Lipid excess affects chaperone-mediated autophagy in hypothalamus

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide. Overweight and obesity directly affect health-related quality of life and also have an important economic impact on healthcare systems. In experimental models, obesity leads to hypothalamic inflammation and loss of metabolic homeostasis. It is known that macroautophagy is decreased in the hypothalamus of obese mice but the role of chaperone-mediated autophagy is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of hypothalamic chaperone-mediated autophagy in response to high-fat diet and also the direct effect of palmitate on hypothalamic neurons. Mice received chow or high-fat diet for 3 days or 1 week. At the end of the experimental protocol, chaperone-mediated autophagy in hypothalamus was investigated, as well as cytokines expression. In other set of experiments, neuronal cell lines were treated with palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid. We show that chaperone-mediated autophagy is differently regulated in response to high-fat diet intake for 3 days or 1 week. Also, when hypothalamic neurons are directly exposed to palmitate there is activation of chaperone-mediated autophagy. High-fat diet causes hypothalamic inflammation concomitantly to changes in the content of chaperone-mediated autophagy machinery. It remains to be studied the direct role of inflammation and lipids itself on the activation of chaperone-mediated autophagy in the hypothalamus in vivo and also the neuronal implications of chaperone-mediated autophagy inhibition in response to obesity.

Maternal high fat diet consumption reduces liver alpha7 nicotinic cholinergic receptor expression and impairs insulin signalling in the offspring

The activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit (α7nAChR) has been associated to anti-inflammatory response in macrophages. High-fat diet (HFD) consumption during pregnancy and lactation impairs the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in liver and white adipose tissue of offspring. In order to evaluate the relationship between damage in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and insulin resistance (IR) development, the liver of offspring of obese dams was investigated. Additionally, the capacity of α7nAChR activation to reduce IR induced by saturated fatty acid was investigated in hepatoma cell line. Initially, female mice were subjected to either standard chow (SC) or HFD during pregnancy and lactation period. After weaning, only male offspring from HFD dams (HFD-O) and SC dams (SC-O) were fed with the SC diet. Hepatic α7nAChR expression was downregulated, and hepatic TNF-α, IL-1β, and pIKK level, but not pJNK, were elevated in the HFD-O compared to SC-O mice. Besides, hepatic expression of TNF-α in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was higher in HFD-O than SC-O mice. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the AKT was lower in HFD-O compared to SC-O. Additionally, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of the AKT in KOα7^Alb-Cre mice fed HFD was lower than WT mice fed HFD. In hepatoma cell line, palmitate increased IL-6 and TNF-α expressions and pJNK level. These effects were accompanied by reduced capacity of insulin to stimulate AKT phosphorylation. PNU or nicotine reduced cytokine expression and JNK activation, but improved insulin resistance induced by palmitate. Our results suggest that maternal obesity impairs hepatic α7nAChR expression and AKT phosphorylation in the offspring. In vitro studies suggest that α7nAChR activation has potential to reduce deleterious effect of saturated fatty acids on insulin signalling.

Hypothalamic Neuropeptides Expression and Hypothalamic Inflammation in Adult Rats that Were Exposed to Tobacco Smoke during Breastfeeding: Sex-Related Differences

The hypothalamus controls food intake and energy expenditure. In rats, maternal exposure to nicotine during breastfeeding alters the hypothalamic circuitry of the adult offspring, resulting in leptin resistance, neuropeptides changes and gliosis. Tobacco smoke exposure during lactation causes greater adiposity, hyperphagia and hyperleptinemia in the adult progeny. To understand the central mechanisms underlying the obese phenotype of adult rats that were directly and indirectly exposed to cigarette smoke during lactation, we investigated leptin signaling, orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides expression, as well as astrocyte and microglia markers in hypothalamus. From postnatal day (PND) 3 to 21, Wistar lactating rat dams and their pups were divided into two groups: SE, smoke-exposed in a cigarette-smoking machine (four times/day); Crtl, exposed to filtered air. Offspring of both sexes were euthanized at PND180. The leptin pathway was not altered in SE animals from both sexes. SE males showed increased NPY (arcuate nucleus, ARC), CRH (paraventricular nucleus, PVN), as well as higher GFAP fiber density (ARC and PVN) and IL6 protein content. TRH (PVN) immunohistochemistry was reduced. SE females had lower CART-positive cells (ARC) and lower α-MSH immunostaining intensity (PVN and lateral hypothalamus), with no change of GFAP or IL-6. The protein contents of CX3CR1 (marker of activated microglia) and α7nAChR (anti-inflammatory marker) were not altered in both SE males and females. Neonatal cigarette smoke is deleterious to the hypothalamic circuitry, inducing changes in energy homeostasis favoring hyperphagia and decreased energy expenditure at adulthood in both sexes; however sex-dependent mechanisms were observed.

