Tmod3 Phosphorylation Mediates AMPK-Dependent GLUT4 Plasma Membrane Insertion in Myoblasts

Hemp seed protein exerts its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects through degradation into short peptides

This study aimed to investigate the effects of hemp seed protein (HSP) on glucose and lipid metabolism and its possible mechanisms. In a high-fat-induced mouse obesity model, HSP supplementation significantly reduced serum TC (Total cholesterol), TG (Triglycerides), and LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels by 28 % (P < 0.001), 34 % (P < 0.001), and 40 % (P < 0.001) respectively, compared to the model group, while HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) increased by 77 % (P < 0.001). Hepatic lipid accumulation was alleviated, and glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity improved. In vitro, HSP hydrolysates exhibited stronger inhibitory activity against pancreatic α-amylase and lipase than HSP itself. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified three hemp seed peptides from HSP hydrolysates, which interacted with AKT1, PPARG, and HMGCR. These findings suggest that the metabolic regulatory effects of HSP are mediated by bioactive peptides that inhibit digestive enzymes and regulate AMPK-AKT1/PPARG/HMGCR metabolism pathway, providing insights into its potential as a functional health food.

Tissue-specific methylomic responses to a lifestyle intervention in older adults associate with metabolic and physiological health improvements

Across the lifespan, diet and physical activity profiles substantially influence immunometabolic health. DNA methylation, as a tissue-specific marker sensitive to behavioral change, may mediate these effects through modulation of transcription factor binding and subsequent gene expression. Despite this, few human studies have profiled DNA methylation and gene expression simultaneously in multiple tissues or examined how molecular levels react and interact in response to lifestyle changes. The Growing Old Together (GOTO) study is a 13-week lifestyle intervention in older adults, which imparted health benefits to participants. Here, we characterize the DNA methylation response to this intervention at over 750 thousand CpGs in muscle, adipose, and blood. Differentially methylated sites are enriched for active chromatin states, located close to relevant transcription factor binding sites, and associated with changing expression of insulin sensitivity genes and health parameters. In addition, measures of biological age are consistently reduced, with decreases in grimAge associated with observed health improvements. Taken together, our results identify responsive molecular markers and demonstrate their potential to measure progression and finetune treatment of age-related risks and diseases.

M6A-modified BFSP1 induces aerobic glycolysis to promote liver cancer growth and metastasis through upregulating tropomodulin 4

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common RNA modification in eukaryotes, and its abnormal regulation is closely related to cancer progression. Aerobic glycolysis is a main way for cancer cells to obtain energy. It was found that beaded filament structural protein 1 (BFSP1) is a m6A related gene in liver cancer. However, the effect of m6A-modified BFSP1 on aerobic glycolysis and how it is regulated in liver cancer progression have not been explored. Here, we found that BFSP1 was upregulated in liver cancer cells and tissues. Overexpression of BFSP1 promoted the viability, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis of liver cancer cells, whereas knockdown of BFSP1 showed the opposite effects. Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and GST pull down analyses showed that BFSP1 directly interacted with tropomodalin 4 (TMOD4), and knockdown of TMOD4 reversed BFSP1 overexpression-induced malignant phenotypes and aerobic glycolysis in liver cancer cells. Moreover, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) enhanced BFSP1 stability by augmenting m6A modification of BFSP1 mRNA, which is achieved in a YTHDF1-dependent manner. In vivo experiments in mice confirmed that METTL3 increased BFSP1 stability by promoting m6A modification of BFSP1 mRNA, and knockdown of BFSP1 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis. In summary, METTL3-mediated m6A methylation of BFSP1 mRNA plays an important role in the aerobic glycolysis and progression of liver cancer, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for liver cancer.

