Selective inactivation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase in adipose tissue protects against diet-induced obesity and improves insulin sensitivity in both liver and skeletal muscle in mice

Adipose c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase promotes angiotensin II-induced and deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction by inhibition of adiponectin production and activation of SGK1 in mice

BACKGROUND

Adipose c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) is a central mediator involved in the development of obesity and its complications. However, the roles of adipose JNK1/2 in hypertension remain elusive. Here we explored the role of adipose JNK1/2 in hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The roles of adipose JNK1/2 in hypertension were investigated by evaluating the impact of adipose JNK1/2 inactivation in both angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced hypertensive mice. Specific inactivation of JNK1/2 in adipocytes significantly alleviates Ang II-induced and DOCA salt-induced hypertension and target organ damage in mice. Interestingly, such beneficial effects are also observed in hypertensive mice after oral administration of JNK1/2 inhibitor SP600125. Mechanistically, adipose JNK1/2 acts on adipocytes to reduce the production of adiponectin (APN), then leads to promote serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) phosphorylation and increases epithelial Na + channel α-subunit (ENaCα) expression in both renal cells and adipocytes, respectively, finally exacerbates Na + retention. In addition, chronic treatment of recombinant mouse APN significantly augments the beneficial effects of adipose JNK1/2 inactivation in DOCA salt-induced hypertension. By contrast, the blood pressure-lowering effects of adipose JNK1/2 inactivation are abrogated by adenovirus-mediated SGK1 overexpression in Ang II -treated adipose JNK1/2 inactivation mice.

CONCLUSION

Adipose JNK1/2 promotes hypertension and targets organ impairment via fine-tuning the multiorgan crosstalk among adipose tissue, kidney, and blood vessels.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaf extract improves metabolic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in skeletal muscles in a metabolic syndrome experimental model

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to impairment of skeletal muscle function. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) leaf extract (BLE) has shown protective effects against comorbidities associated with MetS through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The aim of this work was to elucidate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of BLE in skeletal muscles in an experimental model of MetS. Once metabolic syndrome was diagnosed, animals were divided into groups receiving different treatments for 10 weeks, including control diet (n = 10), control + BLE (n = 10), High Sugar-fat diet (HSF) (n = 10), HSF + BLE (n = 10). Evaluation included nutritional, metabolic and hormonal analyses, along with measurements of inflammatory status and oxidative stress in soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles. BLE showed positive metabolic effects, with a reduction of plasma triglycerides and insulin resistance and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and protective activity against oxidative stress and inflammation in Soleus and EDL muscles in animals with MetS.

Recent progress in polymeric non-invasive insulin delivery

The design of carriers for insulin delivery has recently attracted major research attentions in the biomedical field. In general, the release of drug from polymers is driven via a variety of polymers. Several mechanisms such as matrix release, leaching of drug, swelling, and diffusion are usually adopted for the release of drug through polymers. Insulin is one of the most predominant therapeutic drugs for the treatment of both diabetes mellitus; type-I (insulin-dependent) and type II (insulin-independent). Currently, insulin is administered subcutaneously, which makes the patient feel discomfort, pain, hyperinsulinemia, allergic responses, lipodystrophy surrounding the injection area, and occurrence of miscarried glycemic control. Therefore, significant research interest has been focused on designing and developing new insulin delivery technologies to control blood glucose levels and time, which can enhance the patient compliance simultaneously through alternative routes as non-invasive insulin delivery. The aim of this review is to emphasize various non-invasive insulin delivery mechanisms including oral, transdermal, rectal, vaginal, ocular, and nasal. In addition, this review highlights different smart stimuli-responsive insulin delivery systems including glucose, pH, enzymes, near-infrared, ultrasound, magnetic and electric fields, and the application of various polymers as insulin carriers. Finally, the advantages, limitations, and the effect of each non-invasive route on insulin delivery are discussed in detail.

Exercise Training Improves Memory Performance in Older Adults: A Narrative Review of Evidence and Possible Mechanisms

Exercise, neurotransmitters, growth factors, myokines, and potential effects on the brain.

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Exercise training modulates adipokines dysregulations in metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for various metabolic diseases, and it is characterized by central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. The core component for MetS is adipose tissue, which releases adipokines and influences physical health. Adipokines consist of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and contribute to various physiological functions. Generally, a sedentary lifestyle promotes fat accumulation and secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines. However, regular exercise has been known to exert various beneficial effects on metabolic and cognitive disorders. Although the mechanisms underlying exercise beneficial effects in MetS are not fully understood, changes in energy expenditure, fat accumulation, circulatory level of myokines, and adipokines might be involved. This review article focuses on some of the selected adipokines in MetS, and their responses to exercise training considering possible mechanisms.

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Adipokines are a potential link between visceral fats and complications of MetS.

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Physical inactivity increases pro-inflammatory adipokines.

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Moderate aerobic exercise increases anti-inflammatory adipokines partly via reducing adipose tissue mass.

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Physical exercise-induced myokines might mediate beneficial effects via a cross-talk with adipose tissues.

Recent Advances in Adipose Tissue Dysfunction and Its Role in the Pathogenesis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Obesity is a serious ongoing health problem that significantly increases the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). During obesity, adipose tissue dysfunction is obvious and characterized by increased fat deposition (adiposity) and chronic low-grade inflammation. The latter has been implicated to critically promote the development and progression of NAFLD, whose advanced form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is considered one of the most common causes of terminal liver diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge on obesity-related adipose dysfunction and its roles in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and inflammation, as well as liver fibrosis. A better understanding of the crosstalk between adipose tissue and liver under obesity is essential for the development of new and improved preventive and/or therapeutic approaches for managing NAFLD.

