Dysfunction of human subcutaneous fat arterioles in obesity alone or obesity associated with Type 2 diabetes

Caralluma fimbriata Extract Improves Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) by impairing normal vascular function. Natural products are gaining momentum in the clinical setting due to their high efficacy and low toxicity. Caralluma fimbriata extract (CFE) has been shown to control appetite and promote weight loss; however, its effect on vascular function remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the effect that CFE had on weight loss and vascular function in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity, comparing this effect to that of lorcaserin (LOR) (an anti-obesity pharmaceutical) treatment.

METHODS

C57BL/6J male mice (n = 80) were fed a 16-week HFD to induce obesity prior to being treated with CFE and LOR as standalone treatments or in conjunction. Body composition data, such as weight gain and fat mass content were measured, isometric tension analyses were performed on isolated abdominal aortic rings to determine relaxation responses to acetylcholine, and immunohistochemistry studies were utilized to determine the expression profiles on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cell stress markers (nitrotyrosine (NT) and 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78)) in the endothelial, medial and adventitial layers of aortic rings.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that CFE and CFE + LOR treatments significantly reduced weight gain (17%; 24%) and fat mass deposition (14%; 16%). A HFD markedly reduced acetylcholine-mediated relaxation (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001) and eNOS expression (p < 0.0001, p < 0.01) and significantly increased NT (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001) and GRP78 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Obese mice treated with CFE exhibited significantly improved ACh-induced relaxation responses, increased eNOS (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and reduced NT (p < 0.01) and GRP78 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, CFE alone or in combination with LOR could serve as an alternative strategy for preventing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases.

Adipose organ dysfunction and type 2 diabetes: Role of nitric oxide

Adipose organ, historically known as specialized lipid-handling tissue serving as the long-term fat depot, is now appreciated as the largest endocrine organ composed of two main compartments, i.e., subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (AT), madding up white and beige/brown adipocytes. Adipose organ dysfunction manifested as maldistribution of the compartments, hypertrophic, hypoxic, inflamed, and insulin-resistant AT, contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we highlight the role of nitric oxide (NO·) in AT (dys)function in relation to developing T2D. The key aspects determining lipid and glucose homeostasis in AT depend on the physiological levels of the NO· produced via endothelial NO· synthases (eNOS). In addition to decreased NO· bioavailability (via decreased expression/activity of eNOS or scavenging NO·), excessive NO· produced by inducible NOS (iNOS) in response to hypoxia and AT inflammation may be a critical interfering factor diverting NO· signaling to the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, resulting in AT and whole-body metabolic dysfunction. Pharmacological approaches boosting AT-NO· availability at physiological levels (by increasing NO· production and its stability), as well as suppression of iNOS-NO· synthesis, are potential candidates for developing NO·-based therapeutics in T2D.

Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Improves Acetylcholine-Mediated Relaxation in the Aorta of Type-2 Diabetic Rats

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress contributes to insulin resistance and macro- and microvascular complications associated with diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ER stress inhibition on endothelial function in the aorta of type-2 diabetic rats. Type-2 diabetes was developed in male Sprague-Dawley rats using a high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin. Rat aortic tissues were harvested to study endothelial-dependent relaxation. The mechanisms for acetylcholine-mediated relaxation were investigated using pharmacological blockers, Western blotting, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. Acetylcholine-mediated relaxation was diminished in the aorta of diabetic rats compared to control rats; supplementation with TUDCA improved relaxation. In the aortas of control and diabetic rats receiving TUDCA, the relaxation was mediated via eNOS/PI3K/Akt, NAD(P)H, and the KATP channel. In diabetic rats, acetylcholine-mediated relaxation involved eNOS/PI3K/Akt and NAD(P)H, but not the KATP channel. The expression of ER stress markers was upregulated in the aorta of diabetic rats and reduced with TUDCA supplementation. The expression of eNOS and Akt were lower in diabetic rats but were upregulated after supplementation with TUDCA. The levels of MDA, IL-6, and SOD activity were higher in the aorta of the diabetic rats compared to control rats. This study demonstrated that endothelial function was impaired in diabetes, however, supplementation with TUDCA improved the function via eNOS/Akt/PI3K, NAD(P)H, and the KATP channel. The improvement of endothelial function was associated with increased expressions of eNOS and Akt. Thus, ER stress plays a crucial role in the impairment of endothelial-dependent relaxation. Mitigating ER stress could be a potential strategy for improving endothelial dysfunction in type-2 diabetes.

Paracrine Regulation of Adipose Tissue Macrophages by Their Neighbors in the Microenvironment of Obese Adipose Tissue

Obesity has recently been defined as a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease. Obesity-induced inflammation of adipose tissue (AT) is an essential trigger for insulin resistance (IR) and related metabolic diseases. Although the underlying molecular basis of this inflammation has not been fully identified, there is consensus that the recruited and activated macrophages in AT are the most important culprits of AT chronic inflammation. Adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) are highly plastic and could be polarized from an anti-inflammatory M2 to proinflammatory M1 phenotypes on stimulation by microenvironmental signals from obese AT. Many efforts have been made to elucidate the molecular signaling pathways of macrophage polarization; however, the upstream drivers governing and activating macrophage polarization have rarely been summarized, particularly regulatory messages from the AT microenvironment. In addition to adipocytes, the AT bed also contains a variety of immune cells, stem cells, as well as vascular, neural, and lymphatic tissues throughout, which together orchestrate the AT microenvironment. Here, we summarize how the aforesaid neighbors of ATMs in the AT microenvironment send messages to ATMs and thus regulate its phenotype during obesity. Deciphering the biology and polarization of ATMs in the obese environment is expected to provide a precise immunotherapy for adipose inflammation and obesity-related metabolic diseases.

Effects of regular physical exercise on skin blood flow and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese subjects

Objective: it is well known that low omentin levels and reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) are outgrowth of obesity. Besides, in obese subjects, microvascular dysfunction can be an initial stage of cardiovascular diseases. This situation can be evaluated with skin laser–Doppler flowmetry (LDF).Methods: in this study we investigated the effects of 12 weeks moderate physical exercise on microvascular reactivity and plasma levels of omentin and NO in 25 overweight and obese subjects. Control group was composed of 28 sedentary participants who were neither obese nor overweight. Microvascular reactivity was handled by measurement of skin blood flow from the ring finger of the right hand with LDF, which is a non–invasive method for evaluation. With this method, it was aimed to examine the post–occlusive reactive hyperemia response of the patients. None of the participants in both groups have never followed a regular exercise schedule in their life span.Results: with regular exercise, there was a statistically significant decrease in glucose (p=0.008), cholesterol (p=0.05), and triglyceride (p=0.048) levels, while body mass index, high–density lipoprotein, and low–density lipoprotein levels did not change significantly in overweight/obese group. Also, the omentin level significantly increased (p=0.01), but NO level did not change significantly. Moreover, the amount of change in omentin and NO levels measured before and after the physical exercise were significantly correlated (r=0.57). Considering the microcirculation, rest flow (p=0.001) and peak flow value of LDF (p=0.001) increased after the physical exercise.Conclusion: our study shows that moderate physical exercise affects microvascular reactivity and plasma levels of omentin in overweight and obese subjects.