Hypothalamic AMPK activation blocks lipopolysaccharide inhibition of glucose production in mice liver

Endotoxic hypoglycaemia has an important role in the survival rates of septic patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase (hyp-AMPK) activity is sufficient to modulate glucose homeostasis. However, the role of hyp-AMPK in hypoglycaemia associated with endotoxemia is unknown. The aims of this study were to examine hyp-AMPK dephosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice and to determine whether pharmacological hyp-AMPK activation could reduce the effects of endotoxemia on blood glucose levels. LPS-treated mice showed reduced food intake, diminished basal glycemia, increased serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels and increased hypothalamic p-TAK and TLR4/MyD88 association. These effects were accompanied by hyp-AMPK/ACC dephosphorylation. LPS-treated mice also showed diminished liver expression of PEPCK/G6Pase, reduction in p-FOXO1, p-AMPK, p-STAT3 and p-JNK level and glucose production. Pharmacological hyp-AMPK activation blocked the effects of LPS on the hyp-AMPK phosphorylation, liver PEPCK expression and glucose production. Furthermore, the effects of LPS were TLR4-dependent because hyp-AMPK phosphorylation, liver PEPCK expression and fasting glycemia were not affected in TLR4-mutant mice. These results suggest that hyp-AMPK activity may be an important pharmacological target to control glucose homeostasis during endotoxemia.

t-BOOH-induced oxidative damage in sickle red blood cells and the role of flavonoids

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease characterized byan increase in generation of reactive oxygen species, abnormal iron release and low antioxidant activity which can lead to cell injury. Several therapies have been used to decrease the oxidative damage in these patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of flavonoids (quercetin and rutin) on the oxidation of red blood cells (RBC) from sickle cell anemia patients following exposure of the cells to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH). Quercetin provided greater protection against Hb oxidation, the binding of Hb to membrane and lipid peroxidation than did rutin. Quercetin (150 microM) reduced Hb oxidation by 30% and increased the level of oxyHb from 17.5 to 29 microM. Rutin prevented Hb oxidation only at concentrations higher than 200 microM and did not prevent the binding of Hb to RBC membrane. These distinct effects of the flavonoids probably reflect their structural characteristics. Thus, quercetin, which possesses a suitable structure for free-radical scavenging and ion quelation, was a more effective antioxidant than rutin. The presence of rutinose at position C(3) in rutin may impair its antioxidant effect. The presence of ascorbic acid enhanced the protective effect of quercetin and rutin against oxidative stress in sickle Hb and lipid peroxidation. This synergistic action helped to maintain a constant supply of flavonoids and thus, rescue the cells from the injury caused by free radicals and iron ions.

Functional behavior of tortoise hemoglobin Geochelone denticulata

The hemolysate from Geochelone denticulata contains two main hemoglobin components, as shown by ion exchange chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Electrophoresis under dissociating conditions showed three types of globin chains. The apparent molecular mass, as determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, was compatible with tetrameric Hb, which was unable to polymerize. The G. denticulata Hb has a P50 value of 9.56 mm Hg at pH 7.4. The Hb oxygenation appears to be under the control of organic phosphates and hydrogen ion since it is strongly affected by those species. In the presence ATP or IHP the P50 values increased to 29.51 mm Hg and 54.95 mm Hg, respectively, at pH 7.4. The n50 was generally lower than 1.5 in stripped Hb, suggesting a dissociation of tetramers. In the presence of organic phosphates n50 values increased to approximately 2.5. The Bohr effect was evident in oxygen equilibrium experiments. The hematocrit (32%) and Hb concentration (5.7 mM as heme) of G. denticulata blood were substantially larger than those of G. carbonaria, but the methemoglobin levels were similar in both species, approximately 1%. Thus, the oxygen capacity of blood appears to be higher in G. denticulata than in G. carbonaria, particularly considering the functional properties of their Hbs, which would guarantee the survival of animals.

