Detecting and characterizing special nuclear material for nuclear nonproliferation applications

There is an urgent need for new, better instrumentation and techniques for detecting and characterizing special nuclear material (SNM), i.e., highly enriched uranium and plutonium. The development of improved instruments and techniques requires experiments performed with the SNM itself, which is of limited availability. This paper describes the findings of experiments performed at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center conducted using new instruments and techniques on unclassified, kg-quantity SNM objects. These experiments, performed in the framework of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration Consortium for Monitoring, Technology, and Verification, focused on detecting, characterizing, and localizing SNM samples with masses ranging from 3.3 to 13.8 kg, including plutonium and highly enriched uranium using prototype detectors and techniques. The work demonstrates SNM detection and characterization using recently-developed prototype detection systems. Specifically, we present new results in passive detection and imaging of plutonium and uranium objects using gamma-ray and dual particle (fast neutron and gamma-ray) imaging. We also present a new analysis of the delayed neutron emissions during active interrogation of uranium using a neutron generator.

DUAL-PARTICLE DOSEMETER BASED ON ORGANIC SCINTILLATOR

Traditionally available handheld dosemeters are generally sensitive to only one type of radiation: neutrons or photons. Some dosemeters also rely on very specific attenuation correlations between response and dose, are not scalable in size and multiple dosemeters are required to characterise mixed-particle fields. The research presented here serves as a proof-of-concept for a method to simultaneously measure dose rates from neutrons and photons using a particle discriminating organic scintillation detector without the need for spectral deconvolution. The method was compared with traditional instruments and to simulation. Isotopic photon dose rates measured with this method were within 4% of simulated truth, whereas fission spectrum neutron dose rates were measured within 21%. Measurements of dose rates from both particles agree with simulated truth better than traditional instruments. This new method allows for measurement of dose equivalent from both neutrons and photons with a single instrument and no reliance on spectral deconvolution.

Angular distribution of neutron production by proton and carbon-ion therapeutic beams

Carbon-ion beams are increasingly used in the clinical practice for external radiotherapy treatments of deep-seated tumors. At therapeutic energies, carbon ions yield significant secondary products, including neutrons, which may be of concern for the radiation protection of the patient and personnel. We simulated the neutron yield produced by proton and carbon-ion pencil beams impinging on a clinical phantom at three different angles: 15°, 45° and 90°, with respect to the beam axis. We validated the simulated results using the measured response of organic scintillation detectors. We compared the results obtained with FLUKA 2011.2 and MCNPX 2.7.0 based on three different physics models: Bertini, Isabel, and CEM. Over the different ions, energies, and angles, the FLUKA simulation results agree better with the measured data, compared to the MCNPX results. Simulations of carbon ions at low angles exhibit both the highest deviation from measured data and inter-model discrepancy, which is probably due to the different treatment of the pre-equilibrium stage. The reported neutron yield results could help in the comparison of carbon-ion and proton treatments in terms of secondary neutron production for radiation protection applications.

A scintillator-based approach to monitor secondary neutron production during proton therapy

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this work is to measure the secondary neutron field produced by an uncollimated proton pencil beam impinging on different tissue-equivalent phantom materials using organic scintillation detectors. Additionally, the Monte Carlo code mcnpx-PoliMi was used to simulate the detector response for comparison to the measured data. Comparison of the measured and simulated data will validate this approach for monitoring secondary neutron dose during proton therapy.

METHODS

Proton beams of 155- and 200-MeV were used to irradiate a variety of phantom materials and secondary particles were detected using organic liquid scintillators. These detectors are sensitive to fast neutrons and gamma rays: pulse shape discrimination was used to classify each detected pulse as either a neutron or a gamma ray. The mcnpx-PoliMi code was used to simulate the secondary neutron field produced during proton irradiation of the same tissue-equivalent phantom materials.

RESULTS

An experiment was performed at the Loma Linda University Medical Center proton therapy research beam line and corresponding models were created using the mcnpx-PoliMi code. The authors' analysis showed agreement between the simulations and the measurements. The simulated detector response can be used to validate the simulations of neutron and gamma doses on a particular beam line with or without a phantom.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors have demonstrated a method of monitoring the neutron component of the secondary radiation field produced by therapeutic protons. The method relies on direct detection of secondary neutrons and gamma rays using organic scintillation detectors. These detectors are sensitive over the full range of biologically relevant neutron energies above 0.5 MeV and allow effective discrimination between neutron and photon dose. Because the detector system is portable, the described system could be used in the future to evaluate secondary neutron and gamma doses on various clinical beam lines for commissioning and prospective data collection in pediatric patients treated with proton therapy.

Designing simulator tools for rail research: the case study of a train driving microworld

The microworld simulator paradigm is well established in the areas of ship-navigation and spaceflight, but has yet to be applied to rail. This paper presents a case study aiming to address this research gap, and describes the development of a train driving microworld as a tool to overcome some common research barriers. A theoretical framework for microworld design is tested and used to explore some key methodological issues and characteristics of train driving, enhancing theory development and providing a useful guideline for the designers of other collision-avoidance systems. A detailed description is given of the ATREIDES (Adaptive Train Research Enhanced Information Display & Environment Simulator) microworld, which simulates the work environment of a train driver in a high-speed passenger train. General indications of the testable driving scenarios that may be simulated are given, and an example of an ATREIDES-based study is presented to illustrate its applied research potential. The article concludes with a review of the design process, considers some strengths and limitations, and explores some future initiatives towards enhancing the systematic study of rail research in the human factors community.

Nonalcoholic steatosis and steatohepatitis. I. Molecular mechanism for polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of gene transcription

This review addresses the hypothesis that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly those of the n-3 family, play pivotal roles as "fuel partitioners" in that they direct fatty acids away from triglyceride storage and toward oxidation and they enhance glucose flux to glycogen. In doing this, PUFA may reduce the risk of enhanced cellular apoptosis associated with excessive cellular lipid accumulation. PUFA exert their beneficial effects by upregulating the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation while simultaneously downregulating genes encoding proteins of lipid synthesis. PUFA govern oxidative gene expression by activating the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha. PUFA suppress lipogenic gene expression by reducing the nuclear abundance and DNA binding affinity of transcription factors responsible for imparting insulin and carbohydrate control to lipogenic and glycolytic genes. In particular, PUFA suppress the nuclear abundance and expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and reduce the DNA binding activities of nuclear factor Y, stimulatory protein 1, and possibly hepatic nuclear factor-4. Collectively, the studies discussed suggest that the fuel "repartitioning" and gene expression actions of PUFA should be considered among the criteria used in defining the dietary needs of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids and in establishing the dietary ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids needed for optimum health benefit.

