Role of serum amyloid A (SAA) on proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes 3T3-L1

Considerando que a SAA é uma proteína de fase aguda e que uma concentração elevada desta proteína é observada em pacientes obesos e com resistência à insulina, estimulou-se pré-adipócitos murinos 3T3-L1 a baixas concentrações de rSAA durante o processo de proliferação e diferenciação. Ensaios de incorporação de [metil-3H]-timidina, ciclo e viabilidade celular por citometria de fluxo foram realizados, assim como genes adipogênicos foram determinados durante a fase de diferenciação. Ainda, investigou-se a participação da rSAA metabolismo da glicose, bem como a expressão do seu receptor GLUT4 e os perfis de lipólise. Como resultados, obteve-se que a rSAA causou um aumento na proliferação celular assim como na porcentagem de células na fase S. Este efeito foi dose dependente e mediado via sinalização da ERK1/2. Ainda, rSAA inibiu a diferenciação por meio da diminuição da expressão de fatores transcrição (PPARγ, C/EBPβ e C/EBPα) e proteínas adipogênicas (FABP4 e perilipina). Em relação à captação de 2-desoxi-[1,2-3H]-D-glicose, a rSAA preveniu este processo, corroborando com os resultados de expressão diminuída receptor GLUT4. Ainda, o aumento da lipólise provocada pela rSAA, favorece resistência à insulina no modelo estudado. Portanto, conclui-se que a SAA aumenta a proliferação mas inibe a diferenciação de células 3T3-L1 sugerindo papel importante desta proteína no processo de adipogênese.Considering that SAA is an acute phase protein and increased serum levels are associated with chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and obesity, we first examined the possibility that rSAA could affect proliferation and differentiation 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with recombinant human SAA and [methyl-3H]-thymidine incorporation, flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle and viability were performed. Also, gene expression profiles of adipogenic factor were performed during differentiation protocol as well as glucose uptake, GLUT4 gene expression and lipolysis assay. rSAA caused an increment in cell proliferation consisted with FACS analysis with a percentage of cells in the S phase. Cell proliferation was mediated by ERK1/2 signaling pathway and in dose-dependent manner. Also, SAA inhibited differentiation process by decreasing adipogenic genes PPARγ, C/EBPβ, C/EBPα, and proteins FABP4, and perilipin expression. Also, rSAA prevented 2-deoxy-[1,2-3H]-glucose uptake and GLUT4 expression. In addiction, lipolysis was increased favoring insulin resistance in 3T3L1 adipogenic model. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that rSAA enhances proliferation but prevents differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, supporting a even more complex participation, than previously expected, of inflammatory proteins the adipogenic process

Role of serum amyloid A (SAA) on proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes 3T3-L1

Considerando que a SAA é uma proteína de fase aguda e que uma concentração elevada desta proteína é observada em pacientes obesos e com resistência à insulina, estimulou-se pré-adipócitos murinos 3T3-L1 a baixas concentrações de rSAA durante o processo de proliferação e diferenciação. Ensaios de incorporação de [metil-3H]-timidina, ciclo e viabilidade celular por citometria de fluxo foram realizados, assim como genes adipogênicos foram determinados durante a fase de diferenciação. Ainda, investigou-se a participação da rSAA metabolismo da glicose, bem como a expressão do seu receptor GLUT4 e os perfis de lipólise. Como resultados, obteve-se que a rSAA causou um aumento na proliferação celular assim como na porcentagem de células na fase S. Este efeito foi dose dependente e mediado via sinalização da ERK1/2. Ainda, rSAA inibiu a diferenciação por meio da diminuição da expressão de fatores transcrição (PPARγ, C/EBPβ e C/EBPα) e proteínas adipogênicas (FABP4 e perilipina). Em relação à captação de 2-desoxi-[1,2-3H]-D-glicose, a rSAA preveniu este processo, corroborando com os resultados de expressão diminuída receptor GLUT4. Ainda, o aumento da lipólise provocada pela rSAA, favorece resistência à insulina no modelo estudado. Portanto, conclui-se que a SAA aumenta a proliferação mas inibe a diferenciação de células 3T3-L1 sugerindo papel importante desta proteína no processo de adipogênese.Considering that SAA is an acute phase protein and increased serum levels are associated with chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and obesity, we first examined the possibility that rSAA could affect proliferation and differentiation 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with recombinant human SAA and [methyl-3H]-thymidine incorporation, flow cytometric analysis of cell cycle and viability were performed. Also, gene expression profiles of adipogenic factor were performed during differentiation protocol as well as glucose uptake, GLUT4 gene expression and lipolysis assay. rSAA caused an increment in cell proliferation consisted with FACS analysis with a percentage of cells in the S phase. Cell proliferation was mediated by ERK1/2 signaling pathway and in dose-dependent manner. Also, SAA inhibited differentiation process by decreasing adipogenic genes PPARγ, C/EBPβ, C/EBPα, and proteins FABP4, and perilipin expression. Also, rSAA prevented 2-deoxy-[1,2-3H]-glucose uptake and GLUT4 expression. In addiction, lipolysis was increased favoring insulin resistance in 3T3L1 adipogenic model. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that rSAA enhances proliferation but prevents differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, supporting a even more complex participation, than previously expected, of inflammatory proteins the adipogenic process

