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Cinti S. Obese Adipocytes Have Altered Redox Homeostasis with Metabolic Consequences. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1449. [PMID: 37507987 PMCID: PMC10376822 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
White and brown adipose tissues are organized to form a real organ, the adipose organ, in mice and humans. White adipocytes of obese animals and humans are hypertrophic. This condition is accompanied by a series of organelle alterations and stress of the endoplasmic reticulum. This stress is mainly due to reactive oxygen species activity and accumulation, lending to NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This last causes death of adipocytes by pyroptosis and the formation of large cellular debris that must be removed by macrophages. During their chronic scavenging activity, macrophages produce several secretory products that have collateral consequences, including interference with insulin receptor activity, causing insulin resistance. The latter is accompanied by an increased noradrenergic inhibitory innervation of Langerhans islets with de-differentiation of beta cells and type 2 diabetes. The whitening of brown adipocytes could explain the different critical death size of visceral adipocytes and offer an explanation for the worse clinical consequence of visceral fat accumulation. White to brown transdifferentiation has been proven in mice and humans. Considering the energy-dispersing activity of brown adipose tissue, transdifferentiation opens new therapeutic perspectives for obesity and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Cinti
- Scientific Director Centre of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10a, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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2
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Kodavanti UP, Jackson TW, Henriquez AR, Snow SJ, Alewel DI, Costa DL. Air Pollutant impacts on the brain and neuroendocrine system with implications for peripheral organs: a perspective. Inhal Toxicol 2023; 35:109-126. [PMID: 36749208 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2023.2172486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Air pollutants are being increasingly linked to extrapulmonary multi-organ effects. Specifically, recent studies associate air pollutants with brain disorders including psychiatric conditions, neuroinflammation and chronic diseases. Current evidence of the linkages between neuropsychiatric conditions and chronic peripheral immune and metabolic diseases provides insights on the potential role of the neuroendocrine system in mediating neural and systemic effects of inhaled pollutants (reactive particulates and gases). Autonomically-driven stress responses, involving sympathetic-adrenal-medullary and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axes regulate cellular physiological processes through adrenal-derived hormones and diverse receptor systems. Recent experimental evidence demonstrates the contribution of the very stress system responding to non-chemical stressors, in mediating systemic and neural effects of reactive air pollutants. The assessment of how respiratory encounter of air pollutants induce lung and peripheral responses through brain and neuroendocrine system, and how the impairment of these stress pathways could be linked to chronic diseases will improve understanding of the causes of individual variations in susceptibility and the contribution of habituation/learning and resiliency. This review highlights effects of air pollution in the respiratory tract that impact the brain and neuroendocrine system, including the role of autonomic sensory nervous system in triggering neural stress response, the likely contribution of translocated nano particles or metal components, and biological mediators released systemically in causing effects remote to the respiratory tract. The perspective on the use of systems approaches that incorporate multiple chemical and non-chemical stressors, including environmental, physiological and psychosocial, with the assessment of interactive neural mechanisms and peripheral networks are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmila P Kodavanti
- Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Thomas W Jackson
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Andres R Henriquez
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Devin I Alewel
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Daniel L Costa
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gilling's School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Ciliary neurotrophic factor is increased in the plasma of patients with obesity and its levels correlate with diabetes and inflammation indices. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8331. [PMID: 35585213 PMCID: PMC9117681 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11942-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To establish whether obesity involves activation of endogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) signalling, we evaluated its plasma levels in patients with obesity and correlated its values with the major clinical and haematological indices of obesity, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. This study involved 118 subjects: 39 healthy controls (19 men), 39 subjects with obesity (19 men) and 40 subjects with obesity and diabetes (20 men). Plasma CNTF and CNTF receptor α (CNTFRα) were measured using commercial ELISA kits. The results showed that plasma CNTF was significantly higher in males and females with obesity with and without diabetes than in healthy subjects. Women consistently exhibited higher levels of circulating CNTF. In both genders, CNTF levels correlated significantly and positively with obesity (BMI, WHR, leptin), diabetes (fasting insulin, HOMA index and HbA1c) and inflammation (IL-6 and hsCRP) indices. Circulating CNTFRα and the CNTF/CNTFRα molar ratio tended to be higher in the patient groups than in controls. In conclusion, endogenous CNTF signalling is activated in human obesity and may help counteract some adverse effects of obesity. Studies involving a higher number of selected patients may reveal circulating CNTF and/or CNTFRα as potential novel diagnostic and/or prognostic markers of obesity, diabetes and associated diseases.
