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Mimicking Gene-Environment Interaction of Higher Altitude Dwellers by Intermittent Hypoxia Training: COVID-19 Preventive Strategies. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010006. [PMID: 36671699 PMCID: PMC9855005 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitors have been demonstrated to protect against hypoxia pathogenesis in several investigations. It has also been utilized as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of COVID-19. COX inhibitors, which have previously been shown to be effective in treating previous viral and malarial infections are strong candidates for improving the COVID-19 therapeutic doctrine. However, another COX inhibitor, ibuprofen, is linked to an increase in the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which could increase virus susceptibility. Hence, inhibiting COX2 via therapeutics might not always be protective and we need to investigate the downstream molecules that may be involved in hypoxia environment adaptation. Research has discovered that people who are accustomed to reduced oxygen levels at altitude may be protected against the harmful effects of COVID-19. It is important to highlight that the study's conclusions only applied to those who regularly lived at high altitudes; they did not apply to those who occasionally moved to higher altitudes but still lived at lower altitudes. COVID-19 appears to be more dangerous to individuals residing at lower altitudes. The downstream molecules in the (COX2) pathway have been shown to adapt in high-altitude dwellers, which may partially explain why these individuals have a lower prevalence of COVID-19 infection. More research is needed, however, to directly address COX2 expression in people living at higher altitudes. It is possible to mimic the gene-environment interaction of higher altitude people by intermittent hypoxia training. COX-2 adaptation resulting from hypoxic exposure at altitude or intermittent hypoxia exercise training (IHT) seems to have an important therapeutic function. Swimming, a type of IHT, was found to lower COX-2 protein production, a pro-inflammatory milieu transcription factor, while increasing the anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, Intermittent Hypoxia Preconditioning (IHP) has been demonstrated in numerous clinical investigations to enhance patients' cardiopulmonary function, raise cardiorespiratory fitness, and increase tissues' and organs' tolerance to ischemia. Biochemical activities of IHP have also been reported as a feasible application strategy for IHP for the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients. In this paper, we aim to highlight some of the most relevant shared genes implicated with COVID-19 pathogenesis and hypoxia. We hypothesize that COVID-19 pathogenesis and hypoxia share a similar mechanism that affects apoptosis, proliferation, the immune system, and metabolism. We also highlight the necessity of studying individuals who live at higher altitudes to emulate their gene-environment interactions and compare the findings with IHT. Finally, we propose COX2 as an upstream target for testing the effectiveness of IHT in preventing or minimizing the effects of COVID-19 and other oxygen-related pathological conditions in the future.
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Hypoxia as a Double-Edged Sword to Combat Obesity and Comorbidities. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233735. [PMID: 36496995 PMCID: PMC9736735 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The global epidemic of obesity is tightly associated with numerous comorbidities, such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and the metabolic syndrome. Among the key features of obesity, some studies have suggested the abnormal expansion of adipose-tissue-induced local endogenous hypoxic, while other studies indicated endogenous hyperoxia as the opposite trend. Endogenous hypoxic aggravates dysfunction in adipose tissue and stimulates secretion of inflammatory molecules, which contribute to obesity. In contrast, hypoxic exposure combined with training effectively generate exogenous hypoxic to reduce body weight and downregulate metabolic risks. The (patho)physiological effects in adipose tissue are distinct from those of endogenous hypoxic. We critically assess the latest advances on the molecular mediators of endogenous hypoxic that regulate the dysfunction in adipose tissue. Subsequently we propose potential therapeutic targets in adipose tissues and the small molecules that may reverse the detrimental effect of local endogenous hypoxic. More importantly, we discuss alterations of metabolic pathways in adipose tissue and the metabolic benefits brought by hypoxic exercise. In terms of therapeutic intervention, numerous approaches have been developed to treat obesity, nevertheless durability and safety remain the major concern. Thus, a combination of the therapies that suppress endogenous hypoxic with exercise plans that augment exogenous hypoxic may accelerate the development of more effective and durable medications to treat obesity and comorbidities.