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA) in patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery: 12-month follow-up.

Severe obesity is linked to a low-grade inflammatory process due to enlarged adipose tissue, resulting in elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Bariatric surgery induces anatomical changes, causing intestinal inflammation marked by anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA) antibodies. This study aimed to assess ASCA IgG/IgA levels preoperatively and 12 months post-surgery, correlating them with systemic inflammation markers (IL-6, CRP, MCP-1). Participants (BMI > 35 kg/m2) were recruited in South Brazil. Severe obesity individuals showed elevated IL-6 (p = 0.002), CRP (p<0.0001), and MCP-1 (p<0.0001) compared to lean controls. ASCA IgA was significantly higher in severe obesity (p = 0.0019). Post-surgery, ASCA IgG/IgA significantly decreased (p = 0.0046 and p<0.0001), along with IL-6, MCP-1, and CRP, confirming weight loss and reduced inflammation. Hypertrophic adipose tissue, producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, associates with increased intestinal inflammation. Bariatric surgery-induced anatomical changes contribute to long-term weight loss and reduced systemic and intestinal inflammation

Lycium barbarum Reduces Abdominal Fat and Improves Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Status in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Natural antioxidants present in fruits have attracted considerable interest due to their presumed safety and potential nutritional value. Even though antioxidant activities of many fruits have been reported, the effects of phytochemicals of goji berry (GB) in patients with metabolic syndrome have not been investigated. In this study, we examined anthropometric and biochemical parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome after the consumption of GB. The patients were divided into two groups, control (C) and supplemented (S), and followed up for 45 days. Participants were individually instructed to carry out a healthy diet, but additionally, an inclusion of 14 g of the natural form of goji berry in the diet during 45 days for the S group was proposed. After 45 days of study, a significant reduction in transaminases as well as an improvement in lipid profile in the S group was observed. Likewise, a significant reduction in the waist circumference of the S group was observed when compared with that of the C group, and increased glutathione and catalase levels associated with a reduction of lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that this is an effective dietary supplement for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with metabolic syndrome

In Vitro Stability of the Biological Activity of Voriconazole against <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i>

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare cornea disease caused by species of the Acanthamoeba genus. The antifungal voriconazole blocks the ergosterol synthesis in the protozoan membrane and is active against the cysts and trophozoites of Acanthamoeba spp. Due to the low stability of voriconazole, its options for eye drops are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the stability of the biological activity of voriconazole against two strains of Acanthamoeba castellanii and one clinical isolate from a patient with AK. To evaluate the stability of the biological activity of voriconazole, strains of A. castellanii (ATCC 50492) were exposed to different periods and voriconazole concentrations stored at 4 °C for 7, 15, and 30 days. The cytotoxicity assays were performed using SIRC (ATCC CCL-60™) cell line. The results indicated the amoebicidal effect of voriconazole against Acanthamoeba spp. within 24 h and 48 h of exposure, and the voriconazole solution was stable and retained antiamoebic activity when stored at 4 °C for up to 30 days. In the cytotoxicity test, the result demonstrated low cytotoxicity of the drug to the corneal rabbit cell line. However, there is a need to carry out further synergistic effects with other antiamoebic drugs and then in vivo experiments in the AK animal model

