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Li X, Ji Q, Zhong C, Wu C, Wu J, Yuan C, Ran J. Ghrelin regulates the endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling pathway in gestational diabetes mellitus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 709:149844. [PMID: 38564940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149844] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of the ghrelin-regulated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signalling pathway in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS Pregnant female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal group, GDM group (high-fat diet + STZ), GDM + ghrelin group (acyl ghrelin), and GDM + ghrelin + ghrelin inhibitor group ([D-lys3]-GHRP-6). We measured body weight, the intake of water and food, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting insulin levels in each group. HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the pancreas. The TUNEL method was used to detect the apoptosis rate of islet cells. qPCR and Western boltting were performed to detect the relative expression levels of PERK, ATF6, IREIα, GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12, which are related to the ERS signalling pathway in the pancreas. Then, NIT-1 cells were cultured to verify whether ghrelin regulates ERS under high-glucose or tunicamycin conditions. RESULTS Compared with the GDM group, the GDM + ghrelin group showed improved physical conditions and significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting insulin levels. Damaged islet areas were inhibited by ghrelin in the GDM group. The GDM + ghrelin group showed reduced β-cell apoptosis compared to the GDM and GDM + ghrelin + ghrelin inhibitor groups. ERS-associated factors (PERK, ATF6, IREIα, GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12) mRNA and protein levels were obviously lower in the GDM + ghrelin group than in the GDM group, while expression levels were restored in the inhibitor group. Ghrelin treatment improved the high-glucose or tunicamycin-induced apoptosis, increased insulin levels and upregulation of GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12 in NIT-1 cells. CONCLUSION Ghrelin suppressed ERS signalling and apoptosis in GDM mice and in NIT-1 cells. This study established a link between ghrelin and GDM, and the targeting of ERS with ghrelin represents a promising therapeutic strategy for GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Medical Care Center, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Qun Ji
- Department of Endocrinology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Chunrong Zhong
- Medical Care Center, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Congyin Wu
- Medical Care Center, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jinchan Wu
- Medical Care Center, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Caihong Yuan
- Medical Care Center, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jianmin Ran
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Trotta MC, Gesualdo C, Russo M, Lepre CC, Petrillo F, Vastarella MG, Nicoletti M, Simonelli F, Hermenean A, D’Amico M, Rossi S. Changes in Circulating Acylated Ghrelin and Neutrophil Elastase in Diabetic Retinopathy. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024; 60:118. [PMID: 38256379 PMCID: PMC10820226 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010118] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The role and the levels of ghrelin in diabetes-induced retinal damage have not yet been explored. The present study aimed to measure the serum levels of total ghrelin (TG), and its acylated (AG) and des-acylated (DAG) forms in patients with the two stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), non-proliferative (NPDR) and proliferative (PDR). Moreover, the correlation between serum ghrelin and neutrophil elastase (NE) levels was investigated. Materials and Methods: The serum markers were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 12 non-diabetic subjects (CTRL), 15 diabetic patients without DR (Diabetic), 15 patients with NPDR, and 15 patients with PDR. Results: TG and AG serum levels were significantly decreased in Diabetic (respectively, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 vs. CTRL), NPDR (p < 0.01 vs. Diabetic), and in PDR patients (p < 0.01 vs. NPDR). AG serum levels were inversely associated with DR abnormalities (microhemorrhages, microaneurysms, and exudates) progression (r = -0.83, p < 0.01), serum neutrophil percentage (r = -0.74, p < 0.01), and serum NE levels (r = -0.73, p < 0.01). The latter were significantly increased in the Diabetic (p < 0.05 vs. CTRL), NPDR (p < 0.01 vs. Diabetic), and PDR (p < 0.01 vs. PDR) groups. Conclusions: The two DR stages were characterized by decreased AG and increased NE levels. In particular, serum AG levels were lower in PDR compared to NPDR patients, and serum NE levels were higher in the PDR vs. the NPDR group. Together with the greater presence of retinal abnormalities, this could underline a distinctive role of AG in PDR compared to NPDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (M.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Marina Russo
- PhD Course in National Interest in Public Administration and Innovation for Disability and Social Inclusion, Department of Mental, Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- School of Pharmacology and Clinical Toxicology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Giovanna Vastarella
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maddalena Nicoletti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (M.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Francesca Simonelli
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (M.N.); (F.S.)
