1
|
Cimini FA, Tramutola A, Barchetta I, Ceccarelli V, Gangitano E, Lanzillotta S, Lanzillotta C, Cavallo MG, Barone E. Dynamic Changes of BVRA Protein Levels Occur in Response to Insulin: A Pilot Study in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087282. [PMID: 37108445 PMCID: PMC10138944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliverdin reductase-A (BVRA) is involved in the regulation of insulin signaling and the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. Previous research showed that BVRA alterations are associated with the aberrant activation of insulin signaling in dysmetabolic conditions. However, whether BVRA protein levels change dynamically within the cells in response to insulin and/or glucose remains an open question. To this aim, we evaluated changes of intracellular BVRA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in a group of subjects with different levels of insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, we looked for significant correlations with clinical measures. Our data show that BVRA levels change dynamically during the OGTT in response to insulin, and greater BVRA variations occur in those subjects with lower insulin sensitivity. Changes of BVRA significantly correlate with indexes of increased insulin resistance and insulin secretion (HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, and insulinogenic index). At the multivariate regression analysis, the insulinogenic index independently predicted increased BVRA area under curve (AUC) during the OGTT. This pilot study showed, for the first time, that intracellular BVRA protein levels change in response to insulin during OGTT and are greater in subjects with lower insulin sensitivity, supporting the role of BVR-A in the dynamic regulation of the insulin signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Agata Cimini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Tramutola
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Barchetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gangitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Lanzillotta
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Lanzillotta
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Eugenio Barone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tramutola A, Lanzillotta S, Aceto G, Pagnotta S, Ruffolo G, Cifelli P, Marini F, Ripoli C, Palma E, Grassi C, Di Domenico F, Perluigi M, Barone E. Intranasal Administration of KYCCSRK Peptide Rescues Brain Insulin Signaling Activation and Reduces Alzheimer's Disease-like Neuropathology in a Mouse Model for Down Syndrome. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12. [PMID: 36670973 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability and is strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Brain insulin resistance greatly contributes to AD development in the general population and previous studies from our group showed an early accumulation of insulin resistance markers in DS brain, already in childhood, and even before AD onset. Here we tested the effects promoted in Ts2Cje mice by the intranasal administration of the KYCCSRK peptide known to foster insulin signaling activation by directly interacting and activating the insulin receptor (IR) and the AKT protein. Therefore, the KYCCSRK peptide might represent a promising molecule to overcome insulin resistance. Our results show that KYCCSRK rescued insulin signaling activation, increased mitochondrial complexes levels (OXPHOS) and reduced oxidative stress levels in the brain of Ts2Cje mice. Moreover, we uncovered novel characteristics of the KYCCSRK peptide, including its efficacy in reducing DYRK1A (triplicated in DS) and BACE1 protein levels, which resulted in reduced AD-like neuropathology in Ts2Cje mice. Finally, the peptide elicited neuroprotective effects by ameliorating synaptic plasticity mechanisms that are altered in DS due to the imbalance between inhibitory vs. excitatory currents. Overall, our results represent a step forward in searching for new molecules useful to reduce intellectual disability and counteract AD development in DS.
Collapse
|
3
|
Cimini FA, Perluigi M, Barchetta I, Cavallo MG, Barone E. Role of Biliverdin Reductase A in the Regulation of Insulin Signaling in Metabolic and Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105574. [PMID: 35628384 PMCID: PMC9141761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin signaling is a conserved pathway that orchestrates glucose and lipid metabolism, energy balance, and inflammation, and its dysregulation compromises the homeostasis of multiple systems. Insulin resistance is a shared hallmark of several metabolic diseases, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, and has been associated with cognitive decline during aging and dementia. Numerous mechanisms promoting the development of peripheral and central insulin resistance have been described, although most of them were not completely clarified. In the last decades, several studies have highlighted that biliverdin reductase-A (BVR-A), over its canonical role in the degradation of heme, acts as a regulator of insulin signaling. Evidence from human and animal studies show that BVR-A alterations are associated with the aberrant activation of insulin signaling, metabolic syndrome, liver steatosis, and visceral adipose tissue inflammation in obese and diabetic individuals. In addition, recent findings demonstrated that reduced BVR-A levels or impaired BVR-A activation contribute to the development of brain insulin resistance and metabolic alterations in Alzheimer’s disease. In this narrative review, we will provide an overview on the literature by focusing on the role of BVR-A in the regulation of insulin signaling and how BVR-A alterations impact on cell dysfunctions in both metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Agata Cimini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.A.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Marzia Perluigi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi-Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (E.B.)