The multifaceted roles of the adipose tissue vasculature

The prevalence of obesity and its associated pathologies continue to increase, which has led to a renewed interest in our major weight-regulating organ, the white adipose tissue. It has become clear that its development, expansion, and physiological function depend on proper crosstalk between each of its cellular constituents, with a central role for the vascular endothelium lining the blood vessels. Although first considered a mere barrier, the endothelium has emerged as a dynamic unit modulating many critical adipose tissue functions. It not only oversees the uptake of all nutrients to be stored in the adipocytes but also provides an important growth niche for adipocyte progenitors and regulates the expandability of the tissue during overfeeding and obesity. In this review, we describe the reciprocal relationship between endothelial cells, adipocytes, and obesity. We present recent studies that support an important role for endothelial cells as central mediators of many of the physiological and pathological functions of the adipose tissue and highlight several unknown aspects of adipose tissue vascular biology. This new perspective could present exciting opportunities to develop new therapeutic approaches against obesity-related pathologies and is thus of great interest in our increasingly obese society.

C21 preserves endothelial function in the thoracic aorta from DIO mice: role for AT2, Mas and B2 receptors

Compound 21 (C21), a selective agonist of angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R), induces vasodilation through NO release. Since AT2R seems to be overexpressed in obesity, we hypothesize that C21 prevents the development of obesity-related vascular alterations. The main goal of the present study was to assess the effect of C21 on thoracic aorta endothelial function in a model of diet-induced obesity (DIO) and to elucidate the potential cross-talk among AT2R, Mas receptor (MasR) and/or bradykinin type 2 receptor (B2R) in this response. Five-week-old male C57BL6J mice were fed a standard (CHOW) or a high-fat diet (HF) for 6 weeks and treated daily with C21 (1 mg/kg p.o) or vehicle, generating four groups: CHOW-C, CHOW-C21, HF-C, HF-C21. Vascular reactivity experiments were performed in thoracic aorta rings. Human endothelial cells (HECs; EA.hy926) were used to elucidate the signaling pathways, both at receptor and intracellular levels. Arteries from HF mice exhibited increased contractions to Ang II than CHOW mice, effect that was prevented by C21. PD123177, A779 and HOE-140 (AT2R, Mas and B2R antagonists) significantly enhanced Ang II-induced contractions in CHOW but not in HF-C rings, suggesting a lack of functionality of those receptors in obesity. C21 prevented those alterations and favored the formation of AT2R/MasR and MasR/B2R heterodimers. HF mice also exhibited impaired relaxations to acetylcholine (ACh) due to a reduced NO availability. C21 preserved NO release through PKA/p-eNOS and AKT/p-eNOS signaling pathways. In conclusion, C21 favors the interaction among AT2R, MasR and B2R and prevents the development of obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction by stimulating NO release through PKA/p-eNOS and AKT/p-eNOS signaling pathways.

Fat, Obesity, and the Endothelium

Endothelial cells line all blood vessels in vertebrates. These cells contribute to whole-body nutrient distribution in a variety of ways, including regulation of local blood flow, regulation of trans-endothelial nutrient transport, and paracrine effects. Obesity elicits dramatic whole-body nutrient redistribution, in particular of fat. We briefly review here recent progress on understanding endothelial fat transport; the impact of obesity on the endothelium; and, conversely, how endothelial function can modulate obesity.

Regulation of carbohydrate metabolism by nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide: Implications in diabetes

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) are two gasotransmitters that are produced in the human body and have a key role in many of the physiological activities of the various organ systems. Decreased NO bioavailability and deficiency of H₂S are involved in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Restoration of NO levels have favorable metabolic effects in diabetes. The role of H₂S in pathophysiology of diabetes is however controversial; H₂S production is decreased during development of obesity, diabetes, and its complications, suggesting the potential therapeutic effects of H₂S. On the other hand, increased H₂S levels disturb the pancreatic β-cell function and decrease insulin secretion. In addition, there appear to be important interactions between NO and H₂S at the levels of both biosynthesis and signaling pathways, yet clear an insight into this relationship is lacking. H₂S potentiates the effects of NO in the cardiovascular system as well as NO release from its storage pools. Likewise, NO increases the activity and the expression of H₂S-generating enzymes. Inhibition of NO production leads to elimination/attenuation of the cardioprotective effects of H₂S. Regarding the increasing interest in the therapeutic applications of NO or H₂S-releasing molecules in a variety of diseases, particularly in the cardiovascular disorders, much is to be learned about their function in glucose/insulin metabolism, especially in diabetes. The aim of this review is to provide a better understanding of the individual and the interactive roles of NO and H₂S in carbohydrate metabolism.

miR-20b, miR-296, and Let-7f Expression in Human Adipose Tissue is Related to Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the potential association of different microRNA (miRNA) molecules with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity and determine their target genes.

METHODS

Quantitative PCR was used to analyze the miR-20b, miR-296, and Let-7f levels in human visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues (ATs) in relation to obesity and T2D, miRTarBase 4.0 was used for validation of target genes, and the Protein Analysis Through Evolutionary Relationships (PANTHER) Classification System and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) were used to annotate the biological processes of the predicted targets.

RESULTS

In AT, miR-20b, miR-296, and Let-7f levels were significantly different between normoglycemic subjects and those with T2D. In visceral adipose tissue, miRNA levels were higher in normoglycemic/obesity samples than in T2D/obesity samples. miR-20b-miR-296 and Let-7f target genes that showed significant differences in both ATs in relation to obesity and T2D were CDKN1A, CX3CL1, HIF1A, PPP2R1B, STAT3, and VEGFA. These genes are known to be principally involved in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and WNT pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides experimental evidence of the possible correlation between AT miR-20b-miR-296-Let-7f with obesity and T2D, which might involve vascular endothelial growth factor and WNT-dependent pathways that are regulated by six different genes, suggesting a novel signaling pathway that could be important for understanding the mechanisms underlying the AT dysfunction associated with obesity and T2D.

Unacylated Ghrelin Improves Vascular Dysfunction and Attenuates Atherosclerosis during High-Fat Diet Consumption in Rodents

Unacylated ghrelin (UnGhr) exerts several beneficial actions on vascular function. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of UnGhr on high-fat induced endothelial dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms. Thoracic aortas from transgenic mice, which were overexpressing UnGhr and being control fed either a standard control diet (CD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks, were harvested and used for the assessment of vascular reactivity, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and activity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione levels, and aortic lipid accumulation by Oil Red O staining. Relaxations due to acetylcholine and to DEA-NONOate were reduced (p < 0.05) in the HFD control aortas compared to vessels from the CD animals. Overexpression of UnGhr prevented HFD-induced vascular dysfunction, while eNOS expression and activity were similar in all vessels. HFD-induced vascular oxidative stress was demonstrated by increased (p < 0.05) aortic TBARS and glutathione in wild type (Wt) mice; however, this was not seen in UnGhr mice. Moreover, increased (p < 0.05) HFD-induced lipid accumulation in vessels from Wt mice was prevented by UnGhr overexpression. In conclusion, chronic UnGhr overexpression results in improved vascular function and reduced plaque formation through decreased vascular oxidative stress, without affecting the eNOS pathway. This research may provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of UnGhr on the vascular dysfunction associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome.

Myogenic oxidative imbalance interferes with antral motility in obese subjects

BACKGROUND

Obesity is characterized by a systemic low-grade chronic inflammatory oxidative condition that affects vascular and cardiac smooth muscle relaxation. In human antrum, relaxation is mediated by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) through cAMP and cGMP signaling pathways. A genome-wide association study has demonstrated an association between VIP and obesity.

AIM

To evaluate smooth muscle activity in human obese antrum, both in in vitro preparations as well as in vivo.

METHODS

Antral muscle strips and cells were isolated from surgical gastric samples from obese and normal weight subjects. Muscle contraction and relaxation, myogenic oxidative stress and inflammatory status were analyzed in vitro. Distal antral motility was evaluated in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Obese antral muscle cells showed an oxidative-inflammatory imbalance with overexpression of NLRP3 inflammasome, increased IL-1β secretion and caspase1-activation, and reduced antioxidant capacity associated with a myogenic motor impairment of VIP-induced relaxation. The intracellular alterations were characterized by a decreased activation of the cAMP-signaling pathway and a decreased expression of eNOS. These in vitro alterations coincided with the hindering of antral motor activity observed in vivo. Apocynin treatment, counteracting oxidative stress, reverted alterations observed in obese antral muscle.

CONCLUSION

Antral myogenic activity of obese subjects can be impaired by alterations of signaling pathways induced by oxidative stress.

Resveratrol reduces the inflammatory response in adipose tissue and improves adipose insulin signaling in high-fat diet-fed mice

Background

Obesity-induced glucose metabolism disorder is associated with chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation and is considered a risk factor for diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Resveratrol (RES), a natural anti-inflammatory compound, is observed to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese rodents and humans. This study aimed to test the effects of RES administration on insulin signaling and the inflammatory response in visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) in mice.

Methods

A total of 40 wild-type C57BL/6 male mice were divided into four groups (10 in each group): the standard chow diet (STD) group was fed a STD; the HFD group was fed a HFD; and the HFD-RES/L and HFD-RES/H groups were fed a HFD plus RES (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively). The L and H in RES/L and RES/H stand for low and high, respectively. Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, circulating inflammatory biomarkers and lipid profile were determined. Quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to determine the expression of CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), other inflammation markers, glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and pAkt/Akt and to assess targets of interest involving glucose metabolism and inflammation in visceral WAT.

Results

HFD increased the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and proinflammatory cytokines in serum, decreased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in serum, and induced insulin resistance and WAT inflammation in mice. However, RES treatment alleviated insulin resistance, increased the expressions of pAkt, GLUT4 and IRS-1 in WAT, and decreased serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, macrophage infiltration and CCR2 expression in WAT.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that WAT CCR2 may play a vital role in macrophage infiltration and the inflammatory response during the development of insulin resistance in HFD-induced obesity. These data suggested that administration of RES offers protection against abnormal glucose metabolism and inflammatory adaptations in visceral WAT in mice with HFD-induced obesity.

The association of insertions/deletions (INDELs) and variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) with obesity and its related traits and complications

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that insertions/deletions (INDELs) are the second most common type of genetic variations and variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) represent a large portion of the human genome, they have received far less attention than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and larger forms of structural variation like copy number variations (CNVs), especially in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of complex diseases like polygenic obesity. This is exemplified by the vast amount of review papers on the role of SNPs and CNVs in obesity, its related traits (like anthropometric measurements, biochemical variables, and eating behavior), and its related complications (like hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance-collectively known as metabolic syndrome). Hence, this paper reviews the types of INDELs and VNTRs that have been studied for association with obesity and its related traits and complications. These INDELs and VNTRs could be found in the obesity loci or genes from the earliest GWAS and candidate gene association studies, like FTO, genes in the leptin-proopiomelanocortin pathway, and UCP2/3. Given the important role of the brain serotonergic and dopaminergic reward system in obesity susceptibility, the association of INDELs and VNTRs in these neurotransmitters' metabolism and transport genes with obesity is also reviewed. Next, the role of INS VNTR in obesity and its related traits is questionable, since recent large-scale studies failed to replicate the earlier positive associations. As obesity results in chronic low-grade inflammation of the adipose tissue, the proinflammatory cytokine gene IL1RA and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene IL4 have VNTRs that are implicated in obesity. A systemic proinflammatory state in combination with activation of the renin-angiotensin system and decreased nitric oxide bioavailability as found in obesity leads to endothelial dysfunction. This explains why VNTR and INDEL in eNOS and ACE, respectively, could be predisposing factors of obesity. Finally, two novel genes, DOCK5 and PER3, which are involved in the regulation of the Akt/MAPK pathway and circadian rhythm, respectively, have VNTRs and INDEL that might be associated with obesity.

SHORT CONCLUSION

In conclusion, INDELs and VNTRs could have important functional consequences in the pathophysiology of obesity, and research on them should be continued to facilitate obesity prediction, prevention, and treatment.

Targeting the NO/superoxide ratio in adipose tissue: relevance to obesity and diabetes management

Insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis depend on the capacity of adipose tissue to take up and utilize excess glucose and fatty acids. The key aspects that determine the fuel-buffering capacity of adipose tissue depend on the physiological levels of the small redox molecule, nitric oxide (NO). In addition to impairment of NO synthesis, excessive formation of the superoxide anion (О2•- ) in adipose tissue may be an important interfering factor diverting the signalling of NO and other reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in obesity, resulting in metabolic dysfunction of adipose tissue over time. Besides its role in relief from superoxide burst, enhanced NO signalling may be responsible for the therapeutic benefits of different superoxide dismutase mimetics, in obesity and experimental diabetes models. This review summarizes the role of NO in adipose tissue and highlights the effects of NO/О2•- ratio 'teetering' as a promising pharmacological target in the metabolic syndrome.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc.

Role of Insulin-Stimulated Adipose Tissue Perfusion in the Development of Whole-Body Insulin Resistance

After food ingestion, macronutrients are transported to and stored in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. They can be subsequently used as an energy source in times of energy deprivation. Uptake of these nutrients in myocytes and adipocytes depends largely on adequate tissue perfusion. Interestingly, insulin is able to dilate skeletal muscle arterioles, which facilitates the delivery of macronutrients and insulin itself to muscle tissue. Insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle perfusion is impaired in several insulin-resistant states and is believed to contribute to impaired skeletal muscle glucose uptake and consequently impaired whole-body glucose disposal. Insulin-resistant individuals also exhibit blunted postprandial adipose tissue perfusion. However, the relevance of this impairment to metabolic dysregulation is less clear. In this review, we provide an overview of adipose tissue perfusion in healthy and insulin-resistant individuals, its regulation among others by insulin, and the possible influences of impaired adipose tissue perfusion on whole-body insulin sensitivity. Finally, we propose a novel hypothesis that acute overfeeding impacts distribution of macronutrients by reducing skeletal muscle perfusion, while adipose tissue perfusion remains intact.

VISUAL OVERVIEW

An online visual overview is available for this article.

Evidence for elevated (LIMK2 and CFL1) and suppressed (ICAM1, EZR, MAP2K2, and NOS3) gene expressions in metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common multicomponent condition including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of the expression of a panel of signalling genes with the MetS in a Turkish population. A total of 54 MetS patients and 42 healthy controls with similar age and sex were included to this study. mRNA from blood samples was extracted, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for gene expressions using a BioMark 96.96 dynamic array system. We observed marked increases in LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2) and cofilin 1 (CFL1) gene expressions in MetS patients. However, there were significant decreases in intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM1), ezrin (EZR), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MAP2K2), and nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) gene expressions in MetS patients. Additionally, no marked changes were noted in other 15 genes studied. This is the first study to provide evidence that activation of LIMK2/CFL1 pathway may play an important role in MetS.

Reduced nitric oxide-mediated relaxation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in the tail arteries of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is associated with endothelial dysfunction, which is characterized by impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations. The present study aimed to examine the role of nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH), in the relaxation of ventral tail arteries of rats under diabetic conditions. Relaxations of tail arteries of control and diabetic rats were studied in wire myograph. Western blotting and immunostaining were used to determine the presence of proteins. Acetylcholine-induced relaxations were significantly smaller in arteries of diabetic compared to control rats (Rmax; 70.81 ± 2.48% versus 85.05 ± 3.15%). Incubation with the combination of non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, indomethacin and potassium channel blockers, TRAM 34 and UCL 1684, demonstrated that NO-mediated relaxation was attenuated significantly in diabetic compared to control rats (Rmax; 48.47 ± 5.84% versus 68.39 ± 6.34%). EDH-type (in the presence of indomethacin and NO synthase inhibitor, LNAME) and prostacyclin-mediated (in the presence of LNAME plus TRAM 34 and UCL 1684) relaxations were not significantly reduced in arteries of diabetic compared to control rats [Rmax: (EDH; 17.81 ± 6.74% versus 34.16 ± 4.59%) (prostacyclin; 15.85 ± 3.27% versus 17.23 ± 3.75%)]. Endothelium-independent relaxations to sodium nitroprusside, salbutamol and prostacyclin were comparable in the two types of preparations. Western blotting and immunostaining indicated that diabetes diminished the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), while increasing those of COX-1 and COX-2. Thus, since acetylcholine-induced NO-mediated relaxation was impaired in diabetes because of reduced eNOS protein expression, pharmacological intervention improving NO bioavailability could be useful in the management of diabetic endothelial dysfunction.

Redox modulation of adipocyte differentiation: hypothesis of "Redox Chain" and novel insights into intervention of adipogenesis and obesity

In view of the global prevalence of obesity and obesity-associated disorders, it is important to clearly understand how adipose tissue forms. Accumulating data from various laboratories implicate that redox status is closely associated with energy metabolism. Thus, biochemical regulation of the redox system may be an attractive alternative for the treatment of obesity-related disorders. In this work, we will review the current data detailing the role of the redox system in adipocyte differentiation, as well as identifying areas for further research. The redox system affects adipogenic differentiation in an extensive way. We propose that there is a complex and interactive "redox chain," consisting of a "ROS-generating enzyme chain," "combined antioxidant chain," and "transcription factor chain," which contributes to fine-tune the regulation of ROS level and subsequent biological consequences. The roles of the redox system in adipocyte differentiation are paradoxical. The redox system exerts a "tridimensional" mechanism in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation, including transcriptional, epigenetic, and posttranslational modulations. We suggest that redoxomic techniques should be extensively applied to understand the biological effects of redox alterations in a more integrated way. A stable and standardized "redox index" is urgently needed for the evaluation of the general redox status. Therefore, more effort should be made to establish and maintain a general redox balance rather than to conduct simple prooxidant or antioxidant interventions, which have comprehensive implications.

Beneficial effects of inorganic nitrate/nitrite in type 2 diabetes and its complications

Background and aim

The ability of inorganic nitrate and nitrite to convert to nitric oxide (NO), and some of its properties e.g. regulation of glucose metabolism, vascular homeostasis, and insulin signaling pathway, have recently raised the hypothesis that inorganic nitrate and nitrite could be potential therapeutic agents in type 2 diabetes. In this review, we reviewed experimental and clinical studies investigating the effect of nitrate/nitrite administration on various aspects of type 2 diabetes.

Findings

Studies showed that an altered metabolism of nitrate/nitrite and impaired NO pathway occurs in diabetes which could contribute to its complications. Some important beneficial properties, including regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling pathway, improvement of insulin resistance and vascular function, hypotensive, hypolipidemic as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects have been observed following administration of inorganic nitrate/nitrite.

Conclusion

It seems that dietary nitrate/nitrite could be a compensatory fuel for a disrupted nitrate/nitrite/NO pathway and related disorders in diabetes. Although some beneficial properties of nitrate/nitrite have been reported by experimental investigations, long-term clinical studies with various doses of inorganic nitrate/nitrite supplementation, are recommended to confirm these effects.

Human supraphysiological gestational weight gain and fetoplacental vascular dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

Human foetal development and growth in an environment of maternal obesity associates with high risk of cardiovascular disease and adverse neonatal outcome. We studied whether supraphysiological gestational weight gain results in human fetoplacental endothelial dysfunction and altered fetoplacental vascular reactivity.

METHODS

Primary cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and umbilical vein rings were obtained from pregnant women (112 total of patients recruited, 7 patients dropped out) exhibiting prepregnancy normal weight that ended with a physiological (pGWG (n=67), total weight gain 11.5-16 kg, rates of weight gain ≤0.42 kg per week) or supraphysiological (spGWG (n=38), total weight gain >16 kg, rates of weight gain >0.42 kg per week) gestational weight gain (reference values from US Institute of Medicine guidelines). Vascular reactivity to insulin (0.1-1000 nmol l(-1), 5 min) in KCl-preconstricted vein rings was measured using a wire myograph. Protein levels of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1), total and Ser(1177)- or Thr(495)-phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were detected by western blot or immunofluorescence, and adenosine transport (0-250 μmol l(-1) adenosine, 2 μCi ml(-1) [(3)H]adenosine, 20 s, 25 °C) was measured in the presence or absence of 1 μmol l(-1) nitrobenzylthioinosine (hENT1 inhibitor) or 10 μmol l(-1) chlorpromazine (CPZ, endocytosis inhibitor) in HUVECs.

RESULTS

spGWG associates with reduced NOS activity-dependent dilation of vein rings (P=0.001), lower eNOS expression and higher Thr(495) (P=0.044), but unaltered Ser(1177)eNOS phosphorylation. hENT1-adenosine maximal transport activity was reduced (P=0.041), but the expression was increased (P=0.001) in HUVECs from this group. CPZ increased hENT1-adenosine transport (P=0.040) and hENT1 plasma membrane accumulation only in cells from pGWG.

CONCLUSION

spGWG in women with a normal prepregnancy weight causes lower fetoplacental vascular reactivity owing to the downregulation of eNOS activity and adenosine transport in HUVECs. Maternal spGWG is a detrimental condition for human fetoplacental endothelial function and reducing these alterations could result in a better neonate outcome.

Impact of nutrient excess and endothelial nitric oxide synthase on the plasma metabolite profile in mice

An increase in calorie consumption is associated with the recent rise in obesity prevalence. However, our current understanding of the effects of nutrient excess on major metabolic pathways appears insufficient to develop safe and effective metabolic interventions to prevent obesity. Hence, we sought to identify systemic metabolic changes caused by nutrient excess and to determine how endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)—which has anti-obesogenic properties—affects systemic metabolism by measuring plasma metabolites. Wild-type (WT) and eNOS transgenic (eNOS-TG) mice were placed on low fat or high fat diets for 6 weeks, and plasma metabolites were measured using an unbiased metabolomic approach. High fat feeding in WT mice led to significant increases in fat mass, which was associated with significantly lower plasma levels of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, lysophospholipids, 3-dehydrocarnitine, and bile acids, as well as branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their metabolites. Plasma levels of several lipids including sphingomyelins, stearoylcarnitine, dihomo-linoleate and metabolites associated with oxidative stress were increased by high fat diet. In comparison with low fat-fed WT mice, eNOS-TG mice showed lower levels of several free fatty acids, but in contrast, the levels of bile acids, amino acids, and BCAA catabolites were increased. When placed on a high fat diet, eNOS overexpressing mice showed remarkably higher levels of plasma bile acids and elevated levels of plasma BCAAs and their catabolites compared with WT mice. Treatment with GW4064, an inhibitor of bile acid synthesis, decreased plasma bile acid levels but was not sufficient to reverse the anti-obesogenic effects of eNOS overexpression. These findings reveal unique metabolic changes in response to high fat diet and eNOS overexpression and suggest that the anti-obesity effects of eNOS are likely independent of changes in the bile acid pool.

Regulation of obesity and insulin resistance by nitric oxide

Obesity is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and has quickly become a worldwide pandemic with few tangible and safe treatment options. Although it is generally accepted that the primary cause of obesity is energy imbalance, i.e., the calories consumed are greater than are utilized, understanding how caloric balance is regulated has proven a challenge. Many "distal" causes of obesity, such as the structural environment, occupation, and social influences, are exceedingly difficult to change or manipulate. Hence, molecular processes and pathways more proximal to the origins of obesity-those that directly regulate energy metabolism or caloric intake-seem to be more feasible targets for therapy. In particular, nitric oxide (NO) is emerging as a central regulator of energy metabolism and body composition. NO bioavailability is decreased in animal models of diet-induced obesity and in obese and insulin-resistant patients, and increasing NO output has remarkable effects on obesity and insulin resistance. This review discusses the role of NO in regulating adiposity and insulin sensitivity and places its modes of action into context with the known causes and consequences of metabolic disease.

Myocardial blood flow under general anaesthesia with sevoflurane in type 2 diabetic patients: a pilot study

Background

In type 2 diabetic patients, cardiac events in the perioperative period may be associated with diminished myocardial vasomotor function and endothelial dysfunction. The influence of sevoflurane anaesthesia on myocardial endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mellitus is investigated in this pilot study.

Methods

Six males with type 2 diabetes mellitus and eight healthy controls were included. Using myocardial contrast echocardiography, myocardial blood flow (MBF) was measured at rest, during adenosine-induced hyperaemia (endothelium-independent vasodilation) and after sympathetic stimulation by the cold pressor test (endothelium-dependent vasodilation). Measurements were performed before and after induction of sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Results

Sevoflurane anaesthesia decreased resting MBF in diabetics but not in controls (P = 0.03), while baseline MBF did not differ between diabetics and controls. Without anaesthesia, adenosine-induced hyperaemia increased MBF in both groups compared to resting values. Adenosine combined with sevoflurane resulted in a lower hyperaemic MBF in both groups compared to no anaesthesia. Differences in MBF in response to adenosine before and after sevoflurane administration were larger in diabetic patients, however not statistically significant in this pilot group (P = 0.08). Myocardial blood flow parameters after the cold pressor test were not different between groups.

Conclusion

These pilot data in type 2 diabetic patients show that sevoflurane anaesthesia decreases resting myocardial blood flow compared to healthy controls. Further, we observed a trend towards a lower endothelium-independent vasodilation capacity in diabetic patients under sevoflurane anaesthesia. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was not affected by sevoflurane in diabetic patients. These data provide preliminary insight into myocardial responses in type 2 diabetic patients under general anaesthesia.

Trial registration

http://www.clinicialtrials.gov, NCT00866801

A vascular piece in the puzzle of adipose tissue dysfunction: mechanisms and consequences

In the last years, several studies unravelled many aspects of adipose tissue pathophysiology in metabolic diseases. Some studies suggested hypoxia as one of such aspects, despite the exact mechanisms and pathophysiological significance is still partially unknown. Adipose tissue was shown to be hypoxic in obesity, mainly resulting from adipocyte hypertrophy, leading to increased activation of inflammatory pathways. In animal and cell models, hypoxia-induced inflammation was shown to lead to endocrine alterations and dysmetabolism. However, recent evidences suggest that instead of a simple low oxygenation theory, adipose tissue microvasculature may be regulated by a series of factors, including vasoactive factors like angiotensin II, angiogenesis and glycation, among others. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of these factors in the regulation of adipose tissue irrigation and the functional consequences of adipose tissue microvascular dysfunction.

Antiobesogenic role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

The prevalence of obesity has increased remarkably in the past four decades. Because obesity can promote the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, understanding the mechanisms that engender weight gain and discovering safe antiobesity therapies are of critical importance. In particular, the gaseous signaling molecule, nitric oxide (NO), appears to be a central factor regulating adiposity and systemic metabolism. Obese and diabetic states are characterized by a deficit in bioavailable NO, with such decreases commonly attributed to downregulation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), loss of eNOS activity, or quenching of NO by its reaction with oxygen radicals. Gain-of-function studies, in which vascular-derived NO has been increased pharmacologically or genetically, reveal remarkable actions of NO on body composition and systemic metabolism. This review addresses the metabolic actions of eNOS and the potential therapeutic utility of harnessing its antiobesogenic effects.

Obesity impairs vasodilatation and blood flow increase mediated by endothelial nitric oxide: an overview

Obesity dramatically increases the risk of development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Endothelial dysfunction induced by obesity is an important risk factor that impairs blood flow controls in various organs. Impaired endothelial function occurs early in life in obese children. Obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction is associated with decreased nitric oxide (NO) production due to impaired endothelial NO synthase activity and expression and increased production of superoxide anion and the endogenous NOS inhibitor ADMA, together with increased vasoconstrictor factors, such as endothelin-1 and sympathetic nerve activation. Decreased endothelial progenitor cells are also involved in endothelial cell senescence in obese individuals. Insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus augment obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction. Adipokines liberated from adipose tissues play roles in modulating endothelial function; adiponectin and ghrelin have beneficial effects on endothelial cells. Effects of leptin on endothelial function are controversial. Decreased body weight by physical exercise, dietary interventions, and bariatric surgery are effective measures that reverse endothelial dysfunction; however, the weight control is not only the reason for improving of endothelia function. Pharmacological therapies with β-adrenoceptor antagonists, resveratolol, anti-obesity agents, nifedipine, and NADPH oxidase inhibitors may also be effective; however, these treatments have to be utilized under the basis of exercise and dietary controls.

COX-2-derived prostanoids and oxidative stress additionally reduce endothelium-mediated relaxation in old type 2 diabetic rats

Endothelial dysfunction in resistance arteries alters end organ perfusion in type 2 diabetes. Superoxides and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) derivatives have been shown separately to alter endothelium-mediated relaxation in aging and diabetes but their role in the alteration of vascular tone in old diabetic subjects is not clear, especially in resistance arteries. Consequently, we investigated the role of superoxide and COX-2-derivatives on endothelium-dependent relaxation in 3 and 12 month-old Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and lean (LZ) rats. Mesenteric resistance arteries were isolated and vascular tone was investigated using wire-myography. Endothelium (acetylcholine)-dependent relaxation was lower in ZDF than in LZ rats (60 versus 84% maximal relaxation in young rats and 41 versus 69% in old rats). Blocking NO production with L-NAME was less efficient in old than in young rats. L-NAME had no effect in old ZDF rats although eNOS expression level in old ZDF rats was similar to that in old LZ rats. Superoxide level and NADPH-oxidase subunits (p67phox and gp91phox) expression level were greater in ZDF than in LZ rats and were further increased by aging in ZDF rats. In young ZDF rats reducing superoxide level with tempol restored acetylcholine-dependent relaxation to the level of LZ rats. In old ZDF rats tempol improved acetylcholine-dependent relaxation without increasing it to the level of LZ rats. COX-2 (immunolabelling and Western-blot) was present in arteries of ZDF rats and absent in LZ rats. In old ZDF rats arterial COX-2 level was higher than in young ZDF rats. COX-2 blockade with NS398 restored in part acetylcholine-dependent relaxation in arteries of old ZDF rats and the combination of tempol and NS398 fully restored relaxation in control (LZ rats) level. Accordingly, superoxide production and COX-2 derivatives together reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation in old ZDF rats whereas superoxides alone attenuated relaxation in young ZDF or old LZ rats.

Differential effects of aging and exercise on intra-abdominal adipose arteriolar function and blood flow regulation

Adipose tissue (AT), which typically comprises an increased percentage of body mass with advancing age, receives a large proportion of resting cardiac output. During exercise, an old age-associated inability to increase vascular resistance within the intra-abdominal AT may compromise the ability of the cardiovascular system to redistribute blood flow to the active musculature, contributing to the decline in exercise capacity observed in this population. We tested the hypotheses that 1) there would be an elevated perfusion of AT during exercise with old age that was associated with diminished vasoconstrictor responses of adipose-resistance arteries, and 2) chronic exercise training would mitigate the age-associated alterations in AT blood flow and vascular function. Young (6 mo; n = 40) and old (24 mo; n = 28) male Fischer 344 rats were divided into young sedentary (YSed), old sedentary (OSed), young exercise trained (YET), or old exercise trained (OET) groups, where training consisted of 10-12 wk of treadmill exercise. In vivo blood flow at rest and during exercise and in vitro α-adrenergic and myogenic vasoconstrictor responses in resistance arteries from AT were measured in all groups. In response to exercise, there was a directionally opposite change in AT blood flow in the OSed group (≈ 150% increase) and YSed (≈ 55% decrease) vs. resting values. Both α-adrenergic and myogenic vasoconstriction were diminished in OSed vs. YSed AT-resistance arteries. Exercise training resulted in a similar AT hyperemic response between age groups during exercise (YET, 9.9 ± 0.5 ml · min(-1) · 100(-1) g; OET, 8.1 ± 0.9 ml · min(-1) · 100(-1) g) and was associated with enhanced myogenic and α-adrenergic vasoconstriction of AT-resistance arteries from the OET group relative to OSed. These results indicate that there is an inability to increase vascular resistance in AT during exercise with old age, due, in part, to a diminished vasoconstriction of AT arteries. Furthermore, the results indicate that exercise training can augment vasoconstriction of AT arteries and mitigate age-related alterations in the regulation of AT blood flow during exercise.

Vascular and metabolic effects of adrenaline in adipose tissue in type 2 diabetes

Objective:

The aim was to investigate adipose tissue vascular and metabolic effects of an adrenaline infusion in vivo in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design:

Clinical intervention study with 1-h intravenous adrenaline infusion.

Subjects:

Eight male overweight T2DM subjects and eight male weight-matched, non-T2DM subjects were studied before, during and after an 1-h intravenous adrenaline infusion. Adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) was determined by ¹³³Xenon wash-out technique, and microvascular volume in the adipose tissue was studied by contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. Adipose tissue fluxes of glycerol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triacylglycerol and glucose were measured by Fick's principle after catherisation of a radial artery and a vein draining the abdominal, subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Results:

ATBF increased similarly in both groups during the adrenaline infusion. One hour post adrenaline, ATBF was still increased in overweight T2DM subjects. Adrenaline increased microvascular volume in non-T2DM subjects while this response was impaired in overweight T2DM subjects. Adrenaline-induced increase in lipolysis was similar in both groups, but NEFA output from adipose tissue was delayed in overweight T2DM subjects. Glucose uptake in adipose tissue increased in non-T2DM subjects during adrenaline infusion but was unchanged in overweight T2DM subjects. This results in a delayed excess release of NEFA from the adipose tissue in overweight T2DM subjects after cessation of the adrenaline infusion.

Conclusion:

Capillaries in the adipose tissue are recruited by adrenaline in non-T2DM subjects; however, this response is impaired in overweight T2DM subjects. NEFA, released in adipose tissue during adrenaline stimulation, is insufficiently re-esterified in situ in overweight T2DM subjects, probably owing to increased ATBF after adrenaline infusion and inability to increase adipose tissue glucose uptake.

Overexpression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase prevents diet-induced obesity and regulates adipocyte phenotype

RATIONALE

Endothelial dysfunction is a characteristic feature of diabetes and obesity in animal models and humans. Deficits in nitric oxide production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are associated with insulin resistance, which is exacerbated by high-fat diet. Nevertheless, the metabolic effects of increasing eNOS levels have not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

The current study was designed to test whether overexpression of eNOS would prevent diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In db/db mice and in high-fat diet-fed wild-type C57BL/6J mice, the abundance of eNOS protein in adipose tissue was decreased without significant changes in eNOS levels in skeletal muscle or aorta. Mice overexpressing eNOS (eNOS transgenic mice) were resistant to diet-induced obesity and hyperinsulinemia, although systemic glucose intolerance remained largely unaffected. In comparison with wild-type mice, high-fat diet-fed eNOS transgenic mice displayed a higher metabolic rate and attenuated hypertrophy of white adipocytes. Overexpression of eNOS did not affect food consumption or diet-induced changes in plasma cholesterol or leptin levels, yet plasma triglycerides and fatty acids were decreased. Metabolomic analysis of adipose tissue indicated that eNOS overexpression primarily affected amino acid and lipid metabolism; subpathway analysis suggested changes in fatty acid oxidation. In agreement with these findings, adipose tissue from eNOS transgenic mice showed higher levels of PPAR-α and PPAR-γ gene expression, elevated abundance of mitochondrial proteins, and a higher rate of oxygen consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that increased eNOS activity prevents the obesogenic effects of high-fat diet without affecting systemic insulin resistance, in part, by stimulating metabolic activity in adipose tissue.

Involvement of CaM kinase II in the impairment of endothelial function and eNOS activity in aortas of Type 2 diabetic rats

In the present sutdy, we have examined the relationship between the CaMKII (Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II) pathway and endothelial dysfunction in aortas from GK (Goto-Kakizaki) Type 2 diabetic rats. The ACh (acetylcholine)-induced relaxation and NO production were each attenuated in diabetic aortas (compared with those from age-matched control rats). ACh-stimulated Ser(1177)-eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) phosphorylation was significantly decreased in diabetic aortas (compared with their controls). ACh markedly increased the CaMKII phosphorylation level within endothelial cells only in control aortas (as assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting). ACh-stimulated Thr(286)-CaMKII phosphorylation within endothelial cells was significantly decreased in diabetic aortas (compared with their controls). The ACh-induced relaxations, NO production, eNOS phosphorylation, and CaMKII phosphorylation were inhibited by KN93 and/or by lavendustin C (inhibitors of CaMKII) in control aortas, but not in diabetic ones. Pre-incubation of aortic strips with a PP (protein phosphatase)-1 inhibitor, PPI2 (protein phosphatase inhibitor 2), or with a PP2A inhibitor, CA (cantharidic acid), corrected the above abnormalities in diabetic aortas. The expression of PP2A type A subunit was increased in diabetic aortas. The ACh-stimulated Thr(320)-phosphorylation level of PP1α was lower in diabetic aortas than in their controls, but the total PP1α protein level was not different. These results suggest that the aortic relaxation responses, NO production, and eNOS activity mediated by CaMKII phosphorylation are decreased in this Type 2 diabetic model, and that these impairments of CaMKII signalling may be, at least in part, due to enhancements of PP1α activity and PP2A expression.

Adiposity is associated with blunted cardiovascular, neuroendocrine and cognitive responses to acute mental stress

Obesity and mental stress are potent risk factors for cardiovascular disease but their relationship with each other is unclear. Resilience to stress may differ according to adiposity. Early studies that addressed this are difficult to interpret due to conflicting findings and limited methods. Recent advances in assessment of cardiovascular stress responses and of fat distribution allow accurate assessment of associations between adiposity and stress responsiveness. We measured responses to the Montreal Imaging Stress Task in healthy men (N = 43) and women (N = 45) with a wide range of BMIs. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) measures were used with novel magnetic resonance measures of stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR) and arterial compliance to assess cardiovascular responses. Salivary cortisol and the number and speed of answers to mathematics problems in the task were used to assess neuroendocrine and cognitive responses, respectively. Visceral and subcutaneous fat was measured using T₂^*-IDEAL. Greater BMI was associated with generalised blunting of cardiovascular (HR:β = −0.50 bpm.unit⁻¹, P = 0.009; SV:β = −0.33 mL.unit⁻¹, P = 0.01; CO:β = −61 mL.min⁻¹.unit⁻¹, P = 0.002; systolic BP:β = −0.41 mmHg.unit⁻¹, P = 0.01; TPR:β = 0.11 WU.unit⁻¹, P = 0.02), cognitive (correct answers: r = −0.28, P = 0.01; time to answer: r = 0.26, P = 0.02) and endocrine responses (cortisol: r = −0.25, P = 0.04) to stress. These associations were largely determined by visceral adiposity except for those related to cognitive performance, which were determined by both visceral and subcutaneous adiposity. Our findings suggest that adiposity is associated with centrally reduced stress responsiveness. Although this may mitigate some long-term health risks of stress responsiveness, reduced performance under stress may be a more immediate negative consequence.

A comparison of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in adipose tissue from weight-matched obese male and female mice

Expansion of intra-abdominal adipose tissue and the accompanying inflammatory response has been put forward as a unifying link between obesity and the development of chronic diseases. However, an apparent sexual dimorphism exists between obesity and chronic disease risk due to differences in the distribution and abundance of adipose tissue. A range of experimental protocols have been employed to demonstrate the role of estrogen in regulating health benefits; however, most studies are confounded by significant differences in body weight and adiposity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare weight-matched obese male and female mice to determine if the sex-dependent health benefits remain when body weight is similar. The development of obesity in female mice receiving a high-fat diet was delayed; however, subsequent comparisons of weight-matched obese mice revealed greater adiposity in obese female mice. Despite excess adiposity and enlarged adipocyte size, obese females remained more glucose tolerant than weight-matched male mice, and this benefit was associated with increased expression of adiponectin and reductions in immune cell infiltration and oxidative stress in adipose tissue. Therefore, the protective benefits of estrogen persist in the obese state and appear to improve the metabolic phenotype of adipose tissue and the individual.

Childhood obesity: a life-long health risk

Childhood obesity has become major health concern for physicians, parents, and health agencies around the world. Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk for other diseases not only during youth but also later in life, including diabetes, arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, and fatty liver disease. Importantly, obesity accelerates atherosclerosis progression already in children and young adults. With regard to pathophysiological changes in the vasculature, the striking similarities between physiological changes related to aging and obesity-related abnormalities are compatible with the concept that obesity causes "premature" vascular aging. This article reviews factors underlying the accelerated vascular disease development due to obesity. It also highlights the importance of recognizing childhood obesity as a disease condition and its permissive role in aggravating the development of other diseases. The importance of childhood obesity for disease susceptibility later in life, and the need for prevention and treatment are also discussed.

Nitric oxide synthase-dependent vasodilation of human subcutaneous arterioles correlates with noninvasive measurements of endothelial function

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive measurements of endothelial function predict future adverse cardiovascular events, but offer limited opportunities for mechanistic insights into phenotypic observations. Subcutaneous adipose arterioles, accessible through minimally invasive methods, provide an opportunity for complimentary mechanistic studies. Limited data relating subcutaneous arteriolar endothelial function, cardiovascular risk factors, and noninvasive measurements of endothelial function currently exist.

METHODS

Forty-four subjects underwent noninvasive studies of endothelial function (brachial reactivity (flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and digital pulse arterial tonometry (PAT)) and measurements of endothelial-dependent vasodilation of gluteal subcutaneous arterioles to acetylcholine. Arteriolar endothelial function was measured (i) percent vasodilation to maximal acetylcholine dose (10(-5) mol/l) and (ii) total area under the curve (AUC) for the entire acetylcholine dose-response curve (total AUC-acetylcholine (Ach), doses 10(-10)-10(-5) mol/l).

RESULTS

Acetylcholine responses were almost completely nitric oxide (NO) dependent. Total AUC-Ach predicted FMD and PAT, but maximal acetylcholine vasodilation was not associated with these measures. A history of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were independent predictors of total AUC-Ach. In regression models, total AUC-Ach independently predicted FMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Acetylcholine vasodilator responses in human gluteal subcutaneous arterioles are NO synthase dependent and correlate with cardiac risk factors and in vivo measures of endothelial function. These data suggest subcutaneous arterioles offer an opportunity for translational studies of mechanisms of modulating NO bioavailability relevant to in vivo endothelial function measures.

Childhood obesity: a life-long health risk

Childhood obesity has become major health concern for physicians, parents, and health agencies around the world. Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk for other diseases not only during youth but also later in life, including diabetes, arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, and fatty liver disease. Importantly, obesity accelerates atherosclerosis progression already in children and young adults. With regard to pathophysiological changes in the vasculature, the striking similarities between physiological changes related to aging and obesity-related abnormalities are compatible with the concept that obesity causes "premature" vascular aging. This article reviews factors underlying the accelerated vascular disease development due to obesity. It also highlights the importance of recognizing childhood obesity as a disease condition and its permissive role in aggravating the development of other diseases. The importance of childhood obesity for disease susceptibility later in life, and the need for prevention and treatment are also discussed.

The promise of EPC-based therapies on vascular dysfunction in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases in the world and the vascular dysfunction represents a challenging clinical problem. In diabetes, endothelial cells (ECs), lining the inner wall of blood vessels, do not function properly and contribute to impaired vascular function. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), the precursor of mature EC, actively participate in endothelial repair, by moving to the vascular injury site to form mature EC and new blood vessels. Knowing that the therapeutic interventions can improve only a part of EC dysfunction in diabetes, this review addresses recent findings on the use of EPCs for cell therapy. The strategies proposed in review are based on in vivo and in vitro studies and, thus, their physiological relevance is confirmed. EPC therapy shows great promise for the prevention and cure of diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction.

The dynamics of the microcirculation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue is impaired in the postprandial state in type 2 diabetes

Postprandially, the blood flow and uptake of non-esterified fatty acids increase concomitantly in the abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue in healthy subjects. In insulin-resistant subjects, this postprandial blood flow increase is blunted. We have previously found that the postprandial adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) increase is accompanied by capillary recruitment in healthy subjects. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the postprandial capillary recruitment in adipose tissue is affected in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eight type 2 diabetic overweight male subjects and eight age- and weight-matched healthy subjects were studied. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging was applied to study the microvascular volume in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and in forearm skeletal muscle in the fasting state and 60, 120 and 180 min after a 75-g oral glucose load. Abdominal subcutaneous ATBF was measured using (133) Xenon washout technique, and forearm skeletal muscle blood flow was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography. In the healthy, overweight subjects, ATBF increased and concomitantly capillary recruitment took place after glucose ingestion. No significant changes were found in the ATBF or in capillary recruitment in the type 2 diabetic subjects. There was no significant blood flow or microvascular blood volume changes in forearm skeletal muscle in either of the groups.

CONCLUSION

After an oral glucose load, the abdominal ATBF and microvascular blood volume changes in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue are impaired in overweight type 2 diabetic subjects compared to weight-matched healthy subjects.