| | - Anca Hermenean
- “Aurel Ardelean” Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, 310144 Arad, Romania;
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.C.T.); (C.C.L.); (F.P.); (M.D.)
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.G.); (M.N.); (F.S.)
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Castillo-González J, Ruiz JL, Serrano-Martínez I, Forte-Lago I, Ubago-Rodriguez A, Caro M, Pérez-Gómez JM, Benítez-Troncoso A, Andrés-León E, Sánchez-Navarro M, Luque RM, González-Rey E. Cortistatin deficiency reveals a dysfunctional brain endothelium with impaired gene pathways, exacerbated immune activation, and disrupted barrier integrity. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:226. [PMID: 37794493 PMCID: PMC10548650 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02908-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain activity governing cognition and behaviour depends on the fine-tuned microenvironment provided by a tightly controlled blood-brain barrier (BBB). Brain endothelium dysfunction is a hallmark of BBB breakdown in most neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory disorders. Therefore, the identification of new endogenous molecules involved in endothelial cell disruption is essential to better understand BBB dynamics. Cortistatin is a neuroimmune mediator with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that exerts beneficial effects on the peripheral endothelium. However, its role in the healthy and injured brain endothelium remains to be evaluated. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the potential function of endogenous and therapeutic cortistatin in regulating brain endothelium dysfunction in a neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative environment. METHODS Wild-type and cortistatin-deficient murine brain endothelium and human cells were used for an in vitro barrier model, where a simulated ischemia-like environment was mimicked. Endothelial permeability, junction integrity, and immune response in the presence and absence of cortistatin were evaluated using different size tracers, immunofluorescence labelling, qPCR, and ELISA. Cortistatin molecular mechanisms underlying brain endothelium dynamics were assessed by RNA-sequencing analysis. Cortistatin role in BBB leakage was evaluated in adult mice injected with LPS. RESULTS The endogenous lack of cortistatin predisposes endothelium weakening with increased permeability, tight-junctions breakdown, and dysregulated immune activity. We demonstrated that both damaged and uninjured brain endothelial cells isolated from cortistatin-deficient mice, present a dysregulated and/or deactivated genetic programming. These pathways, related to basic physiology but also crucial for the repair after damage (e.g., extracellular matrix remodelling, angiogenesis, response to oxygen, signalling, and metabolites transport), are dysfunctional and make brain endothelial barrier lacking cortistatin non-responsive to any further injury. Treatment with cortistatin reversed in vitro hyperpermeability, tight-junctions disruption, inflammatory response, and reduced in vivo BBB leakage. CONCLUSIONS The neuropeptide cortistatin has a key role in the physiology of the cerebral microvasculature and its presence is crucial to develop a canonical balanced response to damage. The reparative effects of cortistatin in the brain endothelium were accompanied by the modulation of the immune function and the rescue of barrier integrity. Cortistatin-based therapies could emerge as a novel pleiotropic strategy to ameliorate neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative disorders with disrupted BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Castillo-González
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - José Luis Ruiz
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Ignacio Serrano-Martínez
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Irene Forte-Lago
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Ubago-Rodriguez
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Marta Caro
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Miguel Pérez-Gómez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004, Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004, Cordoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), 14004, Cordoba, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Andrés-León
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Sánchez-Navarro
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Raúl M Luque
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004, Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004, Cordoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital (HURS), 14004, Cordoba, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn), 14004, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Elena González-Rey
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra (IPBLN), CSIC, PT Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain.
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