Integrative proteomic network analyses support depot-specific roles for leucine rich repeat LGI family member 3 in adipose tissues

LGI family member 3 (LGI3) is a member of the LGI protein family. In our previous studies, LGI3 was determined to be expressed in adipose tissues, skin and the brain, where it served as a pleiotropic cytokine. The results indicated that LGI3 levels are increased in adipose tissues of obese individuals in comparison with control individuals and that LGI3 suppressed adipogenesis via its receptor, disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 23. Additionally, it was reported that LGI3 upregulates tumor necrosis factor-α and downregulated adiponectin and hypothesized that LGI3 may act as a proinflammatory adipokine involved in adipose tissue inflammation. In the present study, cytokine arrays were used to analyze cytokine levels in adipose tissues and plasma of LGI3-knockout mice and signaling protein arrays used to analyze the expression and phosphorylation of these proteins in LGI3-treated preadipocytes. The results suggested that expression levels of 129 gene products (24 cytokines and 105 signaling proteins) were altered in response to LGI3 deficiency or LGI3 treatment, respectively. Protein-protein interaction network analysis of LGI3-regulated gene products revealed that 94% of the gene products (21 cytokines and 100 signaling proteins) formed an interaction network cluster. Functional enrichment analysis for the LGI3-regulated gene products, including those from our previous studies, revealed an association with numerous biological processes, including inflammatory responses, cellular differentiation and development and metabolic regulation. Gene co-expression network analysis revealed that these LGI3-regulated gene products were involved in various biological processes in an overlapping and differential manner between subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. Notably, inflammatory responses were more strongly associated with the LGI3-regulated gene co-expression network in visceral adipose tissues than in subcutaneous adipose tissues. Analysis of expression quantitative trait loci identified four single nucleotide variants that affect expression of LGI3 in an adipose depot-specific manner. Taken together, the results suggested that LGI3 may serve depot-specific roles as an adipokine in adipose tissues.

JNK signaling pathway in metabolic disorders: An emerging therapeutic target

Metabolic Syndrome is a multifactorial disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, etc. Various stress stimuli such as reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased cytokines, or free fatty acids are known to aggravate progressive development of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Although the exact mechanism contributing to altered metabolism is unclear. Evidence suggests stress kinase role to be a crucial one in metabolic syndrome. Stress kinase, c-jun N-terminal kinase activation (JNK) is involved in various metabolic manifestations including obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease as well as cardiometabolic disorders. It emerged as a foremost mediator in regulating metabolism in the liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue as well as pancreatic β cells. It has three isoforms each having a unique and tissue-specific role in altered metabolism. Current findings based on genetic manipulation or chemical inhibition studies identified JNK isoforms to play a central role in the regulation of whole-body metabolism, suggesting it to be a novel therapeutic target. Hence, it is imperative to elucidate its role in metabolic syndrome onset and progression. The purpose of this review is to elucidate in vitro and in vivo implications of JNK signaling along with the therapeutic strategy to inhibit specific isoform. Since metabolic syndrome is an array of diseases and complex pathway, carefully examining each tissue will be important for specific treatment strategies.

Adipocyte Fatty Acid-Binding Protein, Cardiovascular Diseases and Mortality

It has been increasingly recognized that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In obesity, adipose tissue inflammation, especially in the visceral fat depots, contributes to systemic inflammation and promotes the development of atherosclerosis. Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP), a lipid chaperone abundantly secreted from the adipocytes and macrophages, is one of the key players mediating this adipose-vascular cross-talk, in part via its interaction with c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) to form a positive feedback loop, and perpetuate inflammatory responses. In mice, selective JNK inactivation in the adipose tissue significantly reduced the expression of AFABP in their adipose tissue, as well as circulating AFABP levels. Importantly, fat transplant experiments showed that adipose-specific JNK inactivation in the visceral fat was sufficient to protect mice with apoE deficiency from atherosclerosis, with the beneficial effects attenuated by the continuous infusion of recombinant AFABP, supporting the role of AFABP as the link between visceral fat inflammation and atherosclerosis. In humans, raised circulating AFABP levels are associated with incident metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and CVD, as well as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetic nephropathy and adverse renal outcomes, all being conditions closely related to inflammation and enhanced CV mortality. Collectively, these clinical data have provided support to AFABP as an important adipokine linking obesity, inflammation and CVD. This review will discuss recent findings on the role of AFABP in CVD and mortality, the possible underlying mechanisms, and pharmacological inhibition of AFABP as a potential strategy to combat CVD.

Adipose Extracellular Vesicles in Intercellular and Inter-Organ Crosstalk in Metabolic Health and Diseases

Adipose tissue (AT) is a highly heterogeneous and dynamic organ that plays important roles in regulating energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. In addition to its classical roles in nutrient sensing and energy storage/dissipation, AT secretes a large number of bioactive molecules (termed adipokines) participating in immune responses and metabolic regulation through their paracrine and/or endocrine actions. Adipose-derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs), including exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies, have recently emerged as a novel class of signal messengers, mediating intercellular communications and inter-organ crosstalk. In AT, ADEVs derived from adipocytes, immune cells, mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial cells are actively involved in modulation of immune microenvironment, adipogenesis, browing of white adipose tissue, adipokine release and tissue remodeling. Furthermore, ADEVs exert their metabolic actions in distal organs (such as liver, skeletal muscle, pancreas and brain) by sending genetic information (mainly in the form of microRNAs) to their target cells for regulation of gene expression. Here, we provide an updated summary on the nature and composition of ADEVs, and their pathophysiological functions in regulating immune responses, whole-body insulin sensitivity and metabolism. Furthermore, we highlight the latest clinical evidence supporting aberrant production and/or function of ADEVs as a contributor to obesity-related chronic inflammation and metabolic complications and discuss the opportunities and challenges in developing novel therapies by targeting ADEVs.

A Multicomponent Intervention Program With Overweight and Obese Adolescents Improves Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness, but Not Insulin Biomarkers

Objective: To verify the effect of a multicomponent intervention with overweight/obese adolescents on physical fitness, body composition, and insulin biomarkers.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study with 37 adolescents, aged 10 to 17 years, of both sexes, overweight and obese, allocated in two groups (Intervention—IG Group, n = 17; Control—GC Group, n = 20). The IGs were submitted to a multicomponent intervention for 6 months (three weekly sessions) consisting of physical exercises (sports, functional circuit, recreational, and water activities) and nutritional and psychological guidance. Participants were assessed before and after intervention on body composition [body mass index (BMI), body fat, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)], physical fitness [cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and abdominal strength], and biomarkers of insulin (glucose, insulin, evaluation of the homeostasis model of insulin, and resistin resistance). The prevalence of responders in both groups was obtained according to the theoretical model applied in previous studies similar to this one to determine the cutoff points for response to intervention. Poisson regression was used to verify the difference in the prevalence ratio (PR) of the interviewees between the groups.

Results: The responders' prevalence between groups CG and IG showed significant differences for body fat (CG = 30.0%; IG = 70.6%; PR = 1.396; p < 0.001), WHR (CG = 30.0%; IG = 76.5%; PR = 1.730; p < 0.001), and CRF (CG = 15.0%; IG = 52.5%; PR = 1.580; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: A 6-month multicomponent intervention program improved certain body composition parameters and the CRF of overweight and obese adolescents but did not improve insulin biomarkers.

Clinical Trial Registration: Clinical Trials under Protocol ID: 54985316.0.0000.5343.

