreas. To inhibit LXR-specific activity of ASC-2, we used DN2, which contains the C-terminal LXXLL motif of ASC-2 and thereby acts as an LXR-specific, dominant-negative mutant of ASC-2. In DN2-overexpressing transgenic macrophages, cellular cholesterol content was higher and cholesterol efflux lower than in control macrophages. DN2 reduced LXR ligand-dependent increases in the levels of ABCA1, ABCG1, and apolipoprotein E (apoE) transcripts as well as the activity of luciferase reporters driven by the LXR response elements (LXREs) of ABCA1, ABCG1, and apoE genes. These inhibitory effects of DN2 were reversed by overexpression of ASC-2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that ASC-2 was recruited to the LXREs of the ABCA1, ABCG1, and apoE genes in a ligand-dependent manner and that DN2 interfered with the recruitment of ASC-2 to these LXREs. Furthermore, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-null mice receiving bone marrow transplantation from DN2-transgenic mice showed accelerated atherogenesis when administered a high-fat diet. Taken together, these results indicate that suppression of the LXR-specific activity of ASC-2 results in both defective cholesterol metabolism in macrophages and accelerated atherogenesis, suggesting that ASC-2 is an antiatherogenic coactivator of LXRs in macrophages.

PGC-1alpha is a key regulator of glucose-induced proliferation and migration in vascular smooth muscle cells

Background

Atherosclerosis is a complex pathological condition caused by a number of mechanisms including the accelerated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Diabetes is likely to be an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, as hyperglycemia induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration and may thus contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. This study was performed to investigate whether PGC-1α, a PPARγ coactivator and metabolic master regulator, plays a role in regulating VSMC proliferation and migration induced by high glucose.

Methodology/Principal Findings

PGC-1α mRNA levels are decreased in blood vessel media of STZ-treated diabetic rats. In cultured rat VSMCs, high glucose dose-dependently inhibits PGC-1α mRNA expression. Overexpression of PGC-1α either by infection with adenovirus, or by stimulation with palmitic acid, significantly reduces high glucose-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. In contrast, suppression of PGC-1α by siRNA mimics the effects of glucose on VSMCs. Finally, mechanistic studies suggest that PGC-1α-mediated inhibition of VSMC proliferation and migration is regulated through preventing ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Conclusions/Significance

These results indicate that PGC-1α is a key regulator of high glucose-induced proliferation and migration in VSMCs, and suggest that elevation of PGC-1α in VSMC could be a useful strategy in preventing the development of diabetic atherosclerosis.