| | - Ilaria Barchetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.A.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Maria Gisella Cavallo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.A.C.); (I.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eugenio Barone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi-Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (E.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cimini FA, Barchetta I, Zuliani I, Pagnotta S, Bertoccini L, Dule S, Zampieri M, Reale A, Baroni MG, Cavallo MG, Barone E. Biliverdin reductase-A protein levels are reduced in type 2 diabetes and are associated with poor glycometabolic control. Life Sci 2021; 284:119913. [PMID: 34453944 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM Biliverdin reductase-A (BVR-A) other than its canonical role in the degradation pathway of heme as partner of heme oxygenase-1 (HO1), has recently drawn attention as a protein with pleiotropic functions involved in insulin-glucose homeostasis. However, whether BVR-A expression is altered in type 2 diabetes (T2D) has never been evaluated. MAIN METHODS BVR-A protein levels were evaluated in T2D (n = 44) and non-T2D (n = 29) subjects, who underwent complete clinical workup and routine biochemistry. In parallel, levels HO1, whose expression is regulated by BVR-A as well as levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), which is a known repressor for BVR-A with pro-inflammatory properties, were also assessed. KEY FINDINGS BVR-A levels were significantly lower in T2D subjects than in non-T2D subjects. Reduced BVR-A levels were associated with greater body mass, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglycerides, transaminases and TNFα, and with lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Lower BVR-A levels are associated with reduced HO1 protein levels and the multivariate analysis showed that BVR-A represented the main determinant of HO1 levels in T2D after adjustment. In addition, reduced BVR-A levels were able to predict the presence of T2D with AUROC = 0.69. for potential confounders. SIGNIFICANCE Our results demonstrate for the first time that BVR-A protein levels are reduced in T2D individuals, and that this alteration strictly correlates with poor glycometabolic control and a pro-inflammatory state. Hence, these observations reinforce the hypothesis that reduced BVR-A protein levels may represent a key event in the dysregulation of intracellular pathways finally leading to metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Barchetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zuliani
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Pagnotta
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Laura Bertoccini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Dule
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Giorgio Baroni
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences (MeSVA), University of L'Aquila, Italy; Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Is, Italy
| | | | - Eugenio Barone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi-Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Significance: As the central metabolic organ, the liver is exposed to a variety of potentially cytotoxic, proinflammatory, profibrotic, and carcinogenic stimuli. To protect the organism from these deleterious effects, the liver has evolved a number of defense systems, which include antioxidant substrates and enzymes, anti-inflammatory tools, enzymatic biotransformation systems, and metabolic pathways. Recent Advances: One of the pivotal systems that evolved during phylogenesis was the heme catabolic pathway. Comprising the important enzymes heme oxygenase and biliverdin reductase, this complex pathway has a number of key functions including enzymatic activities, but also cell signaling, and DNA transcription. It further generates two important bile pigments, biliverdin and bilirubin, as well as the gaseous molecule carbon monoxide. These heme degradation products have potent antioxidant, immunosuppressive, and cytoprotective effects. Recent data suggest that the pathway participates in the regulation of metabolic and hormonal processes implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic and other diseases. Critical Issues: This review discusses the impact of the heme catabolic pathway on major liver diseases, with particular focus on the involvement of cellular targeting and signaling in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Future Directions: To utilize the biological consequences of the heme catabolic pathway, several unique therapeutic strategies have been developed. Research indicates that pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and lifestyle modifications positively affect the pathway, delivering potentially long-term clinical benefits. However, further well-designed studies are needed to confirm the clinical benefits of these approaches. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 734-752.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Libor Vítek
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, and Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, General University Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McClung JA, Levy L, Garcia V, Stec DE, Peterson SJ, Abraham NG. Heme-oxygenase and lipid mediators in obesity and associated cardiometabolic diseases: Therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 231:107975. [PMID: 34499923 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Obesity-mediated metabolic syndrome remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Among many potential targets for pharmacological intervention, a promising strategy involves the heme oxygenase (HO) system, specifically its inducible form, HO-1. This review collects and updates much of the current knowledge relevant to pharmacology and clinical medicine concerning HO-1 in metabolic diseases and its effect on lipid metabolism. HO-1 has pleotropic effects that collectively reduce inflammation, while increasing vasodilation and insulin and leptin sensitivity. Recent reports indicate that HO-1 with its antioxidants via the effect of bilirubin increases formation of biologically active lipid metabolites such as epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET), omega-3 and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Similarly, HO-1and bilirubin are potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of fat-induced liver diseases. HO-1-mediated upregulation of EET is capable not only of reversing endothelial dysfunction and hypertension, but also of reversing cardiac remodeling, a hallmark of the metabolic syndrome. This process involves browning of white fat tissue (i.e. formation of healthy adipocytes) and reduced lipotoxicity, which otherwise will be toxic to the heart. More importantly, this review examines the activity of EET in biological systems and a series of pathways that explain its mechanism of action and discusses how these might be exploited for potential therapeutic use. We also discuss the link between cardiac ectopic fat deposition and cardiac function in humans, which is similar to that described in obese mice and is regulated by HO-1-EET-PGC1α signaling, a potent negative regulator of the inflammatory adipokine NOV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A McClung
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States of America
| | - Lior Levy
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States of America
| | - Victor Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States of America
| | - David E Stec
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States of America.