Lack of adipocyte purinergic P2Y6 receptor greatly improves whole body glucose homeostasis

Uridine diphosphate (UDP)-activated purinergic receptor P2Y₆ (P2Y₆R) plays a crucial role in controlling energy balance through central mechanisms. However, P2Y₆R's roles in peripheral tissues regulating energy and glucose homeostasis remain unexplored. Here, we report the surprising finding that adipocyte-specific deletion of P2Y₆R protects mice from diet-induced obesity, improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity with reduced systemic inflammation. These changes were associated with reduced JNK signaling and enhanced expression and activity of PPARα affecting downstream PGC1α levels leading to beiging of white fat. In contrast, P2Y₆R deletion in skeletal muscle reduced glucose uptake, resulting in impaired glucose homeostasis. Interestingly, whole body P2Y₆R knockout mice showed metabolic improvements similar to those observed with mice lacking P2Y₆R only in adipocytes. Our findings provide compelling evidence that P2Y₆R antagonists may prove useful for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

β-adrenergic receptor signaling evokes the PKA-ASK axis in mature brown adipocytes

Boosting energy expenditure by harnessing the activity of brown adipocytes is a promising strategy for combatting the global epidemic of obesity. Many studies have revealed that the β₃-adrenergic receptor agonist is a potent activator of brown adipocytes, even in humans, and PKA and p38 MAPK have been demonstrated for regulating the transcription of a wide range of critical genes such as Ucp1. We previously revealed that the PKA-ASK1-p38 axis is activated in immature brown adipocytes and contributes to functional maturation. However, the downstream mechanisms of PKA that initiate the p38 MAPK cascade are still mostly unknown in mature brown adipocytes. Here, we identified the ASK family as a crucial signaling molecule bridging PKA and MAPK in mature brown adipocytes. Mechanistically, the phosphorylation of ASK1 at threonine 99 and serine 993 is critical in PKA-dependent ASK1 activation. Additionally, PKA also activates ASK2, which contributes to MAPK regulation. These lines of evidence provide new details for tailoring a βAR-dependent brown adipocyte activation strategy.

Mechanisms of muscle insulin resistance and the cross-talk with liver and adipose tissue

Insulin resistance is a metabolic disorder affecting multiple tissues and is a precursor event to type 2 diabetes (T2D). As T2D affects over 425 million people globally, there is an imperative need for research into insulin resistance to better understand the underlying mechanisms. The proposed mechanisms involved in insulin resistance include both whole body aspects, such as inflammation and metabolic inflexibility; as well as cellular phenomena, such as lipotoxicity, ER stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite numerous studies emphasizing the role of lipotoxicity in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, an understanding of the interplay between tissues and these proposed mechanisms is still emerging. Furthermore, the tissue-specific and unique responses each of the three major insulin target tissues and how each interconnect to regulate the whole body insulin response has become a new priority in metabolic research. With an emphasis on skeletal muscle, this mini-review highlights key similarities and differences in insulin signaling and resistance between different target-tissues, and presents the latest findings related to how these tissues communicate to control whole body metabolism.

Impact of Conventional and Atypical MAPKs on the Development of Metabolic Diseases

The family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) consists of fourteen members and has been implicated in regulation of virtually all cellular processes. MAPKs are divided into two groups, conventional and atypical MAPKs. Conventional MAPKs are further classified into four sub-families: extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1, 2 and 3), p38 (α, β, γ, δ), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5). Four kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3, 4, and 7 (ERK3, 4 and 7) as well as Nemo-like kinase (NLK) build a group of atypical MAPKs, which are activated by different upstream mechanisms than conventional MAPKs. Early studies identified JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 as well as p38α as a central mediators of inflammation-evoked insulin resistance. These kinases have been also implicated in the development of obesity and diabetes. Recently, other members of conventional MAPKs emerged as important mediators of liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreatic β-cell metabolism. Moreover, latest studies indicate that atypical members of MAPK family play a central role in the regulation of adipose tissue function. In this review, we summarize early studies on conventional MAPKs as well as recent findings implicating previously ignored members of the MAPK family. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting specific members of the MAPK family.

Insulin resistance is improved in high-fat fed mice by photobiomodulation therapy at 630 nm

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the infrared spectrum exerts positive effects on glucose metabolism, but the use of PBMT at the red spectrum has not been assessed. Male Swiss albino mice were divided into low-fat control and high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and were treated with red (630 nm) PBMT or no treatment (Sham) during weeks 9 to 12. PBMT was delivered at 31.19 J/cm² , 60 J total dose per day for 20 days. In HFD-fed mice, PBMT improved glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and fasting hyperinsulinemia. PBMT also reduced adiposity and inflammatory infiltrate in adipose tissue. Phosphorylation of Akt in epididymal adipose tissue and rectus femoralis muscle was improved by PBMT. In epididymal fat PBMT reversed the reduced phosphorylation of AS160 and the reduced Glut4 content. In addition, PBMT reversed the alterations caused by HFD in rectus femoralis muscle on proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics and β-oxidation. In conclusion, PBMT at red spectrum improved insulin resistance and glucose metabolism in HFD-fed mice.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine targets MAPK pathway to regulate insulin resistance in liver by activating inflammation factors

Insulin resistance is associated with impaired glucose uptake and altered protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. Previous studies have suggested asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and inflammation are two distinguish factors that correlate with insulin resistance (IR). How ADMA and inflammation factors interact and synchronize in the regulation of IR in liver remain to be elucidated. In this study, we systematically investigated whether ADMA is involved in IR using primary hepatocytes, if yes, by via which molecular mechanism. Our results demonstrated that ADMA inhibits insulin sensitivity in a concentration-dependent manner by activating inflammation factors tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 in primary hepatocytes. Further analysis revealed that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway act downstream of ADMA and inflammation factors, and inhibition of MAPK pathway rescued the IR. Furthermore, metformin effects has been found which could reverse ADMA-induced IR by suppressing MAPK signaling pathway. To our knowledge, we, for the first time, unveiled the complicated regulatory network and interactions among ADMA, inflammation, and MAPK signaling pathway, which advanced current research on the development and regulation of IR in liver. This study also certainly provided novel insights on comprehensive diagonistics roles of ADMA as a potential biomarker.