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Lama A, Pirozzi C, Severi I, Morgese MG, Senzacqua M, Annunziata C, Comella F, Del Piano F, Schiavone S, Petrosino S, Mollica MP, Diano S, Trabace L, Calignano A, Giordano A, Mattace Raso G, Meli R. Palmitoylethanolamide dampens neuroinflammation and anxiety-like behavior in obese mice. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 102:110-123. [PMID: 35176443 PMCID: PMC10662208 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
High-fat diet (HFD) consumption leads to obesity and a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, named metainflammation. Notably, metainflammation contributes to neuroinflammation due to the increased levels of circulating free fatty acids and cytokines. It indicates a strict interplay between peripheral and central counterparts in the pathogenic mechanisms of obesity-related mood disorders. In this context, the impairment of internal hypothalamic circuitry runs in tandem with the alteration of other brain areas associated with emotional processing (i.e., hippocampus and amygdala). Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous lipid mediator belonging to the N-acylethanolamines family, has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects both at central and peripheral level. Our study aimed to elucidate PEA capability in limiting obesity-induced anxiety-like behavior and neuroinflammation-related features in an experimental model of HFD-fed obese mice. PEA treatment promoted an improvement in anxiety-like behavior of obese mice and the systemic inflammation, reducing serum pro-inflammatory mediators (i.e., TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, LPS). In the amygdala, PEA increased dopamine turnover, as well as GABA levels. PEA also counteracted the overactivation of HPA axis, reducing the expression of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone and its type 1 receptor. Moreover, PEA attenuated the immunoreactivity of Iba-1 and GFAP and reduced pro-inflammatory pathways and cytokine production in both the hypothalamus and hippocampus. This finding, together with the reduced transcription of mast cell markers (chymase 1 and tryptase β2) in the hippocampus, indicated the weakening of immune cell activation underlying the neuroprotective effect of PEA. Obesity-driven neuroinflammation was also associated with the disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the hippocampus. PEA limited the albumin extravasation and restored tight junction transcription modified by HFD. To gain mechanistic insight, we designed an in vitro model of metabolic injury using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells insulted by a mix of glucosamine and glucose. Here, PEA directly counteracted inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in a PPAR-α-dependent manner since the pharmacological blockade of the receptor reverted its effects. Our results strengthen the therapeutic potential of PEA in obesity-related neuropsychiatric comorbidities, controlling neuroinflammation, BBB disruption, and neurotransmitter imbalance involved in behavioral dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Lama
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 49 - 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Pirozzi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 49 - 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilenia Severi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto, 10, A - 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20 - 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Martina Senzacqua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto, 10, A - 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Chiara Annunziata
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 49 - 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Comella
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 49 - 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Del Piano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20 - 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrosino
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Pina Mollica
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Complesso Universitario di Monte, Sant'Angelo, Cupa Nuova Cinthia 21 - Edificio 7, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Diano
- Program in Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20 - 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 49 - 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto, 10, A - 60020 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mattace Raso
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 49 - 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano, 49 - 80131 Naples, Italy
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Maffei M, Giordano A. Leptin, the brain and energy homeostasis: From an apparently simple to a highly complex neuronal system. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:87-101. [PMID: 33822303 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Leptin, produced and secreted by white adipose tissue in tight relationship with adipose mass, informs the brain about the status of the energy stores serving as the main peripheral signal for energy balance regulation through interaction with a multitude of highly interconnected neuronal populations. Most obese patients display resistance to the anorectic effect of the hormone. The present review unravels the multiple levels of complexity that trigger hypothalamic response to leptin with the objective of highlighting those critical hubs that, mainly in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, may undergo obesity-induced alterations and create an obstacle to leptin action. Several mechanisms underlying leptin resistance have been proposed, possibly representing useful targets to empower leptin effects. Among these, a special focus is herein dedicated to detail how leptin gains access into the brain and how neuronal plasticity may interfere with leptin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Maffei
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Via Tronto 10/A, 60020, Ancona, Italy.