Transcriptional regulation of fatty acid synthase gene by somatotropin in 3T3-F442A adipocytes

Somatotropin (ST) antagonizes insulin stimulation of fatty acid synthase (FAS) enzyme activity and gene transcription in adipocytes. Previous studies have shown that an insulin response element (IRE) is located in the proximal region of the FAS promoter (-71 to -50) and upstream stimulatory factor (USF) 1 binds to this IRE. The present study was conducted to initially evaluate whether there is a somatotropin response element (STRE) in the 5'flanking region of the FAS gene and to determine whether USF1 mediates the effect of ST on FAS gene transcription in 3T3-F442A adipocytes. Two 5' deletion FAS promoter constructs (pFAS-CATS4 and pFAS-CAT5), which contain the 5' flanking sequences of the rat FAS gene at -112 to +65 and -2195 to +65, respectively, were stably transfected into 3T3-F442A preadipocytes. Insulin stimulated chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity 1.7- and 4.7-fold (P < 0.05) in 3T3-F442A adipocytes transfected with pFAS-CATS4 and pFAS-CAT5, respectively. In contrast, bovine somatotropin (bST) attenuated the stimulatory effect of insulin on CAT activity by approximately 60% (P < 0.05) in both constructs. When 3T3-F442A adipocytes were treated with insulin (10 ng/mL) or insulin (10 ng/mL) plus bST (100 ng/mL) for 24, 48, or 72 h, neither insulin nor bST significantly affected USF1 mRNA levels. When human USF1 (hUSF1) cDNA probe was used, however, insulin increased the abundance of an unidentified transcript (named hUSF1-like mRNA) 11- to 25-fold (P < 0.05) and ST decreased the stimulatory effect of insulin on hUSF1-like mRNA levels by 50 to 90% (P < 0.05). Western blot analyses of nuclear extracts from cells treated with insulin (10 ng/mL) or insulin (10 ng/mL) plus bST (100 ng/mL) for 48 h demonstrated that the abundance of USF1 was not affected by insulin or ST. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift analyses (EMSA) of nuclear extracts revealed that neither insulin nor ST had an effect on the binding of USF1 to the IRE. These results suggest that a STRE may be located within the first 112 bp of the FAS promoter and that USF1 does not directly mediate the effect of ST on transcription of the FAS gene in 3T3-F442A adipocytes.

Metabolism and functions of highly unsaturated fatty acids: an update

This review briefly examines the recent progress in knowledge about the synthesis and degradation of highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) and their functions. Following the cloning of mammalian Delta6-desaturase (D6D), the D6D mRNA was found in many tissues, including adult brain, maternal organs, and fetal tissue, suggesting an active synthesis of HUFA in these tissues. The cloning also confirmed the long-postulated hypothesis that the same pathway is followed in n-6 and n-3 HUFA synthesis. Dietary n-6 and n-3 HUFA both induce fatty acid oxidation enzymes in peroxisomes when compared to their respective precursor polyunsaturated fatty acids. This suggests that peroxisomes may be the primary site of HUFA degradation when HUFA are supplied in excess from the diet. Peroxisome proliferators strongly induce the enzymes for the HUFA synthesis. The mechanism of this induction is currently unknown. Recent studies revealed new HUFA functions that are not mediated by eicosanoids. These functions include endocytosis/exocytosis, ion-channel modulation, DNA polymerase inhibition, and regulation of gene expression. These new discoveries will enable us to re-examine the underlying mechanisms for the classical symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency as well as vitamin E deficiency. Progress has also been made in understanding the mechanism by which dietary HUFA reduce body fat deposition. One mechanism is induction of genes for fatty acid oxidation, which is mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha. Another likely mechanism is that HUFA suppress genes for fatty acid synthesis by reducing both mRNA and protein maturation of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1.

Involvement of a unique carbohydrate-responsive factor in the glucose regulation of rat liver fatty-acid synthase gene transcription

Refeeding carbohydrate to fasted rats induces the transcription of genes encoding enzymes of fatty acid biosynthesis, e.g. fatty-acid synthase (FAS). Part of this transcriptional induction is mediated by insulin. An insulin response element has been described for the fatty-acid synthase gene region of -600 to +65, but the 2-3-fold increase in fatty-acid synthase promoter activity attributable to this region is small compared with the 20-30-fold induction in fatty-acid synthase gene transcription observed in fasted rats refed carbohydrate. We have previously reported that the fatty-acid synthase gene region between -7382 and -6970 was essential for achieving high in vivo rates of gene transcription. The studies of the current report demonstrate that the region of -7382 to -6970 of the fatty-acid synthase gene contains a carbohydrate response element (CHO-RE(FAS)) with a palindrome sequence (CATGTGn(5)GGCGTG) that is nearly identical to the CHO-RE of the l-type pyruvate kinase and S(14) genes. The glucose responsiveness imparted by CHO-RE(FAS) was independent of insulin. Moreover, CHO-RE(FAS) conferred glucose responsiveness to a heterologous promoter (i.e. l-type pyruvate kinase). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that CHO-RE(FAS) readily bound a unique hepatic ChoRF and that CHO-RE(FAS) competed with the CHO-RE of the l-type pyruvate kinase and S(14) genes for ChoRF binding. In vivo footprinting revealed that fasting reduced and refeeding increased ChoRF binding to CHO-RE(FAS). Thus, carbohydrate responsiveness of rat liver fatty-acid synthase appears to require both insulin and glucose signaling pathways. More importantly, a unique hepatic ChoRF has now been shown to recognize glucose responsive sequences that are common to three different genes: fatty-acid synthase, l-type pyruvate kinase, and S(14).

Polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of gene transcription: a molecular mechanism to improve the metabolic syndrome

This review addresses the hypothesis that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly those of the (n-3) family, play pivotal roles as "fuel partitioners" in that they direct fatty acids away from triglyceride storage and toward oxidation, and that they enhance glucose flux to glycogen. In doing this, PUFA may protect against the adverse symptoms of the metabolic syndrome and reduce the risk of heart disease. PUFA exert their beneficial effects by up-regulating the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation while simultaneously down-regulating genes encoding proteins of lipid synthesis. PUFA govern oxidative gene expression by activating the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. PUFA suppress lipogenic gene expression by reducing the nuclear abundance and DNA-binding affinity of transcription factors responsible for imparting insulin and carbohydrate control to lipogenic and glycolytic genes. In particular, PUFA suppress the nuclear abundance and expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 and reduce the DNA-binding activities of nuclear factor Y, Sp1 and possibly hepatic nuclear factor-4. Collectively, the studies discussed suggest that the fuel "repartitioning" and gene expression actions of PUFA should be considered among criteria used in defining the dietary needs of (n-6) and (n-3) and in establishing the dietary ratio of (n-6) to (n-3) needed for optimum health benefit.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids suppress hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 expression by accelerating transcript decay

The reduction in hepatic abundance of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) mRNA and protein associated with the ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) appears to be largely responsible for the PUFA-dependent inhibition of lipogenic gene transcription. Our initial studies indicated that the induction of SREBP-1 expression by insulin and glucose was blocked by PUFA. Nuclear run-on assays suggested PUFA reduced SREBP-1 mRNA by post-transcriptional mechanisms. In this report we demonstrate that PUFA enhance the decay of both SREBP-1a and -1c. When rat hepatocytes in monolayer culture were treated with albumin-bound 20:4(n-6) or 20:5(n-3) the half-life of total SREBP-1 mRNA was reduced by 50%. Ribonuclease protection assays revealed that the decay of SREBP-1c mRNA was more sensitive to PUFA than was SREBP-1a, i.e. the half-life of SREBP-1c and -1a was reduced from 10.0 to 4.6 h and 11.6 to 7.6 h, respectively. Interestingly, treating the hepatocytes with the translational inhibitor, cycloheximide, prevented the PUFA-dependent decay of SREBP-1. This suggests that SREBP-1 mRNA may need to undergo translation to enter the decay process, or that the decay process requires the synthesis of a rapidly turning over protein. Although the mechanism by which PUFA accelerate SREBP-1 mRNA decay remains to be determined, cloning and sequencing of the 3'-untranslated region for the rat SREBP-1 transcript revealed the presence of an A-U-rich region that is characteristic of a destablizing element.