| | - Stephen J Peterson
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, United States of America; New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States of America
| | - Nader G Abraham
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Biliverdin reductase-A (BVR) catalyzes the reduction of heme-derived biliverdin into bilirubin, this latter being a powerful endogenous free radical scavenger. Furthermore, BVR is also endowed with both serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase and scaffold activities, through which it interacts with the insulin receptor kinase, conventional and atypical protein kinase C isoforms, mitogen-activated protein kinases as well as the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt system. By regulating this complex array of signal transduction pathways, BVR is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative, metabolic, cardiovascular and immune-inflammatory diseases as well as in cancer. In addition, both BVR and BVR-B, this latter being an alternate isozyme predominant during fetal development but sometimes detectable through adulthood, have been studied as peripheral biomarkers for an early detection of Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and some types of cancer. However, despite these interesting lines of evidence, to date BVR has not been considered as an appealing drug target. Only limited evidence supports the neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin and ferulic acid through BVR regulation in the aged canine brain and human neuroblastoma cells, whereas interesting results have been reported regarding the use of BVR-based peptides in preclinical models of cardiac diseases and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Mancuso
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito, 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Recent research on bilirubin, a historically well-known waste product of heme catabolism, suggests an entirely new function as a metabolic hormone that drives gene transcription by nuclear receptors. Studies are now revealing that low plasma bilirubin levels, defined as "hypobilirubinemia," are a possible new pathology analogous to the other end of the spectrum of extreme hyperbilirubinemia seen in patients with jaundice and liver dysfunction. Hypobilirubinemia is most commonly seen in patients with metabolic dysfunction, which may lead to cardiovascular complications and possibly stroke. We address the clinical significance of low bilirubin levels. A better understanding of bilirubin's hormonal function may explain why hypobilirubinemia might be deleterious. We present mechanisms by which bilirubin may be protective at mildly elevated levels and research directions that could generate treatment possibilities for patients with hypobilirubinemia, such as targeting of pathways that regulate its production or turnover or the newly designed bilirubin nanoparticles. Our review here calls for a shift in the perspective of an old molecule that could benefit millions of patients with hypobilirubinemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin F Creeden
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Darren M Gordon
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - David E Stec
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Terry D Hinds
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hansen TWR, Wong RJ, Stevenson DK. Molecular Physiology and Pathophysiology of Bilirubin Handling by the Blood, Liver, Intestine, and Brain in the Newborn. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1291-1346. [PMID: 32401177 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00004.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bilirubin is the end product of heme catabolism formed during a process that involves oxidation-reduction reactions and conserves iron body stores. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is common in newborn infants, but rare later in life. The basic physiology of bilirubin metabolism, such as production, transport, and excretion, has been well described. However, in the neonate, numerous variables related to nutrition, ethnicity, and genetic variants at several metabolic steps may be superimposed on the normal physiological hyperbilirubinemia that occurs in the first week of life and results in bilirubin levels that may be toxic to the brain. Bilirubin exists in several isomeric forms that differ in their polarities and is considered a physiologically important antioxidant. Here we review the chemistry of the bilirubin molecule and its metabolism in the body with a particular focus on the processes that impact the newborn infant, and how differences relative to older children and adults contribute to the risk of developing both acute and long-term neurological sequelae in the newborn infant. The final section deals with the interplay between the brain and bilirubin and its entry, clearance, and accumulation. We conclude with a discussion of the current state of knowledge regarding the mechanism(s) of bilirubin neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thor W R Hansen