NOD1: An Interface Between Innate Immunity and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is driven, in part, by activation of the innate immune system. We have discussed the evidence linking nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)1, an intracellular pattern recognition receptor, to the onset and progression of obesity-induced insulin resistance. On a molecular level, crosstalk between downstream NOD1 effectors and the insulin receptor pathway inhibits insulin signaling, potentially through reduced insulin receptor substrate action. In vivo studies have demonstrated that NOD1 activation induces peripheral, hepatic, and whole-body insulin resistance. Also, NOD1-deficient models are protected from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance. Moreover, hematopoietic NOD1 deficiency prevented HFD-induced changes in proinflammatory macrophage polarization status, thus protecting against the development of metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance. Serum from HFD-fed mice activated NOD1 signaling ex vivo; however, the molecular identity of the activating factors remains unclear. Many have proposed that an HFD changes the gut permeability, resulting in increased translocation of bacterial fragments and increased circulating NOD1 ligands. In contrast, others have suggested that NOD1 ligands are endogenous and potentially lipid-derived metabolites produced during states of nutrient overload. Nevertheless, that NOD1 contributes to the development of insulin resistance, and that NOD1-based therapy might provide benefit, is an exciting advancement in metabolic research.

Deficiency of mitophagy receptor FUNDC1 impairs mitochondrial quality and aggravates dietary-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome

There is overwhelming evidence for an association between impaired mitochondrial function and metabolic syndrome. Mitophagy, a process that selectively removes damaged mitochondria via a specialized form of autophagy, is essential for mitochondrial quality control (mitochondrial QC) and metabolic homeostasis. We thus addressed the potential role of defective mitophagy in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders. Mice lacking Fundc1, a newly characterized mitophagy receptor, develop more severe obesity and insulin resistance when fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Ablation of Fundc1 results in defective mitophagy and impaired mitochondrial QC in vitro and in white adipose tissue (WAT). In addition, there is more pronounced WAT remodeling with more adipose tissue-associated macrophages infiltration, more M1 macrophage polarization and thus an elevated inflammatory response. Mechanistically, hyperactivation of MAPK/JNK leads to insulin insensitivity, which can be inhibited by knocking out Mapk8/Jnk1 in fundc1 KO mice. Our results demonstrate that dysregulated mitochondrial QC due to defective mitophagy receptor FUNDC1 links with metabolic disorders via MAPK signaling and inflammatory responses. Abbreviations: ATMs: adipose tissue macrophages; BAT: brown adipose tissue; BMDMs: bone marrow-derived macrophages; GOT1/AST: glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1, soluble; GPT/ALT: glutamic pyruvic transaminase, soluble; H&E staining: hematoxylin and eosin staining; HFD: high-fat diet; LIR: LC3-interacting region; mitochondrial QC: mitochondrial quality control; mito-ROS: mitochondrial ROS; mtDNA: mitochondrial DNA; RT-PCR: real-time-PCR; T2D: type 2 diabetes; WAT: white adipose tissue.

Envolvimento da inflamação subclínica e do estresse oxidativo na resistência à insulina associada a obesidade

A epidemia global da obesidade é um dos mais importantes problemas de saúde pública. Excessiva adiposidade é um crucial fator de risco no surgimento de várias doenças metabólicas, incluindo hipertensão, diabetes mellitus do tipo 2 e doença do fígado gorduroso não alcoólico.  Essas condições patológicas estão estritamente associadas com a resistência à insulina. Baseado nos esforços das últimas décadas, ocorreu marcante desenvolvimento na investigação sobre resistência à insulina induzida pela obesidade, especialmente em termos do mecanismo envolvido neste processo. Dentre esses, a inflamação subclínica ou crônica de baixo grau na obesidade tem sido o mais aceito. Este estado inflamatório é caracterizado por altos níveis circulantes de citocinas inflamatórias, incluindo TNF alfa e IL beta, e aumentado infiltração de macrófagos em tecidos periféricos. No entanto, recentemente, tem ocorrido grande interesse no papel que o estresse oxidativo desempenha na indução da resistência à insulina. Sob ativação, muitas células imunes geram radicais livres e, da mesma maneira, a síntese de espécies reativas de oxigênio promovem um status inflamatório. Estudos têm mostrado níveis elevados de espécies reativas e estresse oxidativo em indivíduos e animais obesos e/ou resistentes a insulina; isso parece estar associado a redução da função e da atividade e biogênese mitocondrial causada pelo aumento de lipídeos circulantes e maior deposição de gordura ectópica.  Essa revisão discorre sobre o mecanismo fisiopatológico de como a inflamação subclínica induz resistência à insulina na obesidade. Ainda, descreve o papel que o estresse oxidativo desempenha neste processo, bem como a produção de radicais livres na obesidade.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 modulates RAW264.7 macrophage polarization by interfering with the JNK/STAT3 signaling pathway

Insulin resistance and metabolic disorders are closely associated with low-grade chronic inflammation. Aberrant macrophage activation to M1 or M2 is characterized by a deleterious state of chronic inflammation and loss of positive trophic signals. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is used to treat diabetes due to its beneficial role against insulin resistance. The present study examined the effect of GLP-1 on macrophage activation, which contributed to M2 polarization and secretion of anti-inflammatory factors. In addition, the present study demonstrated that GLP-1 was able to reduce M1 polarization and inflammatory response by using the murine monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and detecting M1/M2-specific genes. RAW264.7 cells were incubated with GLP-1 in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide or interleukin-4, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and signal transduction and transcriptional activation factor 3 (STAT3) activity was assessed by quantification of phosphorylation expression and macrophage polarization was determined by detecting M1/M2-specific genes expression. The results demonstrated that GLP-1/GLP-1 receptor attenuated the phosphorylation of JNK and its signal transduction through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling pathway, while the phosphorylation of STAT3 increased through following treatment with GLP-1. The present study observed that GLP-1 exerts its beneficial effects on macrophage polarization by modulating the JNK/STAT3 signaling pathway. The present results also suggested that the effects of GLP-1 on endocrine and metabolic diseases are possibly mediated by modulation of signaling pathways, and provide a basis for pharmacologic targeting of macrophage activation and an insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of metabolic diseases.

Adipocyte-secreted exosomal microRNA-34a inhibits M2 macrophage polarization to promote obesity-induced adipose inflammation

Persistent, unresolved inflammation in adipose tissue is a major contributor to obesity-associated metabolic complications. However, the molecular links between lipid-overloaded adipocytes and inflammatory immune cells in obese adipose tissues remain elusive. Here we identified adipocyte-secreted microRNA-34a (miR-34a) as a key mediator through its paracrine actions on adipose-resident macrophages. The expression of miR-34a in adipose tissues was progressively increased with the development of dietary obesity. Adipose-selective or adipocyte-specific miR-34a-KO mice were resistant to obesity-induced glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation, and this was accompanied by a significant shift in polarization of adipose-resident macrophages from proinflammatory M1 to antiinflammatory M2 phenotype. Mechanistically, mature adipocyte-secreted exosomes transported miR-34a into macrophages, thereby suppressing M2 polarization by repressing the expression of Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4). The suppressive effects of miR-34a on M2 polarization and its stimulation of inflammatory responses were reversed by ectopic expression of Klf4 in both bone marrow-derived macrophages and adipose depots of obese mice. Furthermore, increased miR-34a expression in visceral fat of overweight/obese subjects correlated negatively with reduced Klf4 expression, but positively with the parameters of insulin resistance and metabolic inflammation. In summary, miR-34a was a key component of adipocyte-secreted exosomal vesicles that transmitted the signal of nutrient overload to the adipose-resident macrophages for exacerbation of obesity-induced systemic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation.