Copper deficiency induces hepatic fatty acid synthase gene transcription in rats by increasing the nuclear content of mature sterol regulatory element binding protein 1

Dietary copper (Cu) deficiency results in an accelerated rate of hepatic fatty acid synthase gene transcription and an enhanced rate of hepatic lipid synthesis. Because the nuclear transcription factor sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) is a strong enhancer of fatty acid synthase promoter activity, it was hypothesized that Cu deficiency induces fatty acid synthase gene transcription by increasing the nuclear localization of mature SREBP-1. Male weanling rats were pair-fed a Cu-adequate (6.0 mg/kg) or Cu-deficient (0.6 mg/kg) diet (AIN-93) for 28 d. DNase I hypersensitivity site mapping of the hepatic fatty acid synthase gene revealed the presence of four major hypersensitivity sites located at -8700 to -8600, -7300 to -6900, -600 to -400 and -100 to +50. Although Cu deficiency did not change the hypersensitivity site pattern or intensity, in vitro footprinting of the region between -100 and +50 indicated that Cu deficiency enhanced DNA protein interactions within this region. The sequence between -68 and -58 contains the DNA recognition sequence for SREBP-1 and upstream stimulatory element-1 (USF-1). Western blot analysis revealed that the dietary Cu deficiency increased the hepatic nuclear content of mature SREBP-1 by 150% (P: < 0.05), and it concomitantly decreased the membrane content of precursor SREBP-1 by 45% (P: < 0.05). Changes in the hepatic distribution of SREBP-1 associated with Cu deficiency were not accompanied by changes in SREBP-1 mRNA. The nuclear content of USF-1 was unaffected by dietary Cu status. The hepatic increase in mature SREBP-1 of Cu-deficient rats was accompanied by a 400% increase and an 80% decrease in the abundance of fatty acid synthase and cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase mRNA, respectively. hepatic These data indicate that a Cu deficiency stimulates hepatic lipogenic gene expression by increasing the hepatic translocation of mature SREBP-1.

Regulation of hepatic delta-6 desaturase expression and its role in the polyunsaturated fatty acid inhibition of fatty acid synthase gene expression in mice

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the (n-6) and (n-3) families uniquely suppress the expression of lipogenic genes while concomitantly inducing the expression of genes encoding proteins of fatty acid oxidation. Although considerable progress has been made toward understanding the nuclear events affected by PUFA, the intracellular mediator responsible for the regulation of hepatic lipogenic gene expression remains unclear. On the basis of earlier fatty acid composition studies, we hypothesized that the Delta-6 desaturase pathway was essential for the production of the fatty acid regulator of gene expression. To address this hypothesis, male BALB/c mice (n = 8/group) were fed for 5 d a high glucose, fat-free diet (FF) or the FF plus 50 g/kg 18:2(n-6) with and without eicosa-5, 8,11,14-tetraynoic acid (ETYA) (200 mg/kg diet), a putative inhibitor of the Delta-6 desaturase pathway. ETYA had no effect on food intake or weight gain, but it completely prevented 18:2(n-6) from suppressing the hepatic abundance of fatty acid synthase mRNA. ETYA ingestion was associated with a decrease in the hepatic content of 20:4(n-6) and an increase in the amount of 18:2(n-6). The fatty acid composition changes elicited by ETYA were accompanied by a decrease in the enzymatic activity of Delta-6 desaturase. Interestingly, the hepatic abundance of Delta-6 desaturase mRNA was actually induced by ETYA one- to twofold. When the product of Delta-6 desaturase, i.e., 18:3(n-6), was added to the ETYA plus 18:2(n-6) diet, the hepatic content of 20:4(n-6) was normalized. In addition, 18:3(n-6) consumption reduced the level of hepatic Delta-6 desaturase mRNA by 50% and completely prevented the increase in fatty acid synthase mRNA that was associated with ETYA ingestion. Apparently, Delta-6 desaturation is an essential step for the PUFA regulation of the fatty acid synthase gene transcription. Finally, the suppression of Delta-6 desaturase by PUFA and its induction by ETYA suggest that the Delta-6 desaturase gene may be regulated by two different lipid-dependent mechanisms.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of gene transcription: a mechanism to improve energy balance and insulin resistance

This review addresses the hypothesis that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly those of the n-3 family, play essential roles in the maintenance of energy balance and glucose metabolism. The data discussed indicate that dietary PUFA function as fuel partitioners in that they direct glucose toward glycogen storage, and direct fatty acids away from triglyceride synthesis and assimilation and toward fatty acid oxidation. In addition, the n-3 family of PUFA appear to have the unique ability to enhance thermogenesis and thereby reduce the efficiency of body fat deposition. PUFA exert their effects on lipid metabolism and thermogenesis by upregulating the transcription of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein-3, and inducing genes encoding proteins involved in fatty acid oxidation (e.g. carnitine palmitoyltransferase and acyl-CoA oxidase) while simultaneously down-regulating the transcription of genes encoding proteins involved in lipid synthesis (e.g. fatty acid synthase). The potential transcriptional mechanism and the transcription factors affected by PUFA are discussed. Moreover, the data are interpreted in the context of the role that PUFA may play as dietary factors in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Collectively the results of these studies suggest that the metabolic functions governed by PUFA should be considered as part of the criteria utilized in defining the dietary needs for n-6 and n-3 PUFA, and in establishing the optimum dietary ratio for n-6:n-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of gene expression

This review describes the mechanisms by which polyunsaturated fatty acids regulate the activity of the nuclear transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1, and it describes the role that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 play in coordinating the regulation of lipid synthesis, lipid oxidation, and thermogenesis. Finally, the requirement for dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly n-3 fatty acids, is defined in terms of the effects polyunsaturated fatty acids exert on gene expression and the role that these effects play in overall energy balance.