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Wang R, Wu X, Lin K, Guo S, Hou Y, Ma R, Wang Q, Wang R. Plasma Metabolomics Reveals β-Glucan Improves Muscle Strength and Exercise Capacity in Athletes. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12100988. [PMID: 36295890 PMCID: PMC9607031 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12100988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the changes in muscle strength and plasma metabolites in athletes with β-glucan supplementation. A total of 29 athletes who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study (ChiCTR2200058091) and were randomly divided into a placebo group (n = 14) and β-glucan group (n = 15). During the trial, the experimental group received β-glucan supplementation (2 g/d β-glucan) for 4 weeks and the control group received an equal dose of placebo supplementation (0 g/d β-glucan), with both groups maintaining their regular diet and exercise habits during the trial. The athletes’ exercise performance, muscle strength, and plasma metabolome changes were analyzed after 4 weeks of β-glucan supplementation. The results showed a significant increase in mean grip strength (kg), right hand grip strength (kg), left triceps strength (kg), and upper limb muscle mass (kg) in the experimental group after the 4-week intervention compared to the preintervention period (p < 0.05). A comparison of the difference between the two groups after the intervention showed that there were significant differences between the control group and the experimental group in mean grip strength (kg) and right-hand grip strength (kg) (p < 0.05). Athletes in the experimental group showed significant improvements in 1 min double rocking jump (pcs), VO2max (ml/kg-min) (p < 0.05). The β-glucan intake increased the creatine-related pathway metabolites in plasma. Overall, these results suggest that 4 weeks of β-glucan supplementation can improve muscle strength in athletes, with the potential to increase aerobic endurance and enhance immune function, possibly by affecting creatine-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruwen Wang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xianmin Wu
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Kaiqing Lin
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shanshan Guo
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuning Hou
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Renyan Ma
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qirong Wang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
- National Institute of Sports Medicine, National Testing & Research Center of Sports Nutrition, Beijing 100029, China
- Correspondence: or (Q.W.); (R.W.); Tel.: +86-021-65507351 (R.W.)
| | - Ru Wang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
- Correspondence: or (Q.W.); (R.W.); Tel.: +86-021-65507351 (R.W.)
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Wang X, Lu Y, Zhu L, Zhang H, Feng L. Inhibition of miR-27b Regulates Lipid Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle of Obese Rats During Hypoxic Exercise by Increasing PPARγ Expression. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1090. [PMID: 32982800 PMCID: PMC7489097 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic exercise may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce and prevent obesity through the regulation of lipid metabolism. During hypoxic exercise, the targeting of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) by miR-27b has been proposed to be one of the mechanisms involved in the modulation of lipid metabolism. We have previously shown that miR-27b can repress PPARγ and lipid metabolism-associated factors, thereby affecting lipid metabolism during hypoxic exercise in a rat model of obesity. In the current study, we aimed to confirm the role of miR-27b in the regulation of lipid metabolism. First, miR-27b expression was either upregulated or downregulated through the injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) 9 containing a miR-27b expression cassette or miR-27b-3p inhibitor, respectively, into the right gastrocnemius muscle of obese rats. The rats were then subjected to a 4-week program of hypoxic exercise, and a series of parameters related to lipid metabolism were systematically evaluated, including body composition, blood lipid levels, miR-27b RNA levels, and mRNA and protein levels of PPARγ and those of its downstream lipid metabolism-associated factors. No significant differences were found in body composition between rats expressing different levels of miR-27b. However, regarding blood lipids, miR-27b overexpression led to increased concentrations of triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and free fatty acids (FFAs), while inhibition of miR-27b decreased the total cholesterol (TC) level and increased that of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). At the mRNA level, miR-27b overexpression downregulated the expression of Pparγ, but upregulated that of lipid metabolism-associated factors such as heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL), whereas miR-27b inhibition elicited the opposite effect; however, inhibition of miR-27b led to elevated cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and fatty acid translocase 36 (CD36) levels. Similarly, at the protein level, miR-27b overexpression promoted a decrease in the concentration of PPARγ, whereas miR-27b inhibition led to an increase in PPARγ levels, as well as those of CYP7A1, CD36, ATGL, and LPL. Overall, our results indicated that hypoxic exercise regulates lipid metabolism via the miR-27b/PPARγ pathway and modulates ATGL and LPL expression through inducing their post-transcriptional modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.,College of Physical Education, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yingli Lu