Regulatory Role of Flavonoid Baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis on AMPK: A Review

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a ubiquitous sensor of cellular energy and nutrient status in eukaryotic cells. It serves an essential function in the modulation of energy balance and metabolism homeostasis through its regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and protein metabolism. The dysregulation of AMPK is closely related to a series of systemic diseases, affecting multiple organs and tissues. Baicalin is a natural compound derived from the dry raw root of Scutellaria baicalensis, and it has been found to exhibit several potential pharmacological actions. These include hepatoprotective effects, anti-inflammation effects and anti-tumor effects. These biological activities are related to the regulatory effect of baicalin on the host metabolism, which is closely associated with AMPK modulation. In this review, we provide an overview of the regulatory effect of baicalin on AMPK and its upstream and downstream signaling pathways. The pharmacological properties and underlying mechanism of baicalin for regulating AMPK were summarized with regards to four aspects: regulatory effect of baicalin on AMPK in lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism, regulatory effect of baicalin on AMPK in its pharmacological effect of anti-tumor and anti-inflammation. As a natural compound, baicalin has the potential for the management of certain AMPK-related diseases.

Effectiveness of concurrent exercise training in people with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Concurrent Exercise Training (CET) is defined as an exercise training mode in which aerobic and resistance exercises are performed in the same session.

OBJECTIVES

The effects of CET in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are inconclusive. Therefore, the objective of the present systematic review with a meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of CET on metabolic markers, body composition, lipid profile, inflammation, and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in people with T2DM.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched from inception up to January 2023. The eligibility criteria included prospective studies that had T2DM participants aged between 35 and 65 years who performed CET at least 2 times/week for a minimum duration of 8 weeks with a control group.

RESULTS

Seven studies were identified for qualitative review. Sufficient data were not available for one study, therefore, meta-analysis was performed in six studies. A significant effect was observed in glucose level (p < .01); glycated hemoglobin (p = .02); Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (p = .02); body mass index (p = .02); %body fat (p < .01); %fat-free mass (p < .01); waist circumference (p = .03); triglyceride (p < .01); peak oxygen uptake (p < .01); and tumor necrotic factor -α (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The CET is effective in improving metabolic markers, body composition, lipid profile, inflammation, and CRF in people with T2DM and can be included in the management of T2DM. The overall evidence for this conclusion may be influenced by bias in included studies.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) promotes skeletal muscle regeneration by regulating PGC-1α/AMPK/GLUT4 pathways in satellite cells/myoblasts

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) holds therapeutic potential in promoting skeletal muscle regeneration, a biological process mediated by satellite cells and myoblasts. Despite their central roles in regeneration, the detailed mechanistic of LIPUS influence on satellite cells and myoblasts are not fully underexplored. In the current investigation, we administrated LIPUS treatment to injured skeletal muscles and C2C12 myoblasts over five consecutive days. Muscle samples were collected on days 6 and 30 post-injury for an in-depth histological and molecular assessment, both in vivo and in vitro with immunofluorescence analysis. During the acute injury phase, LIPUS treatment significantly augmented the satellite cell population, concurrently enhancing the number and size of newly formed myofibers whilst reducing fibrosis levels. At 30 days post-injury, the LIPUS-treated group demonstrated a more robust satellite cell pool and a higher myofiber count, suggesting that early LIPUS intervention facilitates satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, thereby promoting long-term recovery. Additionally, LIPUS markedly accelerated C2C12 myoblast differentiation, with observed increases in AMPK phosphorylation in myoblasts, leading to elevated expression of Glut4 and PGC-1α, and subsequent glucose uptake and mitochondrial biogenesis. These findings imply that LIPUS-induced modulation of myoblasts may culminate in enhanced cellular energy availability, laying a theoretical groundwork for employing LIPUS in ameliorating skeletal muscle regeneration post-injury. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Utilizing the cardiotoxin (CTX) muscle injury model, we investigated the influence of LIPUS on satellite cell homeostasis and skeletal muscle regeneration. Our findings indicate that LIPUS promotes satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, thereby facilitating skeletal muscle repair. Additionally, in vitro investigations lend credence to the hypothesis that the regulatory effect of LIPUS on satellite cells may be attributed to its capability to enhance cellular energy metabolism.

