Regulation of adipose tissue inflammation by interleukin 6

White adipose tissue in type 2 diabetes and the effect of antidiabetic drugs

White adipose tissue (WAT) is highly flexible and was previously considered a passive location for energy storage. Its endocrine function has been established for several years, earning it the title of an "endocrine organ" due to its ability to secrete many adipokines that regulate metabolism. WAT is one of the core tissues that influence insulin sensitivity. Its dysfunction enhances insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D) progression. However, T2D may cause WAT dysfunction, including changes in distribution, metabolism, adipocyte hypertrophy, inflammation, aging, and adipokines and free fatty acid levels, which may exacerbate insulin resistance. This review used PubMed to search WAT dysfunction in T2D and the effects of these changes on insulin resistance. Additionally, we described and discussed the effects of antidiabetic drugs, including insulin therapy, sulfonylureas, metformin, glucose-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, thiazolidinediones, and sodium-dependent glucose transporters-2 inhibitors, on WAT parameters under T2D conditions.

The Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Prostate Volume: A Retrospective Analysis of Pre and Postoperative Measurements in Prostate Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and prostate volume, utilizing pre and postoperative measurements.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study was conducted at a single site using data from an institutional database. Medical records of patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy were reviewed. Data included age, BMI, and prostate volumes measured through digital rectal exam (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and surgical specimen weight (SPW).

RESULTS

A total of 168 patients were identified and included in the analysis. Spearman's correlation test revealed a significant association between BMI and prostate volume for all measurement methods, reporting r = 0.146 (p = 0.047) for DRE, r = 0.268 (p < 0.0001) for TRUS, r = 0.177 (p = 0.021) for MRI and r = 0.234 (p = 0.002) for SPW. Linear regression analysis confirmed the significant association between BMI and prostate volume, reporting, respectively, R2 = 0.026 (p = 0.036) for DRE, R2 = 0.076 (p < 0.0001) for TRUS, R2 = 0.038 (p = 0.011) for MRI and R2 = 0.040 (p = 0.009) for SPW. Notably, considering the SPW the best way to estimate prostate volume, for every increase in BMI, the predicted increase of prostate volume is 0.865gr.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a positive linear correlation between BMI and prostate volume, highlighting the importance of considering BMI in prostate volume assessments.

The role of adipogenic niche resident cells in colorectal cancer progression in relation to obesity

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and has one of the highest mortality rates. Considering its nonlinear etiology, many risk factors are associated with CRC formation and development, with obesity at the forefront. Obesity is regarded as one of the key environmental risk determinants for the pathogenesis of CRC. Excessive food intake and a sedentary lifestyle, together with genetic predispositions, lead to the overgrowth of adipose tissue along with a disruption in the number and function of its building cells. Adipose tissue-resident cells may constitute part of the CRC microenvironment. Alterations in their physiology and secretory profiles observed in obesity may further contribute to CRC progression, and despite similar localization, their contributions are not equivalent. They can interact with CRC cells, either directly or indirectly, influencing various processes that contribute to tumorigenesis. The main aim of this review is to provide insights into the diversity of adipose tissue resident cells, namely, adipocytes, adipose stromal cells, and immunological cells, regarding the role of particular cell types in co-forming the CRC microenvironment. The scope of this study was also devoted to the abnormalities in adipose tissue physiology observed in obesity states and their impact on CRC development.

From fat storage to immune hubs: the emerging role of adipocytes in coordinating the immune response to infection

Adipose tissue is a rich source of diverse cell populations, including immune cells, adipocytes and stromal cells. Interactions between these different cell types are now appreciated to be critical for maintaining tissue structure and function, by governing processes such as adipogenesis, lipolysis and differentiation of white to beige adipocytes. Interactions between these cells also drive inflammation in obesity, leading to an expansion of adipose tissue immune cells, and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from immune cells and from adipocytes themselves. However, in evolutionary terms, obesity is a recent phenomenon, raising the question of why adipocytes evolved to express factors that influence the immune response. Studies of various pathogens indicate that adipocytes are highly responsive to infection, altering their metabolic profiles in a way that can be used to release nutrients and fuel the immune response. In the case of infection with the extracellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei, attenuating the ability of adipocytes to sense the cytokine IL-17 results in a loss of control of the local immune response and an increased pathogen load. Intriguingly, comparisons of the adipocyte response to infection suggest that the immune responses of these cells occur in a pathogen-dependent manner, further confirming their complexity. Here, with a focus on murine adipose tissue, we discuss the emerging concept that, in addition to their canonical function, adipocytes are immune signalling hubs that integrate and disseminate signals from the immune system to generate a local environment conducive to pathogen clearance.

Incretin triple agonist retatrutide (LY3437943) alleviates obesity-associated cancer progression

Medical therapeutics for weight loss are changing the landscape of obesity but impacts on obesity-associated cancer remain unclear. We report that in pre-clinical models with significant retatrutide (RETA, LY3437943)-induced weight loss, pancreatic cancer engraftment was reduced, tumor onset was delayed, and progression was attenuated resulting in a 14-fold reduction in tumor volume compared to only 4-fold reduction in single agonist semaglutide-treated mice. Despite weight re-gain after RETA withdrawal, the anti-tumor benefits of RETA persisted. Remarkably, RETA-induced protection extends to a lung cancer model with 50% reduced tumor engraftment, significantly delayed tumor onset, and mitigated tumor progression, with a 17-fold reduction in tumor volume compared to controls. RETA induced immune reprogramming systemically and in the tumor microenvironment with durable anti-tumor immunity evidenced by elevated circulating IL-6, increased antigen presenting cells, reduced immunosuppressive cells, and activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. In sum, our findings suggest that patients with RETA-mediated weight loss may also benefit from reduced cancer risk and improved outcomes.

Neutrophils as indicators of obesity-associated inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the suitability of routine blood neutrophil values as indicators of obesity-associated inflammation.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assess absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values in subjects with and without obesity and analyze the weight of both parameters on the disease. Additionally, correlation studies between ANC and NLR with BMI, a parameter internationally accepted to define obesity are performed.

RESULTS

Quantitative data from 12 (ANC) and 11 (NLR) studies were included, with a total of 4475 participants. The meta-analysis shows that while both parameters are increased in the obesity group, ANC values present higher differences with the control and less heterogeneity among studies. Additionally, unlike NLR, ANC demonstrates a positive and significant correlation with BMI.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this meta-analysis demonstrates that ANC is a more reliable and stable parameter than NLR for the assessment of obesity-related inflammation, which offers clinicians a novel tool to assist in preventing complications related to obesity.

Serum Lipids, Inflammation, and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: Pathophysiological Links and Clinical Evidence

Dyslipidemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities in serum lipid levels. Elevated serum cholesterol levels can modify the turnover and recruitment of ionic channels in myocytes and cellular homeostasis, including those of inflammatory cells. Experimental and clinical data indicate that inflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial remodeling, which is the substrate of atrial fibrillation (AF). Data about the association between increased lipid serum levels and AF are few and contrasting. Lipoprotein (a), adiposity, and inflammation seem to be the main drivers of AF; in contrast, low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides are not directly involved in AF onset. The present review aimed to describe the pathophysiological link between dyslipidemia and AF, the efficacy of lipid-lowering therapies in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients with and without AF, and the impact of lipid-lowering therapies on AF incidence.

