Effect of adiponectin on cardiac β-catenin signaling pathway under angiotensin II infusion

The role of adiponectin in cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common disease that seriously threatens the health of human beings, especially middle-aged and elderly people over 50 years old. It has the characteristics of high prevalence, high disability rate and high mortality rate. Previous studies have shown that adiponectin has therapeutic effects on a variety of CVDs. As a key adipokine, adiponectin, is an abundant peptide-regulated hormone that is mainly released by adipocytes and cardiomyocytes, as well as endothelial and skeletal cells. Adiponectin can protect against CVD by improving lipid metabolism, protecting vascular endothelial cells and inhibiting foam cell formation and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Further investigation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the adiponectin system may provide new ideas for the treatment of CVD. Herein, this review aims to describe the structure and function of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors, introduce the function of adiponectin in the protection of cardiovascular disease and analyze the potential use and clinical significance of this hormone in the protection and treatment of cardiovascular disease, which shows that adiponectin can be expected to become a new therapeutic target and biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of CVD.

Suppression of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced IL-1β Gene Expression by High-Molecular-Weight Adiponectin in RAW264.7 Macrophages

Adiponectin is an abundant adipocytokine secreted by adipocytes. It exists in the plasma in its trimeric, hexameric, high-molecular-weight (HMW), and globular (a proteolytic product) isoforms. Adiponectin's anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages remain controversial. We have previously reported a simple and effective method for purifying native HMW adiponectin from human plasma. Here, we investigated whether native HMW adiponectin from human plasma has anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages. Pretreatment with human native HMW adiponectin inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene expression, but not tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression. However, simultaneous treatment with HMW adiponectin and LPS did not inhibit IL-1β expression. Further, HMW adiponectin pretreatment decreases glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inactivation by abrogating LPS-induced Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation, which subsequently suppresses LPS-induced CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) protein translation and nuclear translocation. However, HMW adiponectin pretreatment did not affect LPS-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation. These results suggest that HMW adiponectin mediates potent anti-inflammatory activities in macrophages by inhibiting its Akt-C/EBPβ signaling pathway, thereby suppressing IL-1β gene expression.

Role of Adiponectin in Cardiovascular Diseases Related to Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders

Lifestyle changes have led to increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD); therefore, potential targets against CVD should be explored to mitigate its risks. Adiponectin (APN), an adipokine secreted by adipose tissue, has numerous beneficial effects against CVD related to glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, including regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity, reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, protection of myocardial cells, and improvement in endothelial cell function. These effects demonstrate the anti-atherosclerotic and antihypertensive properties of APN, which could aid in improving myocardial hypertrophy, and reducing myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury and myocardial infarction. APN can also be used for diagnosing and predicting heart failure. This review summarizes and discusses the role of APN in the treatment of CVD related to glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, and explores future APN research directions and clinical application prospects. Future studies should elucidate the signaling pathway network of APN cardiovascular protective effects, which will facilitate clinical trials targeting APN for CVD treatment in a clinical setting.

The adiponectin signalling pathway - A therapeutic target for the cardiac complications of type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF). This is commonly termed diabetic cardiomyopathy and is often characterised by increased cardiac fibrosis, pathological hypertrophy, increased oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as diastolic dysfunction. Adiponectin is a cardioprotective adipokine that is downregulated in settings of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Furthermore, both adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and R2) are also downregulated in these settings which further results in impaired cardiac adiponectin signalling and reduced cardioprotection. In many cardiac pathologies, adiponectin signalling has been shown to protect against cardiac remodelling and lipotoxicity, however its cardioprotective actions in T2D-induced cardiomyopathy remain unresolved. Diabetic cardiomyopathy has historically lacked effective treatment options. In this review, we summarise the current evidence for links between the suppressed adiponectin signalling pathway and cardiac dysfunction, in diabetes. We describe adiponectin receptor-mediated signalling pathways that are normally associated with cardioprotection, as well as current and potential future therapeutic approaches that could target this pathway as possible interventions for diabetic cardiomyopathy.

The adiponectin agonist, AdipoRon, inhibits steroidogenesis and cell proliferation in human luteinized granulosa cells

During obesity, excess body weight is not only associated with an increased risk of type 2-diabetes, but also several other pathological processes, such as infertility. Adipose tissue is the largest endocrine organ of the body that produces adipokines, including adiponectin. Adiponectin has been reported to control fertility through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and folliculogenesis in the ovaries. In this study, we focused on a recent adiponectin-like synthetic agonist called AdipoRon, and its action in human luteinized granulosa cells. We demonstrated that AdipoRon activated the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR) signalling pathways in human luteinized granulosa cells. A 25 μM AdipoRon stimulation reduced granulosa cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in G₁, associated with PTEN and p53 pathway activation. In addition, AdipoRon perturbed cell metabolism by decreasing mitochondrial activity and ATP production. In human luteinized granulosa cells, AdipoRon increased phosphodiesterase activity, leading to a drop in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, aromatase expression and oestrogens secretion. In conclusion, AdipoRon impacted folliculogenesis by altering human luteinized granulosa cell function, via steroid production and cell proliferation. This agonist may have applications for improving ovarian function in metabolic disorders or granulosa cancers.