Nitric oxide is required for the insulin sensitizing effects of contraction in mouse skeletal muscle

KEY POINTS

People with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes can substantially increase their skeletal muscle glucose uptake during exercise and insulin sensitivity after exercise. Skeletal muscle nitric oxide (NO) is important for glucose uptake during exercise, although how prior exercise increases insulin sensitivity is unclear. In the present study, we examined whether NO is necessary for normal increases in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity after contraction ex vivo in mouse muscle. The present study uncovers, for the first time, a novel role for NO in the insulin sensitizing effects of ex vivo contraction, which is independent of blood flow.

ABSTRACT

The factors regulating the increase in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity after exercise are unclear. We examined whether nitric oxide (NO) is required for the increase in insulin sensitivity after ex vivo contractions. Isolated C57BL/6J mouse EDL muscles were contracted for 10 min or remained at rest (basal) with or without the NO synthase (NOS) inhibition (N^G -monomethyl-l-arginine; l-NMMA; 100 μm). Then, 3.5 h post contraction/basal, muscles were exposed to saline or insulin (120 μU ml^-1 ) with or without l-NMMA during the last 30 min. l-NMMA had no effect on basal skeletal muscle glucose uptake. The increase in muscle glucose uptake with insulin (57%) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater after prior contraction (140% increase). NOS inhibition during the contractions had no effect on this insulin-sensitizing effect of contraction, whereas NOS inhibition during insulin prevented the increase in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity post-contraction. Soluble guanylate cyclase inhibition, protein kinase G (PKG) inhibition or cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibition each had no effect on the insulin-sensitizing effect of prior contraction. In conclusion, NO is required for increases in insulin sensitivity several hours after contraction of mouse skeletal muscle via a cGMP/PKG independent pathway.

Constitutive activation of p46JNK2 is indispensable for C/EBPδ induction in the initial stage of adipogenic differentiation

Adipogenic differentiation plays a vital role in energy homeostasis and endocrine system. Several transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) α, β, and δ, are important for the process, whereas the stage-specific intracellular signal transduction regulating the onset of adipogenesis remains enigmatic. Here, we explored the functional role of c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) in adipogenic differentiation using in vitro differentiation models of 3T3-L1 cells and primary adipo-progenitor cells. JNK inactivation with either a pharmacological inhibitor or JNK2-specific siRNA suppressed adipogenic differentiation, characterized by decreased lipid droplet appearance and the down-regulation of Adiponectin, fatty acid protein 4 (Fabp4), Pparg2, and C/ebpa expressions. Conversely, increased adipogenesis was observed by the inducible overexpression of p46JNK2 (JNK2-1), whereas it was not observed by that of p54JNK2 (JNK2-2), indicating a distinct role of p46JNK2. The essential role of JNK appears restricted to the early stage of adipogenic differentiation, as JNK inhibition in the later stages did not influence adipogenesis. Indeed, JNK phosphorylation was significantly induced at the onset of adipogenic differentiation. As for the transcription factors involved in early adipogenesis, JNK inactivation significantly inhibited the induction of C/ebpd, but not C/ebpb, during the initial stage of adipogenic differentiation. JNK activation increased C/ebpd mRNA and protein expression through the induction and phosphorylation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) that binds to a responsive element within the C/ebpd gene promoter region. Taken together, these data indicate that constitutive JNK activity is specifically required for the initial stage differentiation events of adipocytes.

Insulin Resistance, Obesity and Lipotoxicity

Lipotoxicity , originally used to describe the destructive effects of excess fat accumulation on glucose metabolism, causes functional impairments in several metabolic pathways, both in adipose tissue and peripheral organs, like liver, heart, pancreas and muscle. Lipotoxicity has roles in insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. Increased circulating levels of lipids and the metabolic alterations in fatty acid utilization and intracellular signaling, have been related to insulin resistance in muscle and liver. Different pathways, like novel protein kinase c pathways and the JNK-1 pathway are involved as the mechanisms of how lipotoxicity leads to insulin resistance in nonadipose tissue organs, such as liver and muscle. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Endoplasmic reticulum stress, through mainly increased oxidative stress, also plays important role in the etiology of insulin resistance, especially seen in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Visceral adiposity and insulin resistance both increase the cardiometabolic risk and lipotoxicity seems to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of these associations.

Adipose tissue supports normalization of macrophage and liver lipid handling in obesity reversal

Adipose tissue inflammation and dysfunction are considered central in the pathogenesis of obesity-related dysmetabolism, but their role in the rapid metabolic recovery upon obesity reversal is less well defined. We hypothesized that changes in adipose tissue endocrine and paracrine mechanisms may support the rapid improvement of obesity-induced impairment in cellular lipid handling. C57Bl-6J mice were fed ad libitum either normal chow (NC) or high-fat diet (HFF) for 10 weeks. A dietary obesity reversal group was fed HFF for 8 weeks and then switched to NC for 2 weeks (HFF→NC). Whole-body glucose homeostasis rapidly nearly normalized in the HFF→NC mice (fasting glucose and insulin fully normalized, glucose and insulin tolerance tests reversed 82% to the NC group levels). During 2 weeks of the dietary reversal, the liver was significantly cleared from ectopic fat, and functionally, glucose production from pyruvate, alanine or fructose was normalized. In contrast, adipose tissue inflammation (macrophage infiltration and polarization) largely remained as in HFF, though obesity-induced adipose tissue macrophage lipid accumulation decreased by ~50%, and adipose tissue MAP kinase hyperactivation was reversed. Ex vivo, mild changes in adipose tissue adipocytokine secretion profile were noted. These corresponded to partial or full reversal of the excess cellular lipid droplet accumulation induced by HFF adipose tissue conditioned media in hepatoma or macrophage cells, respectively. We propose that early after initiating reversal of nutritional obesity, rapid metabolic normalization largely precedes resolution of adipose tissue inflammation. Nevertheless, we demonstrate a hitherto unrecognized contribution of adipose tissue to the rapid improvement in lipid handling by the liver and by macrophages.

