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Wang Y, Chen H, Wang Y, Zhang H, Weng Q, Liu Y, Xu M. Seasonal changes in vitamin A metabolism-related factors in the oviduct of Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106583. [PMID: 38992392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The oviduct of the Chinese brown frog (Rana dybowskii) expands during pre-brumation rather than the breeding period, exhibiting a special physiological feature. Vitamin A is essential for the proper growth and development of many organisms, including the reproductive system such as ovary and oviduct. Vitamin A is metabolized into retinoic acid, which is crucial for oviduct formation. This study examined the relationship between oviducal expansion and vitamin A metabolism. We observed a significant increase in the weight and diameter of the oviduct in Rana dybowskii during pre-brumation. Vitamin A and its active metabolite, retinoic acid, notably increased during pre-brumation. The mRNA levels of retinol binding protein 4 (rbp4) and its receptor stra6 gene, involved in vitamin A transport, were elevated during pre-brumation compared to the breeding period. In the vitamin A metabolic pathway, the mRNA expression level of retinoic acid synthase aldh1a2 decreased significantly during pre-brumation, while the mRNA levels of retinoic acid α receptor (rarα) and the retinoic acid catabolic enzyme cyp26a1 increased significantly during pre-brumation, but not during the breeding period. Immunohistochemical results showed that Rbp4, Stra6, Aldh1a2, Rarα, and Cyp26a1 were expressed in ampulla region of the oviduct. Western blot results indicated that Aldh1a2 expression was lower, while Rbp4, Stra6, RARα, and Cyp26a1 were higher during pre-brumation compared to the breeding period. Transcriptome analyses further identified differential genes in the oviduct and found enrichment of differential genes in the vitamin A metabolism pathway, providing evidences for our study. These results suggest that the vitamin A metabolic pathway is more active during pre-brumation compared to the breeding period, and retinoic acid may regulate pre-brumation oviductal expansion through Rarα-mediated autocrine/paracrine modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yankun Wang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Haohan Chen
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
| | - Meiyu Xu
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
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2
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Yu B, Chen J, Wang Y, Zhou J, Wang H, Li H, Cai T, Huang R, Zhou Y, Ma J. Vitamin A influences the incretin hormone profiles by activating the retinoic acid receptor β. J Diabetes Complications 2024; 38:108806. [PMID: 38996583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2024.108806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the impact of Vitamin A (VA) on intestinal glucose metabolic phenotypes. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized assigned to a VA-normal diet (VAN) or a VA-deficient diet (VAD) for 12 weeks. After12 weeks, the VAD mice were given 30 IU/g/d retinol for 10 days and VAN diet (VADN) for 10 weeks. By using glucose tolerance tests, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, siRNA transduction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the glucose metabolic phenotypes as well as secretory function and intracellular hormone changes of STC-1 were assessed. RESULTS VAD mice showed a decrease of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and a loss of intestinal glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) expression. Through reintroducing dietary VA to VAD mice, the intestinal VA levels, GLP-1 expression and normal glucose can be restored. The incubation with retinol increased VA signaling factors expression within STC-1 cells, especially retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ). The activation of RARβ restored intracellular incretin hormone synthesis and secretory function. CONCLUSIONS VA deficiency leads to an imbalance of intestinal glucose metabolic phenotypes through a mechanism involving RARβ signaling pathway, suggesting a new method to achieve the treatment for VAD induced glucose metabolism impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baowen Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Personnel Management, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Gerontology, Drum tower hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junming Zhou
- Department of Cadre Gastroenterology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiying Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqin Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunting Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jianhua Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Nanjing Medical University affiliated Nanjing Hospital: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Pasenkiewicz-Gierula M, Hryc J, Markiewicz M. Dynamic and Energetic Aspects of Carotenoids In-and-Around Model Lipid Membranes Revealed in Molecular Modelling. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8217. [PMID: 39125791 PMCID: PMC11312187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In contrast to plants, humans are unable to synthesise carotenoids and have to obtain them from diet. Carotenoids fulfil several crucial biological functions in the organism; however, due to poor solubility in water, their bioavailability from plant-based food is low. The processes of carotenoid absorption and availability in the human body have been intensively studied. The recent experimental findings concerning these processes are briefly presented in the introductory part of this review, together with a summary of such topics as carotenoid carriers, body transport and tissue delivery, to finally report on molecular-level studies of carotenoid binding by membrane receptors. The main message of the review is contained in the section describing computational investigations of carotenoid intercalation and dynamic behaviour in lipid bilayers. The relevance of these computational studies lies in showing the direct link between the microscopic behaviour of molecules and the characteristics of their macroscopic ensembles. Furthermore, studying the interactions between carotenoids and lipid bilayers, and certainly proteins, on the molecular- and atomic-level using computational methods facilitates the interpretation and explanation of their macroscopic properties and, hopefully, helps to better understand the biological functions of carotenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pasenkiewicz-Gierula
- Department of Computational Biophysics and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (J.H.); (M.M.)