Ivermectin as a potential therapeutic strategy for glioma

Ivermectin (IVM), a semi-synthetic macrolide parasiticide, has demonstrated considerable effectiveness in combating internal and external parasites, particularly nematodes and arthropods. Its remarkable ability to control parasites has earned it significant recognition, culminating in Satoshi Omura and William C. Campbell's receipt of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their contributions to the development of IVM. In recent years, investigations have revealed that IVM possesses antitumor properties. It can suppress the growth of various cancer cells, including glioma, through a multitude of mechanisms such as selective targeting of tumor-specific proteins, inducing programmed cell death, and modulation of tumor-related signaling pathways. Hence, IVM holds tremendous potential as a novel anticancer drug. This review seeks to provide an overview of the underlying mechanisms that enable IVM's capacity to suppress glioma. Furthermore, it aims to elucidate the challenges and prospects associated with utilizing IVM as a new anticancer agent.

Oral administration of wild plant-derived minerals and red ginseng ameliorates insulin resistance in fish through different pathways

Many kinds of fish are characterized by a limited efficiency to use carbohydrates. For this reason, raw fish and mixed feed containing a lot of fish meal have been used as feed for fish farming. However, continuing to use high-protein diets not only increases the cost of fish farming, but may also fuel animal protein shortages. Furthermore, carbohydrates are added to improve the texture of the feed and act as a binding agent and are usually contained at 20% in the feed. It makes sense, therefore, to find ways to make good use of carbohydrates rather than wasting them. The physiological mechanisms of glucose intolerance in fish are not yet well understood. Therefore, we investigated the glucose utilization of fish, omnivorous goldfish Carassius auratus and carnivorous rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Furthermore, the effects of oral administration of wild plant-derived minerals and red ginseng on the glucose utilization in these fish muscle cells were investigated. As a result, we found the following. (1) An extremely high insulin resistance in fish muscle and the symptom was more pronounced in carnivorous rainbow trout. (2) Administration of wild plant-derived minerals promotes the translocation of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter GLUT4 to the cell surface of white muscle via activation of the PI3 kinase axis, whereas administration of red ginseng not only promotes GLUT4 transfer and translocation to the cell surface of white muscle via AMPK activation as well as promoting glucose uptake into muscle cells via a pathway separate from the insulin signaling system. (3) In fish, at least goldfish and rainbow trout, both PI3K/Akt and AMPK signaling cascades exist to promote glucose uptake into muscle cells, as in mammals.

New insights into activation and function of the AMPK

The classical role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is as a cellular energy sensor activated by falling energy status, signalled by increases in AMP to ATP and ADP to ATP ratios. Once activated, AMPK acts to restore energy homeostasis by promoting ATP-producing catabolic pathways while inhibiting energy-consuming processes. In this Review, we provide an update on this canonical (AMP/ADP-dependent) activation mechanism, but focus mainly on recently described non-canonical pathways, including those by which AMPK senses the availability of glucose, glycogen or fatty acids and by which it senses damage to lysosomes and nuclear DNA. We also discuss new findings on the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial and lysosomal homeostasis, and DNA repair. Finally, we discuss the role of AMPK in cancer, obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other disorders where therapeutic targeting may exert beneficial effects.

Low-Dose Dioxin Reduced Glucose Uptake in C2C12 Myocytes: The Role of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Insulin-Dependent Calcium Mobilization

Chronic exposure to some environmental polluting chemicals (EPCs) is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance is a major biochemical abnormality in the skeletal muscle in patients with metabolic syndrome. However, the causal relationship is inconsistent and little is known about how EPCs affect the insulin signaling cascade in skeletal muscle. Here, we investigated whether exposure to 100 pM of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) as a low dose of dioxin induces insulin resistance in C2C12 myocytes. The treatment with TCDD inhibited the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). The low-dose TCDD reduced the expression of insulin receptor β (IRβ) and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 without affecting the phosphorylation of Akt. The TCDD impaired mitochondrial activities, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the blockage of insulin-induced Ca2+ release. All TCDD-mediated effects related to insulin resistance were still observed in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-deficient myocytes and prevented by MitoTEMPO, a mitochondria-targeting ROS scavenger. These results suggest that low-dose TCDD stress may induce muscle insulin resistance AhR-independently and that mitochondrial oxidative stress is a novel therapeutic target for dioxin-induced insulin resistance.