- Exercise Biology Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- School of Sports Science, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, China
| | - Haibo Zhang
- Exercise Biology Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Lianshi Feng
- Exercise Biology Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
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Park Y, Jang I, Park HY, Kim J, Lim K. Hypoxic exposure can improve blood glycemic control in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Phys Act Nutr 2020; 24:19-23. [PMID: 32408410 PMCID: PMC7451840 DOI: 10.20463/pan.2020.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Blood glucose and insulin resistance were lower following hypoxic exposure in previous studies. However, the effect of hypoxia as therapy in obese model has not been unknown. METHODS Six-week-old mice were randomly divided into chow diet (n=10) and high-fat diet (HFD) groups (n=20). The chow diet group received a non-purified commercial diet (65 % carbohydrate, 21 % protein, and 14 % fat) and water ad libitum. The HFD group was fed an HFD (Research Diet, #D12492; 60% kcal from fat, 5.24 kcal/g). Both groups consumed their respective diet for 7 weeks. Subsequently, HFD-induced mice (12-weeks-old) were randomly divided into two treatment groups : HFD-Normoxia (HFD; n=10) and HFD-Hypoxia (HYP; n=10, fraction of inspired=14.6%). After treatment for 4 weeks, serum glucose, insulin and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed. RESULTS Homeostatic model assessment values for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of the HYP group tended to be lower than the HFD group. Regarding the OGTT, the area under the curve was 13% lower for the HYP group than the HFD group. CONCLUSION Insulin resistance tended to be lower and glucose uptake capacity was significantly augmented under hypoxia. From a clinical perspective, exposure to hypoxia may be a practical method of treating obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeram Park
- Department of Physical Education in Graduated school, Konkuk University, SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Inkwon Jang
- Department of Sports Medicine and Science in Graduated School, Konkuk University, SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Hun-Young Park
- Department of Sports Medicine and Science in Graduated School, Konkuk University, SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Jisu Kim
- Department of Sports Medicine and Science in Graduated School, Konkuk University, SeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Kiwon Lim
- Department of Physical Education in Graduated school, Konkuk University, SeoulRepublic of Korea
- Department of Sports Medicine and Science in Graduated School, Konkuk University, SeoulRepublic of Korea
- Physical Activity and Performance Institute (PAPI), Konkuk University, SeoulRepublic of Korea
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Hypoxia training improves hepatic steatosis partly by downregulation of CB1 receptor in obese mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 525:639-645. [PMID: 32122652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia training (HT) can reduce body weight and improve fatty liver. However, the mechanism is not clear. A previous study indicated that HT-induced weight loss might be associated with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has also been reported recently to be involved in the persistent lipid mediators after weight loss. The present study investigated the effects of HT, a new prospective weight-loss method, on nutritionally obese mice and demonstrated that HT significantly reduced body weight, fat mass, transcriptional expression of liver endocannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), biosynthetic enzyme diacylglycerol lipase α (DAGLα) and improved the transcriptional expression of degrading enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Liver endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) but not anandamide (AEA) was evidently decreased in response to HT. Simultaneously, HT significantly reduced liver index, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and liver fat contents. Western blot showed decreased expression of liver CB1, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and increased expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) levels after HT. However, intraperitoneal injection of CB1 receptor agonist WIN55212-2 offset the benefits by which HT reduced hepatic fat synthesis, with significant increased protein expression of SREBP-1 and PPARγ. Taken together, these findings reported the alleviation of obesity and hepatic steatosis through HT and provided a putative molecular mechanism by inhibiting the CB1-mediated fat synthesis.
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