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Radhakrishnan R, Leung M, Lor A, More S, Lobo GP. Loss of the systemic vitamin A transporter RBPR2 affects the quantitative balance between chromophore and opsins in visual pigment synthesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602543. [PMID: 39026765 PMCID: PMC11257425 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The distribution of dietary vitamin A/all-trans retinol (ROL) throughout the body is critical for maintaining retinoid function in peripheral tissues and for generating visual pigments for photoreceptor cell function. ROL circulates in the blood bound to the retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) as RBP4-ROL. Two membrane receptors, RBPR2 in the liver and STRA6 in the eye are proposed to bind circulatory RBP4 and this mechanism is critical for internalizing ROL into cells. Here, we present a longitudinal investigation towards the importance of RBPR2 and influence of the diet on systemic retinoid homeostasis for visual function. Age matched Rbpr2-KO (Rbpr2 -/- ) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed either a vitamin A sufficient (VAS) or a vitamin A deficient (VAD) diet. At 3- and 6-months, we performed retinoid quantification of ocular and non-ocular tissues using HPLC analysis and complemented the data with visual physiology, rhodopsin quantification by spectrophotometry, and biochemical analysis. At 3-months and compared to WT mice, Rbpr2 -/- mice fed either vitamin A diets displayed lower scotopic and photopic electroretinogram (ERG) responses, which correlated with HPLC analysis that revealed Rbpr2 -/- mice had significantly lower hepatic and ocular retinoid content. Interestingly, with the exception of the liver, long-term feeding of Rbpr2 -/- mice with a VAS diet promoted all-trans retinol accumulation in most peripheral tissues. However, even under VAS dietary conditions significant amounts of unliganded opsins in rods, together with decreased visual responses were evident in aged mice lacking RBPR2, when compared to WT mice. Together, our analyses characterize the molecular events underlying nutritional blindness in a novel mouse model and indicate that loss of the liver specific RBP4-ROL receptor, RBPR2, influences systemic retinoid homeostasis and rhodopsin synthesis, which causes profound visual function defects under severe vitamin A deficiency conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Radhakrishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Lions Research Building, 2001 6 Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Matthias Leung
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Lions Research Building, 2001 6 Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Anjelynt Lor
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Lions Research Building, 2001 6 Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Swati More
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, MN 55455, USA
| | - Glenn P. Lobo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Lions Research Building, 2001 6 Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Powała K, Żołek T, Brown G, Kutner A. Molecular Interactions of Selective Agonists and Antagonists with the Retinoic Acid Receptor γ. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6568. [PMID: 38928275 PMCID: PMC11203493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), the major active metabolite of all-trans retinol (vitamin A), is a key hormonal signaling molecule. In the adult organism, ATRA has a widespread influence on processes that are crucial to the growth and differentiation of cells and, in turn, the acquisition of mature cell functions. Therefore, there is considerable potential in the use of retinoids to treat diseases. ATRA binds to the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) which, as activated by ATRA, selectively regulate gene expression. There are three main RAR isoforms, RARα, RARβ, and RARγ. They each have a distinct role, for example, RARα and RARγ regulate myeloid progenitor cell differentiation and hematopoietic stem cell maintenance, respectively. Hence, targeting an isoform is crucial to developing retinoid-based therapeutics. In principle, this is exemplified when ATRA is used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia (PML) and target RARα within PML-RARα oncogenic fusion protein. ATRA with arsenic trioxide has provided a cure for the once highly fatal leukemia. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies of RARγ have revealed the potential use of agonists and antagonists to treat diseases as diverse as cancer, heterotopic ossification, psoriasis, and acne. During the final drug development there may be a need to design newer compounds with added modifications to improve solubility, pharmacokinetics, or potency. At the same time, it is important to retain isotype specificity and activity. Examination of the molecular interactions between RARγ agonists and the ligand binding domain of RARγ has revealed aspects to ligand binding that are crucial to RARγ selectivity and compound activity and key to designing newer compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Powała
