Regulation of adipose tissue inflammation by interleukin 6

Obesity is associated with a chronic state of low-grade inflammation and progressive tissue infiltration by immune cells and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. It is established that interleukin 6 (IL6) regulates multiple aspects of metabolism, including glucose disposal, lipolysis, oxidative metabolism, and energy expenditure. IL6 is secreted by many tissues, but the role of individual cell types is unclear. We tested the role of specific cells using a mouse model with conditional expression of the Il6 gene. We found that IL6 derived from adipocytes increased, while IL6 derived from myeloid cells and muscle suppressed, macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue. These opposite actions were associated with a switch of IL6 signaling from a canonical mode (myeloid cells) to a noncanonical trans-signaling mode (adipocytes and muscle) with increased expression of the ADAM10/17 metalloprotease that promotes trans-signaling by the soluble IL6 receptor alpha. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the source of IL6 production plays a major role in the physiological regulation of metabolism

A feed-forward regulatory loop in adipose tissue promotes signaling by the hepatokine FGF21

The cJun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway is activated by metabolic stress and promotes the development of metabolic syndrome, including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance. This integrated physiological response involves cross-talk between different organs. Here we demonstrate that JNK signaling in adipocytes causes an increased circulating concentration of the hepatokine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) that regulates systemic metabolism. The mechanism of organ crosstalk is mediated by a feed-forward regulatory loop caused by JNK-regulated FGF21 autocrine signaling in adipocytes that promotes increased expression of the adipokine adiponectin and subsequent hepatic expression of the hormone FGF21. The mechanism of organ cross-talk places circulating adiponectin downstream of autocrine FGF21 expressed by adipocytes and upstream of endocrine FGF21 expressed by hepatocytes. This regulatory loop represents a novel signaling paradigm that connects autocrine and endocrine signaling modes of the same hormone in different tissues

Cyclin D1-CDK4 Controls Glucose Metabolism Independently of Cell Cycle Progression

Insulin constitutes a major evolutionarily conserved hormonal axis for maintaining glucose homeostasis1-3; dysregulation of this axis causes diabetes2,4. PGC-1α links insulin signaling to the expression of glucose and lipid metabolic genes5-7. GCN5 acetylates PGC-1α and suppresses its transcriptional activity, whereas SIRT1 deacetylates and activates PGC-1α8,9. Although insulin is a mitogenic signal in proliferative cells10,11, whether components of the cell cycle machinery contribute to insulin’s metabolic action is poorly understood. Herein, we report that insulin activates cyclin D1-CDK4, which, in turn, increases GCN5 acetyltransferase activity and suppresses hepatic glucose production independently of cell cycle progression. Through a cell-based high throughput chemical screen, we identified a CDK4 inhibitor that potently decreases PGC-1α acetylation. Insulin/GSK3β signaling induces cyclin D1 protein stability via sequestering cyclin D1 in the nucleus. In parallel, dietary amino acids increase hepatic cyclin D1 mRNA transcripts. Activated cyclin D1-CDK4 kinase phosphorylates and activates GCN5, which then acetylates and inhibits PGC-1α activity on gluconeogenic genes. Loss of hepatic cyclin D1 results in increased gluconeogenesis and hyperglycemia. In diabetic models, cyclin D1-CDK4 is chronically elevated and refractory to fasting/feeding transitions; nevertheless further activation of this kinase normalizes glycemia. Our findings show that insulin uses components of the cell cycle machinery in post-mitotic cells to control glucose homeostasis independently of cell division

Membrane-Bound sn-1,2-Diacylglycerols Explain the Dissociation of Hepatic Insulin Resistance from Hepatic Steatosis in MTTP Knockout Mice

Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) deficiency results in a syndrome of hypolipidemia and accelerated NAFLD. Animal models of decreased hepatic MTTP activity have revealed an unexplained dissociation between hepatic steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance. Here, we performed comprehensive metabolic phenotyping of liver-specific MTTP knockout (L-Mttp(-/-)) mice and age-weight matched wild-type control mice. Young (10-12-week-old) L-Mttp(-/-) mice exhibited hepatic steatosis and increased DAG content; however, the increase in hepatic DAG content was partitioned to the lipid droplet and was not increased in the plasma membrane. Young L-Mttp(-/-) mice also manifested normal hepatic insulin sensitivity, as assessed by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, no PKC epsilon activation, and normal hepatic insulin signaling from the insulin receptor through AKT Ser/Thr kinase. In contrast, aged (10-month-old) L-Mttp(-/-) mice exhibited glucose intolerance and hepatic insulin resistance along with an increase in hepatic plasma membrane sn-1,2-DAG content and PKC epsilon activation. Treatment with a functionally liver-targeted mitochondrial uncoupler protected the aged L-Mttp(-/-) mice against the development of hepatic steatosis, increased plasma membrane sn-1,2-DAG content, PKC epsilon activation, and hepatic insulin resistance. Furthermore, increased hepatic insulin sensitivity in the aged controlled-release mitochondrial protonophore-treated L-Mttp(-/-) mice was not associated with any reductions in hepatic ceramide content. Taken together, these data demonstrate that differences in the intracellular compartmentation of sn-1,2-DAGs in the lipid droplet versus plasma membrane explains the dissociation of NAFLD/lipid-induced hepatic insulin resistance in young L-Mttp(-/-) mice as well as the development of lipid-induced hepatic insulin resistance in aged L-Mttp(-/-) miceThis work was supported by National Institutes of Health Grants R01 DK116774, R01 DK119968, R01 DK114793, R01 DK113984, K23 DK10287, P30 DK045735, DK121490, and HL137202 and the Veterans Health Administration Merit Review Awards I01 BX000901 and BX004113. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair

A MicroRNA Linking Human Positive Selection and Metabolic Disorders

Postponed access: the file will be accessible after 2021-10-14Positive selection in Europeans at the 2q21.3 locus harboring the lactase gene has been attributed to selection for the ability of adults to digest milk to survive famine in ancient times. However, the 2q21.3 locus is also associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans, raising the possibility that additional genetic elements in the locus may have contributed to evolutionary adaptation to famine by promoting energy storage, but which now confer susceptibility to metabolic diseases. We show here that the miR-128-1 microRNA, located at the center of the positively selected locus, represents a crucial metabolic regulator in mammals. Antisense targeting and genetic ablation of miR-128-1 in mouse metabolic disease models result in increased energy expenditure and amelioration of high-fat-diet-induced obesity and markedly improved glucose tolerance. A thrifty phenotype connected to miR-128-1-dependent energy storage may link ancient adaptation to famine and modern metabolic maladaptation associated with nutritional overabundance.acceptedVersio

Obesity induced by high-fat diet promotes insulin resistance in the ovary

Besides the effects on peripheral energy homeostasis, insulin also has an important role in ovarian function. Obesity has a negative effect on fertility, and may play a role in the development of the polycystic ovary syndrome in susceptible women. Since insulin resistance in the ovary could contribute to the impairment of reproductive function in obese women, we evaluated insulin signaling in the ovary of high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Female Wistar rats were submitted to a high-fat diet for 120 or 180 days, and the insulin signaling pathway in the ovary was evaluated by immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. At the end of the diet period, we observed insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, an increase in progesterone serum levels, an extended estrus cycle, and altered ovarian morphology in obese female rats. Moreover, in female obese rats treated for 120 days with the high-fat diet, the increase in progesterone levels occurred together with enhancement of LH levels. The ovary from high-fat-fed female rats showed a reduction in the insulin receptor substrate/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT intracellular pathway, associated with an increase in FOXO3a, IL1B, and TNF alpha protein expression. These changes in the insulin signaling pathway may have a role in the infertile state associated with obesity. Journal of Endocrinology (2010) 206, 65-74Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo-FAPESP[2006/52163-7]Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo-FAPESP[2006/60215-7]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico-CNPq[477906/2006-0]Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESPEHAEH

Alterations of NADPH Oxidase Activity in Rat Pancreatic Islets Induced by a High-Fat Diet

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity in rat pancreatic islets. We investigated if changes in NADPH oxidase are connected to beta cell dysfunction reported in obese animals. Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed a HFD or control diet for 3 months. DNA fragmentation, insulin secretion, and [U-(14)C] glucose oxidation were examined in isolated pancreatic islets. The oxidative stress markers nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The protein content of gp91(phox) and p47(phox) was evaluated by Western blotting. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by a fluorescence assay using hydroethidine. Results: Occurrence of DNA fragmentation was reduced in pancreatic islets from HFD rats. There were no differences in oxidative stress markers between the groups. Glucose oxidation and insulin secretion were elevated due to high glucose in pancreatic islets from HFD rats. Protein concentrations of p47(phox) and gp91(phox) subunits were reduced and ROS production was diminished in pancreatic islets from HFD rats. Conclusions: The diminished content of NADPH oxidase subunits and ROS concentrations may be associated with increased glucose oxidation and insulin secretion in an attempt to compensate for the peripheral insulin resistance elicited by the HFD.FAPESPFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)CNPqCAPESCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Estradiol Protects Female ApoE KO Mice against Western-Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is higher in men than in women of reproductive age, and postmenopausal women are especially susceptible to developing the disease. Aim: we evaluated if female apolipoprotein E (ApoE) KO mice were protected against Western-diet (WD)-induced NASH. Methods: Female ovariectomized (OVX) ApoE KO mice or sham-operated (SHAM) mice were fed either a WD or a regular chow (RC) for 7 weeks. Additionally, OVX mice fed a WD were treated with either estradiol (OVX + E2) or vehicle (OVX). Results: Whole-body fat, plasma glucose, and plasma insulin were increased and associated with increased glucose intolerance in OVX mice fed a WD (OVX + WD). Plasma and hepatic triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) hepatic enzymes were also increased in the plasma of OVX + WD group, which was associated with hepatic fibrosis and inflammation. Estradiol replacement in OVX mice reduced body weight, body fat, glycemia, and plasma insulin associated with reduced glucose intolerance. Treatment also reduced hepatic triglycerides, ALT, AST, hepatic fibrosis, and inflammation in OVX mice. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that estradiol protects OVX ApoE KO mice from NASH and glucose intolerance

The possible role of leucine in modulating glucose homeostasis under distinct catabolic conditions

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) (especially leucine) have been shown to activate protein synthesis pathways, decrease proteolysis and increase insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, it appears that leucine can be used as a nutritional therapy to avoid sarcopenia and skeletal muscle atrophy due to immobilization or glucocorticoid treatment. However, it is of note that all of these conditions are related to insulin resistance to varying degrees and affect different tissues, particularly skeletal muscle. Additionally, evidence from recent studies demonstrate that a combination of protein containing high levels of leucine with nutrients containing saturated fatty acids or an excess of leucine are capable of inducing insulin resistance. From this discussion, a few major questions arise. First, what is the role of a combination of macronutrients in inducing insulin resistance? Second, in insulin resistance, does leucine supplementation follow the same path observed under healthy conditions? Finally, what are the dose-dependent outcome and the latency of leucine effect under such conditions? The present article discusses these questions based on data from the literature and experiments performed by our group. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.FAPESPFAPESP [10/52561-8