Hypoxia in Obesity and Diabetes: Potential Therapeutic Effects of Hyperoxia and Nitrate

The prevalence of obesity and diabetes is increasing worldwide. Obesity and diabetes are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. Obesity, a chronic hypoxic state that is associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, is one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes. The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is involved in the regulation of several genes of the metabolic pathways including proinflammatory adipokines, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), and insulin signaling components. It seems that adipose tissue hypoxia and NO-dependent vascular and cellular dysfunctions are responsible for other consequences linked to obesity-related disorders. Although hyperoxia could reverse hypoxic-related disorders, it increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreases the production of NO. Nitrate can restore NO depletion and has antioxidant properties, and recent data support the beneficial effects of nitrate therapy in obesity and diabetes. Although it seems reasonable to combine hyperoxia and nitrate treatments for managing obesity/diabetes, the combined effects have not been investigated yet. This review discusses some aspects of tissue oxygenation and the potential effects of hyperoxia and nitrate interventions on obesity/diabetes management. It can be proposed that concomitant use of hyperoxia and nitrate is justified for managing obesity and diabetes.

11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1(11β-HSD1) mediates insulin resistance through JNK activation in adipocytes

Glucocorticoids are used to treat a number of human diseases but often lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the intracellular conversion of cortisone to physiologically active cortisol. Despite the known role of 11β-HSD1 and active glucocorticoid in causing insulin resistance, the molecular mechanisms by which insulin resistance is induced remain elusive. The aim of this study is to identify these mechanisms in high fat diet (HFD) experimental models. Mice on a HFD were treated with 11β-HSD1 inhibitor as well as a JNK inhibitor. We then treated 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes with prednisone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, and cells with 11β-HSD1 overexpression to study insulin resistance. Our results show that 11β-HSD1 and JNK inhibition mitigated insulin resistance in HFD mice. Prednisone stimulation or overexpression of 11β-HSD1 also caused JNK activation in cultured adipocytes. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 blocked the activation of JNK in adipose tissue of HFD mice as well as in cultured adipocytes. Furthermore, prednisone significantly impaired the insulin signaling pathway, and these effects were reversed by 11β-HSD1 and JNK inhibition. Our study demonstrates that glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance was dependent on 11β-HSD1, resulting in the critical activation of JNK signaling in adipocytes.

Adipose inflammation at the heart of vascular disease

Visceral adipose tissue is a primary site of chronic inflammation in obesity and may contribute to systemic inflammation and development of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Few studies identify molecular mechanisms and secretory pathways which mediate this process. In this edition of Clinical Science, Kwok et al. utilize a transgenic mouse in which dominant-negative c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (dnJNK) expression is restricted to adipose tissue to implicate JNK-driven expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) in visceral adipose tissue as a key secretory pathway to exacerbate development of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice. They further demonstrate that ApoE-/- mice transplanted with visceral adipose tissue in which JNK has been inactivated display less systemic inflammation and develop significantly less atherosclerosis compared with control mice. Together, the findings of the present study reinforce our understanding of visceral adipose tissue as a secretory organ and the importance of the JNK/A-FABP pathway in mediating adipose vascular cross-talk and exacerbation of atherosclerosis.

Adipose-specific inactivation of JNK alleviates atherosclerosis in apoE-deficient mice

Both atherosclerosis and obesity, an independent atherosclerotic risk factor, are associated with enhanced systemic inflammation. Obesity is also characterized by increased adipose tissue inflammation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the accelerated atherosclerosis in obesity remains unclear. In obesity, activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) contributes to adipose tissue inflammation. The present study investigated whether the suppression of fat inflammation through adipose-specific JNK inactivation could protect against atherosclerosis in mice. ApoE−/− mice were cross-bred with transgenic mice with adipose-specific expression of a dominant negative form of JNK (dnJNK) to generate apoE−/−/dnJNK (ADJ) mice. ADJ mice treated with a high-fat–high-cholesterol diet exhibited significant attenuations of visceral fat and systemic inflammation without changes in lipid or glucose metabolism, and were protected against atherosclerosis, when compared with apoE−/− mice. Lean apoE−/− mice that received transplantation of visceral fat from obese wild-type donor mice for 4 weeks showed exacerbated systemic inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Conversely, apoE−/− recipients carrying a visceral fat graft from obese dnJNK donors were protected against enhanced systemic inflammation and atherogenesis. The beneficial effects of adipose-specific JNK inactivation on atherogenesis in apoE−/− recipients were significantly compromised by continuous infusion of recombinant adipocyte–fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP), previously shown to interact with JNK via a positive feedback loop to modulate inflammatory responses. Together these data suggested that enhanced atherosclerosis in obesity can be attributed, at least in part, to a distant cross-talk between visceral fat and the vasculature, mediated by the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as A-FABP, from the inflamed visceral adipose tissue with JNK activation.

HMGB1 is secreted by 3T3-L1 adipocytes through JNK signaling and the secretion is partially inhibited by adiponectin

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a chronic inflammatory disease, and adipocytes contribute to obesity-associated inflammation by releasing inflammatory mediators. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a highly conserved DNA-binding protein, mainly localized to cell nuclei, has been recently recognized as an innate pro-inflammatory mediator when released extracellularly. It was hypothesized that HMGB1 is an adipocytokine that acts as an innate pro-inflammatory mediator in white adipose tissue (WAT) of patients with obesity and is associated with insulin resistance. Additionally, it was hypothesized that HMGB1 secretion is regulated by adiponectin.

METHODS

3T3-L1 cells were differentiated into mature adipocytes. After tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation, HMGB1 in culture media was measured. Localizations of HMGB1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and human WAT were examined by immunostaining.

RESULTS

HMGB1 was secreted from TNF-α-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes through JNK signaling. HMGB1-activated MAP kinases (ERK1/2, JNK) and suppressed insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The cytoplasm in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and adipocytes of WAT from a patient with obesity was intensely stained with HMGB1. Adiponectin partially inhibited TNF-α-induced HMGB1 secretion from 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that HMGB1 is a pro-inflammatory adipocytokine involved in WAT inflammation and insulin resistance in patients with obesity, which may contribute to the progression of metabolic syndrome, and that adiponectin protects against HMGB1-induced adipose tissue inflammation.