Exploring the mechanism and crosstalk between IL-6 and IL- 1β on M2 macrophages under metabolic stress conditions

Macrophages are highly variable immune cells that are important in controlling inflammation and maintaining tissue balance. The ability to polarize into two major types-M1, promoting inflammation, and M2, resolving inflammation and contributing to tissue repair-determines their specific roles in health and disease. M2 macrophages are particularly important for reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, but their function is shaped mainly by surrounding cells. This is evident in obesity, diabetes, and chronic inflammation. Although many cytokines regulate macrophage polarization, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are major players, but their effects on M2 macrophage behavior under metabolic stress remain unclear. This study describes the intricacies within M2 macrophages concerning IL-6 and IL-1β signaling when under metabolic stress. Though, more frequently than not, IL-6 is labelled as pro-inflammatory, it can also behave as an anti-inflammatory mediator. On the other hand, IL-1β is the main pro-inflammatory agent, particularly in metabolic disorders. The relationship between these cytokines and the macrophages is mediated through important pathways such as JAK/STAT and NFκB, which get perturbed by metabolic stress. Therefore, metabolic stress also alters the functional parameters of macrophages, including alterations in mitochondrial metabolism, glycolytic and oxidative metabolism. Phosphorylation alters the kinetics involved in energy consumption and affects their polarization and their function. However, it has been suggested that IL-6 and IL-1β may work in concert or competition when inducing M2 polarization and, importantly, implicate cytokine release, phagocytic activity, and tissue repair processes. In this review, we discuss the recent literature on the participation of IL-6 and IL-1β cytokines in macrophage polarization and how metabolic stress changes cytokine functions and synergistic relations. A better understanding of these cytokines would serve as an important step toward exploring alternative antiviral strategies directed against metabolic disturbance and, hence, approve further endeavors.

GLP-1 and IL-6 regulates obesity in the gut and brain

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by excessive nutrient intake leading to increased subcutaneous or visceral fat, resulting in pathological and physiological changes. The incidence rate of obesity, an important form of metabolic syndrome, is increasing worldwide. Excess appetite is a key pathogenesis of obesity, and the inflammatory response induced by obesity has received increasing attention. This review focuses on the role of appetite-regulating factor (Glucogan-like peptide 1) and inflammatory factor (Interleukin-6) in the gut and brain in individuals with obesity and draws insights from the current literature.

IL-6 and diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes associated with high mortality and disability rates. Inflammation has emerged as a key pathological mechanism in DKD, prompting interest in novel therapeutic approaches targeting inflammatory pathways. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a well-established inflammatory cytokine known for mediating various inflammatory responses, has attracted great attention in the DKD field. Although multiple in vivo and in vitro studies highlight the potential of targeting IL-6 in DKD treatment, its exact roles in the disease remains unclear. This review presents the roles of IL-6 in the pathogenesis of DKD, including immunoinflammation, metabolism, hemodynamics, and ferroptosis. In addition, we summarize the current status of IL-6 inhibitors in DKD-related clinical trials and discuss the potential of targeting IL-6 for treating DKD in the clinic.

Cancer cachexia: multilevel metabolic dysfunction

Cancer cachexia is a complex metabolic disorder marked by unintentional body weight loss or 'wasting' of body mass, driven by multiple aetiological factors operating at various levels. It is associated with many malignancies and significantly contributes to cancer-related morbidity and mortality. With emerging recognition of cancer as a systemic disease, there is increasing awareness that understanding and treatment of cancer cachexia may represent a crucial cornerstone for improved management of cancer. Here, we describe the metabolic changes contributing to body wasting in cachexia and explain how the entangled action of both tumour-derived and host-amplified processes induces these metabolic changes. We discuss energy homeostasis and possible ways that the presence of a tumour interferes with or hijacks physiological energy conservation pathways. In that context, we highlight the role played by metabolic cross-talk mechanisms in cachexia pathogenesis. Lastly, we elaborate on the challenges and opportunities in the treatment of this devastating paraneoplastic phenomenon that arise from the complex and multifaceted metabolic cross-talk mechanisms and provide a status on current and emerging therapeutic approaches.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals adipogenesis in the uterosacral ligaments of postmenopausal women with recurrent pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVES

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition in postmenopausal women, with an increasing prevalence due to aging. Some women experience POP recurrence after surgical treatment, significantly affecting their physical and mental health. The uterosacral ligament is a critical pelvic support structure. This study aims to investigate the molecular pathological changes in the uterosacral ligament of postmenopausal women with recurrent POP using transcriptomic analysis.

METHODS

Transcriptomic data of uterosacral ligament tissues were obtained from the public dataset GSE28660, which includes samples from 4 postmenopausal women with recurrent POP, 4 with primary POP, and 4 without POP. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between recurrent POP and both primary and non-POP groups. Further analysis included intersection analysis of DEGs, gene ontology enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), single-sample GSEA, and xCell immune cell infiltration analysis to explore molecular pathological changes in recurrent POP. Additionally, histological and molecular differences in the uterosacral ligament were compared between simulated vaginal delivery (SVD) rat models with and without ovariectomy.

RESULTS

Compared with primary POP and non-POP groups, recurrent POP exhibited activation of adipogenesis and inflammation-related pathways, while pathways related to muscle proliferation and contraction were downregulated in the uterosacral ligament. Nine key DEGs (ADIPOQ, FABP4, IL-6, LIPE, LPL, PCK1, PLIN1, PPARG, and CD36) were identified, with most enriched in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. These genes were significantly correlated with lipid accumulation, monocyte infiltration, and neutrophil infiltration in the uterosacral ligament. Urodynamic testing revealed that the bladder leak point pressure was significantly higher in ovariectomized SVD rats, both of which had higher values than the sham group. Masson staining showed pronounced adipogenesis in the uterosacral ligament of ovariectomized SVD rats, along with reduced collagen and muscle fibers compared to the sham and non-ovariectomized SVD groups. Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR confirmed significantly elevated expression of key DEGs, including ADIPOQ, IL-6, PCK1, and PLIN1, in the uterosacral ligaments of ovariectomized SVD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Adipogenesis and inflammation in the uterosacral ligament may contribute to its reduced supportive function, potentially leading to recurrence POP in postmenopausal women.

Interaction between green tea and metformin and its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in overweight women: a randomised clinical trial

This study evaluated the effect of green tea extract and metformin and its interaction on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in overweight women with insulin resistance. After screening, 120 women were randomly allocated in 4 groups: Placebo (PC): 1g of microcrystalline cellulose/day; Green tea (GT): 1 g (558 mg polyphenols) of standardized dry extract of green tea/day and 1 g of placebo/day; Metformin (MF): 1 g of metformin/day and 1 g of placebo/day; Green Tea and Metformin (GTMF): 1 g (558 mg polyphenols) and 1 g of metformin/day. All groups were followed-up for 12 weeks with assessment of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins, specific activity of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokine serum levels. The association of green tea with metformin significantly reduced IL-6 (GTMF: -29.7((-62.6)-20.2))(p = 0.004). Green tea and metformin isolated reduced TNF-α (GT: -12.1((-18.0)-(-3.5)); MF: -24.5((-38.60)-(-4.4)) compared to placebo (PB: 13.8 (1.2-29.2))(P < 0.001). Also, isolated metformin reduced TGF-β (MF: -25.1((-64.4)-0.04)) in comparison to placebo (PB: 6.3((-1.0)-16.3))(p = 0.038). However, when combined, their effects were nullified either for TNF-α (GTMF: 6.0((-5.7)-23.9) and for TGF-β (GTMF: -1.8((-32.1)-8.5). This study showed that there is a drug-nutrient interaction between green tea and metformin that is dependent on the cytokine analyzed.

Adipocyte-secreted PRELP promotes adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue fibrosis by binding with p75NTR to activate FAK/MAPK signaling

Adipocyte-secreted factors intricately regulate adipose tissue function, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are only partially understood. However, the function of PRELP, which is a key component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in adipocytes, remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that PRELP was upregulated in both obese humans and mice, which exhibited a positive correlation with metabolic disorders. PRELP knockout could resist HFD-induced obesity and inhibit adipocyte differentiation. PRELP knockout improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and alleviated adipose tissue fibrosis. Mechanistically, PRELP was secreted into the ECM and bound to the extracellular domain of its receptor p75NTR in adipocytes, which further activated the FAK/MAPK (JNK, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2) signaling pathway, promoting adipocyte differentiation and exacerbating adipocyte fibrosis. Adipocyte PRELP plays a pivotal role in regulating obesity and adipose tissue fibrosis through an autocrine manner, and PRELP may be a therapeutic target for obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

COVID-19 and persistent symptoms: implications for polycystic ovary syndrome and its management

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound mark on global health, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Beyond the immediate symptoms of infection, the emergence of "long COVID", the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2, has become a significant public health concern. Long COVID is a multifaceted condition affecting various organs and systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems. Individuals diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may face an increased risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms and infection. It is crucial to comprehend how long COVID affects PCOS patients to devise effective treatment and care strategies. Here, we review the detrimental effects of COVID-19 and its long-term effects on reproductive health, endocrine function, inflammation, metabolism, cardiovascular health, body composition, lifestyle, and mental health in patients with PCOS. We offer recommendations for the post-covid-19 management of PCOS, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Furthermore, we discuss prospective research directions, highlighting the significance of continued investigations and clinical trials to evaluate treatment approaches for long COVID and its ramifications in individuals with PCOS.

Longitudinal proteomics of leptin treatment in humans with acute and chronic energy deficiency-induced hypoleptinemia reveal novel, mainly immune-related, pleiotropic effects

BACKGROUND

Leptin is known for its metabolic, immunomodulatory and neuroendocrine properties, but the full spectrum of molecules downstream of leptin and relevant underlying mechanisms remain to be fully clarified. Our objective was to identify proteins and pathways influenced by leptin through untargeted proteomics in two clinical trials involving leptin administration in lean individuals.

METHODS

We performed untargeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry serum proteomics across two studies a) Short-term randomized controlled crossover study of lean male and female humans undergoing a 72-h fast with concurrent administration of either placebo or high-dose leptin; b) Long-term (36-week) randomized controlled trial of leptin replacement therapy in human females with acquired relative energy deficiency and hypoleptinemia. We explored longitudinal proteomic changes and run adjusted mixed models followed by post-hoc tests. We further attempted to identify ontological pathways modulated during each experimental condition and/or comparison, through integrated qualitative pathway and enrichment analyses. We also explored dynamic longitudinal relationships between the circulating proteome with clinical and hormonal outcomes.

RESULTS

289 and 357 unique proteins were identified per each respective study. Short-term leptin administration during fasting markedly upregulated several proinflammatory molecules, notably C-reactive protein (CRP) and cluster of differentiation (CD) 14, and downregulated lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase and several immunoglobulin variable chains, in contrast with placebo, which produced minimal changes. Quantitative pathway enrichment further indicated an upregulation of the acute phase response and downregulation of immunoglobulin- and B cell-mediated immunity by leptin. These changes were independent of participants' biological sex. In the long term study, leptin likewise robustly and persistently upregulated proteins of the acute phase response, and downregulated immunoglobulin-mediated immunity. Leptin also significantly and differentially affected a wide array of proteins related to immune function, defense response, coagulation, and inflammation compared with placebo. These changes were more notable at the 24-week visit, coinciding with the highest measured levels of serum leptin. We further identified distinct co-regulated clusters of proteins and clinical features during leptin administration indicating robust longitudinal correlations between the regulation of immunoglobulins, immune-related molecules, serpins (including cortisol and thyroxine-binding globulins), lipid transport molecules and growth factors, in contrast with placebo, which did not produce similar associations.

CONCLUSIONS

These high-throughput longitudinal results provide unique functional insights into leptin physiology, and pave the way for affinity-based proteomic analyses measuring several thousands of molecules, that will confirm these data and may fully delineate underlying mechanisms.

Altered Cytokine Secretory Fingerprint of the Adipocytes Derived from Stem Cells of Morbidly Obese Patients-A Preliminary Study

Context: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are progenitor cells that shape the tissue's biological properties. Objective: To examine the adipocytes differentiated from the ADMSCs of lean and obese individuals with/without a metabolic syndrome (MetSx) cytokine secretory profile, as to date, little is known on this topic. Methods: Interleukin, chemokine and growth factor levels in the culture medium were determined using the Human Cytokine kit. Results: We observed a characteristic secretory fingerprint displayed by the cells from the MetSx group and identified a set of putative markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, VEGF, FGF, GM-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ) of the condition. Surprisingly, the concentrations of most of the molecules (except for IL-6, IFN-γ, IP-10, VEGF) decreased when compared with the cells from the lean group. We postulate that the difference stemmed from the fact that in vivo cytokines were mostly secreted by the activated monocytes/macrophages and not adipocytes per se. This may also suggest that the aforementioned upregulated cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ, IP-10, VEGF) might have been the ones that attracted monocytes and triggered the vicious cycle of tissue inflammation. Conclusions: Our study indicated that the adipocytes newly derived from the ADMSCs of obese patients with metabolic syndrome displayed a secretory fingerprint that may be characteristic to the early stages of the condition.

Yoyo Dieting, Post-Obesity Weight Loss, and Their Relationship with Gut Health

Excessive body weight is associated with many chronic metabolic diseases and weight loss, so far, remains the gold standard treatment. However, despite tremendous efforts exploring optimal treatments for obesity, many individuals find losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight difficult. Weight loss is often not sustainable resulting in weight regain and subsequent efforts to lose weight. This cyclic pattern of weight loss and regain is termed "yoyo dieting" and predisposes individuals to obesity and metabolic comorbidities. How yoyo dieting might worsen obesity complications during the weight recurrence phase remains unclear. In particular, there is limited data on the role of the gut microbiome in yoyo dieting. Gut health distress, especially gut inflammation and microbiome perturbation, is strongly associated with metabolic dysfunction and disturbance of energy homeostasis in obesity. In this review, we summarise current evidence of the crosstalk between the gastrointestinal system and energy balance, and the effects of yoyo dieting on gut inflammation and gut microbiota reshaping. Finally, we focus on the potential effects of post-dieting weight loss in improving gut health and identify current knowledge gaps within the field, including gut-derived peptide hormones and their potential suitability as targets to combat weight regain, and how yoyo dieting and associated changes in the microbiome affect the gut barrier and the enteric nervous system, which largely remain to be determined.

Adipokines in the Crosstalk between Adipose Tissues and Other Organs: Implications in Cardiometabolic Diseases

Adipose tissue was previously regarded as a dormant organ for lipid storage until the identification of adiponectin and leptin in the early 1990s. This revelation unveiled the dynamic endocrine function of adipose tissue, which has expanded further. Adipose tissue has emerged in recent decades as a multifunctional organ that plays a significant role in energy metabolism and homeostasis. Currently, it is evident that adipose tissue primarily performs its function by secreting a diverse array of signaling molecules known as adipokines. Apart from their pivotal function in energy expenditure and metabolism regulation, these adipokines exert significant influence over a multitude of biological processes, including but not limited to inflammation, thermoregulation, immune response, vascular function, and insulin sensitivity. Adipokines are pivotal in regulating numerous biological processes within adipose tissue and facilitating communication between adipose tissue and various organs, including the brain, gut, pancreas, endothelial cells, liver, muscle, and more. Dysregulated adipokines have been implicated in several metabolic diseases, like obesity and diabetes, as well as cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we attempted to describe the significance of adipokines in developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and highlight their role in the crosstalk between adipose tissues and other tissues and organs.

Maternal dietary antioxidant supplementation regulates weaned piglets' adipose tissue transcriptome and morphology

Antioxidant supplementation in critical periods may be useful for improvement of piglet early viability and development. We have evaluated the effects of maternal perinatal diet inclusion of a high vitamin E level (VE, 100 mg all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate /kg), hydroxytyrosol (HT, 1.5 mg/kg), or their combination (VEHT), in comparison to a control diet (C, 30 mg all-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate /kg), on the offspring homeostasis and metabolism, analysing the weaned piglets' adipose tissue transcriptome and adipocyte morphology. Diets were provided to pregnant Iberian sows (n = 48, 12 per treatment) from gestation day 85 to weaning (28 days postpartum) and 48 piglets (n = 12 per treatment) were sampled 5 days postweaning for dorsal subcutaneous adipose tissue analyses. RNA obtained from 6 animals for each diet was used for paired-end RNA sequencing. Results show that supplementation of sows' diet with either vitamin E or hydroxytyrosol had substantial effects on weaned piglet adipose transcriptome, with 664 and 587 genes being differentially expressed, in comparison to C, respectively (q-value<0.10, Fold Change>1.5). Genes upregulated in C were mainly involved in inflammatory and immune response, as well as oxidative stress, and relevant canonical pathways and upstream regulators involved in these processes were predicted as activated, such as TNF, IFNB or NFKB. Vitamin E, when supplemented alone at high dose, activated lipid biosynthesis functions, pathways and regulators, this finding being accompanied by increased adipocyte size. Results suggest an improved metabolic and antioxidant status of adipose tissue in animals born from sows supplemented with individual antioxidants, while the combined supplementation barely affected gene expression, with VEHT showing a prooxidant/proinflamatory functional profile similar to C animals. Different hypothesis are proposed to explain this unexpected result. Findings allow a deeper understanding of the processes taking place in adipose tissue of genetically fat animals and the role of antioxidants in the regulation of fat cells function.

Effect of serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α on brain structure in anorexia nervosa: a combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study

Previous studies of brain structure in anorexia nervosa (AN) have reported reduced gray matter in underweight patients, which largely normalizes upon weight gain. One underlying biological mechanism may be glial cell alterations related to low-grade inflammation. Here, we investigated relationships between brain structure as measured by magnetic resonance imaging and serum concentrations of two pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) cross-sectionally in 82 underweight adolescent and young adult female patients (mean age 16.8 years; 59 of whom were observed longitudinally after short-term weight restoration; mean duration 2.8 months), 20 individuals long-term weight-recovered from AN (mean age 22.7 years) and 105 healthy control (HC) participants (mean age 17.2 years). We measured cortical thickness, subcortical volumes and local gyrification index, a measure of cortical folding. In contrast to most previous studies of cytokine concentrations in AN, we found no cross-sectional group differences (interleukin-6: p = 0.193, tumor necrosis factor alpha: p = 0.057) or longitudinal changes following weight restoration (interleukin-6: p = 0.201, tumor necrosis factor alpha: p = 0.772). As expected, widespread gray matter reductions (cortical thickness, subcortical volumes, cortical folding) were observed in underweight patients with AN compared to HC. However, we found no evidence of associations between cytokine concentrations and structural brain measures in any participant group. Furthermore, longitudinal changes in cytokine concentrations were unrelated to changes in gray matter. In conclusion, we did not identify any association between (sub-)inflammatory processes and structural brain changes in AN. Future studies are needed to elucidate which other factors besides nutritional status may contribute to brain morphological alterations.

Evaluation of the vitamin D response index in a Saudi cohort

The concept of the vitamin D response index was developed based on vitamin D intervention studies conducted with Finnish cohorts. In this study, we challenged the concept by performing a single vitamin D3 bolus (80,000 IU) intervention with a cohort of 100 native Saudis. The change of serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6, interleukin 8 and tumor necrosis factor measured directly before intervention in comparison to samples taken one and thirty days after vitamin D3 supplementation were used as biomarkers for distinguishing low, mid and high responders. Interestingly, we identified 39 % of the study participants as low responders. In contrast, when we used in a subset of 37 study participants whole blood expression changes of seven well-known vitamin D target genes one and thirty days after supplementation as alternative biomarkers, only 9 persons (24 %) were identified as low responders. In conclusion, in Saudi Arabia the rate of low vitamin D responders is equal or even higher than that in Finland. Therefore, similar to Nordic countries also in Saudi Arabia appropriate vitamin D3 supplementation is essential, in order to fulfill the needs of low responders.

Effects of dietary astaxanthin on immune status and lipid metabolism in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Astaxanthin (AX) is a carotenoid known to have one of the highest documented antioxidant capacities and has attracted considerable scientific and commercial interest. The incorporation of AX into aquaculture practices has been associated with improved pigmentation, modulation of the immune and endocrine systems, stress reduction, reproductive efficiency and general fish health. This study describes the effects of dietary AX (0, control, 20, 100 and 500 mg kg-1 AX per kg of diet) for 15 and 30 days on growth performance, immune and antioxidant status, histology and gene expression in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish fed diets enriched with 500 mg kg-1 of AX for 15 days decreased in skin mucus peroxidase activity while at 30 days of trial, fish fed a diet supplemented with 20 mg kg-1 AX increased the peroxidase activity in serum. In addition, bactericidal activity against Vibrio harveyi increased in the skin mucus of fish fed any of the AX supplemented diets. Regarding antioxidant activities in the liver, catalase and glutathione reductase were decreased and increased, respectively, in fish fed a diet supplemented with 500 mg kg-1 of AX. Finally, although the expression of up to 21 inflammatory and lipid metabolism-related genes was analysed in visceral adipose tissue, only the expression of the interleukin 6 (il6) gene was up-regulated in fish fed a diet supplemented with 20 mg kg-1 of AX. The present results provide a detailed insight into the potent antioxidant properties of AX and its possible modulatory effects on the immune status and lipid metabolism of seabream, which may be of interest to the aquaculture sector.

Apremilast as a Potential Targeted Therapy for Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Psoriasis: An Observational Analysis

Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that often presents with erythematous, sharply demarcated lesions. Although psoriasis is primarily a dermatological disease, its immune-mediated pathogenesis produces systemic effects and is closely associated with various comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and diabetes mellitus type II (DMII). Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor, has shown promise in treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis and is associated with potential cardiometabolic benefits. In a 12-month prospective observational study involving 137 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, we assessed changes in psoriasis clinimetric scores and metabolic profiles from baseline (T0) to 52 weeks (T1) to evaluate the efficacy of apremilast. After 52 weeks of apremilast treatment, we documented a statistically significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels. Our findings even suggest a potential synergistic effect among patients treated with apremilast, alongside concomitant statin and/or insulin therapy. Although the results of our study must be validated on a larger scale, the use of apremilast in the treatment of psoriatic patients with cardio-metabolic comorbidities yields promising results.

A Preliminary Study on Factors That Drive Patient Variability in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues

Adipose tissue is a dynamic regulatory organ that has profound effects on the overall health of patients. Unfortunately, inconsistencies in human adipose tissues are extensive and multifactorial, including large variability in cellular sizes, lipid content, inflammation, extracellular matrix components, mechanics, and cytokines secreted. Given the high human variability, and since much of what is known about adipose tissue is from animal models, we sought to establish correlations and patterns between biological, mechanical, and epidemiological properties of human adipose tissues. To do this, twenty-six independent variables were cataloged for twenty patients, which included patient demographics and factors that drive health, obesity, and fibrosis. A factorial analysis for mixed data (FAMD) was used to analyze patterns in the dataset (with BMI > 25), and a correlation matrix was used to identify interactions between quantitative variables. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and actin alpha 2, smooth muscle (ACTA2) gene expression were the highest loadings in the first two dimensions of the FAMD. The number of adipocytes was also a key driver of patient-related differences, where a decrease in the density of adipocytes was associated with aging. Aging was also correlated with a decrease in overall lipid percentage of subcutaneous tissue, with lipid deposition being favored extracellularly, an increase in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), and an increase in M1 macrophage polarization. An important finding was that self-identified race contributed to variance between patients in this study, where Black patients had significantly lower gene expression levels of TGFβ1 and ACTA2. This finding supports the urgent need to account for patient ancestry in biomedical research to develop better therapeutic strategies for all patients. Another important finding was that TGFβ induced factor homeobox 1 (TGIF1), an understudied signaling molecule, which is highly correlated with leptin signaling, was correlated with metabolic inflammation. Furthermore, this study draws attention to what we define as "extracellular lipid droplets", which were consistently found in collagen-rich regions of the obese adipose tissues evaluated here. Reduced levels of TGIF1 were correlated with higher numbers of extracellular lipid droplets and an inability to suppress fibrotic changes in adipose tissue. Finally, this study indicated that M1 and M2 macrophage markers were correlated with each other and leptin in patients with a BMI > 25. This finding supports growing evidence that macrophage polarization in obesity involves a complex, interconnecting network system rather than a full switch in activation patterns from M2 to M1 with increasing body mass. Overall, this study reinforces key findings in animal studies and identifies important areas for future research, where human and animal studies are divergent. Understanding key drivers of human patient variability is required to unravel the complex metabolic health of unique patients.

Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology approach to exploring the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Chuanwang xiaoyan capsules

Chuanwang xiaoyan capsules (CWXYC) have anti-inflammatory and detoxification effect, are used in the treatment of acute and chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis and other inflammation-related diseases clinically. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms have not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of CWXYC using cell metabolomics and network pharmacology strategy. Specifically, CWXYC could efficiently reduce the content of nitric oxide (NO), the cytokines Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, metabolomics was performed to achieve 23 differential metabolites and 9 metabolic pathways containing glutamate metabolism, glutathione metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, urea cycle, malate-aspartate shuttle, phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, transfer of acetyl groups into mitochondria, cysteine metabolism and ammonia recycling. The results of network pharmacology showed that CWXYC could treat inflammation through 10 active components, 10 key targets and 55 pathways. Then the results of molecular docking also approved that there existed strong binding energy between the active components and the key targets. Finally, metabolomics and network pharmacology were integrated to get core targets AKT1, SRC and EGFR. Western blot experiments verified that CWXYC could exert anti-inflammatory effect by down-regulating the activated Akt1 and Src proteins. This study demonstrated that CWXYC exerted effects against inflammation, and the potential mechanisms were elucidated. These novel findings will provide an important basis for further mechanism investigations.

The 40-min HIIT acutely induced bone formation which was likely through the increases in muscle derived interleukin 6 and adiponectin activation: The 16 weeks of HIIT intervention, longitudinal randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

There is some controversy regarding cytokines released from adipocytes, particularly adiponectin, leptin, and IL6 that regulate bone remodeling. In addition, IL6 is released from muscle contraction, which might have a distinct role in bone remodeling. Hence, this study investigated whether muscle contraction during a session of 40 min of high intensity interval training (40-min HIIT) and after 16 weeks of HIIT (16-wk HIIT) altered the release of those cytokines and bone remodeling in overweight women.

METHODS

In total, 22 overweight, premenopausal women were randomly assigned to either the exercise or the control group. The exercise participants engaged in the 40-min HIIT session at 80-90 % of their heart rate reserve (HRR) three times weekly for 16 weeks, while the control participants performed their routine daily activities. Blood was drawn after overnight fasting and immediately after completing the 40-min HIIT sessions to investigate the association of adiponectin, leptin, IL6, CTX, and P1NP through the acute effect of the 40-min HIIT sessions. This process was repeated after the 16-wk intervention program to observe the training effect of HIIT on cytokines linkage. The bone mineral density (BMD) levels of the distal tibia, femur, and lumbar spine were determined prior to and after the 16-wk intervention using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

The P1NP level increased by 8.29-20.52 % (95 % CI) and by 2.91-15.54 % after completing the first and last bouts of the 40-min HIIT sessions, respectively. In addition, IL6 increased by 13.39-28.03 % (95 % CI), while serum CTX and adiponectin were unaltered from the acute effect of the 40-min HIIT sessions. There was an association between the increases in P1NP and adiponectin (r = 0.682, p = 0.015); however, the increase in P1NP was mostly associated with the increase in IL6 (r = 0.572, p = 0.054) after completing a 40-min HIIT session. After the 16-wk HIIT program, the resting adiponectin level of the exercise participants increased; however, this was associated with neither bone biomarkers nor BMD. The BMDs of the exercise participants were maintained; however, the tibial BMD of the control participants decreased with an increase in the resting CTX level after 16 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Muscle contraction during the 40-min HIIT session elevated the IL6 level, which might have subsequently enhanced bone formation. Furthermore, the association between acute changes in adiponectin and P1NP suggested the possibility of an increase in the sensitivity of the adiponectin receptor in osteoblasts.

Structural and pharmacological insights into cordycepin for neoplasms and metabolic disorders

Cytotoxic adenosine analogues were among the earliest chemotherapeutic agents utilised in cancer treatment. Cordycepin, a natural derivative of adenosine discovered in the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, directly inhibits tumours not only by impeding biosynthesis, inducing apoptosis or autophagy, regulating the cell cycle, and curtailing tumour invasion and metastasis but also modulates the immune response within the tumour microenvironment. Furthermore, extensive research highlights cordycepin's significant therapeutic potential in alleviating hyperlipidaemia and regulating glucose metabolism. This review comprehensively analyses the structure-activity relationship of cordycepin and its analogues, outlines its pharmacokinetic properties, and strategies to enhance its bioavailability. Delving into the molecular biology, it explores the pharmacological mechanisms of cordycepin in tumour suppression and metabolic disorder treatment, thereby underscoring its immense potential in drug development within these domains and laying the groundwork for innovative treatment strategies.

The causal associations of inflammatory cytokines with obesity and systemic lupus erythematosus: A Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have partly discussed the roles of inflammatory cytokines in obesity and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the causal relationship among inflammatory cytokines, obesity, and SLE is unclear. It is challenging to comprehensively evaluate the causal relationship between these variables. This study aimed to investigate the role of cytokines as intermediates between obesity and SLE.

METHODS

The inverse-variance weighted method (IVW) of mendelian randomization (MR) is mainly used to explore the causal relationship between exposure and outcome by using the genetic variation of the open large genome-wide association studies (GWAS), namely single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to obesity (more than 600 000 participants), inflammatory cytokines (8293 healthy participants) and SLE (7219 cases). Methods such as weighted median, MR-Egger are used to evaluate the reliability of causality. Reverse analysis is performed for each MR analysis to avoid reverse causality. Cochran's Q statistic and funnel chart are used to detect heterogeneity, MR-Egger intercept test and leave-one-out sensitivity analyses evaluated pleiotropy.

RESULTS

Obesity was associated with 25 cytokines, and 3 cytokines were associated with SLE, including CTACK (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.33, p = .002), IL-18 (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.26, p = .027), SCGFb (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.99, p = .044). In the opposite direction, SLE was associated with 18 cytokines, and 2 cytokines were associated with obesity, including IP-10 (βIVW = -.03, 95% CI: -0.05, -0.01, p = .002), MIP-1B (βIVW = -.03, 95% CI: -0.05, -0.01, p = .004).

CONCLUSION

Our MR study suggested that CTACK, IL-18 and SCGFb may play an intermediary role in obesity to SLE, while IP-10 and MIP-1B may play an intermediary role in SLE to obesity.

Interleukin-6 promotes visceral adipose tissue accumulation during aging via inhibiting fat lipolysis

BACKGROUND

Age-related visceral obesity could contribute to the development of cardiometabolic complications. The pathogenesis of visceral fat mass accumulation during the aging process remains complex and largely unknown. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has emerged as one of the prominent inflammaging markers which are elevated in circulation during aging. However, the precise role of IL-6 in regulating age-related visceral adipose tissue accumulation remains uncertain.

RESULTS

A cross-sectional study including 77 older adults (≥65 years of age) was initially conducted. There was a significant positive association between serum IL-6 levels and visceral fat mass. We subsequently validated a modest but significant elevation in serum IL-6 levels in aged mice. Furthermore, we demonstrated that compared to wildtype control, IL-6 deficiency (IL-6 KO) significantly attenuated the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue during aging. Further metabolic characterization suggested that IL-6 deficiency resulted in improved lipid metabolism parameters and energy expenditure in aged mice. Moreover, histological examinations of adipose depots revealed that the absence of IL-6 ameliorated adipocyte hypertrophy in visceral adipose tissue of aged mice. Mechanically, the ablation of IL-6 could promote the PKA-mediated lipolysis and consequently mitigate lipid accumulation in adipose tissue in aged mice.

CONCLUSION

Our findings identify a detrimental role of IL-6 during the aging process by promoting visceral adipose tissue accumulation through inhibition of lipolysis. Therefore, strategies aimed at preventing or reducing IL-6 levels may potentially ameliorate age-related obesity and improve metabolism during aging.

Futile lipid cycling: from biochemistry to physiology

In the healthy state, the fat stored in our body isn't just inert. Rather, it is dynamically mobilized to maintain an adequate concentration of fatty acids (FAs) in our bloodstream. Our body tends to produce excess FAs to ensure that the FA availability is not limiting. The surplus FAs are actively re-esterified into glycerides, initiating a cycle of breakdown and resynthesis of glycerides. This cycle consumes energy without generating a new product and is commonly referred to as the 'futile lipid cycle' or the glyceride/FA cycle. Contrary to the notion that it's a wasteful process, it turns out this cycle is crucial for systemic metabolic homeostasis. It acts as a control point in intra-adipocyte and inter-organ cross-talk, a metabolic rheostat, an energy sensor and a lipid diversifying mechanism. In this Review, we discuss the metabolic regulation and physiological implications of the glyceride/FA cycle and its mechanistic underpinnings.

MAFB in macrophages regulates cold-induced neuronal density in brown adipose tissue

Transcription factor MAFB regulates various homeostatic functions of macrophages. This study explores the role of MAFB in brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis using macrophage-specific Mafb-deficient (Mafbf/f::LysM-Cre) mice. We find that Mafb deficiency in macrophages reduces thermogenesis, energy expenditure, and sympathetic neuron (SN) density in BAT under cold conditions. This phenotype features a proinflammatory environment that is characterized by macrophage/granulocyte accumulation, increases in interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, and IL-6 trans-signaling, which lead to decreases in nerve growth factor (NGF) expression and reduction in SN density in BAT. We confirm MAFB regulation of IL-6 expression using luciferase readout driven by IL-6 promoter in RAW-264.7 macrophage cell lines. Immunohistochemistry shows clustered organization of NGF-producing cells in BAT, which are primarily TRPV1+ vascular smooth muscle cells, as additionally shown using single-cell RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR of the stromal vascular fraction. Treating Mafbf/f::LysM-Cre mice with anti-IL-6 receptor antibody rescues SN density, body temperature, and energy expenditure.

Cytokine production by bovine adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction cells upon Neospora caninum stimulation

In bovines few studies addressed the contribution of adipose tissue to the host immune response to infection. Here we evaluated the in vitro response of bovine adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, using live and freeze-killed tachyzoites. Live N. caninum induced the production of IL-6, IL-1β and IL-10 by SVF cells isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), while in mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) SVF cell cultures only IL-1β and IL-10 production was increased, showing slight distinct responses between adipose tissue depots. Whereas a clear IL-8 increase was detected in peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) culture supernatants in response to live N. caninum, no such increase was observed in SAT or MAT SVF cell cultures. Nevertheless, in response to LPS, increased IL-8 levels were detected in all cell cultures. IL-10 levels were always increased in response to stimulation (live, freeze-killed N. caninum and LPS). Overall, our results show that bovine adipose tissue SVF cells produce cytokines in response to N. caninum and can therefore be putative contributors to the host immune response against this parasite.

D-Allulose Reduces Hypertrophy and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induced by Palmitic Acid in Murine 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Natural rare sugars are an alternative category of sweeteners with positive physiologic and metabolic effects both in in vitro and animal models. D-allulose is a D-fructose epimer that combines 70% sucrose sweetness with the advantage of an extremely low energy content. However, there are no data about the effect of D-allulose against adipose dysfunction; thus, it remains to be confirmed whether D-allulose is useful in the prevention and in treatment of adipose tissue alterations. With this aim, we evaluated D-allulose's preventive effects on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 murine adipocytes exposed to palmitic acid (PA), a trigger for hypertrophic adipocytes. D-allulose in place of glucose prevented adipocyte hypertrophy and the activation of adipogenic markers C/EBP-β and PPARγ induced by high PA concentrations. Additionally, D-allulose pretreatment inhibited the NF-κB pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by PA, through activation of the Nrf2 pathway. Interestingly, these effects were also observed as D-allulose post PA treatment. Although our data need to be confirmed through in vivo models, our findings suggest that incorporating D-allulose as a glucose substitute in the diet might have a protective role in adipocyte function and support a unique mechanism of action in this sugar as a preventive or therapeutic compound against PA lipotoxicity through the modulation of pathways connected to lipid transport and metabolism.

Abundance of selected genes implicated in testicular functions in Camelus dromedarius with high and low epididymal semen quality

Studying testicular genes' expression may give key insights into precise regulation of its functions that influence epididymal sperm quality. The current study aimed to investigate the abundance of candidate genes involved in the regulation of testicular functions specially those regulate sperm function (PLA2G4D, SPP1, and CLUAP1), testicular steroidogenic function (ESR1 and AR), materials transport (AQP12B and LCN15), and defense mechanisms (DEFB110, GPX5, SOCS3, and IL6). Therefore, blood samples and testes with epididymis were collected from mature middle-aged (5-10 years) dromedary camels (n = 45) directly prior and after their slaughtering, respectively, during breeding season. Sera were evaluated for testosterone level and testicular biometry was measured with caliper. The epididymal tail semen was evaluated manually. Samples were distinguished based on testosterone level, testicular biometry, as well as epididymal semen features into high and low fertile groups. Total RNA was isolated from testicular tissues and gene expression was done using Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Results revealed that testosterone levels were significantly (P < 0.005) higher in camels with good semen quality than those of low quality. There was a significant (P < 0.0001) increase in testicular weight, length, width, thickness, and volume in high fertile than low fertile camels. PLA2G4D, SPP1, CLUAP1, ESR1, AR, AQP12B, LCN15, DEFB110, GPX5, and SOCS3 genes were upregulated (P < 0.001), and IL6 gene was downregulated (P < 0.01) in the testes of high fertile camels compared to the low fertile one. Thus, it could be concluded that examined genes might be valuable monitors of testicular functional status and fertility in dromedary camels.

Morphofunctional Alteration of Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in the Inflammation of the Abdominal Cavity

This paper provides data regarding the ratios of the functional structures of lymph nodes after inflammation in the abdominal organs. Lymph systems, including lymph nodes, function as filters of tissues and tissue fluids and are places of origin and lymphocyte production for normal physiological functions. They display specific morphological and functional responses in reaction to endogenous and exogenous substances. The morphological pattern of the mesenteric lymph node in experimental rat groups reflects a decrease in its immune function due to the processes of inflammation in the abdominal cavity. These processes work together with the associated organs and their involvement in the abdominal lymph nodes, in which there are discharges of the structure of the paracortical zone under conditions of reduced lymphogenic processes, according to the decrease in the size of the paracortex and the ratios of lymphoid nodes with and without germinal centers. Histological and morphometric analyses show changes in the mesenteric lymph node. These analyses are characterized by changes in the cortical and medullary substances, while the proportion of the cortical structure decreases. We also noted an increase in the number of macrophages in the lymphoid nodes and cerebral sinus, as well as a decrease in the number of mature plasmocytes, the paracortex, and the pulp strands. These changes indicate immunosuppressive effects on the lymph node. Under the conditions of inflammation, the formation of a mixed immune response occurs.

From Beats to Metabolism: the Heart at the Core of Interorgan Metabolic Cross Talk

The heart, once considered a mere blood pump, is now recognized as a multifunctional metabolic and endocrine organ. Its function is tightly regulated by various metabolic processes, at the same time it serves as an endocrine organ, secreting bioactive molecules that impact systemic metabolism. In recent years, research has shed light on the intricate interplay between the heart and other metabolic organs, such as adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle. The metabolic flexibility of the heart and its ability to switch between different energy substrates play a crucial role in maintaining cardiac function and overall metabolic homeostasis. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of how metabolic disorders disrupt cardiac metabolism is crucial, as it plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of cardiac diseases. The emerging understanding of the heart as a metabolic and endocrine organ highlights its essential contribution to whole body metabolic regulation and offers new insights into the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. In this review, we provide an in-depth exploration of the heart's metabolic and endocrine functions, emphasizing its role in systemic metabolism and the interplay between the heart and other metabolic organs. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests a correlation between heart disease and other conditions such as aging and cancer, indicating that the metabolic dysfunction observed in these conditions may share common underlying mechanisms. By unraveling the complex mechanisms underlying cardiac metabolism, we aim to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Physical activity and exercise in liver cancer

Sarcopenia and physical deconditioning are common complications in patients with liver cancer, which are frequently caused by insufficient physical activity and poor nutritional status, resulting in physical frailty and a significant impact on the patient's physical fitness. Notably, sarcopenia, frailty, and poor cardiopulmonary endurance have all been linked to higher mortality rates among patients with liver cancer. Exercise intervention significantly improves various health parameters in liver cancer patients, including metabolic syndrome, muscle wasting, cardiorespiratory endurance, health-related quality of life, and reduction in hepatic venous pressure gradient. However, the link between physical exercise and liver cancer is commonly overlooked. In this article, we will examine the impact of exercise on liver cancer and present the most recent evidence on the best types of exercise for various stages of liver cancer. This article also summarizes and discusses the molecular mechanisms that control metabolism and systemic immune function in tumors. In brief, physical exercise should be considered an important intervention in the prevention and treatment of liver cancer and its complications.

Chronic GLP1 therapy reduces postprandial IL6 in obese humans with prediabetes

Single-dose glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) therapy increases postprandial plasma IL6 levels in prediabetic, obese humans. GLP1-IL6 interactions underly multiple antidiabetic effects, but these may differ after acute versus chronic therapy. This study examines postprandial effects of GLP1 after chronic therapy. Seven humans (six Black) with prediabetes and obesity completed 6 weeks of exenatide extended release therapy. Then subjects returned for pre- and post-meal measurements of plasma IL6, GLP1, glucagon, and related inflammatory markers. Weight, which was measured before and after therapy, did not change. Plasma IL6 decreased from baseline to postmeal state ( = 0.016), with decreases in free fatty acids (P < 0.001) and increases in insulin (P = 0.002), glucose (P < 0.0001), triglycerides (P = 0.0178), and glucagon (P = 0.018). Baseline GLP1 levels matched 6 weeks of therapy. The fall in postprandial plasma IL6, which contrasts with the increase after acute therapy, highlights the need for more investigation regarding the mechanisms of acute versus chronic GLP1-IL6 signaling.

Exerkines and cardiometabolic benefits of exercise: from bench to clinic

Regular exercise has both immediate and long-lasting benefits on cardiometabolic health, and has been recommended as a cornerstone of treatment in the management of diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Exerkines, which are defined as humoral factors responsive to acute or chronic exercise, have emerged as important players conferring some of the multiple cardiometabolic benefits of exercise. Over the past decades, hundreds of exerkines released from skeletal muscle, heart, liver, adipose tissue, brain, and gut have been identified, and several exerkines (such as FGF21, IL-6, and adiponectin) have been exploited therapeutically as exercise mimetics for the treatment of various metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Recent advances in metagenomics have led to the identification of gut microbiota, a so-called "hidden" metabolic organ, as an additional class of exerkines determining the efficacy of exercise in diabetes prevention, cardiac protection, and exercise performance. Furthermore, multiomics-based studies have shown the feasibility of using baseline exerkine signatures to predict individual responses to exercise with respect to metabolic and cardiorespiratory health. This review aims to explore the molecular pathways whereby exerkine networks mediate the cardiometabolic adaptations to exercise by fine-tuning inter-organ crosstalk, and discuss the roadmaps for translating exerkine-based discovery into the therapeutic application and personalized medicine in the management of the cardiometabolic disease.

IL-6 signaling drives self-renewal and alternative activation of adipose tissue macrophages

Introduction

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation of adipose tissue (AT) and an increase of AT macrophages (ATMs) that is linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes. We have recently shown that neutralization of interleukin (IL)-6 in obese AT organ cultures inhibits proliferation of ATMs, which occurs preferentially in alternatively activated macrophage phenotype.

Methods

In this study, we investigated AT biology and the metabolic phenotype of mice with myeloid cell-specific IL-6Rα deficiency (Il6ra Δmyel) after normal chow and 20 weeks of high-fat diet focusing on AT inflammation, ATM polarization and proliferation. Using organotypical AT culture and bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) of IL-4Rα knockout mice (Il4ra -/-) we studied IL-6 signaling.

Results

Obese Il6ra Δmyel mice exhibited no differences in insulin sensitivity or histological markers of AT inflammation. Notably, we found a reduction of ATMs expressing the mannose receptor 1 (CD206), as well as a decrease of the proliferation marker Ki67 in ATMs of Il6ra Δmyel mice. Importantly, organotypical AT culture and BMDM data of Il4ra -/- mice revealed that IL-6 mediates a shift towards the M2 phenotype independent from the IL-6/IL-4Rα axis.

Discussion

Our results demonstrate IL-4Rα-independent anti-inflammatory effects of IL-6 on macrophages and the ability of IL-6 to maintain proliferation rates in obese AT.

Interleukin-6: An Under-Appreciated Inducer of Thermogenic Adipocyte Differentiation

Adipose tissue inflammation is a key factor leading to obesity-associated immune disorders, such as insulin resistance, beta cell loss in the pancreatic islets, meta-inflammation, and autoimmunity. Inhibiting adipose tissue inflammation is considered a straightforward approach to abrogate these diseases. However, recent findings show that certain pro-inflammatory cytokines are essential for the proper differentiation and functioning of adipocytes. Lipolysis is stimulated, and the thermogenic competence of adipocytes is unlocked by interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine that was initially recognized as a key trigger of adipose tissue inflammation. Coherently, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is a signal transducer for IL-6, is necessary for thermogenic adipocyte development. Given the impact of thermogenic adipocytes in increasing energy expenditure and reducing body adiposity, functions of IL-6 in the adipose tissue have gained attention recently. In this review, we show that IL-6 signaling may protect from excess fat accumulation by stimulating thermogenesis in adipocytes.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome

Considering that interventions related to lifestyle, especially nutrition have been proposed as the first line of prevention and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and regarding the proven relationship between PCOS and inflammation, the present study was designed to find out the possible association of Diet Inflammatory Index (DII) with the inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and compare the obtained results in PCOS and non-PCOS women. This case-control study was conducted on 45 PCOS and 40 non-PCOS women. Food intake and DII were measured using a 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. All participants were tested for the serum levels of IL-6 and CRP. Finally, the obtained results were compared between the two groups of PCOS and non-PCOS women. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, menstrual status and number of pregnancies (P < 0.05). Comparison of DII values showed no significant difference between the two groups of women (P = 0.68), but IL-6 was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (4.94 ± 1.97 vs. 3.48 ± 1.77, P < 0.001). Also in terms of CRP, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The difference of DII between the case and control groups were not significant and Pearson's correlation test did not show a significant correlation between DII and IL-6 (P˃0.05). This result can be due to the influence of several factors affecting the determination of DII such as education level, health status, physical activity level, age, and calorie intake. It seems that diet, especially consumption of more carbohydrates plays a role in causing chronic inflammation, as well as the occurrence and exacerbation of PCOS.

Microglia/macrophage-specific deletion of TLR-4 protects against neural effects of diet-induced obesity

Obesity is associated with numerous adverse neural effects, including reduced neurogenesis, cognitive impairment, and increased risks for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia. Obesity is also characterized by chronic, low-grade inflammation that is implicated in mediating negative consequences body-wide. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling from peripheral macrophages is implicated as an essential regulator of the systemic inflammatory effects of obesity. In the brain, obesity drives chronic neuroinflammation that involves microglial activation, however the contributions of microglia-derived TLR4 signaling to the consequences of obesity are poorly understood. To investigate this issue, we first generated mice that carry an inducible, microglia/macrophage-specific deletion of TLR4 that yields long-term TLR4 knockout only in brain indicating microglial specificity. Next, we analyzed the effects of microglial TLR4 deletion on systemic and neural effects of a 16-week of exposure to control versus obesogenic high-fat diets. In male mice, TLR4 deletion generally yielded limited effects on diet-induced systemic metabolic dysfunction but significantly reduced neuroinflammation and impairments in neurogenesis and cognitive performance. In female mice maintained on obesogenic diet, TLR4 deletion partially protected against weight gain, adiposity, and metabolic impairments. Compared to males, females showed milder diet-induced neural consequences, against which TLR4 deletion was protective. Collectively, these findings demonstrate a central role of microglial TLR4 signaling in mediating the neural effects of obesogenic diet and highlight sexual dimorphic responses to both diet and TLR4.

Temporal variations in the gut microbial diversity in response to high-fat diet and exercise

High-fat diet-induced obesity is a pandemic caused by an inactive lifestyle and increased consumption of Western diets and is a major risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, exercise can positively influence gut microbial diversity and is linked to a decreased inflammatory state. To understand the gut microbial variations associated with exercise and high-fat diet over time, we conducted a longitudinal study to examine the effect of covariates on gut microbial diversity and composition. Young mice were divided into four groups: Chow-diet (CHD), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet + exercise (HFX), and exercise only (EXE) and underwent experimental intervention for 12 weeks. Fecal samples at week 0 and 12 were collected for DNA extraction, followed by 16S library preparation and sequencing. Data were analyzed using QIIME 2, R and MicrobiomeAnalyst. The Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio decreased fivefold in the HFD and HFX groups compared to that in the CHD and EXE groups and increased in the EXE group over time. Alpha diversity was significantly increased in the EXE group longitudinally (p < 0.02), whereas diversity (Shannon, Faith's PD, and Fisher) and richness (ACE) was significantly reduced in the HFD (p < 0.005) and HFX (p < 0.03) groups over time. Beta diversity, based on the Jaccard, Bray-Curtis, and unweighted UniFrac distance metrics, was significant among the groups. Prevotella, Paraprevotella, Candidatus arthromitus, Lactobacillus salivarius, L. reuteri, Roseburia, Bacteroides uniformis, Sutterella, and Corynebacterium were differentially abundant in the chow-diet groups (CHD and EXE). Exercise significantly reduced the proportion of taxa characteristic of a high-fat diet, including Butyricimonas, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Mucispirillum schaedleri. Diet, age, and exercise significantly contributed to explaining the bacterial community structure and diversity in the gut microbiota. Modulating the gut microbiota and maintaining its stability can lead to targeted microbiome therapies to manage chronic and recurrent diseases and infections.

Reversible expansion of tissue macrophages in response to macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1) transforms systemic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism

Macrophages regulate metabolic homeostasis in health and disease. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1)-dependent macrophages contribute to homeostatic control of the size of the liver. This study aimed to determine the systemic metabolic consequences of elevating circulating CSF1. Acute administration of a CSF1-Fc fusion protein to mice led to monocytosis, increased resident tissue macrophages in the liver and all major organs, and liver growth. These effects were associated with increased hepatic glucose uptake and extensive mobilization of body fat. The impacts of CSF1 on macrophage abundance, liver size, and body composition were rapidly reversed to restore homeostasis. The effects of CSF1 on metabolism were independent of several known endocrine regulators and did not impact the physiological fasting response. Analysis using implantable telemetry in metabolic cages revealed progressively reduced body temperature and physical activity with no change in diurnal food intake. These results demonstrate the existence of a dynamic equilibrium between CSF1, the mononuclear phagocyte system, and control of liver-to-body weight ratio, which in turn controls systemic metabolic homeostasis. This novel macrophage regulatory axis has the potential to promote fat mobilization, without changes in appetence, which may have novel implications for managing metabolic syndrome.NEW & NOTEWORTHY CSF1 administration expands tissue macrophages, which transforms systemic metabolism. CSF1 drives fat mobilization and glucose uptake to support liver growth. The effects of CSF1 are independent of normal hormonal metabolic regulation. The effects of CSF1 are rapidly reversible, restoring homeostatic body composition. CSF1-dependent macrophages and liver size are coupled in a dynamic equilibrium.

Bombesin-like receptor 3 expression induced by bisphenol A is likely associated with reduced cell proliferation by inhibiting DNA synthesis and inducing inflammation in liver cells

BACKGROUND

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an exogenous endocrine disruptor mimicking hormones closely associated with health complications, such as cancer progression. BPA is also related to an increase in the prevalence of obesity-related diseases due to its obesogenic action. Bombesin-like receptor 3 (BRS3) is an important factor that should be considered in the adipogenic gene network, as depletion of this gene alters adiposity.

METHODS

Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of BRS3 in human liver THLE-2 cells post-BPA treatment by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effects of BPA on the levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, interleukin 6 (IL6) and CC motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), in conditioned media of BPA-treated THLE-2 cells and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in replicating BPA-treated THLE-2 cells during the cell cycle were also examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

The study found that the mRNA expression of BRS3 was increased in THLE-2 cells treated with BPA. The study also showed that the expression levels of IL6 and CCL2 reached an optimum level in the conditioned media of BPA-treated THLE-2 cells after 48 h of treatment. Subsequently, the DNA synthesis analysis showed that bromodeoxyuridine/propidium iodide (BrdU/PI) stained positive cells were decreased in BPA-treated THLE-2 cells at 72 h of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates that BRS3 expression induced by BPA is likely associated with reduced cell proliferation by inhibiting DNA synthesis and inducing cellular inflammation in liver cells.

Aging adipose tissue, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes

With the increase of population aging, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is also rising. Aging affects the tissues and organs of the whole body, which is the result of various physiological and pathological processes. Adipose tissue has a high degree of plasticity and changes with aging. Aging changes the distribution of adipose tissue, affects adipogenesis, browning characteristics, inflammatory status and adipokine secretion, and increases lipotoxicity. These age-dependent changes in adipose tissue are an important cause of insulin resistance and T2D. Understanding adipose tissue changes can help promote healthy aging process. This review summarizes changes in adipose tissue ascribable to aging, with a focus on the role of aging adipose tissue in insulin resistance and T2D.