Cloning, expression, and fatty acid regulation of the human delta-5 desaturase

Arachidonic (20:4(n-6)), eicosapentaenoic (20:5(n-3)), and docosahexaenoic (22:6(n-3)) acids are major components of brain and retina phospholipids, substrates for eicosanoid production, and regulators of nuclear transcription factors. One of the two rate-limiting steps in the production of these polyenoic fatty acids is the desaturation of 20:3(n-6) and 20:4(n-3) by Delta-5 desaturase. This report describes the cloning and expression of the human Delta-5 desaturase, and it compares the structural characteristics and nutritional regulation of the Delta-5 and Delta-6 desaturases. The open reading frame of the human Delta-5 desaturase encodes a 444-amino acid peptide which is identical in size to the Delta-6 desaturase and which shares 61% identity with the human Delta-6 desaturase. The Delta-5 desaturase contains two membrane-spanning domains, three histidine-rich regions, and a cytochrome b(5) domain that all align perfectly with the same domains located in the Delta-6 desaturase. Expression of the open reading frame in Chinese hamster ovary cells instilled the ability to convert 20:3(n-6) to 20:4(n-6). Northern analysis revealed that many human tissues including skeletal muscle, lung, placenta, kidney, and pancreas expressed Delta-5 desaturase mRNA, but Delta-5 desaturase was most abundant in the liver, brain, and heart. However, in all tissues, the abundance of Delta-5 desaturase mRNA was much lower than that observed for the Delta-6 desaturase. When rats were fed a diet containing 10% safflower oil or menhaden fish oil, the level of hepatic mRNA for Delta-5 and Delta-6 desaturase was only 25% of that found in the liver of rats fed a fat-free diet or a diet containing triolein. Finally, a BLAST and Genemap search of the human genome revealed that the Delta-5 and Delta-6 desaturase genes reside in reverse orientation on chromosome 11 and that they are separated by <11,000 base pairs.

Spontaneous abortion in the British semiconductor industry: An HSE investigation. Health and Safety Executive

BACKGROUND

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted a study to examine the risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB) in British female semiconductor industry workers, following reports from the USA which suggested an association between risk of SAB and work in fabrication rooms and/or exposure to ethylene glycol ethers.

METHODS

A nested case-control study based on 2,207 women who had worked at eight manufacturing sites during a 5-year retrospective time frame was established; 36 cases were matched with 80 controls.

RESULTS

The overall SAB rate in the industry was 10.0%. (65 SABs/651 pregnancies) The crude odds ratio (OR) for fabrication work was 0.65 (95% CI 0.30-1.40). This was essentially unchanged after adjustment for a range of potential confounding factors in the first 3 months of pregnancy and was reduced to 0.58 (95% CI 0.26-1.30) after adjustment for smoking in the previous 12 months. There were no statistically significantly elevated ORs for any work group or any specific chemical or physical exposure in the industry.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence of an increased risk of SAB in the British semiconductor industry. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:557-572, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: a family of lipid-activated transcription factors

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear transcription factors that belong to the steroid receptor superfamily. This family of PPARs includes PPARalpha, PPARdelta, PPARgamma1, and PPARgamma2. These PPARs are related to the T3 and vitamin D(3) receptors and bind to a hexameric direct repeat as a heterodimeric complex with retinoid receptor Xalpha. PPARs regulate the expression of a wide array of genes that encode proteins involved in lipid metabolism, energy balance, eicosanoid signaling, cell differentiation, and tumorigenesis. A unique feature of these steroid-like receptors is that the physiologic ligands for PPARs appear to be fatty acids from the n-6 and n-3 families of fatty acids and their respective eicosanoid products. This review describes the characteristics, regulation, and gene targets for PPARs and relates their effects on gene expression to physiologic outcomes that affect lipid and glucose metabolism, thermogenesis, atherosclerosis, and cell differentiation.

Regulation of gene expression by dietary fat

Dietary fat is an important macronutrient for the growth and development of all organisms. In addition to its role as an energy source and its effects on membrane lipid composition, dietary fat has profound effects on gene expression, leading to changes in metabolism, growth, and cell differentiation. The effects of dietary fat on gene expression reflect an adaptive response to changes in the quantity and type of fat ingested. Specific fatty acid-regulated transcription factors have been identified in bacteria, amphibians, and mammals. In mammals, these factors include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR alpha, -beta, and -gamma), HNF4 alpha, NF kappa B, and SREBP1c. These factors are regulated by (a) direct binding of fatty acids, fatty acyl-coenzyme A, or oxidized fatty acids; (b) oxidized fatty acid (eicosanoid) regulation of G-protein-linked cell surface receptors and activation of signaling cascades targeting the nucleus; or (c) oxidized fatty acid regulation of intracellular calcium levels, which affect cell signaling cascades targeting the nucleus. At the cellular level, the physiological response to fatty acids will depend on (a) the quantity, chemistry, and duration of the fat ingested; (b) cell-specific fatty acid metabolism (oxidative pathways, kinetics, and competing reactions); (c) cellular abundance of specific nuclear and membrane receptors; and (d) involvement of specific transcription factors in gene expression. These mechanisms are involved in the control of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cell differentiation and growth, and cytokine, adhesion molecule, and eicosanoid production. The effects of fatty acids on the genome provide new insight into how dietary fat might play a role in health and disease.

Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 expression is suppressed by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids. A mechanism for the coordinate suppression of lipogenic genes by polyunsaturated fats

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) coordinately suppress the transcription of a wide array of hepatic lipogenic genes including fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Interestingly, the over-expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) induces the expression of all of the enzymes suppressed by PUFA. This observation led us to hypothesize that PUFA coordinately inhibit lipogenic gene transcription by suppressing the expression of SREBP-1. Our initial studies revealed that the SREBP-1 and FAS mRNA contents of HepG2 cells were reduced by 20:4(n-6) in a dose-dependent manner (i.e. EC(50) approximately 10 microM), whereas 18:1(n-9) had no effect. Similarly, supplementing a fat-free, high glucose diet with oils rich in (n-6) or (n-3) PUFA reduced the hepatic content of precursor and nuclear SREBP-1 60 and 85%, respectively; however, PUFA had no effect on the nuclear content of upstream stimulatory factor (USF)-1. The PUFA-dependent decrease in nuclear content of mature SREBP-1 was paralleled by a 70-90% suppression in FAS gene transcription. In contrast, dietary 18:1(n-9), i.e. triolein, had no inhibitory influence on the expression of SREBP-1 or FAS. The decrease in hepatic expression of SREBP-1 and FAS associated with PUFA ingestion was mimicked by supplementing the fat-free diet with the PPARalpha-activator, WY 14, 643. Interestingly, nuclear run-on assays revealed that changes in SREBP-1 mRNA abundance were not accompanied by changes in SREBP-1 gene transcription. These results support the concept that PUFA coordinately inhibit lipogenic gene transcription by suppressing the expression of SREBP-1 and that the PUFA regulation of SREBP-1 appears to occur at the post-transcriptional level.

Identification of a novel enhancer sequence in the distal promoter of the rat fatty acid synthase gene

The proximal promoter and first intron of the fatty acid synthase (FAS) gene contains response sequences for insulin and glucose, but the 2- to 3-fold increase in FAS promoter activity attributable to these sequences falls short of the 20- to 30-fold induction in hepatic FAS gene transcription observed in fasted-refed rats. Using DNase I hypersensitivity site (HSS) mapping, two new liver specific sites were localized to the regions of: -8600 to -8500 (HSS 1) and -7300 to -7000 (HSS 2). DNase sensitivity of the -7300 to -7000 region was increased when fasted rats were refed glucose. When rat hepatocytes were transfected with a CAT construct that linked the region of -9700 and -4606 with the insulin response region located between -265 to +65, FAS promoter activity was induced 15-fold. This increase required the presence of both insulin and glucocorticoids. Deleting HSS 2 abolished the 15-fold induction in FAS promoter activity, but removing HSS 1 was without effect. Apparently the in vivo regulation of hepatic FAS gene transcription requires response elements located in the region of -7300 to -7000 and -265 to +65.

