Anorectic Effect Research Articles

210-OR: Activation of GFRAL Neurons Decreases Food Intake via Aversive Pathways

Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), an anorexigenic peptide that represents a promising candidate for anti-obesity treatment, acts via GDNF Family Receptor Alpha Like (GFRAL), which is expressed almost exclusively on a subset of neurons in the area postrema (AP). To determine the function and mechanisms of action for GFRAL neurons, we generated Gfralcre and conditional GfralCreERT mice. Although their chemogenetic (DREADD-mediated) activation promoted FOS in a variety of brainstem, hypothalamic, and limbic nuclei, GFRAL neurons projected only to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and the parabrachial nucleus (PBN), where they innervated and activated aversive/anorexigenic GCRP-expressing cells. Tetanus-toxin-mediated silencing of PBN CGRP neurons abrogated the aversive and anorexic effects of GDF15. Furthermore, while non-gastrointestinal (GI) stimuli (e.g., GDF15 and LPS, but not feeding or gut peptide mimetics) activated GFRAL neurons, chemogenetically activating these cells decreased gastric emptying, suppressed feeding, and promoted a conditioned taste aversion. These findings suggest that GFRAL neurons link non-GI anorexigenic signals to the control of gut physiology and to the aversive suppression of food intake. Additionally, because the chemogenetic activation of GFRAL neurons suppressed food intake more strongly than GDF15 in lean mice, additional modes of activating GFRAL neurons may augment the anorectic potential of GDF15. Disclosure P.V. Sabatini: None. R.J. Seeley: Consultant; Self; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Kintai, Kintai, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi, Scohia Pharma Inc. Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk A/S, Pfizer Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Redesign Health. Funding American Diabetes Association (1-19-PDF-099 to P.V.S.)

Brain Endothelial Cells Regulate Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Entry Into the Brain via a Receptor-Mediated Process.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in addition to regulating glucose-dependent insulin and glucagon secretion exerts anorexic and neuroprotective effects. While brain-derived GLP-1 may participate in these central actions, evidence suggests that peripherally derived GLP-1 plays an important role and GLP-1 analogs are known to cross the blood brain barrier. To define the role of brain microvascular endothelial cells in GLP-1 entry into the brain, we infused labeled GLP-1 or exendin-4 into rats intravenously and examined their appearance and protein kinase A activities in various brain regions. We also studied the role of endothelial cell GLP-1 receptor and its signaling in endothelial cell uptake and transport of GLP-1. Systemically infused labeled GLP-1 or exendin-4 appeared rapidly in various brain regions and this was associated with increased protein kinase A activity in these brain regions. Pretreatment with GLP-1 receptor antagonist reduced labeled GLP-1 or exendin-4 enrichment in the brain. Sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve resection did not alter GLP-1-mediated increases in protein kinase A activity in the brain. Rat brain microvascular endothelial cells rapidly took up labeled GLP-1 and this was blunted by either GLP-1 receptor antagonism or protein kinase A inhibition but enhanced through adenylyl cyclase activation. Using an artificially assembled blood brain barrier consisting of endothelial and astrocyte layers, we found that labeled GLP-1 time-dependently crossed the barrier and the presence of GLP-1 receptor antagonist blunted this transit. We conclude that GLP-1 crosses the blood brain barrier through active trans-endothelial transport which requires GLP-1 receptor binding and activation.

NF-κB signaling in tanycytes mediates inflammation-induced anorexia

ObjectivesInfections, cancer, and systemic inflammation elicit anorexia. Despite the medical significance of this phenomenon, the question of how peripheral inflammatory mediators affect the central regulation of food intake is incompletely understood. Therefore, we have investigated the sickness behavior induced by the prototypical inflammatory mediator IL-1β. MethodsIL-1β was injected intravenously. To interfere with IL-1β signaling, we deleted the essential modulator of NF-κB signaling (Nemo) in astrocytes and tanycytes. ResultsSystemic IL-1β increased the activity of the transcription factor NF-κB in tanycytes of the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). By activating NF-κB signaling, IL-1β induced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and stimulated the release of the anorexigenic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from tanycytes. When we deleted Nemo in astrocytes and tanycytes, the IL-1β-induced anorexia was alleviated whereas the fever response and lethargy response were unchanged. Similar results were obtained after the selective deletion of Nemo exclusively in tanycytes. ConclusionsTanycytes form the brain barrier that mediates the anorexic effect of systemic inflammation in the hypothalamus.

Omega-3 offers better hypothalamus protection by decreasing POMC expression and elevating ghrelin hormone: a prospective trial to overcome methotrexate-induced anorexia.

Methotrexate (MTX) therapy is widely used in treatment of different types of diseases including inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. However, most of patients respond well to MTX, they suffer from multiple side effects including severe anorexia. Omega-3 fatty acid possesses many beneficial biological activities. Therefore, the objective of our study is to explore the effect of the combined modality of omega-3 (400 mg/kg/day) in MTX-induced anorexia in rats. The effect of MTX alone and in combination with omega-3 on the body weight, ghrelin hormone level, histopathological findings of taste buds and hypothalamus and POMC gene expression were investigated. Interestingly, the capability of omega-3 to overcome the anorexic effect of MTX could be manifested by controlling weight loss, increasing serum HDL, elevating the ghrelin level as well as reducing both lesions within taste buds and hypothalamus and hypothalamic POMC gene expression. our findings revealed that the omega-3 might be used as a complementary supplement during the MTX therapy to ameliorate its anorexic effect.

SAT-607 The Vagus Nerve and the Hypothalamus Mediate Different Aspects of the Anorectic Effects of PYY3-36

Background: Drugs that safely promote weight loss are required to treat the obesity crisis. The gut hormone peptide YY 3-36 (PYY3-36) is secreted post-prandially to suppress appetite via the Y2 receptor (Y2R). However, it is unclear whether PYY3-36 acts directly on the Y2R in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) or the afferent vagus nerve to inhibit food intake. Understanding the pathways by which PYY3-36 mediates its anorectic effects may facilitate the therapeutic targeting of this system.Methods: Y2R knockdown in the ARC (ARC-Y2R-KD) was achieved by stereotactic injection of Cre-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV-Cre) in Y2R-flox C57Bl/6 mice. Y2R KD in the vagus was achieved by bilateral microinjection of AAV-Cre into the nodose ganglia (NG), where the cell bodies of vagal afferents reside. An alternative germline model of sensory nerve Y2R knockdown was generated using Nav1.8-Cre mice crossed with the Y2R-flox strain (Nav1.8-Y2R-KD). Feeding behaviour over 10 days in metabolic cages and the effects of endogenously released (after oral gavage of a nutrient bolus) or exogenously-administered PYY3-36 were investigated.Results: NG-Y2R-KD animals had 60% reduction in NG Y2R mRNA but remained responsive to cholecystokinin, a positive control of vagal functionality. This is the first example of receptor specific adult vagal deafferentation in mice. The Nav1.8-Y2R-KD model achieved 30% receptor KD. Feeding patterns in the ARC-Y2R-KD and NG-Y2R-KD groups were highly different from their controls, with smaller, faster meals in the KD groups. The anorectic effects (at the next meal) of endogenous PYY3-36 were attenuated in NG-Y2R-KD. Low dose exogenous PYY3-36 at 5 µg/kg significantly reduced 2h post injection food intake (FI) in the control groups (n=8; P=0.045) but this was abrogated in the NG-Y2R-KD group. This pattern was mirrored in the Nav1.8-Y2R-KD model: low dose PYY3-36 significantly reduced FI 1h post-IP compared to vehicle in controls (-0.19±0.05 g; P =0.036; n=8) but not in the Nav1.8-Y2R-KD (-0.004±0.111 g; n=3). Peripherally-administered PYY3-36 at a high dose (30 µg/kg) decreased FI in all groups, including ARC-Y2R-KD.Summary: These results suggest that endogenous PYY3-36 modulates meal patterning. The vagus nerve mediates physiological PYY3-36 signalling but alternative pathways, not exclusively via the ARC, may be more important in mediating its pharmacological effects. This is relevant for the design of more effective weight loss agents.

SUN-269 Activation of GFRAL Neurons Decreases Food Intake via Aversive Pathways

Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), an anorexigenic peptide that represents a promising candidate for anti-obesity treatment, acts via GDNF Family Receptor Alpha Like (GFRAL), which is expressed almost exclusively on a subset of neurons in the area postrema (AP). To determine the function and mechanisms of action for GFRAL neurons, we generated Gfralcre and conditional GfralCreERT mice. Although their chemogenetic (DREADD-mediated) activation promoted FOS in a variety of brainstem, hypothalamic, and limbic nuclei, GFRAL neurons projected only to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and the parabrachial nucleus (PBN), where they innervated and activated aversive/anorexigenic GCRP-expressing cells. Tetanus-toxin-mediated silencing of PBN CGRP neurons abrogated the aversive and anorexic effects of GDF15. Furthermore, while non-gastrointestinal (GI) stimuli (e.g., GDF15 and LPS, but not feeding or gut peptide mimetics) activated GFRAL neurons, chemogenetically activating these cells decreased gastric emptying, suppressed feeding, and promoted a conditioned taste aversion. These findings suggest that GFRAL neurons link non-GI anorexigenic signals to the control of gut physiology and to the aversive suppression of food intake. Additionally, because the chemogenetic activation of GFRAL neurons suppressed food intake more strongly than GDF15 in lean mice, additional modes of activating GFRAL neurons may augment the anorectic potential of GDF15.

SUN-266 Protein Induced Pancreatic Hormone Secretion Is Modulated by Vagal CaSR

The existence of a vago-vagal entero-pancreatic pathway, where sensory information from the gut can signal via vagal afferents to the brain to mediate changes in pancreatic function, has been recognised for over a century, and investigated extensively with regards to pancreatic exocrine secretions. However, the role of such pathways in pancreatic endocrine secretions has received less attention.The secretion of insulin and glucagon in response to protein and amino acids is conserved across species. This effect is thought to promote amino acid uptake into tissues without concomitant hypoglycaemia. We found that the essential amino acid L-Phenylalanine potently stimulates glucagon secretion, even when administered directly into the gut at small doses unlikely to significantly raise systematic levels. Administration of L-Phenylalanine also increased neuronal activation in the rat and mouse dorsal vagal complex, the central nervous system region directly innervated by vagal afferents.L-Phenylalanine modulates the activity of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR), a nutrient sensor more commonly known for its role in calcium homeostasis, but which is thought to also act as a sensor of aromatic amino acids. Interestingly, the CaSR is one of the few nutrient sensors expressed in vagal afferents and in vitro calcium imaging revealed CaSR synthetic agonists activate subpopulations of vagal afferents.The role of CaSR in vivo was investigated further by selectively knocking down the CaSR in vagal afferents. Briefly, CaSR floxed mice were bilaterally injected directly into the nodose ganglion, where the cell bodies of vagal afferents are located, with a cre expressing adeno-associated virus. CaSR knockdown did not interfere with normal food intake, nor the vagal-dependent anorectic effects of cholecystokinin, or of L-Phenylalanine. However, it did blunt protein-induced glucagon secretion, suggesting involvement of the CaSR in the vagus nerve in protein sensing and glucose homeostasis.Future studies are required to determine the importance of vagal CaSR in protein induced pancreatic endocrine secretions, and the possibility of exploiting this circuit to develop new anti-diabetic therapies.

SAT-604 The Role of the Focal Adhesion Kinase Family in Leptin Receptor Signaling

Overweight and obesity are global concerns affecting nearly one third of the world population. These conditions are characterized by increased adiposity and are accompanied by a proportional increase in circulating leptin, an anorexigenic adipokine. Leptin is responsible for signaling peripheral energy status to the central nervous system to modulate food intake and energy expenditure. As such, neurons within the hypothalamus expressing the long isoform of leptin receptor (LepRb), a type I cytokine receptor, are primarily responsible for mediating the effects of leptin, which signal predominantly through the JAK2-STAT3 transduction mechanism. STAT3 is a latent transcription factor activated upon phosphorylation, which triggers its homodimerization and nuclear translocation. Evidence, however, for JAK2-independent, STAT3-dependent leptin receptor signaling mechanisms exist. FAK (focal adhesion kinase, Ptk2) and Pyk2 (protein tyrosine kinase 2b, Ptk2b) are a subset of nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases and comprise the focal adhesion kinase family. FAK and Pyk2 are implicated in the regulation of cytokine receptor signaling. Furthermore, Pyk2 knockout mice have an obesity prone phenotype. Here, we studied the role of the focal adhesion kinases in leptin receptor signaling using genetic and pharmacological approaches. We found that overexpression of Pyk2 or FAK increased STAT3 phosphorylation (activation). Overexpression of a FAK or Pyk2 construct with impaired kinase activity, however, attenuated STAT3 phosphorylation, suggesting the increase in STAT3 phosphorylation is largely dependent upon kinase activity of FAK/Pyk2. Treatment of cells with a small molecule dual inhibitor of FAK and Pyk2 (PF431396) attenuated leptin-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in a mouse hypothalamic cell line. Importantly, this effect is independent of JAK2, as PF treatment of two independent JAK2-deficient cell lines exhibited similar attenuation of leptin-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. To assess the physiological relevance of FAK/Pyk2 in leptin receptor signaling in vivo, we administered PF compound to the lateral ventricle of 24-hour fasted lean wild-type mice followed by peripheral leptin administration. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of PF suppressed the anorectic effect of leptin as evidenced by impaired inhibition of food intake upon refeeding. Accordingly, analysis of total hypothalamic lysates from these mice showed ICV PF impaired leptin-induced STAT3 phosphorylation. Taken together, these data suggest that Pyk2 and/or FAK play a role in leptin signal transduction.

SUN-267 Dissecting Type 2 CRH Receptor Signaling Characteristics in the Hypothalamic Cell Line MHYPOA-2/30

The stress peptides coticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortins (Ucns) exert anorectic effects acting mainly through the type 2 CRH receptor (CRH-R2) in the hypothalamus. Impairment of CRH-R2 signaling in chronically stressed rats has been linked with the development of hyperphagia (Alcantara-Alonso et al. Neuropeptides, 2017) however the exact mechanisms and molecular defects are unknown. In the present study we used the mHypoA-2/30, a hypothalamic immortalized cell line derived from adult mice (Belsham et al. FASEB J, 2009) to further explore the signaling molecules mediating the anorexigenic effect of the CRH-R2 cognate agonist urocortin 2 (Ucn2). Specifically, we investigated mRNA, protein expression and cellular localization of CRH-R2 in the mHypoA-2/30 neurons. Additionally, we examined the effects of Ucn2 on the phosphorylation of CREB and AMPK, as well as its transcriptional effects on genes of feeding-related peptides and molecules involved in modulation of circadian rhythms. Both CRH-R2 mRNA and protein expression were detected in mHypoA-2/30; indirect immunoflourescence experiments using a specific CRH-R2 antibody demonstrated widespread localization in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. Moreover, the receptor sub-cellular localization was redistributed in response to activation by Ucn2 (100 nM), as the plasma membrane immunofluorescent signal was decreased after 4h of agonist treatment, suggesting CRH-R2 homologous internalization. We also observed a 50% increase in the phosphorylation of CREB associated with a concomitant decrease in AMPK phosphorylation after 30 min of Ucn2 treatment. Among the panel of hypothalamic genes analyzed, we identified after 24h of Ucn2 treatment increases in the gene expression of the anorexigenic peptides neurotensin and proopiomelanocortin. Interestingly, sustained CRH-R2 activation also led to an increase in the mRNA levels of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator Like (ARNTL), a protein involved in the control of circadian rhythm. A luciferase reporter gene analysis of ARNTL showed that the mHypoA-2/30 cells also exhibit circadian patterns of expression and that the treatment with Ucn2 enhanced circadian amplitude of ARNTL reporter on these cells, which in turn may be involved in glucocorticoid release in circadian cycles and stimulating appetite during the activity phase of the animals. In conclusion, we found that the mHypoA-2/30 cell line expresses endogenous functional CRH-R2 that is linked to downstream regulation of anorexigenic gene expression. This cell line appears to be a useful in vitro tool to study hypothalamic CRH-R2 signaling machinery involved in central control of food intake and circadian cycles.

Effects of amylin on food intake and body weight via sympathetic innervation of the interscapular brown adipose tissue

ABSTRACT Objective: Amylin acts on the lateral dorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT), resulting in anorexic and weight-loss effects and activates thermogenesis in the interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT). In addition, it induces neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-mediated feeding. However, the influence of the intact sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in mediating amylin’s effects has not been fully characterised. We investigated whether extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nNOS, and ChAT activities in the LDT are responsible for amylin’s anorexigenic effects and whether this requires an intact SNS. Methods: C57BL/6J mice [wild-type (WT), sham, and sympathetic denervation of IBAT] were used. Food consumption, body weight, and distribution of pERK, nNOS, and ChAT positive neurons in the brain were examined following acute and chronic amylin administration. Results: Food intake was significantly decreased in WT and sham animals following acute amylin injection, but not in the denervated mice. Chronic amylin reduced body weight and serum glucose levels after 6 weeks, but increased insulin levels; no changes were observed in the denervated mice. Acute amylin increased the expression of nNOS, ChAT, and uncoupling protein-1 in the IBAT of WT and sham mice, while no changes were observed in the denervated mice and pERK from the above effect. Conclusions: Intact SNS of IBAT influences amylin-induced suppression of food intake and body weight, thus affecting nNOS and ChAT signalling in the LDT and locus coeruleus.

δ Opioid Receptor Inverse Agonists and their In Vivo Pharmacological Effects.

The discovery of δ opioid receptor inverse agonist activity induced by ICI-174,864, which was previously reported as an δ opioid receptor antagonist, opened the door for the investigation of inverse agonism/constitutive activity of the receptors. Various peptidic or non-peptidic δ opioid receptor inverse agonists have since been developed. Compared with the reports dealing with in vitro inverse agonist activities of novel compounds or known compounds as antagonists, there have been almost no publications describing the in vivo pharmacological effects induced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist. After the observation of anorectic effects with the δ opioid receptor antagonism was discussed in the early 2000s, the short-term memory improving effects and antitussive effects have been very recently reported as possible pharmacological effects induced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist. In this review, we will survey the developed δ opioid receptor inverse agonists and summarize the possible in vivo pharmacological effects by δ opioid receptor inverse agonists. Moreover, we will discuss important issues involved in the investigation of the in vivo pharmacological effects produced by a δ opioid receptor inverse agonist.

GDF15 Induces an Aversive Visceral Malaise State that Drives Anorexia and Weight Loss

The anorectic and weight-suppressive effects of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) are attracting considerable attention for treating obesity. Current experiments in rats investigate whether GDF15 induces an aversive visceral malaise-based state that mediates its acute anorectic effect and, through aversion conditioning, exerts longer-term anorexia. Visceral malaise, conditioned affective food responses (taste reactivity), gastric emptying (GE), food intake, and body weight are evaluated after acute and chronic systemic dosing of GDF15 or long-acting Fc-GDF15. Pica, a marker of visceral malaise, is present at all anorectic GDF15 doses. Moreover, malaise induced by GDF15 does not decline over time, suggesting the lack of an improved tolerance after prolonged exposure. One association between GDF15 and novel food conditions a disgust/aversive response that persists beyond GDF15 acuteaction. Delayed GE is not a requirement for GDF15-induced anorexia. Clinical studies are required to evaluate whether GDF15's aversive-state-based anorexia will be contraindicated as an obesity treatment.

TRPC6 deficiency or feeding a high fat diet impairs ventilatory responses to hypercapnia

Transient receptor potential cation channel C (TRPC) is essential for hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction response and alveolar gas exchange. We previously showed that whole body TRCP6 deficient (TRPC6 KO) mice are obese and resistant to the anorexic effects of leptin, a hormone that modulates ventilatory control. In the present study we investigated ventilatory responses to hypercapnia (7% CO2) in male and female 22‐week‐old TRPC6 KO and B6/129 control mice fed normal or high fat diet (HFD) since weaning (n=5 per group/sex/diet). Pulmonary ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT) and respiratory frequency (FR) were measured using the plethysmography method. TRPC6 KO mice were heavier than control mice when fed normal diet (46.2±1.9 vs. 36.6±2.2 g in males and 34.0±1.4 vs. 26.9±1.3 g in females). However, when fed a HFD, male and female TRPC6 KO and B6/129 mice had similar body weight (43.6±0.4 vs. 47.5±1.4 g and 40.1±0.6 vs. 40.7±2.5 g, respectively). Compared to B6/129 controls male and female TRPC6 KO mice fed normal diet had similar VE (1817± 233 vs. 2139±135 and 2146± 404 vs. 2943±421 ml/min/kg) and VT (10.9±0.6 vs. 9.9±0.6 and 17.0±3.4 vs. 14.6±0.8 ml/kg), but lower FR (130±9 vs. 217±14 and 127±5 vs. 201±26 breaths/min) at room air. During hypercapnia, only male TRPC6 KO mice exhibited lower VE (3631± 493 vs. 6003±698 ml/min/kg), which was due to lower FR (235 ±16 vs. 305±19 breaths/min) and VT (15.3±1.0 vs. 19.5±1.4 ml/kg) responses to 7% CO2. Although female TRPC6 KO mice also showed lower FR to hypercapnia compared to B6/129 controls (242±6 vs. 313±22 breaths/min) they exhibited higher VT (28.4±3.0 vs. 25.8±2.0 ml/kg), thus resulting in similarly increased VE (6914±847 vs. 8119±956 ml/min/kg). Male and female B6/129 mice fed a HFD had significantly reduced VE responses to 7% CO2 (4020± 332 vs. 6003±698 and 5140± 194 vs. 8119±956 ml/min/kg, respectively) that were mainly caused by reduced VT (14.4±1.3 vs. 19.5±1.4 and 18.8±0.6 vs. 25.8±2.0 ml/kg). No further reduction in in ventilatory responses to hypercapnia were observed in male or female TPRC6 KO mice fed a HFD. These results suggest that TRPC6 plays an important role in ventilatory responses to hypercapnia, albeit more profound in males than females, and that HFD significantly reduces ventilatory responses to hypercapnia in both male and female control mice, but not in TRPC6 KO mice. The mechanisms involved in the reduced ventilatory responses are still unclear but may involve reduced sensitivity to leptin evoked by HFD or TRPC6 deficiency.Support or Funding InformationNIDDK 1RO1121411, NHLBI‐PO1HL51971, NIGMS P20GM104357 and U54GM115428

Anorexic and metabolic effect of jojoba: potential treatment against metabolic syndrome and hepatic complications

BackgroundEvaluation of the action of various traditional plants to treat metabolic syndrome are strongly studied. In our study, we investigated the effect of the Tunisian jojoba seed on a metabolic syndrome induced in rat by the High Fat diet and High Fructose (HFHF) and its renal and hepatic complications.MethodsThe rats were fed with HFHF or Normal Diet (ND) for a period of 8 weeks. After that, a switch from HFHF to ND or Normal Diet Jojoba (NDJ),(jojoba diet approach) or High Fat and High Fructose and Jojoba diet (HFHFJ) (nutraceutical approach) has been done. Metabolic disorder was evaluated by measuring the fasting body weight, glycemia and C-peptide and leptin. Oxidative stress parameters like ThioBarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAOC) were analyzed in the plasma and renal and hepatic function were determined by the measure of creatinine and alanine transferase (ALT) respectively. Histological analysis was performed on the liver, kidney and pancreas.ResultsHFHF diet exhibited characteristics of metabolic syndrome presented by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, fat mass with hepatic steatosis and renal disorder. HFHF diet was associated with oxidative stress (OS) presented by an increase in TBARS and a decrease in TAOC. Adding jojoba seeds to HFHF rat group diet induced a decrease in body weight, fat mass (58 and 41%), insulin resistance (59 and 56%), oxidative stress (60 and 41%), liver steatosis (from a score = 3 to a score = 0) and renal complications (25 and 42%). This effect was emphasized with diet approach.ConclusionThe results demonstrated the beneficial effect of jojoba against metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress, suggesting that jojoba could be used in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome.Graphical abstract

Hindbrain melanocortin 3/4 receptors modulate the food intake and body weight suppressive effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide

Simultaneously targeting multiple energy balance control systems is a promising direction for the development of obesity pharmacotherapies. Here, we explore the interaction between the GLP-1 and melanocortin system within the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) of the caudal brainstem. Using a pharmacological approach, we demonstrate that the full anorectic potential of liraglutide, an FDA-approved GLP-1 analog for the treatment of obesity, requires DVC melanocortin 3/4 receptor (MC3/4R) signaling. Specifically, the food intake and body weight suppressive effects of liraglutide were attenuated by DVC administration of the MC3/4R antagonist SHU9119. In contrast, the anorectic effects of liraglutide were enhanced by combined activation of DVC MC3/4Rs using the agonist MTII. Our findings highlight the modulation of liraglutide-induced anorexia by DVC MC3/4R signaling, thereby suggesting a site of action at which two important energy balance control systems interact.

Dorsal vagal complex and hypothalamic glia differentially respond to leptin and energy balance dysregulation

Previous studies identify a role for hypothalamic glia in energy balance regulation; however, a narrow hypothalamic focus provides an incomplete understanding of how glia throughout the brain respond to and regulate energy homeostasis. We examined the responses of glia in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) to the adipokine leptin and high fat diet-induced obesity. DVC astrocytes functionally express the leptin receptor; in vivo pharmacological studies suggest that DVC astrocytes partly mediate the anorectic effects of leptin in lean but not diet-induced obese rats. Ex vivo calcium imaging indicated that these changes were related to a lower proportion of leptin-responsive cells in the DVC of obese versus lean animals. Finally, we investigated DVC microglia and astroglia responses to leptin and energy balance dysregulation in vivo: obesity decreased DVC astrogliosis, whereas the absence of leptin signaling in Zucker rats was associated with extensive astrogliosis in the DVC and decreased hypothalamic micro- and astrogliosis. These data uncover a novel functional heterogeneity of astrocytes in different brain nuclei of relevance to leptin signaling and energy balance regulation.

Anorexic responses to trichothecene deoxynivalenol and its congeners correspond to secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β

Type B trichothecene mycotoxins comprise deoxynivalenol (“Vomitoxin”, DON) and four structually related congeners: 15-acetyl- and 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON and 3-ADON), nivalenol (NIV), 4-acetyl-nivalenol (fusarenon X, FX). These foodborne mycotoxins has been linked to food poisoning leading to anorexic response in human and several animal species. However, the pathophysiological basis for anorexic effect is relatively unclear. The goal of this research was to compare anorexic effect to type B trichothecenes and relate these effects to two common cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) following oral and IP exposure. Both cytokines were increased within 1−2 h in plasma and returned to basal concentrations at 6 h following exposure to DON and ADONs. FX evoked both cytokines with initial time and duration at 1−2 h and > 6 h, respectively. Elevation of TNF-α and IL-1β induced by orally exposure to NIV did not occur until 2 h and recovered to basal concentrations at 6 h. Both cytokines were elevated at 1 h and lasted more than 6 h following IP exposure to NIV. Type B trichothecenes stimulated plasma secretion of both cytokines that were consistent with reduction of food intake. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that TNF-α and IL-1β act critical roles in type B trichothecenes-induced anorexic response.

GABA neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius express GLP-1 receptors and mediate anorectic effects of liraglutide in rats.

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist liraglutide is approved for the treatment of obesity; however, there is still much to be learned regarding the neuronal sites of action that underlie its suppressive effects on food intake and body weight. Peripherally administered liraglutide in rats acts in part through central GLP-1Rs in both the hypothalamus and the hindbrain. Here, we extend findings supporting a role for hindbrain GLP-1Rs in mediating the anorectic effects of liraglutide in male rats. To dissociate the contribution of GLP-1Rs in the area postrema (AP) and the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), we examined the effects of liraglutide in both NTS AAV-shRNA-driven Glp1r knockdown and AP-lesioned animals. Knockdown of NTS GLP-1Rs, but not surgical lesioning of the AP, attenuated the anorectic and body weight-reducing effects of acutely delivered liraglutide. In addition, NTS c-Fos responses were maintained in AP-lesioned animals. Moreover, NTS Glp1r knockdown was sufficient to attenuate the intake- and body weight-reducing effects of chronic daily administered liraglutide over 3 weeks. Development of improved obesity pharmacotherapies requires an understanding of the cellular phenotypes targeted by GLP-1R agonists. Fluorescence in situ hybridization identified Glp1r transcripts in NTS GABAergic neurons, which when inhibited using chemogenetics, attenuated the food intake- and body weight-reducing effects of liraglutide. This work demonstrates the contribution of NTS GLP-1Rs to the anorectic potential of liraglutide and highlights a phenotypically distinct (GABAergic) population of neurons within the NTS that express the GLP-1R and are involved in the mediation of liraglutide signaling.

Differential effects of leptin administration on feeding and HPT axis function in early-life overfed adult rats

Early-life overfeeding (OF) disrupts neuroendocrine systems, energy homeostasis and food intake regulation inducing overeating and overweight in adults. Adult rats raised in small litters during lactation, display hyperphagia and overweight since weaning and exhibit a decrease in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) mRNA expression in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). This is counterintuitive because TRH expression should increase to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and promote energy expenditure, thus, HPT axis seems inhibited in OF rats. Leptin, an adipocyte-synthesized hormone that stimulates hypothalamic TRH expression, enhances both TRH anorectic effects and HPT axis-induced metabolic rate. To evaluate hypothalamic resistance to the anorectic and HPT axis stimulatory actions of leptin, we injected leptin i.p. to ad libitum fed and to 48-h fasted adult control (reared in normal litters) and to small-litter reared (OF) male Wistar rats. Findings showed that HPT axis was still responsive to leptin, since PVN TRH mRNA levels, median eminence TRH release and T4 serum concentration increased in both, ad libitum and fasted OF rats after leptin administrations. Leptin was ineffective to reduce feeding of OF animals. By comparing leptin receptor (ObRb) expression changes between arcuate and PVN nuclei, we observed that arcuate ObRb was not modified in response to leptin administrations in OF rats, likely accounting for the differential effects in feeding and HPT axis function. Nevertheless, ObRb expression was modified by leptin in the PVN of OF rats to the same extent as controls; this supports the hormone’s role as a therapeutic agent for early onset obesity in adults.

GIP as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease-A Systematic Review.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are gut hormones that are secreted from enteroendocrine L cells and K cells in response to digested nutrients, respectively. They are also referred to incretin for their ability to stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GLP-1 exerts anorexic effects via its actions in the central nervous system. Since native incretin is rapidly inactivated by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), DPP-resistant GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), and DPP-4 inhibitors are currently used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as incretin-based therapy. These new-class agents have superiority to classical oral hypoglycemic agents such as sulfonylureas because of their low risks for hypoglycemia and body weight gain. In addition, a number of preclinical studies have shown the cardioprotective properties of incretin-based therapy, whose findings are further supported by several randomized clinical trials. Indeed, GLP-1RA has been significantly shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal events in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the role of GIP in cardiovascular disease remains to be elucidated. Recently, pharmacological doses of GIP receptor agonists (GIPRAs) have been found to exert anti-obesity effects in animal models. These observations suggest that combination therapy of GLP-1R and GIPR may induce superior metabolic and anti-diabetic effects compared with each agonist individually. Clinical trials with GLP-1R/GIPR dual agonists are ongoing in diabetic patients. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the cardiovascular effects of GIP and GIPRAs in cell culture systems, animal models, and humans.