Stimulation of GLUT4 Glucose Uptake by Anthocyanin-Rich Extract from Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) via PI3K/Akt and AMPK/p38 MAPK Signaling in C2C12 Cells

Anthocyanin from black rice was reported to have beneficial effects on diabetes, but the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Black rice cultivated from different regions in Taiwan (Hualien and Changhua) were included in this study. Concentrations of anthocyanin were significantly higher using the ethanol extraction method than those using water; therefore, ethanol extracts from Hualien and Changhua black rice (HBRE and CBRE) were used for further investigation. 2-NBDG glucose uptake analysis revealed that both HBRE and CBRE promote glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. The membrane expression levels of GLUT4 and phosphorylation of IRS-1 also had been markedly increased by both HBRE and CBRE, which was in accordance with the glucose uptake results. CBRE did not affect the downstream of IRS-1 but significantly enhanced protein levels of p-AMPK/AMPK. In contrast, HBRE was shown to target various signaling participated in GLUT4 glucose uptake, including PI3K/Akt and the p38 MAPK/ERK. Overall, we demonstrated that anthocyanin-rich extracts from black rice stimulate GLUT4 glucose uptake via upregulation of PI3K/Akt and AMPK/p38 MAPK signaling in C2C12 myotubes. Our findings revealed that anthocyanin-rich black rice might be a promising functional food for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and diabetic hyperglycemia.

Jiangtang Sanhao formula ameliorates skeletal muscle insulin resistance via regulating GLUT4 translocation in diabetic mice

Jiangtang Sanhao formula (JTSHF), one of the prescriptions for treating the patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in traditional Chinese medicine clinic, has been demonstrated to effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms of diabetic patients with overweight or hyperlipidemia. The preliminary studies demonstrated that JTSHF may enhance insulin sensitivity and improve glycolipid metabolism in obese mice. However, the action mechanism of JTSHF on skeletal muscles in diabetic mice remains unclear. To this end, high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were subjected to JTSHF intervention. The results revealed that JTSHF granules could reduce food and water intake, decrease body fat mass, and improve glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscles of diabetic mice. These effects may be linked to the stimulation of GLUT4 expression and translocation via regulating AMPKα/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. The results may offer a novel explanation of JTSHF to prevent against diabetes and IR-related metabolic diseases.

Reciprocal regulation of actin filaments and cellular metabolism

For cells to adhere, migrate and proliferate, remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton is required. This process consumes a large amount of ATP while having an intimate connection with cellular metabolism. Signaling pathways that regulate energy homeostasis can also affect actin dynamics, whereas a variety of actin binding proteins directly or indirectly interact with the anabolic and catabolic regulators in cells. Here, we discuss the inter-regulation between actin filaments and cellular metabolism, reviewing recent discoveries on key metabolic enzymes that respond to actin remodeling as well as historical findings on metabolic stress-induced cytoskeletal reorganization. We also address emerging techniques that would benefit the study of cytoskeletal dynamics and cellular metabolism in high spatial-temporal resolution.

Identification of Core Genes and Screening of Potential Targets in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Using Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), characterized by diverse pathological changes, causes low back pain (LBP). However, prophylactic and delaying treatments for IDD are limited. The aim of our study was to investigate the gene network and biomarkers of IDD and suggest potential therapeutic targets.

Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IDD were identified by analyzing the mRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA expression profiles of IDD cases from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis as well as miRNA–lncRNA–mRNA networks were conducted. Moreover, we obtained 71 hub genes and performed a comprehensive analysis including GO, KEGG, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), Disease Ontology (DO), methylation analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, immune infiltration analysis, and potential drug identification. We finally used qRT-PCR to verify 13 significant DEGs in normal and degenerative nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs).