Coordinate induction of peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase and UCP-3 by dietary fish oil: a mechanism for decreased body fat deposition

Rats fed dietary fats rich in 20- and 22-carbon polyenoic fatty acids deposit less fat and expend more energy at rest than rats fed other types of fats. We hypothesized that this decrease in energetic efficiency was the product of: (a) enhanced peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation and/or (b) the up-regulation of genes encoding proteins that were involved with enhanced heat production, i.e. mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCP-2, UCP-3) and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation proteins. Two groups of male Fisher 344 rats 3-4 week old (n=5 per group) were pair fed for 6 weeks a diet containing 40% of its energy fat derived from either fish oil or corn oil. Epididymal fat pads from rats fed the fish oil diet weighed 25% (P < 0.05) less than those found in rats fed corn oil. The decrease in fat deposition associated with fish oil ingestion was accompanied by a significant increase in the abundance of skeletal muscle UCP-3 mRNA. The level of UCP-2 mRNA skeletal muscle was unaffected by the type of dietary oil, but the abundance of UCP-2 mRNA in the liver and heart were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in rats fed fish oil than in rats fed corn oil. In addition to inducing UCP-3 expression, dietary fish oil induced peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase gene expression 2-3 fold in liver, skeletal muscle and heart. These data support the hypothesis that dietary fish oil reduces fat deposition by increasing the expression of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins and increasing fatty acid oxidation by the less efficient peroxisomal pathway.

Cloning, expression, and nutritional regulation of the mammalian Delta-6 desaturase

Arachidonic acid (20:4(n-6)) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6(n-3)) have a variety of physiological functions that include being the major component of membrane phospholipid in brain and retina, substrates for eicosanoid production, and regulators of nuclear transcription factors. The rate-limiting step in the production of 20:4(n-6) and 22:6(n-3) is the desaturation of 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3) by Delta-6 desaturase. In this report, we describe the cloning, characterization, and expression of a mammalian Delta-6 desaturase. The open reading frames for mouse and human Delta-6 desaturase each encode a 444-amino acid peptide, and the two peptides share an 87% amino acid homology. The amino acid sequence predicts that the peptide contains two membrane-spanning domains as well as a cytochrome b5-like domain that is characteristic of nonmammalian Delta-6 desaturases. Expression of the open reading frame in rat hepatocytes and Chinese hamster ovary cells instilled in these cells the ability to convert 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3) to their respective products, 18:3(n-6) and 18:4(n-3). When mice were fed a diet containing 10% fat, hepatic enzymatic activity and mRNA abundance for hepatic Delta-6 desaturase in mice fed corn oil were 70 and 50% lower than in mice fed triolein. Finally, Northern analysis revealed that the brain contained an amount of Delta-6 desaturase mRNA that was several times greater than that found in other tissues including the liver, lung, heart, and skeletal muscle. The RNA abundance data indicate that prior conclusions regarding the low level of Delta-6 desaturase expression in nonhepatic tissues may need to be reevaluated.

Cytosolic and nuclear distribution of PPARgamma2 in differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes

In light of the pivotal role that PPARgamma2 plays in the expression of fat specific genes (e.g., A-FABP), we have examined the hypothesis that a rise in PPARgamma2 protein is required for the expression of A-FABP, and that the acceleration of fat cell differentiation by the thiazolidinedione agent, pioglitazone (PIOG), reflects an increase in the abundance of PPARgamma2 mRNA and protein. Western analyses surprisingly revealed that undifferentiated 3T3-L1 fibroblasts contained significant levels of PPARgamma2 protein; that the amount of total cellular PPARgamma2 only increased 2-fold during differentiation; and that the levels of PPARgamma2 protein and mRNA were not increased by PIOG even though fat cell differentiation was accelerated by PIOG as revealed by a 20-fold increase in A-FABP expression. Cell fractionation studies revealed that PPARgamma2 was evenly distributed between the cytosolic and nuclear compartments in both undifferentiated and differentiating 3T3-L1 cells. Immunocytochemical studies with a PPARgamma2-specific antibody indicated that PPARgamma2 was diffusely distributed throughout the cytosol of undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells, but as the differentiation progressed, the PPARgamma2 became focused around the developing lipid droplets. In contrast to PPARgamma2, undifferentiated 3T3-L1 cells contained no measurable quantities of RXRalpha, but once fat cell differentiation was initiated by treatment with IBMX and dexamethasone, the cellular content of RXRalpha increased several fold. The rise in RXRalpha content paralleled the induction of A-FABP, but the expression of RXRalpha was not enhanced by PIOG. Although the amount of PPARgamma2 and RXRalpha was unaffected by PIOG, gel shift assays revealed that PIOG stimulated PPARgamma2/RXRalpha binding to the adipose response element of A-FABP by 5-fold in less than 12 h. Apparently, RXRalpha rather than PPARgamma2 is the pivotal trans-factor essential for the initiation of terminal fat cell differentiation. However, the high cytsolic content of PPARgamma2 and its association with the lipid droplet of differentiating 3T3-L1 cells suggests PPARgamma2 may possess a cytosolic function in the developing fat cell.

A novel 3T3-L1 preadipocyte variant that expresses PPARgamma2 and RXRalpha but does not undergo differentiation

This report describes a novel adipocyte-like cell line termed 3T3-L1/RB1 that was derived from preadipocyte cell line, 3T3-L1. The 3T3-L1/RB1 cells continued to divide after reaching confluence, formed foci, and constitutively expressed a low level of adipose fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) mRNA. However, 3T3L-1/RB cells did not undergo terminal differentiation as indicated by the failure of insulin and thiazolidendiones to induce the expression of A-FABP, lipoprotein lipase, and fatty acid synthase. We hypothesized that the 3T3-L1/RB1 variant did not respond to differentiation stimuli because it did not express either peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor gamma2 (PPARgamma2) or its heterodimer partner, retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRalpha). Surprisingly, Western blots revealed that 3T3-L1/ RB1 cells contained both PPARgamma2 and RXRalpha proteins at levels equal to or greater than that of the parent cell line. However, gel retardation assays using the adipose response element from A-FABP and nuclear protein extracts from 3T3-L1/RB1 cells treated with insulin or pioglitazone revealed that nuclear protein extracts from 3T3-L1/RB1 cells had very little ability to bind the PPARgamma2 recognition sequence of the A-FABP gene. These data suggest that the 3T3-L1/RB1 variant contains a mutation that may prevent ligand activation of PPARgamma2, and the subsequent conversion of 3T3-L1/RB1 cells to mature fat cells.