JNK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic rats: effects of salvianolic acid A intervention

Recent studies have demonstrated that diabetes impairs the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway, while insulin resistance syndrome has been associated with alterations of this pathway in diabetic rats after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), and activation of C-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is involved. The present study was designed to investigate whether inhibiting JNK activity would partially restore the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and protect against myocardial I/R injury in diabetic rats, and to explore the effect of intervention with salvianolic acid A (Sal A). The inhibitor of JNK (SP600125) and Sal A were used in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats, outcome measures included heart hemodynamic data, myocardial infarct size, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), SERCA2a activity, cardiomyocyte apotosis, expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and the phosphorylation status of Akt and JNK. The p-Akt levels were increased after myocardial I/R in non-diabetic rats, while there was no change in diabetic rats. Pretreatment with the SP600125 and Sal A decreased the p-JNK levels and increased the p-Akt levels in diabetic rats with I/R, and heart hemodynamic data improved, infarct size and LDH release decreased, SERCA2a activity increased, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression levels decreased, and the expression of Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased. Our results suggest that the JNK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in myocardial I/R injury in diabetic rats and Sal A exerts an anti-apoptotic effect and improves cardiac function following I/R injury through the JNK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in this model.

IEX-1 deficiency induces browning of white adipose tissue and resists diet-induced obesity

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance. However, the primary mediators that affect energy homeostasis remain ill defined. Here, we report an unexpected role for immediate early response gene X-1 (IEX-1), a downstream target of NF-κB, in energy metabolism. We found that IEX-1 expression was highly induced in white adipose tissue (WAT) in both epidydmal and subcutaneous depots but not in interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD). Null mutation of IEX-1 protected mice against HFD-induced adipose and hepatic inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance. Unexpectedly, IEX-1 knockout (IEX-1(-/-)) mice gained markedly less weight on HFD for 20 weeks as compared to wild-type (WT) littermates (37 ± 3 versus 48 ± 2 gm) due to increased energy expenditure. Mechanistically, we showed that IEX-1 deficiency induced browning and activated thermogenic genes program in WAT but not in BAT by promoting alternative activation of adipose macrophages. Consequently, IEX-1(-/-) mice exhibited enhanced thermogenesis (24 ± 0.1 versus 22 ± 0.1 kcal/hour/kg in WT mice) explaining increased energy expenditure and lean phenotype in these mice. In conclusion, the present study suggests that IEX-1 is a novel physiological regulator of energy homeostasis via its action in WAT.

Adipose-derived lipocalin 14 alleviates hyperglycaemia by suppressing both adipocyte glycerol efflux and hepatic gluconeogenesis in mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Growing evidence supports that dysregulation of adipose tissue-derived factors contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. Since our global gene profiling analysis has identified lipocalin-14 (LCN14)-a secretory protein with lipid-binding properties-as a potential adipokine highly expressed in white adipose tissue (WAT), this study aims to explore the metabolic roles of LCN14 in obese mice, and to investigate the functional mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Immunoassays and western blotting were performed to determine the circulating level and tissue distribution of LCN14, respectively. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated gene delivery was used to overexpress LCN14 in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and the effects on glucose and lipid metabolism were examined.

RESULTS

LCN14 is expressed predominantly in WAT. Both circulating levels of LCN14 and its expression in adipose tissues are repressed in DIO and genetically inherited diabetic (db/db) mice. Overexpression of LCN14 by rAAV-mediated gene delivery in DIO mice significantly increased insulin sensitivity in major metabolic tissues and ameliorated hyperglycaemia by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis. The reduced hepatic glucose production is attributed to the suppressive effects of LCN14 on the expression of gluconeogenic genes and on glycerol efflux in adipocytes, possibly by reducing the expression of aquaporin-7.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Reduced LCN14 expression is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic dysregulation. LCN14 exerts its beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity via its actions in both adipocytes and hepatocytes.

The effects of muscle contraction and recombinant osteocalcin on insulin sensitivity ex vivo

We tested whether GPRC6A, the putative receptor of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), is present in mouse muscle and whether ucOC increases insulin sensitivity following ex vivo muscle contraction. GPPRC6A is expressed in mouse muscle and in the mouse myotubes from a cell line. ucOC potentiated the effect of ex vivo contraction on insulin sensitivity.

INTRODUCTION

Acute exercise increases skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. In humans, exercise increases circulating ucOC, a hormone that increases insulin sensitivity in rodents. We tested whether GPRC6A, the putative receptor of ucOC, is present in mouse muscle and whether recombinant ucOC increases insulin sensitivity in both C2C12 myotubes and whole mouse muscle following ex vivo muscle contraction.

METHODS

Glucose uptake was examined in C2C12 myotubes that express GPRC6A following treatment with insulin alone or with insulin and increasing ucOC concentrations (0.3, 3, 10 and 30 ng/ml). In addition, glucose uptake, phosphorylated (p-)AKT and p-AS160 were examined ex vivo in extensor digitorum longus (EDL) dissected from C57BL/6J wild-type mice, at rest, following insulin alone, after muscle contraction followed by insulin and after muscle contraction followed by recombinant ucOC then insulin exposure.

RESULTS

We observed protein expression of the likely receptor for ucOC, GPRC6A, in whole muscle sections and differentiated mouse myotubes. We observed reduced GPRC6A expression following siRNA transfection. ucOC significantly increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake dose-dependently up to 10 ng/ml, in differentiated mouse C2C12 myotubes. Insulin increased EDL glucose uptake (∼30 %, p < 0.05) and p-AKT and p-AKT/AKT compared with rest (all p < 0.05). Contraction prior to insulin increased muscle glucose uptake (∼25 %, p < 0.05), p-AKT, p-AKT/AKT, p-AS160 and p-AS160/AS160 compared with contraction alone (all p < 0.05). ucOC after contraction increased insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake (∼12 % p < 0.05) and p-AS160 (<0.05) more than contraction plus insulin alone but without effect on p-AKT. In the absence of insulin and/or of contraction, ucOC had no significant effect on muscle glucose uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

GPRC6A, the likely receptor of osteocalcin (OC), is expressed in mouse muscle. ucOC treatment augments insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes and following ex vivo muscle contraction. ucOC may partly account for the insulin sensitizing effect of exercise.

Liver cell injury caused by bad habits

Apoptosis and necrosis of liver cells induced by environmental or genetic factors are the main features of liver injury. Liver injury is usually caused by apoptosis of liver cells, which is controlled by a complex regulatory system involved in liver damage and secondary inflammation. This article aims to review liver injury caused by bad habits and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Stress kinases in the modulation of metabolism and energy balance

Obesity is a new global pandemic, with growing incidence and prevalence. This disease is associated with increased risk of several pathologies, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The mechanisms underlying obesity-associated metabolic changes are the focus of efforts to identify new therapies. Stress-activated protein kinases (SAPK), including cJun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and p38, are required for cellular responses to metabolic stress and therefore might contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity. Tissue-specific knockout models support a cell-type-specific role for JNK isoforms, in particular JNK1, highlighting its importance in cell homeostasis and organ crosstalk. However, more efforts are needed to elucidate the specific roles of other JNK isoforms and p38 family members in metabolism and obesity. This review provides an overview of the role of SAPKs in the regulation of metabolism.