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - David K Stevenson
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lin ZL, Ding J, Sun GP, Li D, He SS, Liang XF, Huang XR, Xie J. Application of Paclitaxel-loaded EGFR Peptide-conjugated Magnetic Polymeric Liposomes for Liver Cancer Therapy. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:145-154. [PMID: 32166677 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2158-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Developing the methodologies that allow for safe and effective delivery of therapeutic drugs to target sites is a very important research area in cancer therapy. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated magnetic polymeric liposome (MPL) nanoparticles (NPs) assembled from octadecyl quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan (OQC), PEGylated OQC, cholesterol, and magnetic NPs, and functionalized with epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) peptide, were successfully prepared for in-vivo liver targeting. The two-step liver targeting strategy, based on both magnetic force and EGFR peptide conjugation, was evaluated in a subcutaneous hepatocellular carcinoma model of nude mouse. The results showed that EGFR-conjugated MPLs not only accumulated in the liver by magnetic force, but could also diffuse into tumor cells as a result of EGFR targeting. In addition, paclitaxel (PTX) was incorporated into small EGFR-conjugated MPLs (102.0±0.7 nm), resulting in spherical particles with high drug encapsulation efficiency (>90%). The use of the magnetic targeting for enhancing the transport of PTX-loaded EGFR-conjugated MPLs to the tumor site was further confirmed by detecting PTX levels. In conclusion, PTX-loaded EGFR-conjugated MPLs could potentially be used as an effective drug delivery system for targeted liver cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Lv Lin
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
| | - Guo-Ping Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Seventh People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266034, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Shan-Shan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xun-Ru Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Fujian Normal University, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stec DE, Gordon DM, Nestor-Kalinoski AL, Donald MC, Mitchell ZL, Creeden JF, Hinds TD Jr. Biliverdin Reductase A (BVRA) Knockout in Adipocytes Induces Hypertrophy and Reduces Mitochondria in White Fat of Obese Mice. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E387. [PMID: 32131495 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Biliverdin reductase (BVR) is an enzymatic and signaling protein that has multifaceted roles in physiological systems. Despite the wealth of knowledge about BVR, no data exist regarding its actions in adipocytes. Here, we generated an adipose-specific deletion of biliverdin reductase-A (BVRA) (BlvraFatKO) in mice to determine the function of BVRA in adipocytes and how it may impact adipose tissue expansion. The BlvraFatKO and littermate control (BlvraFlox) mice were placed on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Body weights were measured weekly and body composition, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were quantitated at the end of the 12 weeks. The data showed that the percent body fat and body weights did not differ between the groups; however, BlvraFatKO mice had significantly higher visceral fat as compared to the BlvraFlox. The loss of adipocyte BVRA decreased the mitochondrial number in white adipose tissue (WAT), and increased inflammation and adipocyte size, but this was not observed in brown adipose tissue (BAT). There were genes significantly reduced in WAT that induce the browning effect such as Ppara and Adrb3, indicating that BVRA improves mitochondria function and beige-type white adipocytes. The BlvraFatKO mice also had significantly higher fasting blood glucose levels and no changes in plasma insulin levels, which is indicative of decreased insulin signaling in WAT, as evidenced by reduced levels of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and Glut4 mRNA. These results demonstrate the essential role of BVRA in WAT in insulin signaling and adipocyte hypertrophy.