Somatotropin-dependent decrease in fatty acid synthase mRNA abundance in 3T3-F442A adipocytes is the result of a decrease in both gene transcription and mRNA stability

Somatotropin (ST) markedly decreases lipogenesis, fatty acid synthase (FAS) enzyme activity and mRNA abundance in pig adipocytes. The present study was conducted to determine whether the decrease in FAS mRNA in 3T3-F442A adipocytes was the result of a decrease in transcription of the FAS gene and/or a change in FAS mRNA stability. Insulin increased the abundance of FAS mRNA 2-13-fold and fatty acid synthesis 3-7-fold. Somatotropin decreased the stimulatory effect of insulin on the abundance of FAS mRNA and lipogenesis by 40-70% and 20-60% respectively. Subsequent run-on analyses demonstrated that the decrease observed in FAS mRNA in response to ST was associated with an 82% decrease in transcription; ST significantly shortened the half-life of FAS mRNA from 35 to 11 h. To corroborate the run-on analyses, cells were stably transfected with a pFAS-CAT5 (in which CAT stands for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) reporter construct that contained 2195 bp of the 5' flanking region of the rat FAS gene. Insulin treatment increased FAS-CAT activity 4.7-fold. When ST was added to the insulin-containing medium there was an approx. 60% reduction in FAS-CAT activity. In summary, our results indicate that ST decreases FAS mRNA levels and that this is the result of a marked decrease in both transcription of the FAS gene and stability of the FAS mRNA.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid inhibition of fatty acid synthase transcription is independent of PPAR activation

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the (n-6) and (n-3) families inhibit the rate of gene transcription for a number of hepatic lipogenic and glycolytic genes, e.g., fatty acid synthase (FAS). In contrast, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids have no inhibitory capability. The suppression of gene transcription resulting from the addition of PUFA to a high carbohydrate diet: occurs quickly (< 3 h) after its addition to a high glucose diet; can be recreated with hepatocytes cultured in a serum-free medium containing insulin and glucocorticoids; can be demonstrated in diabetic rats fed fructose; and is independent of glucagon. While the nature of the intracellular PUFA inhibitor is unclear, it appears that delta-6 desaturation is a required step in the process. Recently, the fatty acid activated nuclear factor, peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) was suggested to be the PUFA-response factor. However, the potent PPAR activators ETYA and Wy-14643 did not suppress hepatic expression of FAS, but did induce the PPAR-responsive gene, acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX). Similarly, treating rat hepatocytes with 20:4 (n-6) suppressed FAS expression but had no effect on AOX. Thus, it appears that the PUFA regulation of gene transcription involves a PUFA-response factor that is independent from PPAR.

Nutrient regulation of gene expression: a methodological strategy

Nutrients should be viewed as the earliest of the hormone signals which allowed an organism to respond to changes in its nutrient environment. Defining nutrient function at the nuclear level will permit us to understand how our dietary environment is related to the development of nutritionally related pathophysiologies such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Moreover, through the application of molecular techniques, we will begin to understand how specific nutrients govern the developmental pattern of specific organs such as the kidney. In this review, the fatty acid synthase gene is employed as a model to demonstrate how one sequentially approaches questions pertaining to the regulation of gene expression by a nutrient, and the article presents a nuclear explanation for how dietary polyunsaturated fats decrease blood triglycerides. More importantly, studies of this nature provide a basis for screening genetically susceptible populations and information that will allow the nutritionists of the 21st century to customize a diet for patients at risk.

Dietary fat, genes, and human health

These studies show that a macronutrient like dietary fat plays an important role in gene expression. In the cases presented here, dietary fat regulates gene expression leading to changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The interesting outcome of these studies is the finding that the molecular targets for dietary fat action did not converge with the principal targets for hormonal regulation of gene transcription, like hormone receptors. Instead, PUFA-RF targets elements that play key ancillary roles in gene transcription. This is important because it shows how PUFA can interfere with hormone regulation of a specific gene without having generalized effect on overall hormonal control, i.e. PUFA effects are promoter-specific. How PUFA-RF interferes with gene transcription will require the isolation and characterization of PUFA-RF along with the tissue-specific factors targeted by PUFA-RF. A different story emerges when fatty acids activate PPAR. Based on the studies presented here and elsewhere, long chain-highly unsaturated fatty acids (like 20:5,n-3 and 22:6, n-3) or high levels of fat activate PPAR. PPAR directly activates genes like AOX, but also inhibits transcription of genes like S14, FAS, apolipoprotein CIII, transferrin. For S14, the mechanism of inhibition involves sequestration of RXR, a critical factor for T3 receptor binding to DNA. Thus, PPAR can have generalized effects on T3 action or on other nuclear receptors, like vit. D (VDR) and retinoic acid (RAR) receptors, that require RXR for action. For apolipoprotein CIII and transferrin, PPAR/RXR heterodimers compete for HNF-4 binding sites (DR + 1). In addition to HNF-4, COUP-TF, ARP-1 and RXR all bind the DR + 1 type motif. These factors are important for tissue-specific regulation of gene transcription. PPAR can potentially interfere with the transcription of multiple genes through disruption of nuclear receptor signaling leading to changes in phenotype. Clearly, more studies are required to assess the role PPAR plays in the fatty acid regulation of gene transcription and its contribution to chronic disease. Finally, it is clear that dietary fat has the potential to affect gene expression through multiple pathways. Depending on the gene examined, PUFA might augment or abrogate gene transcription which leads to specific phenotypic changes altering metabolism, differentiation or cell growth. These effects can be beneficial to the organism, such as the n-3 PUFA-mediated suppression of serum triglycerides or detrimental, like the saturated and n-6 PUFA-mediated promotion of insulin resistance. How such effects contribute to the onset or progression of specific neoplasia is unclear. However, studies in metabolism might provide important clues for this connection.

Fatty acid regulation of gene expression. Its role in fuel partitioning and insulin resistance

Dietary polyenoic (n-6) and (n-3) fatty acids uniquely regulate fatty acid biosynthesis and fatty acid oxidation. They exercise this effect by modulating the expression of genes coding for key metabolic enzymes and, in doing this, PUFA govern the intracellular as well as the interorgan metabolism of glucose and fatty acids. During the past 20 years, we have gradually elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanism by which dietary PUFA regulate lipid metabolism. Central to this mechanism has been our ability to determine that dietary PUFA regulate the transcription of genes. We have only begun to elucidate the nuclear mechanisms by which PUFA govern gene expression, but one point is clear and that is that it is unlikely that one mechanism will explain the variety of genes governed by PUFA. The difficulty in providing a unifying hypothesis at this time stems from (a) the many metabolic routes taken by PUFA upon entering a cell and (b) the lack of identity of a specific PUFA-regulated trans-acting factor. Nevertheless, our studies have revealed that PUFA are not only utilized as fuel and structural components of cells, but also serve as important mediators of gene expression, and that in this way they influence the metabolic directions of fuels and they modulate the development of nutritionally related pathophysiologies such as diabetes.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids regulate lipogenic and peroxisomal gene expression by independent mechanisms

Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the (n-6) and (n-3) families uniquely coordinate hepatic lipid synthesis and oxidation by suppressing the transcription of hepatic genes encoding lipogenic and glycolytic enzymes while concomitantly inducing the activity of enzymes in mitochondrial and peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation. Recently a group of fatty acid activated nuclear transcription factors termed peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) were cloned. The discovery of PPARs led us to hypothesize that polyunsaturated fatty acids coordinately modulated the transcription of lipogenic and oxidative genes via a PPAR mediated process. Rats and mice were fed a potent PPAR activator, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), to ascertain if the expression of hepatic fatty acid synthase and peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase were coordinately suppressed and induced in response to PPAR activation. Expectedly, ETYA increased peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase mRNA abundance, but PPAR activation neither suppressed fatty acid synthase transcription nor reduced the level of fatty acid synthase mRNA. In fact, ETYA prevented the suppression of hepatic fatty acid synthase expression that characteristically results from feeding corn oil. Fatty acid composition analyses indicated that ETYA interfered with 18:2 (n-6) conversion to 20:4 (n-6). Thus, it appears that PPAR is not the sole factor responsible for the coordinate regulation of lipid synthesis and oxidation by polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, our data indicate that the active polyenoic fatty acid responsible for the regulation of gene transcription must undergo delta-6 desaturation.

Hepatic fatty acid synthase gene transcription is induced by a dietary copper deficiency

A dietary copper (Cu) deficiency is associated with a twofold increase in hepatic fatty acid biosynthesis. We hypothesized that the induction of hepatic lipogenesis associated with a dietary Cu deficiency reflected an enhanced expression of genes encoding lipogenic enzymes, i.e., fatty acid synthase (FAS). Male weanling rats were pair-meal fed for 42 days a high-sucrose diet that was Cu deficient (CuD; 0.7 microgram Cu/g) or Cu adequate (CuA; 5.0 micrograms Cu/g). The CuD diet increased FAS enzymatic activity twofold (P < 0.05). This rise in enzymatic activity was accompanied by a threefold increase in FAS mRNA and a 2.5-fold increase in FAS gene transcription (P < 0.05). Neither the mRNA abundance nor the rate of gene transcription for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase or beta-actin was affected by the CuD diet. The induction of FAS gene transcription was associated with a 65-85% increase in hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH; P < 0.05). When hepatic GSH synthesis was suppressed by treating CuD rats with L-buthionine sulfoximine, the induction of FAS expression was completely prevented. Similarly, feeding N-acetylcysteine to CuA rats increased hepatic GSH levels 2.5-fold, and this was accompanied by a significant induction in FAS expression. These data indicate that the increase in hepatic lipogenesis associated with a Cu deficiency reflects an induction in hepatic lipogenic gene transcription (i.e., FAS) and that the rate of gene transcription may be dependent on hepatic thiol redox.

Suppression of renal gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase expression in dietary copper deficiency

A dietary deficiency of copper (CuD) is associated with a 50-70% and a 2-fold increase in hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and synthesis, respectively, which leads to a 50-80% increase in plasma GSH. Moreover, the kidneys of CuD rats remove 40% more GSH from the blood than copper adequate (CuA) rats. These findings have led us to propose that the increase in hepatic synthesis of GSH in CuD rats is accompanied by a comparable increase in the hepatic expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS), the rate limiting enzyme of glutathione biosynthesis, and that the enhanced uptake of GSH by the kidney would lead to a compensatory decrease in renal gamma-GCS expression. In experiment I, male weanling rats (3-4 weeks) were ad libitum fed a CuD (0.5 microgram Cu/g) or CuA (5.8 micrograms/g) diet for 70 days; and in experiment II, male weanling rats were pair-meal fed the CuD or CuA diet for 35 days. In both studies, CuD diet caused a significant increase in hepatic GSH concentration, but hepatic gamma-GCS activity and mRNA abundance were unchanged. In contrast, renal GSH concentration was unaffected by the CuD diet. However, renal gamma-GCS activity was reduced 40% and this was paralleled by a 50% decrease in gamma-GCS mRNA. Moreover, the decrease in renal gamma-GCS mRNA was caused by a reduction in renal gamma-GCS gene transcription. The results of these studies indicate that the increase in renal uptake of GSH resulting from a dietary Cu deficiency is associated with a compensatory decrease in gamma-GCS expression.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of hepatic gene transcription

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) modulate the rate of gene transcription for a number of different genes including hepatic lipogenic and glycolytic genes, adipose Glut-4 and stearoyl-CoA desaturase and interleukins. Some of the transcriptional effects of PUFA appear to be mediated by eicosanoids, but the PUFA suppression of lipogenic and glycolytic genes is independent of eicosanoid synthesis and appears to involve a nuclear mechanism directly modified by PUFA. With the recent cloning of a fatty acid-activated nuclear factor termed peroxisome-proliferator- activated receptor (PPAR) has come the suggestion that PPAR may be the PUFA response factor. However, this review presents several lines of evidence that indicate that the PPAR and PUFA regulation of gene transcription involves separate and independent mechanisms, and the PPAR is not the PUFA response factor.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of hepatic gene transcription

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n-6 and n-3 families inhibit transcription of a number of hepatic lipogenic and glycolytic genes, e.g. fatty acid synthase. In contrast, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids exert no suppressive action on lipogenic gene expression. The unique PUFA regulation of gene expression extends beyond the liver to include genes such as adipocyte glucose transporter-4, lymphocyte stearoyl-CoA desaturase 2, and interleukins. Some of the transcriptional effects of PUFA appear to be mediated by eicosanoids, but PUFA suppression of lipogenic and glycolytic genes is independent of eicosanoid synthesis and appears to involve a nuclear mechanism directly modified by PUFA. With the recent cloning of a fatty acid-activated nuclear factor termed peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) has come the suggestion that PPAR may be the PUFA response factor. This review, however, presents several lines of evidence that indicate that the PPAR and n-6 and n-3 PUFA regulation of lipogenic and glycolytic gene transcription involve separate and independent mechanisms. Thus PPAR appears not to be the PUFA response factor.

Specific effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on gene expression

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate the transcription of numerous proteins including several hepatic lipogenic enzymes. Several lines of evidence indicate that polyunsaturated fatty acids do not regulate the transcription of hepatic lipogenic genes via a peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor, but the mechanism may involve transcription factors related to the carbohydrate response region.

Dietary protein quality alters ornithine decarboxylase activity but not vitamin B-6 nutritional status in rats

Weanling male rats were fed diets that varied in protein quality (casein or wheat gluten) and vitamin B-6 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg pyridoxine HCl/kg diet) to test the hypotheses that low protein quality would depress vitamin B-6 nutritional status and that activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) would be a sensitive functional indicator of vitamin B-6 nutritional status. The wheat gluten diet depressed body weight gain approximately 17% at higher vitamin B-6 levels, as expected. However, vitamin B-6 nutritional status was not worse in gluten-fed compared with casein-fed groups, as evidenced by static measures (B-6 vitamer concentrations in plasma and tissues) and a functional indicator (tryptophan load test). The activity of ODC (holo- and total) in liver, kidney and small intestine did not vary significantly at the three higher levels of vitamin B-6 intake. In groups fed casein, total ODC activity in these tissues was two- to fivefold higher in rats fed diets containing 0.0 mg vitamin B-6/kg compared with higher B-6 levels, without corresponding differences in ODC mRNA abundance in liver and kidney. Concentrations of B-6 vitamers (except pyridoxal phosphate in plasma) increased linearly with dietary vitamin B-6 in plasma, liver, kidney and intestine. These data suggest that low quality protein fed as wheat gluten suppresses growth but not vitamin B-6 nutritional status, and that ODC activity is not a sensitive functional indicator of marginal vitamin B-6 status.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid regulation of gene transcription

We have known for nearly 30 years that dietary polyenoic (n-6) and (n-3) fatty acids potentially inhibit hepatic fatty acid biosynthesis. The teleological explanation for this unique action of PUFAs resides in their ability to suppress the synthesis of (n-9) fatty acids. By inhibiting fatty acid biosynthesis, dietary PUFAs reduce the availability of substrate for delta 9 desaturase (7, 22, 34, 36) and in turn reduce the availability of (n-9) fatty acids for incorporation into plasma membranes. In this way, essential biological processes dependent on essential fatty acids (e.g. reproduction and trans-dermal water loss) continue to operate normally. Therefore, if essential fatty acid intake did not regulate (n-9) fatty acid synthesis, the survival of the organism would be threatened. During the past 20 years, we have gradually elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which dietary PUFAs modulate fatty acid biosynthesis and (n-9) fatty acid availability. Central to this mechanism has been our ability to determine that dietary PUFAs regulate the transcription of genes coding for lipogenic enzymes (12, 40). The potential mechanisms by which PUFAs govern gene transcription are numerous, and it is unlikely that any one mechanism can fully elucidate the nuclear actions of PUFA. The difficulty in providing a unifying hypothesis at this time stems from: (a) the many metabolic routes taken by PUFAs upon entering the hepatocyte (Figure 1); and (b) the lack of identity of a specific PUFA-regulated trans-acting factor. However, the studies described above indicate that macronutrients, like PUFA, are not only utilized as fuel and structural components of cells, but also serve as important mediators of gene expression (12, 14, 40). As regulators of gene expression, PUFAs (or metabolites) are thought to affect the activity of transcription factors, which in turn target key cis-linked elements associated with specific genes. Whether this targeting involves DNA-protein interaction or the interaction of PUFA-regulated factors is unclear. A better understanding of the nuclear actions of PUFA will clarify the role of these compounds in lipid metabolism and lead to a better understanding of the role of PUFAs in disease processes such as insulin-resistant diabetes and certain forms of cancer.

Coordinate regulation of glycolytic and lipogenic gene expression by polyunsaturated fatty acids

Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro studies, we have investigated the impact of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the expression of several genes encoding proteins involved in hepatic glycolysis and lipogenesis. Meal-training rats to a high glucose diet containing 10% triolein led to a significant induction of hepatic mRNAs encoding glucokinase (GK), pyruvate kinase (PK), fatty acid synthase (FAS), malic enzyme (ME), and the S14 protein (S14), but had no effect on thyroid hormone receptor-beta 1 (TR beta 1) and c/EBP alpha gene expression. Replacing triolein with menhaden oil attenuated (by 50-90%) the induction of mRNA encoding GK, ME, PK, FAS, and S14. This effect was rapid (within hours) and for FAS and S14, directed at the transcriptional level. The mRNAs encoding TR beta 1, c/EBP alpha and beta-actin were unaffected by menhaden oil. Studies with cultured primary hepatocytes showed that C18:3,omega 3 (n-3), C18:3,omega 6 (n-6), C20:4, omega 6 (n-6), and C20:5,omega 3 (n-3) were all equally effective at suppressing the level of mRNAs encoding FAS, S14, and PK. This effect was specific for glycolytic and lipogenic enzymes, as expression of beta-actin was not affected by these fatty acids. Moreover, the fatty acids had only marginal effects on cell viability as judged by lactate dehydrogenase release. These data indicate that polyunsaturated fatty acids coordinately regulate the expression of several enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The mechanism of control does not require extrahepatic factors or fatty acid metabolism.

Effect of in vivo somatotropin treatment of growing pigs on adipose tissue lipogenesis

The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of porcine somatotropin (pST) on glucose flux rates, lipogenic enzyme activities, and the abundance of fatty acid synthase mRNA in pig adipose tissue. Barrows were injected daily with 120 micrograms of pST/kg BW (n = 6) or excipient (n = 6). On d 11 of treatment, pigs were slaughtered (empty BW = 77 +/- 2 kg) and subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected. Basal incorporation of [14C]glucose into total lipid decreased by 86% with pST treatment, whereas glucose oxidation to CO2 decreased by 79%. Insulin (10 ng/mL) stimulated both glucose oxidation and incorporation into lipid by a small increment of similar magnitude for both treatment groups. Rates of lipogenesis determined in vitro were highly correlated with similar measurements made in vivo on the same set of animals (r = .76). The reduction in basal rates of lipogenesis corresponded to a 79% decrease in total (activated) acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase activity and a 67% decrease in fatty acid synthase activity. Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-generating enzymes were decreased to a lesser extent. Northern blot analysis of RNA from the same animals reveal a 90% decrease in mRNA for fatty acid synthase in the pST-treated group. The correlation between mRNA abundance and enzyme activity for fatty acid synthase was .90. These data indicate that the pST-induced reduction in adipose tissue lipid accretion in growing barrows is largely a result of diminished rates of lipogenesis that are manifestations of the decreased activities of the fatty acid-synthesizing enzymes. These changes seem to result from suppression of genes that encode for the lipogenic enzymes.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit S14 gene transcription in rat liver and cultured hepatocytes

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to have significant effects on hepatic lipogenic gene expression. The S14 gene has been used as a model to examine the effects of PUFAs on hepatic lipogenic gene expression. In vivo studies showed that feeding rats a high carbohydrate diet containing menhaden oil rapidly (within hours) and significantly (> or = 50%) attenuates hepatic S14 gene transcription and S14 mRNA abundance. The suppressive effect of menhaden oil was both gene and tissue specific. The effect of PUFAs on expression of the S14 mRNA and a transfected S14 fusion gene (i.e., S14CAT4.3) was examined in cultured hepatocytes in the presence of triiodothyronine (T3), insulin, dexamethasone, and albumin under serum-free conditions. Whereas T3 stimulated both S14 mRNA (> 40-fold) and S14CAT4.3 (> 100-fold), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 omega 3) significantly attenuated (> or = 80%) both S14 mRNA and S14CAT activity in a dose-dependent fashion. The effects of C20:5 on hepatocyte gene expression were both gene and fatty acid specific. Deletion analysis of transfected S14CAT fusion genes indicated that the S14 thyroid hormone response element (at -2.5 to -2.9 kb) was not sensitive to C20:5 control. The cis-linked PUFA response elements were localized to a region within the S14 proximal promoter (at -80 to -220 bp). This region also contains cis-acting elements that potentiate T3 activation of S14 gene transcription. These studies suggest that C20:5 (or its metabolites) regulates factors within the S14 proximal promoter region that are important for T3 activation of S14 gene transcription.