Results: We identified 305 DEGs closely related to IDD. The GO and KEGG analyses indicated that changes in IDD are significantly associated with enrichment of the inflammatory and immune response. GSEA analysis suggested that cell activation involved in the inflammatory immune response amide biosynthetic process was the key for the development of IDD. The GSVA suggested that DNA repair, oxidative phosphorylation, peroxisome, IL-6-JAK-STAT3 signaling, and apoptosis were crucial in the development of IDD. Among the 71 hub genes, the methylation levels of 11 genes were increased in IDD. A total of twenty genes showed a high functional similarity and diagnostic value in IDD. The result of the immune cell infiltration analysis indicated that seven genes were closely related to active natural killer cells. The most relevant targeted hub genes for potential drug or molecular compounds were MET and PIK3CD. Also, qRT-PCR results showed that ARHGAP27, C15orf39, DEPDC1, DHRSX, MGAM, SLC11A1, SMC4, and LINC00887 were significantly downregulated in degenerative NPCs; H19, LINC00685, mir-185-5p, and mir-4306 were upregulated in degenerative NPCs; and the expression level of mir-663a did not change significantly in normal and degenerative NPCs.

Conclusion: Our findings may provide new insights into the functional characteristics and mechanism of IDD and aid the development of IDD therapeutics.

Ivermectin accelerates autophagic death of glioma cells by inhibiting glycolysis through blocking GLUT4 mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathway activation

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of ivermectin (IVM) on energy metabolism in glioma progression, and provide a reference for the treatment of glioma.

METHODS

Glioma cells were treated with IVM to measure cell viability, autophagy marker protein expression, ATP content, glucose uptake, pyruvate content, and expression of key enzymes of glycolysis. Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) or siGLUT4 was transfected in IVM treated U87 cells to investigate the effect of GLUT4 on cellular glycolysis and autophagy. The JAK2 inhibitor AZD-1480 was introduced to explore the specific mechanism by which IVM regulates glycolysis and autophagy. Rat models of glioma xenograft were constructed and treated with 10 mg/kg IVM to observe tumor growth and examine the expression levels of GLUT4 and autophagy marker proteins in tumor tissues.

RESULTS

IVM inhibited glioma cell survival and promoted cell death. IVM promoted LC3-II protein expression and inhibited p62/SQSTM1 protein expression in glioma cells. IVM decreased adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) and pyruvate content, promoted glucose uptake, and reduced HK2 and PFK1 protein expression in U87 cells. IVM inhibited GLUT4 protein expression, and overexpression of GLUT4 promoted glycolysis and inhibited autophagic cell death in U87 cells. IVM inhibited glycolysis by blocking GLUT4 mediated the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway activation. IVM inhibited tumor growth in vivo, decreased the protein expression of GLUT4, JAK2, HK2, and PFK1 in tumor tissues, decreased the phosphorylation levels of STAT3/STAT5, and promoted the expression of autophagy marker proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

IVM accelerates autophagic death of glioma cells by inhibiting glycolysis through blocking GLUT4 mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathway activation.

MiR-145 modulates the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells by suppression of TMOD3

Radioresistance is a major problem encountered in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression contributes to multiple cancer‑associated signaling pathways, and profoundly influences effects of radiotherapy (RT) in cancers. MicroRNA-145-5p (miR-145) is recognized as a tumor suppresser in NSCLC. However, the roles of miR-145 during radiotherapy of NSCLC are largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of miR-145 in modulation of radiosensitivity in NSCLC. We generated radioresistant H460 and A549 subclones, named H460R and A549R, respectively, and found that irradiation (IR) could suppress the expression levels of miR-145 in radioresistant NSCLC cells. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-145 could sensitize radioresistant NSCLC cells to IR, while knockdown of miR-145 in NSCLC cells acted the converse manner. Mechanically, miR-145 was able to directly target 3'UTR of tropomodulin 3 (TMOD3) mRNA and decrease the expression of TMOD3 at the levels of mRNA and protein. Additionally, we confirmed that miR-145 could enhance the radiosensitivity of radioresistant NSCLC cells by targeting TMOD3 in vitro and in vivo, and could be used as a target in clinical treatment of NSCLC. Collectively, restoration of miR-145 expression increases the radiosensitivity of radioresistant NSCLC cells by suppression of TMOD3, and miR-145 can act as a new radiosensitizer for NSCLC therapy.