Lonidamine extends lifespan of adult Caenorhabditis elegans by increasing the formation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species

Compounds that delay aging in model organisms may be of significant interest to antiaging medicine, since these substances potentially provide pharmaceutical approaches to promote healthy lifespan in humans. The aim of the study was to test whether pharmaceutical concentrations of the glycolytic inhibitor lonidamine are capable of extending lifespan in a nematodal model organism for aging processes, the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. Several hundreds of adult C. elegans roundworms were maintained on agar plates and fed E. coli strain OP50 bacteria. Lonidamine was applied to test whether it may promote longevity by quantifying survival in the presence and absence of the compound. In addition, several biochemical and metabolic assays were performed with nematodes exposed to lonidamine. Lonidamine significantly extends both median and maximum lifespan of C. elegans when applied at a concentration of 5 micromolar by 8% each. Moreover, the compound increases paraquat stress resistance, and promotes mitochondrial respiration, culminating in increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Extension of lifespan requires activation of pmk-1, an orthologue of p38 MAP kinase, and is abolished by co-application of an antioxidant, indicating that increased ROS formation is required for the extension of lifespan by lonidamine. Consistent with the concept of mitohormesis, lonidamine is capable of promoting longevity in a pmk-1 sensitive manner by increasing formation of ROS.

Genetic population structure, fitness variation and the importance of population history in remnant populations of the endangered plant Silene chlorantha (Willd.) Ehrh. (Caryophyllaceae)

Habitat fragmentation can lead to a decline of genetic diversity, a potential risk for the survival of natural populations. Fragmented populations can become highly differentiated due to reduced gene flow and genetic drift. A decline in number of individuals can result in lower reproductive fitness due to inbreeding effects. We investigated genetic variation within and between 11 populations of the rare and endangered plant Silene chlorantha in northeastern Germany to support conservation strategies. Genetic diversity was evaluated using AFLP techniques and the results were correlated to fitness traits. Fitness evaluation in nature and in a common garden approach was conducted. Our analysis revealed population differentiation was high and within population genetic diversity was intermediate. A clear population structure was supported by a Bayesian approach, AMOVA and neighbour-joining analysis. No correlation between genetic and geographic distance was found. Our results indicate that patterns of population differentiation were mainly caused by temporal and/or spatial isolation and genetic drift. The fitness evaluation revealed that pollinator limitation and habitat quality seem, at present, to be more important to reproductive fitness than genetic diversity by itself. Populations of S. chlorantha with low genetic diversity have the potential to increase in individual number if habitat conditions improve. This was detected in a single large population in the investigation area, which was formerly affected by bottleneck effects.

The phytochemical glaucarubinone promotes mitochondrial metabolism, reduces body fat, and extends lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans

Naturally occurring compounds that promote energy expenditure and delay aging in model organisms may be of significant interest, since these substances potentially provide pharmaceutical approaches to tackle obesity and promote healthy lifespan in humans. We aimed to test whether pharmaceutical concentrations of glaucarubinone, a cytotoxic and antimalarial quassinoid known from different species of the plant family Simaroubaceae, are capable of affecting metabolism and/or extending lifespan in a nematodal model organism for aging processes, the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. Adult C. elegans roundworms, maintained on agar plates, were fed with E. coli strain OP50 bacteria, and glaucarubinone was applied to the agar to test (i) whether it alters respiration rates and mitochondrial activity, (ii) whether it affects body fat content, and (iii) whether it may promote longevity by quantifying survival in the presence and absence of the compound. We have found that glaucarubinone induces oxygen consumption and reduces body fat content of C. elegans. Moreover and consistent with the concept of mitohormesis, glaucarubinone extends C. elegans lifespan when applied at a concentration of 1 or 10 nanomolar. Taken together, glaucarubinone is capable of reducing body fat and promoting longevity in C. elegans, tentatively suggesting that this compound may promote metabolic health and lifespan in mammals and possibly humans.

Prevalence of injection-meal interval usage and its association with variables of metabolic control in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Regular human insulin is usually recommended with an injection-meal interval. It is not known how many patients follow these recommendations and, of those who do, the injection-meal interval remains incompletely studied. We investigated the injection-meal interval in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and the association with metabolic control in routine care.

METHODS

Four hundred and seventy-one consecutive patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes were interviewed to determine their injection-meal interval in a university outpatient clinic setting in Germany in 2006. Four hundred and thirty-three interviews were suitable for analysis (143 Type 1 diabetes, 290 Type 2 diabetes). HbA(1c) was Diabetes Control and Complications Trial adjusted.

RESULTS

Among those with Type 1 diabetes, 27% 'always', 27% 'sometimes' and 46% 'never' used an injection-meal interval. Forty-three per cent of patients with Type 2 diabetes always used an injection-meal interval, 12% sometimes and 45% never. Among patients with Type 1 diabetes, there was no difference in HbA(1c) between those who always used an injection-meal interval (n=39, age 58 years, duration of diabetes 21.1 years, BMI 28.7 kg/m², HbA(1c) 7.50%/58 mmol/mol) compared with those who never used an injection-meal interval (n=66, age 47.3 years, duration of diabetes 17.4 years, BMI 27.3 kg/m², HbA(1c) 7.55%/59 mmol/mol). Among patients with Type 2 diabetes, HbA(1c) in those who always used an injection-meal interval (n = 124, age 65 years, duration of diabetes 13.8 years, BMI 32.6 kg/m², HbA(1c) 7.31%/56 mmol/mol) is 0.27% lower compared with those who never used an injection-meal interval (n=130, age 64.3 years, duration of diabetes 16 years, BMI 32.8 kg/m², HbA(1c) 7.58%/59 mmol/mol).

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of insulin-treated patients do not use an injection-meal interval. We found no significant association between adherence to injection-meal interval and HbA(1c) in patients with Type 1 diabetes, but a slightly lower HbA(1c) in patients with Type 2 diabetes who always use an injection-meal interval.

Differential effects of resveratrol and SRT1720 on lifespan of adult Caenorhabditis elegans

Resveratrol and SRT1720 have been shown to act as sirtuin activators that may ameliorate type 2 diabetes and metabolic diseases in mice. Moreover, resveratrol extends lifespan in model organisms like C. elegans, N. FURZERI, and possibly D. melanogaster. The aim of the study was to test whether pharmacological concentrations of resveratrol and SRT1720 are capable of extending lifespan in a nematodal model organism for aging processes, the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. Several hundreds of adult C. ELEGANS roundworms were maintained on agar plates and fed E. COLI strain OP50 bacteria. Resveratrol (5 micromolar, 500 nanomolar) or SRT1720 (1 micromolar, 100 nanomolar) was applied to the agar to test whether they may promote longevity by quantifying survival in the presence and absence of the respective compounds. At a dose of 5 micromolar, which is pharmacologically relevant and 20 times lower than previously published concentrations, resveratrol significantly extends C. elegans lifespan by 3.6% (mean lifespan) and 3.4% (maximum lifespan). By unexpected contrast, SRT1720, which was previously proposed to be several hundred times more active than resveratrol, did not extend lifespan at none of the concentrations tested. Thus, in the model organisms C. elegans, resveratrol is capable of promoting longevity at a concentration that pharmacologically relevant and 20 times lower than previously published doses. The sirtuin activator SRT1720 did not extend lifespan, suggesting that in C. elegans, some relevant effects of resveratrol cannot be mimicked by SRT1720.

Physical activity does not influence the effect of antioxidant supplementation at nutritional doses on the incidence of impaired fasting glucose: a 7.5 year post-hoc analysis from the SU.VI.MAX study

Supplementation with high doses of antioxidant vitamins prevents the insulin-sensitizing effects of physical exercise. However, little is known whether antioxidant supplementation affects the incidence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Data from 8938 subjects included in a randomized controlled trial on supplementation with antioxidants vitamins and trace elements at nutritional doses (SU.VI.MAX) were used to examine the effects of antioxidants on incident IFG after 7.5 years of follow-up, with and without stratification for daily physical exercise. The odds-ratio (95% CI) for developing an IFG among study participants receiving antioxidant supplementation was 1.34 (0.90-1.97) (p=0.33), in comparison to placebo. This risk did not vary significantly according to physical activity level (p for homogeneity=0.10). Supplementation with trace elements and antioxidants at nutritional doses apparently does not affect the incidence of IFG irrespective of self-reported physical exercise habits.

Cannabinoid type 1 receptor blockade induces transdifferentiation towards a brown fat phenotype in white adipocytes

AIM

The endocannabinoid (EC) system is a major component in the control of energy homeostasis. It mediates a positive energy balance via central and peripheral pathways. Blockade of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor induces weight reduction and improves cardiovascular risk factors in overweight patients. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R)-deficient mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity. The mechanisms responsible for these effects remain only partially elucidated. We hypothesized peripheral effects via direct modulation of adipocyte function to be an integral part of EC action on energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

METHODS

SV40 immortalized murine white and brown adipocytes were used for all experiments. We investigated the effect of CB1R blockade by stimulating the cells acutely and chronically with rimonabant, a selective antagonist for the CB1R, or by knocking down the receptor with small interfering RNA (siRNA). Changes in thermogenic mRNA and protein expression as well as mitochondrial biogenesis and function were assessed by real-time RT-PCR, immunoblotting, fluorescent staining techniques, electron microscopy and by measuring oxygen consumption.

RESULTS

Acute and chronic blockade of the CB1R with the selective antagonist rimonabant or by siRNA in murine white adipocytes strongly induced the thermogenic uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1). UCP-1 expression was increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner both at the RNA and protein level. Furthermore, this effect was paralleled by enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) expression. In accordance with these findings, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation was also increased after rimonabant treatment. Mitochondria-specific fluorescent staining demonstrated an augmentation in the number of mitochondria. This was confirmed by electron microscopy images. Moreover, rimonabant treatment enhanced the cytochrome c oxidase activity and increased cellular oxygen consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our data demonstrate that inhibition of peripheral CB1R action in adipocytes directly promotes transdifferentiation of white adipocytes into a mitochondria-rich, thermogenic brown fat phenotype. Enhanced thermogenesis and insulin sensitivity may represent a peripheral mechanism contributing to weight loss and improved glucose homeostasis in rimonabant-treated patients.

A beta cell-specific knockout of hormone-sensitive lipase in mice results in hyperglycaemia and disruption of exocytosis

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The enzyme hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is produced and is active in pancreatic beta cells. Because lipids are known to play a crucial role in normal control of insulin release and in the deterioration of beta cell function, as observed in type 2 diabetes, actions of HSL in beta cells may be critical. This notion has been addressed in different lines of HSL knockout mice with contradictory results.

METHODS

To resolve this, we created a transgenic mouse lacking HSL specifically in beta cells, and characterised this model with regard to glucose metabolism and insulin secretion, using both in vivo and in vitro methods.

RESULTS

We found that fasting basal plasma glucose levels were significantly elevated in mice lacking HSL in beta cells. An IVGTT at 12 weeks revealed a blunting of the initial insulin response to glucose with delayed elimination of the sugar. Additionally, arginine-stimulated insulin secretion was markedly diminished in vivo. Investigation of the exocytotic response in single HSL-deficient beta cells showed an impaired response to depolarisation of the plasma membrane. Beta cell mass and islet insulin content were increased, suggesting a compensatory mechanism, by which beta cells lacking HSL strive to maintain normoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Based on these results, we suggest that HSL, which is located in close proximity of the secretory granules, may serve as provider of a lipid-derived signal essential for normal insulin secretion.

A cell-based high-throughput assay system reveals modulation of oxidative and nonoxidative glucose metabolism due to commonly used organic solvents

A 96-well format screening system was generated to quantify changes in nonoxidative glucose metabolism and oxidative pyruvate metabolism. D-Glucose uptake from the supernatant media was quantified by the glucose oxidase method, and L-lactate production of cells was quantified by the lactate dehydrogenase method applied on supernatant media. Mitochondrial membrane potential was quantified using tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) fluorescence, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was determined by quantification of dihydrodichlorofluorescein fluorescence. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of myocytes was determined using the luciferin reaction, and cellular respiration was quantified using commercially available, precoated microtiter plates. These six assays were used to determine the putative influence of organic solvents, namely dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, methanol, and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 5.0% (vol/vol), respectively, on glucose and pyruvate metabolism after 4 and 24 hours. In summary, all solvents induced significant changes in regard to one or several of the parameters evaluated, affecting cellular glucose uptake, glycolysis, mitochondrial metabolism, or oxidative phosphorylation. Accordingly, this comprehensive HTS evaluation should enable researchers to choose specific organic solvents on a rational basis to avoid nonspecific effects in cultured cells and tissue culture based experimental setups.

Alterations of pancreatic beta-cell mass and islet number due to Ins2-controlled expression of Cre recombinase: RIP-Cre revisited; part 2

Tissue-specific disruption of genes by targeted expression of Cre recombinase in insulin-producing cells has been widely used to explore pathways involved in regulation of pancreatic beta-cell mass. One particular line of transgenic mice [B6.Cg-Tg(Ins2-cre)25Mgn/J], commonly called RIP-Cre, in which the expression of Cre recombinase is controlled by a short fragment of the rat insulin II gene promoter has been used on at least 20 genes in at least 27 studies. In the majority of these studies (15 out of 27) inactivation of the gene of interest was associated with alterations in islet architecture, islet mass, or pancreatic insulin content. We have tested the hypothesis that genomic integration or expression of Cre recombinase alone causes alterations of beta-cell mass by quantifying islet number and mass in RIP-Cre mice. We have observed a significant hypoplasia of beta-cells in young RIP-Cre mice, and a significant hyperplasia of islets in older RIP-Cre animals. These findings suggest that glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion previously described for younger RIP-Cre mice might be caused by transgene-associated islet hypoplasia, and that hyperplasia in older mice might reflect a compensatory response to transgene-related glucose intolerance.

Adiponectin oligomers in human serum during acute and chronic exercise: relation to lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity

Beneficial effects of physical exercise include improved insulin sensitivity, which may be affected by a modulated release of adiponectin, which is exclusively synthesized in white adipose tissue and mediates insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin circulates in three different oligomers, which also have a distinct biological function. We therefore aimed to investigate the distribution of adiponectin oligomers in human serum in relation to physical activity. Thirty-eight lean and healthy individuals were investigated. Seven healthy women and 8 healthy men volunteered to investigate the effect of chronic exercise, at 3 different time points with different training intensities. These individuals were all highly trained and were compared to a control group with low physical activity (n = 15). For studying acute exercise effects, 8 healthy men participated in a bicycle test. Adiponectin was determined by ELISA, oligomers were detected by non-denaturating western blot. Total adiponectin and oligomers were unchanged by acute exercise. LDL cholesterol was significantly lower in the chronic exercise group (p = 0.03). Total adiponectin levels and oligomers were not different between these two groups and were unaltered by different training intensities. However, total adiponectin and specifically HMW oligomers correlated with HDL cholesterol (r = 0.459; p = 0.009). We conclude that acute and chronic exercise does not directly affect circulating adiponectin or oligomer distribution in lean and healthy individuals. Whether such regulation is relevant in individuals with a metabolic disorder remains to be determined. However, our data suggest that adiponectin oligomers have distinct physiological functions IN VIVO, and specifically HMW adiponectin is closely correlated with HDL cholesterol.

Regular insulin secretory oscillations despite impaired ATP synthesis in Friedreich Ataxia patients

Friedreich Ataxia is an inherited disorder caused by decreased expression of a mitochondrial protein called frataxin. Deficiency of this protein causes reduced biogenesis of iron-sulfur clusters, and subsequently impaired synthesis and replenishment of ATP IN VIVO. Basal secretion of insulin occurs in an oscillating manner presumably triggered by ATP-dependent feedback inhibition of glycolytic flux. Hence, individuals with reduced ATP synthesis rates should possibly exhibit impaired insulin secretory oscillations if these were solely dependent on ATP. In the present study Friedreich Ataxia patients with a presumptive impairment of ATP synthesis in pancreatic beta-cells were evaluated for regularity of basal secretory oscillations of insulin. Healthy siblings were employed as controls. In conflict with the initial hypothesis, no differences in regards to oscillation patterns were observed between patients and controls. Supported by EX VIVO evidence, these findings tentatively suggest that pulsatile insulin secretion might not be exclusively dependent on ATP feedback inhibition in humans.

Impact of cereal fibre on glucose-regulating factors

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Insoluble dietary fibre intake is associated, by unknown mechanisms, with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether a short-term dietary intervention with purified insoluble fibres influences acute and delayed responses of glucose, insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide 1.

METHODS

Fourteen healthy women with NGT were studied for 300 min on six to eight occasions. Subjects consumed three matched portions of control (C) or fibre-enriched bread (10.4-10.6 g/portion; wheat fibre [WF], oat fibre [OF], and, in a substudy [n=9], resistant starch [RS]) followed by control (C-C, C-WF, C-OF, C-RS) on subsequent days.

RESULTS

Fibre enrichment accelerated the early insulin response (fibrextime interaction p=0.026 for WF, p<0.001 for OF, p=0.126 for RS; time of maximal concentration [T(max)], C 57.9+/-5.9, WF 49.3+/-2.5 [p=0.086], OF 46.1+/-2.9 [p=0.026], RS 46.7+/-5.8 min [p=0.029]). It was also associated with an earlier postprandial GIP response after OF (T(max), C 83.6+/-7.2, WF 70.7+/-6.0 [p=0.054], OF 64.3+/-6.9 [p=0.022], RS 60.0+/-5.0 [p>0.15]). Increased fibre intake for 24 h was further associated with a reduced postprandial glucose response on the following day subsequent to ingestion of a control meal (AUC(C-C) 4,140+/-401, AUC(C-WF) 2,850+/-331 [p=0.007], AUC(C-OF) 2,830+/-277 [p=0.011]), with no difference in maximal concentration and T(max) of glucose responses. No differences in insulin responses were observed 24 h after the fibre-enriched diets compared with control (p>0.15). Colonic fermentation was increased only on study days C-OF (p=0.017) and C-RS (p=0.016).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The consumption of highly purified insoluble dietary fibres accelerated the acute GIP and insulin response and was further associated with enhanced postprandial carbohydrate handling the following day upon ingestion of a control meal.

Ghrelin is not suppressed in hyperglycemic clamps by gastric inhibitory polypeptide and arginine

Systemic ghrelin concentration falls rapidly after nutrient ingestion in vivo. The effect incretins on ghrelin secretion in humans remains unclear. We quantified circulating ghrelin concentrations under hyperglycemic conditions combined with infusion of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and arginine.

METHODS

Eight healthy volunteers were studied with a hyperglycemic clamp followed by addition of GIP (2 pmol.kg(-1).min(-1), 60-115 min) and an arginine-bolus and -infusion (10 mg.kg(-1).min(-1), 90-115 min).

RESULTS

Hyperglycemia alone increased circulating insulin concentrations (p<0.01), and decreased ghrelin concentrations to 89.8% of basal (p=0.208). GIP-infusion resulted in circulating insulin concentration of 1109+/-942 pmol/l (p<0.02) and no further decrease of ghrelin (86.2% of baseline, p=0.050). Under arginine- and GIP-infusion together, insulin concentrations increased progressively to 3005+/-1604 pmol/l (p<0.01) without further decreasing in ghrelin concentrations (98.9% of baseline, p=0.575).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemia and further increases of hyperinsulinemia to supraphysiological and high supraphysiological concentrations under GIP- and arginine-infusion do not significantly decrease ghrelin concentrations in healthy subjects. Moreover, there is no dose-dependent suppression of ghrelin by insulin in the hyperglycemic condition. Neither GIP nor arginine affected ghrelin release.

Post-prandial decrease of human plasma ghrelin in the absence of insulin

Ghrelin is the most powerful orexigenic hormone in mammalian physiology. Ghrelin plasma concentrations increase prior to meal onset, but decrease post-prandially. We and others reported previously that insulin reduces circulating ghrelin levels and might therefore be a driving force for post-prandial suppression of ghrelin. To test the influence of insulin on post-prandial ghrelin regulation, a patient with Type I diabetes with complete insulin deficiency received a low glycemic index meal and subsequently an additional high glycemic index meal in the absence of insulin substitution. Subsequently, a sc injection of 0.08 IU Lispro insulin per kg body weight was given. Results were compared to those of a healthy control subject matched for sex, age and body mass index, which was undergoing the same test series (without Lispro bolus) in the presence of endogenous post-prandial insulin secretion. A substantial decrease of plasma ghrelin levels was observed in the insulin-deficient patient following low glycemic index carbohydrate load (27% plasma ghrelin decrease). The subsequent exposure to a high glycemic index meal resulted in a slight additional reduction of ghrelin levels (32% from baseline), while Lispro bolus did not induce further changes in circulating ghrelin (27% of baseline at termination). This post-prandial response was comparable to that of the healthy control subject (33% reduction after the first meal, 40% after the second meal). These data tentatively suggest that post-prandial secretion of ghrelin is not exclusively regulated by plasma insulin or plasma glucose but may depend on other metabolic factors yet to be identified.

Euglycemic hyperinsulinemia, but not lipid infusion, decreases circulating ghrelin levels in humans

The orexigenic and anabolic gastric hormone ghrelin is secreted in response to acute and chronic energy requirements. While pre-prandial increases and post-prandial decreases of plasma ghrelin levels in rodents and humans seem to indicate a role for the novel peptide hormone as an afferent meal initiator or "hunger hormone", the precise mechanisms which are suppressing ghrelin secretion in response to caloric intake remain largely unknown. We show here that human ghrelin levels decrease by almost 50% under hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp conditions (no.=4, p=0.001), revealing physiologically relevant increases of insulin levels as an independent determinant of circulating ghrelin levels. In a second study, 3-4-fold increased plasma free fatty acid levels, as another metabolic candidate for the modulation of circulating ghrelin concentrations, were generated by constant lipid infusion, but failed to change plasma ghrelin. Simultaneous elevation of free fatty acids and insulin again markedly decreased ghrelin concentration (no.=4, p=0.01). Insulin induced suppression of circulating ghrelin levels (or the lack thereof) could be a mechanism with relevance for the understanding of the (patho-) physiology of meal initiation and termination, the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and for the development of respective therapeutic perspectives.

Insulin decreases human adiponectin plasma levels

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are known atherosclerosis risk factors. The association between adiponectin plasma levels and obesity, insulinemia, and atherosclerosis has been shown. Thus, adiponectin may be a link between hyperinsulinemia and vascular disease. In vitro data demonstrated a reduction of adiponectin expression by insulin. However, it is still unclear whether insulin regulates adiponectinemia in vivo in humans. Five healthy male volunteers were studied. Circulating adiponectin levels were determined before and during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Adiponectin was measured by radioimmunoassay. Hyperinsulinemia (85.0 +/- 33.2 at baseline vs. 482.8 +/- 64.4 pmol/l during steady state; p < 0.01) was achieved using a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, keeping blood glucose levels basically unchanged during the intervention (4.6 +/- 0.14 vs. 4.37 +/- 0.15 mmol/l, respectively; ns). We found a significant decrease of adiponectin plasma levels during the steady state of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (26.7 +/- 3.5 micro g/ml) compared to baseline levels (30.4 +/- 5 micro g/ml; p < 0.05). Hyperinsulinemia caused a significant decrease of adiponectin plasma levels under euglycemic conditions. Considering existing data about adiponectin dependent effects, hypoadiponectinemia might at least partly be a link between hyperinsulinemia and vascular disease in metabolic syndrome.

The Pro115Gln polymorphism within the PPAR gamma2 gene has no epidemiological impact on morbid obesity

The peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma2 (PPAR gamma2) is a transcriptional key regulator of adipocyte differentiation. PPAR gamma2 can be inactivated by phosphorylation of a serine residue at position 114. A point mutation leading to an amino acid exchange at position 115 (Pro115Gln) was shown to preclude serine phosphorylation and to consecutively accelerate adipocyte differentiation emphasizing the pathophysiological relevance of this mutation. So far, four markedly obese heterozygote carriers of the Pro115Gln mutation (body mass index 37.9-47.3 kgxm (-2)) have been identified in a circumscribed study population. In order to evaluate the epidemiological relevance of the Pro115Gln mutation in morbid obesity we screened the DNA of all subjects with a body mass index greater than 35 kgxm (-2) who had participated in a nationwide German epidemiological field survey. There was no homozygote or heterozygote carrier of the Pro115Gln polymorphism among them. We conclude that the Pro115Gln polymorphism within the PPAR gamma2 gene has no relevant epidemiological impact on morbid obesity in Germany. It needs further investigation whether this polymorphism might play a role in related metabolic disorders.

Loss of the antiangiogenic pigment epithelium-derived factor in patients with angiogenic eye disease

Retinal neovascularization characterizes proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been shown to be a major antiangiogenic growth factor in the mammalian eye. PEDF expression is suppressed by hypoxia, and changes in PEDF have been correlated to the development of retinal neovascularization in animal models of hypoxic eye disease. However, whether this concept of a reduced angiogenesis inhibitor holds true in humans is as yet unclear. In this study, we analyzed the in vivo regulation of PEDF in patients with and without hypoxic eye disease. We used immunoblots to measure PEDF in ocular fluids obtained from 64 nondiabetic and diabetic patients. In addition, immunohistochemistry of PEDF was carried out in specimens of normal human retinas and retinas with various degrees of diabetic retinopathy. The PEDF concentrations in patients with PDR (P < 0.001) or extensive nondiabetic retinal neovascularization caused by retinal-vein occlusion (P < 0.001) were lower than in control patients. Levels of PEDF were replenished in PDR patients with previous retinal scatter photocoagulation compared with PDR patients without previous photocoagulation (P = 0.01). Immunohistochemistry revealed an interstitial staining pattern as expected for a secreted protein, with an intense staining in retinas of patients without proliferative eye disease. However, in patients with PDR, little or no staining was detectable. Our data strongly support the concept that retinal angiogenesis is induced by loss of the major angiogenesis inhibitor in the eye, PEDF, in combination with an increased expression of angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor. Our findings suggest that substitution of angiogenesis inhibitors may be an effective approach in the treatment of PDR.

Insulin-regulated transcription factors: molecular link between insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors

Patients with insulin resistance and/or type 2 diabetes have a 5-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality rate. Therefore, it is a current issue of discussion that arterial hypertension, lipid disorders as well as visceral obesity are coronary risk factors, which might belong to a syndrome that is caused by decreased insulin sensitivity. Concerning a possible molecular link between insulin resistance, atherosclerosis and obesity, we focus in our research on questions looking for a molecular link between lipid metabolism, insulin action, and obesity at a gene regulatory level. Alterations in the structure, function and regulation of transcription factors appear to be such signalling steps which might play an essential role in the pathogenesis and therapy of cardiovascular risk factors associated with insulin resistance, eg the so called metabolic syndrome. Recent examples are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, eg peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). Beside their regulation by different metabolites, these transcription factors are also targets of hormones, like insulin and leptin, growth factors, and inflammatory signals. Therefore, they appear to be a point of signalling convergence at a gene regulatory level. Major signalling pathways coupling receptors at the cell surface for hormones, growth factors as well as cytokines to gene regulatory events in the nucleus are the MAP-kinase cascades. We have recently defined different postreceptor defects in these pathways in patients with clinical phenotypes corresponding to congenital lipoatrophy. Therefore, these studies may identify novel pathways which play a role in the control of body weight, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk.

Frataxin activates mitochondrial energy conversion and oxidative phosphorylation

Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by decreased expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. The biological function of frataxin is unclear. The homologue of frataxin in yeast, YFH1, is required for cellular respiration and was suggested to regulate mitochondrial iron homeostasis. Patients suffering from FA exhibit decreased ATP production in skeletal muscle. We now demonstrate that overexpression of frataxin in mammalian cells causes a Ca(2+)-induced up-regulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle flux and respiration, which, in turn, leads to an increased mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi(m)) and results in an elevated cellular ATP content. Thus, frataxin appears to be a key activator of mitochondrial energy conversion and oxidative phosphorylation.

Crystal structure of human frataxin

Friedreich's ataxia, an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive gait and limb ataxia, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus, is caused by decreased frataxin production or function. The structure of human frataxin, which we have determined at 1.8-A resolution, reveals a novel protein fold. A five-stranded, antiparallel beta sheet provides a flat platform, which supports a pair of parallel alpha helices, to form a compact alphabeta sandwich. A cluster of 12 acidic residues from the first helix and the first strand of the large sheet form a contiguous anionic surface on the protein. The overall protein structure and the anionic patch are conserved in eukaryotes, including animals, plants, and yeast, and in prokaryotes. Additional conserved residues create an extended 1008-A(2) patch on a distinct surface of the protein. Side chains of disease-associated mutations either contribute to the anionic patch, help create the second conserved surface, or point toward frataxin's hydrophobic core. These structural findings predict potential modes of protein-protein and protein-iron binding.

Heterozygous expansion of the GAA tract of the X25/frataxin gene is associated with insulin resistance in humans

Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is an autosomal recessive disease that has been attributed to a GAA triplet repeat expansion in the first intron of the X25/frataxin gene. Impaired glucose tolerance is present in up to 39% of FA patients, and clinically apparent diabetes is seen in approximately 18% of the affected individuals. Subjects carrying the X25/frataxin GAA repeat in a heterozygous state do not develop FA and, therefore, represent an ideal model to study the underlying metabolic defects that contribute to the diabetes associated with this disorder. In the present study, we have compared 11 first-degree relatives of FA patients (i.e., parents or heterozygous siblings of FA patients) with matched normal control subjects to study the parameters of glucose metabolism. An oral glucose tolerance test revealed diabetes in one of the heterozygous subjects who was excluded from further analyses. Using an octreotide-based quantification of insulin sensitivity, 8 of the remaining 10 study subjects showed pronounced insulin resistance, reflecting a significant difference from the control group (P = 0.001). In conclusion, a heterozygous expansion of the X25/frataxin GAA repeat in healthy individuals is associated with insulin resistance and might be considered a genetic co-factor in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial subtypes of diabetes.

Mitochondrial impairment of human muscle in Friedreich ataxia in vivo

Friedreich ataxia occurs due to mutations in the gene encoding the mitochondrial protein frataxin. This (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy study on the calf muscle of Friedreich ataxia patients provides in vivo evidence of a severe impairment of mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate resynthesis was studied by means of the post-exercise recovery of phosphocreatine. After ischemic exercise in calf muscles of all patients, phosphocreatine recovery was dramatically delayed. Time constants of recovery correlated with mutations of the frataxin gene, the age of the patients, and disease duration. (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy represents the first expedient tool for monitoring therapeutic trials in Friedreich ataxia non-invasively.

Deficiency of phosphofructo-1-kinase/muscle subtype in humans is associated with impairment of insulin secretory oscillations

In healthy humans, insulin is secreted in an oscillatory manner. While the underlying mechanisms generating these oscillations are not fully established, increasing evidence suggests a central role for phosphofructo-1-kinase/muscle subtype (PFK1-M), which also serves as the predominantly active PFK1 subtype in the pancreatic beta-cell. The fact that normal oscillatory secretion is impaired in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and healthy relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes suggests that this defect may be involved in the secretory dysfunction. To evaluate a possible link between inherited PFK1-M deficiency in humans (Tarui's disease or glycogenosis type VII) and altered insulin oscillations, in vivo studies were performed. We determined basal insulin oscillations during 2 h of frequent plasma sampling in two related teen-aged individuals with homozygous and heterozygous PFK1-M deficiency compared with nondeficient, unrelated control subjects. As predicted by the underlying hypothesis, normal oscillations in insulin secretion were completely abolished in the individual with homozygous deficiency of PFK1-M and significantly impaired in the heterozygous individual, as shown by spectral density and autocorrelation analyses. Thus, deficiency of PFK1-M subtype in humans appears to be associated with an impaired oscillatory insulin secretion pattern and may contribute to the commonly observed secretion defects occurring in type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion due to phosphofructo-1-kinase-deficiency in humans

The etiology of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is usually explained as a combination of peripheral insulin resistance and impaired beta-cell function. Phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK1) is a rate limiting enzyme in glycolysis, and its muscle subtype (PFK1-M) deficiency leads to an autosomal recessively inherited disorder known as glycogenosis type VII or Tarui's disease. It was evaluated whether PFK1-M deficiency leads to NIDDM in humans. A core family of four was evaluated for PFK1-M deficiency by DNA- and enzyme-activity-analyses. All members underwent oral and intravenous glucose tolerance test (oGTT/ivgtt), as well as an insulin sensitivity test (IST) using octreotide.

RESULTS

Father (46 years, BMI 22.4 kg/m2) and older son (19 years, BMI 17.8 kg/m5) showed homozygous PFK1-M deficiency, while mother (47 years, BMI 28.4 kg/m5) and younger son (13 years, BMI 16.5 kg/m5) were shown to be heterozygously PFK1-M-deficient on enzyme activity levels. DNA analysis revealed an exon 5-missense-mutation at one allele of all four members, and an exon 22-frameshift-mutation at the other allele of the two homozygously affected individuals. By oGTT the father showed impaired glucose tolerance, and the mother clinical diabetes. By ivGTT both parents and the older son had a decreased first phase insulin secretion, and a diminished glucose disappearance rate. The IST showed marked insulin resistance in both parents and the older son, and moderate resistance in the younger son, previously not described.

CONCLUSION

PFK1-M-deficiency leads to a metabolic state typical for early NIDDM in homozygously affected humans, especially concerning insulin resistance and loss of first phase beta-cell insulin secretion, and may contribute to the manifestation of NIDDM in a subgroup of patients.