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Vohra MS, Benchoula K, Serpell CJ, Hwa WE. AgRP/NPY and POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus and their potential role in treatment of obesity. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 915:174611. [PMID: 34798121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a major health crisis affecting over a third of the global population. This multifactorial disease is regulated via interoceptive neural circuits in the brain, whose alteration results in excessive body weight. Certain central neuronal populations in the brain are recognised as crucial nodes in energy homeostasis; in particular, the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) region contains two peptide microcircuits that control energy balance with antagonistic functions: agouti-related peptide/neuropeptide-Y (AgRP/NPY) signals hunger and stimulates food intake; and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) signals satiety and reduces food intake. These neuronal peptides levels react to energy status and integrate signals from peripheral ghrelin, leptin, and insulin to regulate feeding and energy expenditure. To manage obesity comprehensively, it is crucial to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms of information processing in ARC neurons, since these regulate energy homeostasis. Importantly, a specific strategy focusing on ARC circuits needs to be devised to assist in treating obese patients and maintaining weight loss with minimal or no side effects. The aim of this review is to elucidate the recent developments in the study of AgRP-, NPY- and POMC-producing neurons, specific to their role in controlling metabolism. The impact of ghrelin, leptin, and insulin signalling via action of these neurons is also surveyed, since they also impact energy balance through this route. Lastly, we present key proteins, targeted genes, compounds, drugs, and therapies that actively work via these neurons and could potentially be used as therapeutic targets for treating obesity conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sufyan Vohra
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Khaled Benchoula
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Christopher J Serpell
- School of Physical Sciences, Ingram Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NH, United Kingdom
| | - Wong Eng Hwa
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
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Colleluori G, Perugini J, Di Vincenzo A, Senzacqua M, Giordano A, Cinti S. Brown Fat Anatomy in Humans and Rodents. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2448:19-42. [PMID: 35167088 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2087-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) is composed by mitochondrial rich, multilocular adipocytes, in strict topographical and functional relation with vasculature and noradrenergic nerves. Brown adipocytes are able to dissipate energy to produce heat, in a process known as non-shivering thermogenesis. Due to its contribution to energy expenditure, BAT is intensely studied for its potential to counteract metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. BAT displays specific morphological characteristics that allow to assess its functional state. In this chapter we describe methodologies to properly dissect BAT depots, evaluate their gross anatomy, and assess its activation by light microscopy using peroxidase immunostaining and by laser scanning confocal microscopy using immunofluorescence. We also describe methodologies to study BAT ultrastructure by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, to visualize peroxidase immunostaining reactions at an ultrastructural level and to perform immunofluorescence reactions on paraffin-embedded samples, more often available in the clinical setting (due to the possibility to store them long-term) as opposed to fresh samples. The described techniques can be employed to study BAT morphology and activation in response to various stimuli (e.g., cold exposure; specific dietary composition) and in different pathological conditions (e.g., obesity; type 2 diabetes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Colleluori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Center for the Study of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Jessica Perugini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Center for the Study of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Angelica Di Vincenzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Center for the Study of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Martina Senzacqua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Center for the Study of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Center for the Study of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Saverio Cinti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Center for the Study of Obesity, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy.
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Lebrun B, Barbot M, Tonon MC, Prévot V, Leprince J, Troadec JD. Glial endozepines and energy balance: Old peptides with new tricks. Glia 2020; 69:1079-1093. [PMID: 33105065 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of neuroglial interactions to the regulation of energy balance has gained increasing acceptance in recent years. In this context, endozepines, endogenous analogs of benzodiazepine derived from diazepam-binding inhibitor, are now emerging as major players. Produced by glial cells (astrocytes and tanycytes), endozepines have been known for two decades to exert potent anorexigenic effects by acting at the hypothalamic level. However, it is only recently that their modes of action, including the mechanisms by which they modulate energy metabolism, have begun to be elucidated. The data available today are abundant, significant, and sometimes contradictory, revealing a much more complex regulation than initially expected. Several mechanisms of action of endozepines seem to coexist at the central level, particularly in the hypothalamus. The brainstem has also recently emerged as a potential site of action for endozepines. In addition to their central anorexigenic effects, endozepines may also display peripheral effects promoting orexigenic actions, adding to their complexity and raising yet more questions. In this review, we attempt to provide an overview of our current knowledge in this rapidly evolving field and to pinpoint questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Lebrun
- CNRS 7291, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Manon Barbot
- CNRS 7291, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Christine Tonon
- INSERM U1239, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
| | - Vincent Prévot
- University of Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, European Genomic Institute of Diabetes (EGID), Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- INSERM U1239, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Normandie Université, Rouen, France
| | - Jean-Denis Troadec
- CNRS 7291, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
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