Serum from morbidly obese patients affects melanoma cell behavior in vitro

Here we examined whether serum from obese patients could create a growth-enhancing microenvironment that alters gene expression in&nbsp;BRAF- and&nbsp;NRAS-mutated melanoma cell lines. SK-Mel-28 (BRAF-mutated) and Sk-Mel-147 (NRAS-mutated) cells were treated with pooled serum from 10 severely obese patients (BMI &gt; 40 kg/m2), pooled serum from 6 healthy lean individuals (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), or recombinant TNF-α. We found that obese patient serum enhanced migration capacity and increased&nbsp;NRAS&nbsp;expression levels in both&nbsp;BRAF- and&nbsp;NRAS-mutated melanoma cells. Although TNF-α is the major obesity-related cytokine and TNF-α levels were found to be increased in the serum of obese individuals, this cytokine made only a modest contribution to the migration capacity of melanoma cells. These results indicate that other components present in the serum of severely obese patients may be responsible for enhancing the migration capacity of melanoma cells. As TNF-α alone did not seem to significantly affect tumor cell behavior, anti-tumor strategies aimed at blocking TNF-α should be considered with caution in future studies, particularly when&nbsp;in vitro&nbsp;models are used as screening platforms for antitumor activity

Drug binding and drug-drug interaction considerations in individuals with obesity before and after bariatric surgery: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Obesity impacts pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, changing the drug-binding state via plasma proteins, which is critical for drug effectiveness and toxicity. Albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) are the two main proteins accountable for drug binding in humans. Previous studies have shown higher values of AAG in individuals with obesity, but the interference of AAG in the pharmacokinetics of drugs remains unclear. We, therefore, aimed to analyze the pharmacotherapeutic profile and interfering factors in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in the pre-operative period and after 12 months. A retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted and serum AAG was determined, and potential drug-drug interactions were monitored in patients with severe obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. The drug classes most used were antidepressants, cardiovascular agents, and lipid-modifying agents, with a decrease in use after 12 months of surgery. Before surgery, it was found that more than half of the patients had at least one drug interaction in their therapeutic regimen. Of these, most were classified as moderate. After surgery, a decrease in drug interaction was observed. Serum AAG showed a significant reduction after 12 months, which can influence the free fraction of drugs with a high-affinity rate and how they impact therapeutic efficacy

Influence of Surfactant and Lipid Type on the Physicochemical Properties and Biocompatibility of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Nine types of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations were produced using tripalmitin (TPM), glyceryl monostearate (GM) or stearic acid (SA), stabilized with lecithin S75 and polysorbate 80. Formulations were prepared presenting PI values within 0.25 to 0.30, and the physicochemical properties, stability upon storage and biocompatibility were evaluated. The average particle size ranged from 116 to 306 nm, with a negative surface charge around −11 mV. SLN presented good stability up to 60 days. The SLN manufactured using SA could not be measured by DLS due to the reflective feature of this formulation. However, TEM images revealed that SA nanoparticles presented square/rod shapes with an approximate size of 100 nm. Regarding biocompatibility aspects, SA nanoparticles showed toxicity in fibroblasts, causing cell death, and produced high hemolytic rates, indicating toxicity to red blood cells. This finding might be related to lipid type, as well as, the shape of the nanoparticles. No morphological alterations and hemolytic effects were observed in cells incubated with SLN containing TPM and GM. The SLN containing TPM and GM showed long-term stability, suggesting good shelf-life. The results indicate high toxicity of SLN prepared with SA, and strongly suggest that the components of the formulation should be analyzed in combination rather than separately to avoid misinterpretation of the results

Influence of Surfactant and Lipid Type on the Physicochemical Properties and Biocompatibility of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Nine types of solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulations were produced using tripalmitin (TPM), glyceryl monostearate (GM) or stearic acid (SA), stabilized with lecithin S75 and polysorbate 80. Formulations were prepared presenting PI values within 0.25 to 0.30, and the physicochemical properties, stability upon storage and biocompatibility were evaluated. The average particle size ranged from 116 to 306 nm, with a negative surface charge around −11 mV. SLN presented good stability up to 60 days. The SLN manufactured using SA could not be measured by DLS due to the reflective feature of this formulation. However, TEM images revealed that SA nanoparticles presented square/rod shapes with an approximate size of 100 nm. Regarding biocompatibility aspects, SA nanoparticles showed toxicity in fibroblasts, causing cell death, and produced high hemolytic rates, indicating toxicity to red blood cells. This finding might be related to lipid type, as well as, the shape of the nanoparticles. No morphological alterations and hemolytic effects were observed in cells incubated with SLN containing TPM and GM. The SLN containing TPM and GM showed long-term stability, suggesting good shelf-life. The results indicate high toxicity of SLN prepared with SA, and strongly suggest that the components of the formulation should be analyzed in combination rather than separately to avoid misinterpretation of the results