Collapse
|
12
|
Canesin G, Hejazi SM, Swanson KD, Wegiel B. Heme-Derived Metabolic Signals Dictate Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2020; 11:66. [PMID: 32082323 PMCID: PMC7005208 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme is one of the most abundant molecules in the body acting as the functional core of hemoglobin/myoglobin involved in the O2/CO2 carrying in the blood and tissues, redox enzymes and cytochromes in mitochondria. However, free heme is toxic and therefore its removal is a significant priority for the host. Heme is a well-established danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), which binds to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to induce immune responses. Heme-derived metabolites including the bile pigments, biliverdin (BV) and bilirubin (BR), were first identified as toxic drivers of neonatal jaundice in 1800 but have only recently been appreciated as endogenous drivers of multiple signaling pathways involved in protection from oxidative stress and regulators of immune responses. The tissue concentration of heme, BV and BR is tightly controlled. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1, encoded by HMOX1) produces BV by heme degradation, while biliverdin reductase-A (BLVR-A) generates BR by the subsequent conversion of BV. BLVR-A is a fascinating protein that possesses a classical protein kinase domain, which is activated in response to BV binding to its enzymatic site and initiates the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. This links BLVR-A activity to cell growth and survival pathways. BLVR-A also contains a bZip DNA binding domain and a nuclear export sequence (NES) and acts as a transcription factor to regulate the expression of immune modulatory genes. Here we will discuss the role of heme-related immune response and the potential for targeting the heme system for therapies directed toward hepatitis and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Canesin
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Institute and Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Seyed M Hejazi
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Institute and Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth D Swanson
- Brain Tumor Center and Neuro-Oncology Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Barbara Wegiel
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Research Institute and Transplant Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss recent advances indicating that bilirubin safeguards against cardiorenal and metabolic diseases. RECENT FINDINGS Several investigations from human patient populations and experimental animal models have shown that bilirubin improves cardiorenal and metabolic dysfunction. The latest studies found an entirely new function of bilirubin suggesting that it acts as a hormone signaling molecule capable of activating nuclear receptors for burning fat, which may explain several of its protective actions. This review highlights the current findings (within the last 3 years) regarding cardiorenal and metabolic protective effects of bilirubin and the latest mechanism(s) that may be mediating these effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terry D Hinds
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - David E Stec
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gordon DM, Adeosun SO, Ngwudike SI, Anderson CD, Hall JE, Hinds TD, Stec DE. CRISPR Cas9-mediated deletion of biliverdin reductase A (BVRA) in mouse liver cells induces oxidative stress and lipid accumulation. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 672:108072. [PMID: 31422074 PMCID: PMC6718297 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is the predominant cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. NAFLD includes a spectrum of pathologies that starts with simple steatosis, which can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with the commission of other factors such as the enhancement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Biliverdin reductase A (BVRA) reduces biliverdin to the antioxidant bilirubin, which may serve to prevent NAFLD, and possibly the progression to NASH. To further understand the role of BVRA in hepatic function, we used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to target the Blvra gene in the murine hepa1c1c7 hepatocyte cell line (BVRA KO). BVRA activity and protein levels were significantly lower in BVRA KO vs. wild-type (WT) hepatocytes. Lipid accumulation under basal and serum-starved conditions was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in BVRA KO vs. WT cells. The loss of BVRA resulted in the reduction of mitochondria number, decreased expression of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, uncoupling, oxidation, and fusion, which paralleled reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption. BVRA KO cells exhibited increased levels of ROS generation and decreased levels of superoxide dismutase mRNA expression. In conclusion, our data demonstrate a critical role for BVRA in protecting against lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in hepatocytes, which may serve as a future therapeutic target for NAFLD and its progression to NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren M Gordon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Samuel O Adeosun
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, USA
| | | | - Christopher D Anderson
- Departments of Surgery and Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - John E Hall
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, USA
| | - Terry D Hinds
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - David E Stec
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Affiliation(s)
- Terry D Hinds
- From the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, OH (T.D.H.)
| | - David E Stec
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson (D.E.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fan X, Tao J, Zhou Y, Hou Y, Wang Y, Gu D, Su Y, Jang Y, Li S. Investigations on the effects of ginsenoside-Rg1 on glucose uptake and metabolism in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 843:277-284. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
17
|
Tsai MT, Tarng DC. Beyond a Measure of Liver Function-Bilirubin Acts as a Potential Cardiovascular Protector in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010117. [PMID: 30597982 PMCID: PMC6337523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bilirubin is a well-known neurotoxin in newborn infants; however, current evidence has shown that a higher serum bilirubin concentration in physiological ranges is associated with a lower risk for the development and progression of both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults. The protective mechanisms of bilirubin in CVD, CKD, and associated mortality may be ascribed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Bilirubin further improves insulin sensitivity, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and inhibits platelet activation in at-risk individuals. These effects are expected to maintain normal vascular homeostasis and thus reduce the incidence of CKD and the risks of cardiovascular complications and death. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in the biological actions of bilirubin in the pathogenesis of CVD and CKD progression, and further propose that targeting bilirubin metabolism could be a potential approach to ameliorate morbidity and mortality in CKD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Tsun Tsai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