Hemoglobin-sulfhydryls from tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria) can reduce oxidative damage induced by organic hydroperoxide in erythrocyte membrane

Sulfhydryl groups are important to avoid oxidative damage to the cell. In RBC, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are capable of oxidizing heme and promoting lipid peroxidation. H2O2 caused greater oxidation of heme than tert-BOOH, although the oxidation of sulfhydryl groups was similar. Geochelone carbonaria Hb, a rich sulfhydryl protein, inhibited the TBA-reactive substances formation of human erythrocytes exposed to tert-BOOH by about 30%; this decrease was smaller with Geochelone denticulata Hb. Sulfhydryl reagents diminished the number of reactive sulfhydryl groups in the G. carbonaria Hb resulting in a decrease of its antioxidant power, suggesting the involvement of sulfhydryls of Hb in the protection against lipid peroxidation.

Sulphydryl groups and their relation to the antioxidant enzymes of chelonian red blood cells

Thiol groups of hemoglobin and blood glutathione are higher in Geochelone carbonaria than in Geochelone denticulata. Exposure of stripped hemolysate of both tortoises to terc-butyl hydroperoxide, resulted in a higher ferroheme oxidation of G. denticulata hemoglobin. In this example glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, were not active due to the absence of GSH and NADPH, suggesting that the thiol groups of G. carbonaria hemoglobin act as antioxidant, similar to GSH. In the total hemolysate, however, where the antioxidant enzymes are active, both species showed similar levels of hemoglobin oxidation, suggesting that the protective effect of thiol groups of hemoglobin are less effective for heme protection. The activity of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase was higher in erythrocytes of G. denticulata and the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was higher in erythrocytes of G. carbonaria.

Involvement of available SH groups in the heterogeneity of hemoglobin from the tortoise Geochelone carbonaria

Geochelone carbonaria hemoglobin (Hb) was analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and purified by ion exchange chromatography on CM-cellulose. Seven fractions were obtained using fresh Hb preparations. CM-cellulose chromatography of Hb reacted with iodoacetamide, showed one minor (HbI) and one major band (HbII). Analysis of the molecular masses of recently collected Hb and of aged solutions determined by gel filtration showed that polymerization increased with the duration of storage. The reaction with oxidized glutathione changed the electrophoretic pattern of Hb, and highlighted the bands corresponding to glutathionyl-Hb. The presence of these bands in fresh Hb solutions and in alkylated preparations suggests that they may occur in vivo. PAGE under dissociating conditions showed that the hemolysate contained 3 different polypeptide chains (G1, G2 and G3). Both Hb components shared the G1 globin chain with HbI containing G1 and G2 and HbII, G1 and G3 chains.

Effect of thiol reagents on functional properties and heme oxidation in the hemoglobin of Geochelone carbonaria

The reaction of thiol reagents with G. carbonaria hemoglobin was studied, and the oxygen equilibrium and kinetic of oxidation of derivatives determined. The oxygen affinity and kinetic of oxidation of hemoglobin derivatives were modified to various extents depending on the nature of thiol reagents used. Diamide yielded approximately 80% polymeric hemoglobin, although the oxidation kinetic, and the functional properties, were practically invariant (T1/2 = 10.0 min.; P50 = 5.0 mm Hg at pH 7.4; alkaline Bohr effect = -0.64). Iodoacetamide did not modify the electrophoretic pattern significantly, although all the free SH groups of hemoglobin were alkylated. A P50 of 2.5 mmHg at pH 7.4 and the Bohr effect of -0.15 were obtained; the T1/2 of about 6.4 min. was shorter than that for un-modified Hb. Similar T1/2 were obtained for Hb treated with oxidized glutathione, which produced polymeric Hb and glutathionyl-Hb. The oxygen binding characteristics showed that both of Hb derivatives, glutathionyl-Hb and polymeric Hb, maintain the capacity to transport the gas.

Oxygenation properties of hemoglobin from the turtle Geochelone carbonaria

The oxygen-binding properties of hemoglobin (Hb) from the adult terrestrial turtle Geochelone carbonaria are described. Turtle hemoglobins have a low intrinsic oxygen affinity and a low sensitivity to an endogenous cofactor (ATP) usually present at high concentrations in the reptile erythrocytes. The amplitude of the Bohr effect for O2 binding was virtually the same in the absence and presence of saturating ATP concentrations (delta logP50/delta pH, about -0.60) and increased in the total hemolysate (-0.83). The large Bohr effect found in G. carbonaria Hb may be important for O2 delivery to the tissue. The degree of cooperativity displayed by Hb for O2 binding ranged between 1.5 and 2.0 in stripped solution and total hemolysate. These observations suggest that stability of the low affinity conformation, which needs to be confirmed by additional experiments.