The endocrinological component and signaling pathways associated to cardiac hypertrophy

Although myocardial growth corresponds to an adaptive response to maintain cardiac contractile function, the cardiac hypertrophy is a condition that occurs in many cardiovascular diseases and typically precedes the onset of heart failure. Different endocrine factors such as thyroid hormones, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), angiotensin II (Ang II), endothelin (ET-1), catecholamines, estrogen, among others represent important stimuli to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Thus, numerous endocrine disorders manifested as changes in the local environment or multiple organ systems are especially important in the context of progression from cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure. Based on that information, this review summarizes experimental findings regarding the influence of such hormones upon signalling pathways associated with cardiac hypertrophy. Understanding mechanisms through which hormones differentially regulate cardiac hypertrophy could open ways to obtain therapeutic approaches that contribute to prevent or delay the onset of heart failure related to endocrine diseases.

Adiponectin promotes muscle regeneration through binding to T-cadherin

Skeletal muscle has remarkable regenerative potential and its decline with aging is suggested to be one of the important causes of loss of muscle mass and quality of life in elderly adults. Metabolic abnormalities such as obesity were linked with decline of muscle regeneration. On the other hand, plasma levels of adiponectin are decreased in such metabolic conditions. However, plasma levels of adiponectin have been shown to inversely correlate with muscle mass and strength in elderly people especially with chronic heart failure (CHF). Here we have addressed whether adiponectin has some impact on muscle regeneration after cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury in mice. Muscle regeneration was delayed by angiotensin II infusion, mimicking aging and CHF as reported. Adiponectin overexpression in vivo decreased necrotic region and increased regenerating myofibers. Such enhanced regeneration by excess adiponectin was also observed in adiponectin null mice, but not in T-cadherin null mice. Mechanistically, adiponectin accumulated on plasma membrane of myofibers both in mice and human, and intracellularly colocalized with endosomes positive for a multivesicular bodies/exosomes marker CD63 in regenerating myofibers. Purified high-molecular multimeric adiponectin similarly accumulated intracellularly and colocalized with CD63-positive endosomes and enhanced exosome secretion in differentiating C2C12 myotubes but not in undifferentiated myoblasts. Knockdown of T-cadherin in differentiating C2C12 myotubes attenuated both adiponectin-accumulation and adiponectin-mediated exosome production. Collectively, our studies have firstly demonstrated that adiponectin stimulates muscle regeneration through T-cadherin, where intracellular accumulation and exosome-mediated process of adiponectin may have some roles.

Tanshinone IIA Inhibits β-Catenin Nuclear Translocation and IGF-2R Activation via Estrogen Receptors to Suppress Angiotensin II-Induced H9c2 Cardiomyoblast Cell Apoptosis

Cardiomyopathy involves changes in the myocardial ultra-structure, hypertrophy, apoptosis, fibrosis and inflammation. Angiotensin II (AngII) stimulates the expression of insulin like-growth factors (IGF-2) and IGF-2 receptor (IGF-2R) in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and subsequently leads to apoptosis. Estrogen receptors protect cardiomyocytes from apoptosis and fibrosis. Tanshinone IIA (TSN), a main active ingredient from Danshen, has been shown to protect cardiomyocytes from death caused by different stress signals. Estrogen receptor α (ER) is required for the rapid activation of the IGF-1R signaling cascade. This study aimed to investigate whether TSN protected H9c2 cardiomyocytes from AngII-induced activation of IGF-2R pathway and hypertrophy via ERs. We found that AngII caused the reduction in IGF-1R phosphorylation and the elevation of β-catenin and IGF-2R levels. This was reversed by increasing doses of TSN and of caspase-3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation mediated by ERs. The phytoestrogen significantly attenuated AngII-induced apoptosis and suppressed the subsequent cardiac remodeling effect. Therefore, TSN reduced the AngII-induced activation of β-catenin and IGF-2R pathways, apoptosis and cardiac remodeling via ERs in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts.

Klotho inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through suppression of the AT1R/beta catenin pathway

Myocardial hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality. The antiaging protein klotho reportedly possesses a protective role in cardiac diseases. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of klotho remain unknown. This study was aimed to determine the effects of klotho on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and the possible mechanism of actions. We found that klotho significantly inhibited Ang II-induced hypertrophic growth of neonatal cardiomyocytes, as evidenced by decreased [(3)H]-Leucine incorporation, cardiomyocyte surface area and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) mRNA expression. Meanwhile, klotho inhibited Ang II-stimulated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cardiomyocytes, as evidenced by decreased protein expression of active β-catenin, downregulated protein and mRNA expression of the β-catenin target genes c-myc and cyclin D1, and increased β-catenin phosphorylation. Inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by the specific inhibitor XAV939 markedly attenuated Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The further study revealed that klotho treatment significantly downregulated protein expression of Ang II receptor type I (AT1R) but not type II (AT2R). The AT1R antagonist losartan inhibited Ang II-stimulated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Our findings suggest that klotho inhibits Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through suppression of the AT1R/β-catenin signaling pathway, which may provide new insights into the mechanism underlying the protective effects of klotho in heart diseases, and raise the possibility that klotho may act as an endogenous antihypertrophic factor by inhibiting the Ang II signaling pathway.

Acetyl salicylic acid attenuates cardiac hypertrophy through Wnt signaling

Ventricular hypertrophy is a powerful and independent predictor of cardiovascular morbid events. The vascular properties of low-dose acetyl salicylic acid (aspirin) provide cardiovascular benefits through the irreversible inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase 1; however, the possible anti-hypertrophic properties and potential mechanism of aspirin have not been investigated in detail. In this study, healthy wild-type male mice were randomly divided into three groups and subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham operation. The TAC-operated mice were treated with the human equivalent of low-dose aspirin (10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)); the remaining mice received an equal amount of phosphate buffered saline with 0.65% ethanol, which was used as a vehicle. A cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model induced by angiotensin II (10 nmol·L(-1)) was treated with the human equivalent of low (10 or 100 μmol·L(-1)) and high (1000 μmol·L(-1)) aspirin concentrations in plasma. Changes in the cardiac structure and function were assessed through echocardiography and transmission electron microscopy. Gene expression was determined through RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Results indicated that aspirin treatment abrogated the increased thickness of the left ventricular anterior and posterior walls, the swelling of mitochondria, and the increased surface area in in vivo and in vitro hypertrophy models. Aspirin also normalized the upregulated hypertrophic biomarkers, β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Aspirin efficiently reversed the upregulation of β-catenin and P-Akt expression and the TAC- or ANG II-induced downregulation of GSK-3β. Therefore, low-dose aspirin possesses significant anti-hypertrophic properties at clinically relevant concentrations for anti-thrombotic therapy. The downregulation of β-catenin and Akt may be the underlying signaling mechanism of the effects of aspirin.

Adiponectin as a link between type 2 diabetes and vascular NADPH oxidase activity in the human arterial wall: the regulatory role of perivascular adipose tissue

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the vascular complications of type 2 diabetes. We examined the effect of type 2 diabetes on NADPH oxidase in human vessels and explored the mechanisms of this interaction. Segments of internal mammary arteries (IMAs) with their perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and thoracic adipose tissue were obtained from 386 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery (127 with type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes was strongly correlated with hypoadiponectinemia and increased vascular NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide anions (O2˙(-)). The genetic variability of the ADIPOQ gene and circulating adiponectin (but not interleukin-6) were independent predictors of NADPH oxidase-derived O2˙(-). However, adiponectin expression in PVAT was positively correlated with vascular NADPH oxidase-derived O2˙(-). Recombinant adiponectin directly inhibited NADPH oxidase in human arteries ex vivo by preventing the activation/membrane translocation of Rac1 and downregulating p22(phox) through a phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt-mediated mechanism. In ex vivo coincubation models of IMA/PVAT, the activation of arterial NADPH oxidase triggered a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-mediated upregulation of the adiponectin gene in the neighboring PVAT via the release of vascular oxidation products. We demonstrate for the first time in humans that reduced adiponectin levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes stimulates vascular NADPH oxidase, while PVAT "senses" the increased NADPH oxidase activity in the underlying vessel and responds by upregulating adiponectin gene expression. This PVAT-vessel interaction is identified as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of vascular complications of type 2 diabetes.

Angiotensin II blockade: how its molecular targets may signal to mitochondria and slow aging. Coincidences with calorie restriction and mTOR inhibition

Caloric restriction (CR), renin angiotensin system blockade (RAS-bl), and rapamycin-mediated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition increase survival and retard aging across species. Previously, we have summarized CR and RAS-bl's converging effects, and the mitochondrial function changes associated with their physiological benefits. mTOR inhibition and enhanced sirtuin and KLOTHO signaling contribute to the benefits of CR in aging. mTORC1/mTORC2 complexes contribute to cell growth and metabolic regulation. Prolonged mTORC1 activation may lead to age-related disease progression; thus, rapamycin-mediated mTOR inhibition and CR may extend lifespan and retard aging through mTORC1 interference. Sirtuins by deacetylating histone and transcription-related proteins modulate signaling and survival pathways and mitochondrial functioning. CR regulates several mammalian sirtuins favoring their role in aging regulation. KLOTHO/fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) contribute to control Ca(2+), phosphate, and vitamin D metabolism, and their dysregulation may participate in age-related disease. Here we review how mTOR inhibition extends lifespan, how KLOTHO functions as an aging suppressor, how sirtuins mediate longevity, how vitamin D loss may contribute to age-related disease, and how they relate to mitochondrial function. Also, we discuss how RAS-bl downregulates mTOR and upregulates KLOTHO, sirtuin, and vitamin D receptor expression, suggesting that at least some of RAS-bl benefits in aging are mediated through the modulation of mTOR, KLOTHO, and sirtuin expression and vitamin D signaling, paralleling CR actions in age retardation. Concluding, the available evidence endorses the idea that RAS-bl is among the interventions that may turn out to provide relief to the spreading issue of age-associated chronic disease.