| | - Der-Cherng Tarng
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
- Department and Institute of Physiology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
The buildup of fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis) is the first step in a series of incidents that may drive hepatic disease. Obesity is the leading cause of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in which hepatic steatosis progresses to liver disease. Chronic alcohol exposure also induces fat accumulation in the liver and shares numerous similarities to obesity-induced NAFLD. Regardless of whether hepatic steatosis is due to obesity or long-term alcohol use, it still may lead to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, or possibly hepatocellular carcinoma. The antioxidant bilirubin and the enzyme that generates it, biliverdin reductase A (BVRA), are components of the heme catabolic pathway that have been shown to reduce hepatic steatosis. This review discusses the roles for bilirubin and BVRA in the prevention of steatosis, their functions in the later stages of liver disease, and their potential therapeutic application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Weaver
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension and Personalized Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Abdul-rizaq Hamoud
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension and Personalized Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio
| | - David E. Stec
- 2Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Terry D. Hinds
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension and Personalized Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yu G, Bei J, Zhao J, Li Q, Cheng C. Modification of carrot (Daucus carota Linn. var. Sativa Hoffm.) pomace insoluble dietary fiber with complex enzyme method, ultrafine comminution, and high hydrostatic pressure. Food Chem 2018; 257:333-340. [PMID: 29622219 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Insoluble dietary fiber (DF) extracted from carrot pomace was modified by complex enzyme method, ultrafine comminution and high hydrostatic pressure and their structural, physicochemical, and functional properties were evaluated. Results showed that complex enzyme method increased the content of soluble DF to 15.07%, and the cholesterol adsorption capacity peaked; ultrafine comminution greatly improved the total antioxidant activities, DPPH radical scavenging capacity and antioxidant abilities in linoleic acid system of DF; high hydrostatic pressure led to a significant increase in capacities of water retention (7.14 g/g, 600 MPa), water swelling (10.02 mL/g, 500 MPa), oil retention (2.35 g/g, 500 MPa), cation exchange (2.29 mmol/g, 600 MPa), and glucose adsorption (2.634 mmol/g, 400 MPa). Furthermore, SEM showed that surface structures of all modified DF were loose. Overall, three kinds of modification methods have shown their respective advantages. Modified DF from carrot pomace can be applied as a functional ingredient in diverse food products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoyong Yu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal Processing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jia Bei
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal Processing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal Processing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Quanhong Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China; National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-thermal Processing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Chen Cheng
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Beijing 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rochette L, Zeller M, Cottin Y, Vergely C. Redox Functions of Heme Oxygenase-1 and Biliverdin Reductase in Diabetes. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2018; 29:74-85. [PMID: 29249571 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In patients with diabetes, the hyperglycemia-driven excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces oxidative stress (OS) in a variety of tissues. OS is closely associated with chronic inflammation and has a key role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications. The enzymes that generate ROS and gasotransmitters are redox regulated and are implicated in cellular signaling. As a result of cellular metabolism, cells produce significant amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), mainly from heme degradation catalyzed by heme oxygenases (HOs). These reactions also generate biliverdin, bilirubin (BR), and iron. The conversion of biliverdin to BR is catalyzed by biliverdin reductase-A (BVR-A). In this review, we focus on the importance of the HO-1/CO system and BVR in the pathophysiology and therapy of inflammation associated with diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luc Rochette
- Research team Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-Cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA7460), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d'Arc, 21079 Dijon, France.
| | - Marianne Zeller
- Research team Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-Cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA7460), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d'Arc, 21079 Dijon, France
| | - Yves Cottin
- Research team Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-Cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA7460), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d'Arc, 21079 Dijon, France; Cardiology Unit, CHU 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Catherine Vergely
- Research team Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro-Cardiovascular diseases (PEC2, EA7460), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, UFR des Sciences de Santé, 7 Boulevard Jeanne d'Arc, 21079 Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cai S, Zhao H, Li T, He X, Wang X, Rodrigues A, Zhang R. Influence of molecular interplay on the HPAM/UR rheological properties in an aqueous solution. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra05263d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, the interaction between partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) and urea (UR) in an aqueous solution was characterizedviadifferential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and two-dimension correlation spectra (2DCOS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuwei Cai
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservior Geology and Exploitation
- Southwest Petroleum University
- ChengDu
- China 610500
| | - Hongguo Zhao
- Petrochemical Research Institute
- PetroChina
- Lanzhou
- China 730060
| | - Tianxiang Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservior Geology and Exploitation
- Southwest Petroleum University
- ChengDu
- China 610500
| | - Xianru He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservior Geology and Exploitation
- Southwest Petroleum University
- ChengDu
- China 610500
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservior Geology and Exploitation
- Southwest Petroleum University
- ChengDu
- China 610500
| | - Alisson M. Rodrigues
- Vitreous Materials Laboratory
- Department of Materials Engineering
- Federal University of São Carlos
- São Carlos
- Brazil
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institut für Physik
- Universität Rostock
- Rostock
- Germany 18051
| |
Collapse
|