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Teresa Żołek
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Geoffrey Brown
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Andrzej Kutner
- Department of Drug Chemistry Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
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Patel R, Nair S, Choudhry H, Jaffry M, Dastjerdi M. Ocular manifestations of liver disease: an important diagnostic aid. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:177. [PMID: 38622271 PMCID: PMC11018673 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review examined existing literature to determine various ocular manifestations of liver pathologies, with a focus on metabolic deficiencies as well as viral and immune liver conditions. METHODS Recent data were compiled from PubMed from 2000 to 2020 using keywords that were relevant to the assessed pathologies. Ocular presentations of several liver pathologies were researched and then summarized in a comprehensive form. RESULTS Several ocular manifestations of liver disease were related to vitamin A deficiency, as liver disease is associated with impaired vitamin A homeostasis. Alcoholic liver cirrhosis can result in vitamin A deficiency, presenting with Bitot spots, xerosis, and corneal necrosis. Congenital liver diseases such as mucopolysaccharidoses and peroxisomal disorders are also linked with ocular signs. Viral causes of liver disease have associations with conditions like retinal vasculitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, retinopathies, Mooren's ulcer, and Sjogren's syndrome. Autoimmune hepatitis has been linked to peripheral ulcerative keratitis and uveitis. CONCLUSIONS Building strong associations between ocular and liver pathology will allow for early detection of such conditions, leading to the early implementation of management strategies. While this review outlines several of the existing connections between hepatic and ophthalmic disease, further research is needed in the area in order to strengthen these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Patel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA
| | - Smriti Nair
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA
| | - Hassaam Choudhry
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA.
| | - Mustafa Jaffry
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA
| | - Mohammad Dastjerdi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA
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7
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Leung M, Steinman J, Li D, Lor A, Gruesen A, Sadah A, van Kuijk FJ, Montezuma SR, Kondkar AA, Radhakrishnan R, Lobo GP. The Logistical Backbone of Photoreceptor Cell Function: Complementary Mechanisms of Dietary Vitamin A Receptors and Rhodopsin Transporters. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4278. [PMID: 38673863 PMCID: PMC11050646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this review, we outline our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the absorption, storage, and transport of dietary vitamin A to the eye, and the trafficking of rhodopsin protein to the photoreceptor outer segments, which encompasses the logistical backbone required for photoreceptor cell function. Two key mechanisms of this process are emphasized in this manuscript: ocular and systemic vitamin A membrane transporters, and rhodopsin transporters. Understanding the complementary mechanisms responsible for the generation and proper transport of the retinylidene protein to the photoreceptor outer segment will eventually shed light on the importance of genes encoded by these proteins, and their relationship on normal visual function and in the pathophysiology of retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Leung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Jeremy Steinman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Dorothy Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Anjelynt Lor
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Andrew Gruesen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Ahmed Sadah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Frederik J. van Kuijk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Sandra R. Montezuma
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Altaf A. Kondkar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 12271, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Rakesh Radhakrishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
| | - Glenn P. Lobo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (M.L.); (J.S.); (D.L.); (A.L.); (A.G.); (A.S.); (F.J.v.K.); (S.R.M.)
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8
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Sun L, Zheng M, Gao Y, Brigstock DR, Gao R. Retinoic acid signaling pathway in pancreatic stellate cells: Insight into the anti-fibrotic effect and mechanism. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176374. [PMID: 38309676 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are activated following loss of cytoplasmic vitamin A (retinol)-containing lipid droplets, which is a key event in the process of fibrogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDCA). PSCs are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that produce stroma to induce PDAC cancer cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. As an active metabolite of retinol, retinoic acid (RA) can regulate target gene expression in PSCs through its nuclear receptor complex (RAR/RXR or RXR/RXR) or transcriptional intermediary factor. Additionally, RA also has extranuclear and non-transcriptional effects. In vitro studies have shown that RA induces PSC deactivation which reduces extracellular matrix production through multiple modes of action, such as inhibiting TβRⅡ, PDGFRβ, β-catenin and Wnt production, downregulating ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation and suppressing active TGF-β1 release. RA alone or in combination with other reagents have been demonstrated to have an effective anti-fibrotic effect on cerulein-induced mouse CP models in vivo studies. Clinical trial data have shown that repurposing all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) as a stromal-targeting agent for human pancreatic cancer is safe and tolerable, suggesting the possibility of using RA for the treatment of CP and PDCA in humans. This review focuses on RA signaling pathways in PSCs and the effects and mechanisms of RA in PSC-mediated fibrogenesis as well as the anti-fibrotic and anti-tumor effects of RA targeting PSCs or CAFs in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the potential therapies of RA against CP and PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Pathology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meifang Zheng
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - David R Brigstock
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Runping Gao
- Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Deering MJ, Paradis H, Ahmad R, Al-Mehiawi AS, Gendron RL. The role of dietary vitamin A in mechanisms of cataract development in the teleost lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2024; 47:e13899. [PMID: 38041393 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus L) are highly prone to cataract development in the wild and in culture. There is evidence that cataract in farmed fish is related to nutrition. However, both the nutrients and the mechanisms involved in cataract development in lumpfish are not clear. Here we investigated the mechanisms involved and the role of dietary vitamin A in cataract development in a cultured lumpfish population. Cultured lumpfish were fed three diets differing only in vitamin A supplementation level (5000, 15,000 and 120,000 IU/kg) over an 18-month period, and fish weight, cataract frequencies and severities were determined. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed on lens tissue to measure the levels of oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The lowest levels of vitamin A significantly reduced cataract frequencies in adult lumpfish and resulted in less severe cataract and increased weight in males. Oxidative stress levels in the lens were positively correlated with vitamin A intake. Apoptosis was observed at high levels in lenses with severe cataract. Oxidative stress and apoptosis levels were the highest in regions of the lens with severe, advanced cataract pathology when compared to regions with no visible pathology. These results suggest that higher vitamin A intake contributes to cataract development through an oxidative stress pathway, and that both oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in advanced stages of cataract in lumpfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margret J Deering
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Hélène Paradis
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Raahyma Ahmad
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Adil S Al-Mehiawi
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Robert L Gendron
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Choi YJ, Kwon JW, Jee D. The relationship between blood vitamin A levels and diabetic retinopathy: a population-based study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:491. [PMID: 38177180 PMCID: PMC10766637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49937-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We assessed the relationship between blood vitamin A levels and the risk of diabetic retinopathy. The study was population-based epidemiological study for 11,727 participants aged 40 or older who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Vitamin A in the blood was classified into quartiles. Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed by the Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study. After adjusting confounding variables such as age, sex, smoking, cholesterol, diabetes prevalence period, glycated hemoglobin levels, and high blood pressure, the odd ratio (OR) of vitamin A at quartile level 4 for diabetic retinopathy was 0.32 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-0.72, P for trend < 0.001). In male, the OR of quartile 3 level vitamin A for diabetic retinopathy was 0.11 (95% CI, 0.01-0.69, P for trend = 0.010). In adults under the age of 60, the OR of vitamin A at quartile level 3 for diabetic retinopathy was 0.10. (95% CI, 0.03-0.29, P for trend < 0.001). Serum vitamin A high levels are associated with low risk of diabetic retinopathy. Particularly, there is a more effective relationship in male and adults under the age of 60.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jin Choi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent's Hospital, Jungbu-daero 93, Paldal-gu, Suwon, 16247, Korea
| | - Jin-Woo Kwon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent's Hospital, Jungbu-daero 93, Paldal-gu, Suwon, 16247, Korea
| | - Donghyun Jee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, St. Vincent's Hospital, Jungbu-daero 93, Paldal-gu, Suwon, 16247, Korea.
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Shi E, Nie M, Wang X, Jing H, Feng L, Xu Y, Zhang Z, Zhang G, Li D, Dai Z. Polysaccharides affect the utilization of β-carotene through gut microbiota investigated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Food Res Int 2023; 174:113592. [PMID: 37986456 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of six polysaccharides on the utilization of β-carotene from the perspective of gut microbiota using both in vitro simulated anaerobic fermentation systems and in vivo animal experiments. In the in vitro experiments, the addition of arabinoxylan, arabinogalactan, mannan, inulin, chitosan, and glucan led to a 31.07-79.12% decrease in β-carotene retention and a significant increase in retinol content (0.21-0.99-fold) compared to β-carotene alone. Among them, the addition of chitosan produced the highest level of retinol. In the in vivo experiments, mice treated with the six polysaccharides exhibited a significant increase (2.51-5.78-fold) in serum β-carotene content compared to the group treated with β-carotene alone. The accumulation of retinoids in the serum, liver, and small intestine increased by 13.56-21.61%, 12.64-56.27%, and 7.9%-71.69%, respectively. The expression of β-carotene cleavage enzymes was increased in the liver. Genetic analysis of small intestinal tissue revealed no significant enhancement in the expression of genes related to β-carotene metabolism. In the gut microbiota environment, the addition of polysaccharides generated more SCFAs and altered the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. The correlation analysis revealed a strong association between gut microbes (Ruminococcaceae and Odoribacteraceae) and β-carotene metabolism and absorption. Collectively, our findings suggest that the addition of polysaccharides may improve β-carotene utilization by modulating the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enjuan Shi
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Meimei Nie
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Huili Jing
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yayuan Xu
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Zhongyuan Zhang
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Guodong Zhang
- Jiangsu Aland Nutrition Co., Ltd., Taizhou 214500, China
| | - Dajing Li
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Zhuqing Dai
- Institute of Agro-product Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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12
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Zhang Y, Kong J, Jiang X, Wu J, Wu X. Serum fat-soluble vitamins and the menstrual cycle in women of childbearing age. Food Funct 2023; 14:231-239. [PMID: 36484265 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo02765h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that fat-soluble vitamins are involved in reproduction, but their association with the menstrual cycle, the proxy of female fecundity, remains largely unexplored in women of childbearing age. Serum fat-soluble vitamin levels were measured by HPLC-MS/MS and menstrual cycle data were acquired from 3123 women of reproductive age in Nanjing, China, using standard questionnaires. Irregular and long menstrual cycles occurred in 725 (23.2%) and 604 (19.3%) participants, respectively. Participants with higher levels of vitamins A and K had increased odds of irregular menstrual cycles (vitamin A: OR = 1.39 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.74); vitamin K: OR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.76)) and long menstrual cycles (vitamin A: OR = 1.34 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.69); vitamin K: OR = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61)), and the relationship showed a linear dose-response pattern (P-overall < 0.05, P-nonlinearity > 0.05). Vitamin A was positively associated with the average menstrual cycle length (β: 1.83, 95% CI: 0.28, 3.39). Vitamins A and K were interacted in their associations with irregular menstrual cycles and long cycles. In sensitivity analysis with further exclusion of participants with abnormal thyroid function or a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the association of vitamins A and K with the menstrual cycle remained robust. This study indicates that higher serum vitamin A and K levels in women of childbearing age are significantly associated with higher odds of irregular and long menstrual cycles with a linear dose-response curve. Further investigations are warranted to determine the appropriate fat-soluble vitamin levels for women of childbearing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Jing Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Xiaohong Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Jiangping Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, China.
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13
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Radhakrishnan R, Leung M, Solanki AK, Lobo GP. Mapping of the extracellular RBP4 ligand binding domain on the RBPR2 receptor for Vitamin A transport. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1105657. [PMID: 36910150 PMCID: PMC9992173 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The distribution of dietary vitamin A/all-trans retinol/ROL throughout the body is critical for maintaining retinoid function in peripheral tissues and for retinoid delivery to the eye in the support of visual function. In the circulation, all-trans-retinol bound to the RBP4 protein is transported and sequestered into target tissues for long-term storage. Two membrane receptors that facilitate all-trans retinol uptake from RBP4 have been proposed. While it is well established that the membrane receptor, STRA6, binds to circulatory RBP4 for ROL transport into the eye, the second vitamin A receptor, RBPR2, which is expressed in non-ocular tissues, is less characterized. Based on the structural homology between these two RBP4 receptors, published literature, and from our recent work in Rbpr2 -/- deficient mice, we hypothesized that RBPR2 might also have high-binding affinity for RBP4 and this mechanism facilitates ROL transport. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the membrane topology and putative RBP4 binding residues on RBPR2 to understand its physiological function for retinoid homeostasis. Using in silico analysis and site-directed mutagenesis, we identified a potential RBP4 binding domain on RBPR2. We employed an in vitro cell-based system and confirmed that mutations of these residues on RBPR2 affected its binding to exogenous RBP4 and subsequently vitamin A uptake. Using Surface Plasmon Resonance assays, we analyzed both the binding affinities and kinetic parameters of wild-type RBPR2 and individual mutants affecting the RBPR2-RBP4 binding domain with its physiological ligand RBP4. These studies not only revealed a putative RBP4 binding domain on RBPR2 but also provided new structural, biochemical, and critical information on its proposed role in RBP4 binding for ROL transport and retinoid homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Radhakrishnan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Matthias Leung
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ashish K Solanki
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Glenn P Lobo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.,Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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14
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Mice Lacking the Systemic Vitamin A Receptor RBPR2 Show Decreased Ocular Retinoids and Loss of Visual Function. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14122371. [PMID: 35745101 PMCID: PMC9231411 DOI: 10.3390/nu14122371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This work represents an initial evaluation of the second RBP4-vitamin A receptor RBPR2 in a mammalian model. We provide evidence that the membrane localized RBPR2 protein, under variable conditions of dietary vitamin A intake, plays an important role for dietary vitamin A transport to the eye for ocular retinoid homeostasis and visual function. These findings are of general interest, as disturbances in blood and ocular vitamin A homeostasis are linked to retinal degenerative diseases, which are blinding diseases. The animal model described here could also serve as an in vivo tool to study mechanisms related to retinal cell degeneration that are associated with vitamin A deficiency. Abstract The systemic transport of dietary vitamin A/all-trans retinol bound to RBP4 into peripheral tissues for storage is an essential physiological process that continuously provides visual chromophore precursors to the retina under fasting conditions. This mechanism is critical for phototransduction, photoreceptor cell maintenance and survival, and in the support of visual function. While the membrane receptor STRA6 facilitates the blood transport of lipophilic vitamin A into the eye, it is not expressed in most peripheral organs, which are proposed to express a second membrane receptor for the uptake of vitamin A from circulating RBP4. The discovery of a novel vitamin A receptor, RBPR2, which is expressed in the liver and intestine, but not in the eye, alluded to this long-sort non-ocular membrane receptor for systemic RBP4-ROL uptake and transport. We have previously shown in zebrafish that the retinol-binding protein receptor 2 (Rbpr2) plays an important role in the transport of yolk vitamin A to the eye. Mutant rbpr2 zebrafish lines manifested in decreased ocular retinoid concentrations and retinal phenotypes. To investigate a physiological role for the second vitamin A receptor, RBPR2, in mammals and to analyze the metabolic basis of systemic vitamin A transport for retinoid homeostasis, we established a whole-body Rbpr2 knockout mouse (Rbpr2−/−) model. These mice were viable on both vitamin A-sufficient and -deficient diets. Rbpr2−/− mice that were fed a vitamin A-sufficient diet displayed lower ocular retinoid levels, decreased opsins, and manifested in decrease visual function, as measured by electroretinography. Interestingly, when Rbpr2−/− mice were fed a vitamin A-deficient diet, they additionally showed shorter photoreceptor outer segment phenotypes, altogether manifesting in a significant loss of visual function. Thus, under conditions replicating vitamin A sufficiency and deficiency, our analyses revealed that RBPR2-mediated systemic vitamin A transport is a regulated process that is important for vitamin A delivery to the eye when RBP4-bound ROL is the only transport pathway in the fasting condition or under vitamin A deficiency conditions.
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15
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Steinhoff JS, Lass A, Schupp M. Retinoid Homeostasis and Beyond: How Retinol Binding Protein 4 Contributes to Health and Disease. Nutrients 2022; 14:1236. [PMID: 35334893 PMCID: PMC8951293 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is the specific transport protein of the lipophilic vitamin A, retinol, in blood. Circulating RBP4 originates from the liver. It is secreted by hepatocytes after it has been loaded with retinol and binding to transthyretin (TTR). TTR association prevents renal filtration due to the formation of a higher molecular weight complex. In the circulation, RBP4 binds to specific membrane receptors, thereby delivering retinol to target cells, rendering liver-secreted RBP4 the major mechanism to distribute hepatic vitamin A stores to extrahepatic tissues. In particular, binding of RBP4 to 'stimulated by retinoic acid 6' (STRA6) is required to balance tissue retinoid responses in a highly homeostatic manner. Consequently, defects/mutations in RBP4 can cause a variety of conditions and diseases due to dysregulated retinoid homeostasis and cover embryonic development, vision, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases. Aside from the effects related to retinol transport, non-canonical functions of RBP4 have also been reported. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation and function of RBP4 in health and disease derived from murine models and human mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Steinhoff
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal (CMR)-Research Center, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Achim Lass
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, NAWI Graz, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 31/II, A-8010 Graz, Austria;
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 31/II, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Schupp
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Metabolic Renal (CMR)-Research Center, 10115 Berlin, Germany;
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