Exercise training protects against atherosclerotic risk factors through vascular NADPH oxidase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase downregulation in obese rats

Exercise training reverses atherosclerotic risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome and obesity. The aim of the present study was to determine the molecular anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-atherogenic effects in aorta from rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a high-fat (HFD) or control (CD) diet for 12 weeks. The HFD rats were then divided into four groups: (i) sedentary HFD-fed rats (HFD-S); (ii) exercise trained (motor treadmill 5 days/week, 60 min/day, 12 weeks) HFD-fed rats (HFD-Ex); (iii) modified diet (HFD to CD) sedentary rats (HF/CD-S); and (iv) an exercise-trained modified diet group (HF/CD-Ex). Tissue levels of NADPH oxidase (activity and expression), NADPH oxidase (Nox) 1, Nox2, Nox4, p47(phox) , superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1, angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were determined in the aorta. Plasma cytokines (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6) levels were also measured. Obesity was accompanied by increases in NADPH oxidase activity, p47(phox) translocation, Nox4 and VCAM-1 protein expression, MAPK (ERK1/2, SAPK/JNK) phosphorylation and plasma TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Exercise training and switching from the HFD to CD reversed almost all these molecular changes. In addition, training increased aortic SOD-1 protein expression and decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These findings suggest that protective effects of exercise training on atherosclerotic risk factors induced by obesity are associated with downregulation of NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2 and SAPK/JNK activity and increased SOD-1 expression.

JNK implication in adipocyte-like cell death induced by chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin

Recent evidence shows that tumor microenvironment containing heterogeneous cells may be involved in cancer initiation, growth and tumor cell response to anticancer therapy. Chemotherapy was designed to make toxic impact on malicious cells in organisms, however, the means to protect healthy cells against chemical toxicity are still unsuccessful. As known, the majority of tumor surrounding cells are cancer-associated adipocytes which influence cancer development, progression and treatment. Targeting the components of tumor microenvironment in combination with conventional cancer treatment may become an effective cancer therapy strategy. However, little is known about adipocyte death mechanisms during combined chemo- and targeted therapy. The importance of c-Jun-NH<inf>2</inf>-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in tumor development and treatment has been demonstrated using various in vitro and in vivo cancer models. The aim of this study was to ascertain adipocyte viability during simultaneous stress kinase JNK inhibition and exposure to one of the most commonly used anticancer drugs cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (cisplatin). Our model involved adipocyte-like cells (ADC) which were obtained during in vitro differentiation of adult rabbit muscle-derived stem cells. Cisplatin induced apoptotic cell death. During 24-hr cisplatin treatment gradual, strong and prolonged increase of both JNK and its target protein c-Jun phosphorylation was found in ADC. Pre-treatment of cells with SP600125 decreased cisplatin-induced activation of c-Jun and promoted apoptosis. Upregulation of proapoptotic Bax and downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins were found to be regulated in JNK-dependent manner. Thus, the results prove the antiapoptotic role of activated JNK in adipocyte-like cells treated with cisplatin.

Hypothalamic NUCKS regulates peripheral glucose homoeostasis

NUCKS regulates genes involved in insulin signalling and loss of NUCKS in vivo leads to insulin resistance and obesity. We report here the specificity of NUCKS in hypothalamus to regulate hypothalamic insulin signalling and peripheral glucose homoeostasis.

Translational Implications of the Alcohol-Metabolizing Enzymes, Including Cytochrome P450-2E1, in Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Liver Disease

Fat accumulation (hepatic steatosis) in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a potentially pathologic condition which can progress to steatohepatitis (inflammation), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and carcinogenesis. Many clinically used drugs or some alternative medicine compounds are also known to cause drug-induced liver injury, which can further lead to fulminant liver failure and acute deaths in extreme cases. During liver disease process, certain cytochromes P450 such as the ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1) and CYP4A isozymes can be induced and/or activated by alcohol and/or high-fat diets and pathophysiological conditions such as fasting, obesity, and diabetes. Activation of these P450 isozymes, involved in the metabolism of ethanol, fatty acids, and various drugs, can produce reactive oxygen/nitrogen species directly and/or indirectly, contributing to oxidative modifications of DNA/RNA, proteins and lipids. In addition, aldehyde dehydrogenases including the mitochondrial low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), responsible for the metabolism of acetaldehyde and lipid aldehydes, can be inactivated by various hepatotoxic agents. These highly reactive acetaldehyde and lipid peroxides, accumulated due to ALDH2 suppression, can interact with cellular macromolecules DNA/RNA, lipids, and proteins, leading to suppression of their normal function, contributing to DNA mutations, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, steatosis, and cell death. In this chapter, we specifically review the roles of the alcohol-metabolizing enzymes including the alcohol dehydrogenase, ALDH2, CYP2E1, and other enzymes in promoting liver disease. We also discuss translational research opportunities with natural and/or synthetic antioxidants, which can prevent or delay the onset of inflammation and liver disease.

The mAb against adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein 2E4 attenuates the inflammation in the mouse model of high-fat diet-induced obesity via toll-like receptor 4 pathway

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) plays an important role in fatty acid-mediated processes and related metabolic and inflammatory responses. In this study, we prepared a novel monoclonal antibody against A-FABP, designated 2E4. Our data showed that 2E4 specifically binded to the recombinant A-FABP and native A-FABP of mice adipose tissue. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of 2E4 on metabolic and inflammatory responses in C57BL/6J obese mice fed on a high fat diet. 2E4 administration improved glucose response in high-fat-diet induced obese mice. The 2E4 treated groups exhibited lower free fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in a concentration-dependent manner. These changes were accompanied by down-regulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue, including tumor necrosis factor α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and interleukin-6. Meanwhile, our data demonstrated that 2E4 significantly decreased the mRNA and protein levels of A-FABP in adipose tissue of mice. Further experiments showed that 2E4 notably suppressed the phosphorylation of IκBα and jun-N-terminal kinase through toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway. Taken together, 2E4 is an effective monoclonal antibody against A-FABP, which attenuated the inflammatory responses induced in the high-fat-diet mice. These findings may provide scientific insight into the treatment of chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity.