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Fadahunsi N, Petersen J, Metz S, Jakobsen A, Vad Mathiesen C, Silke Buch-Rasmussen A, Kurgan N, Kjærgaard Larsen J, Andersen RC, Topilko T, Svendsen C, Apuschkin M, Skovbjerg G, Hendrik Schmidt J, Houser G, Elgaard Jager S, Bach A, Deshmukh AS, Kilpeläinen TO, Strømgaard K, Madsen KL, Clemmensen C. Targeting postsynaptic glutamate receptor scaffolding proteins PSD-95 and PICK1 for obesity treatment. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadg2636. [PMID: 38427737 PMCID: PMC10906926 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg2636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) suggest a functional role for central glutamate receptor signaling and plasticity in body weight regulation. Here, we use UK Biobank GWAS summary statistics of body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) to identify genes encoding proteins known to interact with postsynaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Loci in/near discs large homolog 4 (DLG4) and protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1) reached genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10-8) for BF% and/or BMI. To further evaluate the functional role of postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95; gene name: DLG4) and PICK1 in energy homeostasis, we used dimeric PSD-95/disc large/ZO-1 (PDZ) domain-targeting peptides of PSD-95 and PICK1 to demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of PSD-95 and PICK1 induces prolonged weight-lowering effects in obese mice. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the glutamate receptor scaffolding proteins, PICK1 and PSD-95, are genetically linked to obesity and that pharmacological targeting of their PDZ domains represents a promising therapeutic avenue for sustained weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Fadahunsi
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonas Petersen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sophia Metz
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexander Jakobsen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Vad Mathiesen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alberte Silke Buch-Rasmussen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark
| | - Nigel Kurgan
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Kjærgaard Larsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rita C. Andersen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Charlotte Svendsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mia Apuschkin
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grethe Skovbjerg
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Gubra, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Jan Hendrik Schmidt
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grace Houser
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara Elgaard Jager
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Atul S. Deshmukh
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tuomas O. Kilpeläinen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Strømgaard
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kenneth L. Madsen
- Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christoffer Clemmensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wu W, Zheng J, Wang R, Wang Y. Ion channels regulate energy homeostasis and the progression of metabolic disorders: Novel mechanisms and pharmacology of their modulators. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115863. [PMID: 37863328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115863] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
The progression of metabolic diseases, featured by dysregulated metabolic signaling pathways, is orchestrated by numerous signaling networks. Among the regulators, ion channels transport ions across the membranes and trigger downstream signaling transduction. They critically regulate energy homeostasis and pathogenesis of metabolic diseases and are potential therapeutic targets for treating metabolic disorders. Ion channel blockers have been used to treat diabetes for decades by stimulating insulin secretion, yet with hypoglycemia and other adverse effects. It calls for deeper understanding of the largely elusive regulatory mechanisms, which facilitates the identification of new therapeutic targets and safe drugs against ion channels. In the article, we critically assess the two principal regulatory mechanisms, protein-channel interaction and post-translational modification on the activities of ion channels to modulate energy homeostasis and metabolic disorders through multiple novel mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss the multidisciplinary methods that provide the tools for elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms mediating metabolic disorders by ion channels. In terms of translational perspective, the mechanistic analysis of recently validated ion channels that regulate insulin resistance, body weight control, and adverse effects of current ion channel antagonists are discussed in details. Their small molecule modulators serve as promising new drug candidates to combat metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jianan Zheng
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ru Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, China
| | - Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, China.
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Ramírez-Cruz A, Gómez-González B, Baiza-Gutman LA, Manuel-Apolinar L, Ángeles-Mejía S, López-Cervantes SP, Ortega-Camarillo C, Cruz-López M, Gómez-Olivares JL, Díaz-Flores M. Nicotinamide, an acetylcholinesterase uncompetitive inhibitor, protects the blood‒brain barrier and improves cognitive function in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176068. [PMID: 37775016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176068] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation induced by abundant consumption of high-energy foods and caloric overload are implicated in the dysfunction of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB), cognitive impairment, and overactivation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). These enzymes hydrolyse acetylcholine, affecting anti-inflammatory cholinergic signalling. Our aim was to evaluate whether nicotinamide (NAM) attenuates the impairment of the BBB and cognitive function, improving cholinergic signalling. Forty male rats were distributed into five groups: one group was fed a standard diet, and the remaining groups were fed a high-fat diet and a beverage with 40% sucrose (HFS; high-fat sucrose). In three of the HFS groups, the carbohydrate was replaced by drinking water containing different concentrations of NAM for 5 h every morning for 12 weeks. The biochemical profile, levels of stress and inflammation markers, cholinesterase activities, BBB permeability, and cognitive capacity were evaluated. The results showed that the HFS diet disturbed the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, causing insulin resistance. Simultaneously, AChE and BChE activities, levels of proinflammatory cytokines, oxidation of proteins and lipoperoxidation increased along with decreased antioxidant capacity in serum. In the hippocampus, increased activity of cholinesterases, protein carbonylation and lipoperoxidation were associated with decreased antioxidant capacity. Systemic and hippocampal changes were reflected in increased BBB permeability and cognitive impairment. In contrast, NAM attenuated the above changes by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation through decreasing cholinesterase activities, especially by uncompetitive inhibition. NAM may be a potential systemic and neuroprotective agent to mitigate cognitive damage due to hypercaloric diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ramírez-Cruz
- Posgrado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, Hospital de Especialidades "Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez" Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - B Gómez-González
- Departamento de Biología de La Reproducción, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - L A Baiza-Gutman
- Laboratorio de Biología Del Desarrollo, Unidad de Morfología y Función, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Estado de México, Mexico.
| | - L Manuel-Apolinar
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Endocrinas, Hospital de Especialidades "Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez" Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - S Ángeles-Mejía
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, Hospital de Especialidades "Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez" Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - S P López-Cervantes
- Posgrado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - C Ortega-Camarillo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, Hospital de Especialidades "Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez" Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - M Cruz-López
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, Hospital de Especialidades "Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez" Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - J L Gómez-Olivares
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - M Díaz-Flores
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Bioquímica, Hospital de Especialidades "Bernardo Sepúlveda Gutiérrez" Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano Del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Márquez Álvarez CDM, Hernández-Cruz EY, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Oxidative stress in animal models of obesity caused by hypercaloric diets: A systematic review. Life Sci 2023; 331:122019. [PMID: 37567497 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122019] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a global health difficulty characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat that increases body weight. Obesity has been studied in multiple animal models, of which those in which it is induced by diet stand out. Due to the increase in this condition, other mechanisms have been addressed that are triggered by states of overweight or obesity, such as the appearance of oxidative stress. These models aim to relate obesity caused by diet and how it influences the development of oxidative stress. In this study, a systematic review of the literature of 39 articles that studied obesity due to the consumption of hypercaloric diets and the appearance of oxidative stress in different animal models was carried out. This review identified the models with the most excellent use and the characteristics of the most appropriate diets to characterize states of oxidative stress due to obesity. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each model used are provided, as well as the techniques used for the assessment of obesity, and oxidative stress, providing the information in such a way that there is a general overview of the existing models of the parameters that allow to adequately establish both variables studied, providing information that allows the researcher to choose the appropriate model and factors according to the interest and objectives of the present research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corazón de María Márquez Álvarez
- Laboratory for Research in Metabolic and Infectious Diseases, Multidisciplinary Academic División of Comalco, Juarez Autonomous University of Tabasco, Ranchería Sur, Cuarta Sección, 866500, Comalco, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Estefani Yaquelin Hernández-Cruz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico; Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Buczkowska M, Górski M, Domagalska J, Buczkowski K, Nowak P. Type D Personality and Health Behaviors in People Living with Obesity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14650. [PMID: 36429364 PMCID: PMC9690440 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering that health behaviors and personality traits play an important role in the formation of health attitudes, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the relations that occur between type D personality and health behaviors in a group of obese patients. METHODS 443 adult patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, who had been hospitalized in selected hospital facilities in the Silesian Voivodeship (Poland), participated in the study. Respondents completed three standardized questionnaires-the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, version A (MHLC-A), the Inventory of Health Behaviors (IZZ), and the Type D Scale (DS-14). RESULTS Patients with type D personality were characterized by the least effective mental attitudes and preventive behaviors, and differed significantly from the other personality types (intermediate and non-type D). Type D personality increased the risk of initiating improper health behaviors by more than five times. Regarding the sense of health control, patients with type D personality had significantly lower scores for the Internal Dimension subscale (21.3 ± 3.1) and higher for the Powerful Others Dimension subscale (24.0 ± 2.6), compared to patients with intermediate and non-type D personality. Proper health behaviors correlated with an internal sense of health control; the strongest correlation, defined as a medium, was with Preventive Behaviors (R = 0.42; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Type D personality was associated with poorer attitudes towards health. Among obese respondents with a type D personality, there was a significantly higher prevalence of those who believed that their health status was a consequence of chance events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Buczkowska
- Department of Toxicology and Health Protection, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Katowice, Poland
| | - Michał Górski
- Doctoral School of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Joanna Domagalska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Buczkowski
- Department of General and Oncological Surgery, City Hospital, 41-100 Siemianowice Slaskie, Poland
| | - Przemysław Nowak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Opole, 45-052 Opole, Poland
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Fadó R, Molins A, Rojas R, Casals N. Feeding the Brain: Effect of Nutrients on Cognition, Synaptic Function, and AMPA Receptors. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194137. [PMID: 36235789 PMCID: PMC9572450 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, traditional eating habits have been replaced by a more globalized diet, rich in saturated fatty acids and simple sugars. Extensive evidence shows that these dietary factors contribute to cognitive health impairment as well as increase the incidence of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. However, how these nutrients modulate synaptic function and neuroplasticity is poorly understood. We review the Western, ketogenic, and paleolithic diets for their effects on cognition and correlations with synaptic changes, focusing mainly (but not exclusively) on animal model studies aimed at tracing molecular alterations that may contribute to impaired human cognition. We observe that memory and learning deficits mediated by high-fat/high-sugar diets, even over short exposure times, are associated with reduced arborization, widened synaptic cleft, narrowed post-synaptic zone, and decreased activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and also observe that these alterations correlate with deregulation of the AMPA-type glutamate ionotropic receptors (AMPARs) that are crucial to neuroplasticity. Furthermore, we explored which diet-mediated mechanisms modulate synaptic AMPARs and whether certain supplements or nutritional interventions could reverse deleterious effects, contributing to improved learning and memory in older people and patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rut Fadó
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, E-08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-93-504-20-00
| | - Anna Molins
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, E-08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Rocío Rojas
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, E-08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Núria Casals
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, E-08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
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Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Tart Cherry Consumption in the Heart of Obese Rats. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050646. [PMID: 35625374 PMCID: PMC9138407 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, frequently related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Dietary antioxidant compounds improve heart health. Here, we estimate the oxidative grade and inflammation in the heart of dietary-induced obese (DIO) rats after exposure to a high-fat diet compared to a standard diet. The effects of tart cherry seed powder and seed powder plus tart cherries juice were explored. Morphological analysis and protein expressions were performed in the heart. The oxidative status was assessed by the measurement of protein oxidation and 4-hydroxynonenal in samples. Immunochemical and Western blot assays were performed to elucidate the involved inflammatory markers as proinflammatory cytokines and cellular adhesion molecules. In the obese rats, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was accompanied by an increase in oxidative state proteins and lipid peroxidation. However, the intake of tart cherries significantly changed these parameters. An anti-inflammatory effect was raised from tart cherry consumption, as shown by the downregulation of analyzed endothelial cell adhesion molecules and cytokines compared to controls. Tart cherry intake should be recommended as a dietary supplement to prevent or counteract heart injury in obese conditions.
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Obesity-Related Brain Cholinergic System Impairment in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rats. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14061243. [PMID: 35334899 PMCID: PMC8948807 DOI: 10.3390/nu14061243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A link between obesity and cerebral health is receiving growing recognition. Here, we investigate in the frontal cortex and hippocampus the potential involvement of cholinergic markers in brain alterations previously reported in rats with obesity induced by diet (DIO) after long-term exposure (17 weeks) to a high-fat diet (HFD) in comparison with animals fed with a standard diet (CHOW). The obesity developed after 5 weeks of HFD. Bodyweight, systolic blood pressure, glycemia, and insulin levels were increased in DIO rats compared to the CHOW group. Measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA) provided lipid peroxidation in HFD-fed rats. Western blot and immunohistochemical techniques were performed. Our results showed a higher expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in obese rats but not the VAChT expression in the frontal cortex after 17 weeks of HFD. Furthermore, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme was downregulated in HFD both in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. In the brain regions analyzed, it was reported a modulation of certain cholinergic receptors expressed pre- and post-synaptically (alpha7 nicotinic receptor and muscarinic receptor subtype 1). Collectively, these findings point out precise changes of cholinergic markers that can be targeted to prevent cerebral injuries related to obesity.
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