Elevated Serum Free Fatty Acids Research Articles

Electronic cigarette-induced adipose tissue inflammation is rescued by acipimox

Objective: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are the most commonly used tobacco product in the U.S. with high frequency among youth. Our laboratory has shown that e-cigarettes induce metabolic changes and cardiac dysfunction associated with elevated serum free fatty acids (FFAs). Adipose tissue dysfunction is a proinflammatory state that mediates multiple pathogenic mechanisms in the well-known associations between cardiovascular pathology, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. In adipose tissue, crown-like structures (CLSs) are signs of metabolic dysfunction and adipose tissue inflammation. CLSs are composed of macrophages surrounding dead or dying adipocytes. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that e-cigarettes produce inflammation in adipose tissue, which is mediated by lipolysis. Methods: C57BL/6J wild-type mice on high fat diet were treated with saline aerosol, e-cigarette with 2.4% nicotine [e-cig (2.4%)], and e-cig (2.4%) plus acipimox (an inhibitor of lipolysis) [e-cig (2.4%)+ACIP], for 12 weeks. Adipose tissue was stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). CD45 is the surface marker of immune cells. Therefore, we quantified the number of CD45+ cells in adipose tissue. Additionally, we performed a transcriptomic evaluation with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Results: H&E staining showed abundant CLSs in mice exposed to e-cigarettes in adipose tissue. The number of CLSs was normalized in the e-cig (2.4%)+ACIP group. E-cigarettes induced an increase of CD45+ cells in adipose tissue, which was also normalized by acipimox. GSEA of the RNA-seq data revealed upregulation of inflammatory pathways in adipose tissue from e-cigarette-treated mice, including Interferon-g and Interferon-a response, which were rescued by acipimox treatment. Summary: Inhibiting lipolysis with acipimox normalizes the inflammatory changes induced by e-cigarettes in adipose tissue. These findings suggest a functional interplay between adipose tissue and metabolic dysfunction caused by e-cigarettes. Funding: JE-D work was supported by the NIH grants: NIGMS (SC2GM135127), NIMHD (S21MD000103), the CDU Accelerating Excellence in Translational Science (AXIS) (U54MD007598-14S2), and a voucher from UCLA CTSI (UL1TR001881). TCF was supported by the California TRDRP grant (28CP-0040), DODCDMRP grant (PR190942), and NIDA (R25DA050723) grants. XMS was supported by a NIDA (R42DA044788) grant. KPR was supported DODCDMRP grant (PR190942-P1). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Persistent metabolic toxicities following developmental exposure to hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA): Roles of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma

BackgroundHexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA), a perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) substitute, exhibited strong affinity and capability to activate peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a lipid metabolism regulator, suggesting potential to induce metabolic toxicities. MethodsFertile chicken eggs were exposed to 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 mg/kg (egg weight) HFPO-TA and incubated until hatch. Serum from 0- and 3- month-old chickens were subjected to liquid chromatography ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry for HFPO-TA concentration, while liver, pancreas and adipose tissue samples were collected for histopathological assessments. In ovo PPARγ reporter and silencing system were established with lentivirus microinjection. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were utilized to evaluate the expression levels of PPARγ downstream genes. ResultsIn 3-month-old animals developmentally exposed to HFPO-TA, adipose tissue hyperplasia, hepatic steatosis, pancreas islet hypertrophy and elevated serum free fatty acid / insulin levels were observed. Results of reporter assay and qRT-PCR indicated HFPO-TA-mediated PPARγ transactivation in chicken embryo. Silencing of PPARγ alleviated HFPO-TA-induced changes, while PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone mimicked HFPO-TA-induced effects. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed that FASN and GPD1 were upregulated following developmental exposure to HFPO-TA in 3-month-old animals. ConclusionsDevelopmental exposure to HFPO-TA induced persistent metabolic toxicities in chickens, in which PPARγ played a central role.

High-fat diet consumption promotes adolescent neurobehavioral abnormalities and hippocampal structural alterations via microglial overactivation accompanied by an elevated serum free fatty acid concentration

Mounting evidence suggests that high-fat diet (HFD) consumption increases the risk for depression, but the neurophysiological mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that HFD feeding of C57BL/6J mice during the adolescent period (from 4 to 8 weeks of age) resulted in increased depression- and anxiety-like behaviors concurrent with changes in neuronal and myelin structure in the hippocampus. Additionally, we showed that hippocampal microglia in HFD-fed mice assumed a hyperactive state concomitant with increased PSD95-positive and myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive inclusions, implicating microglia in hippocampal structural alterations induced by HFD consumption. Along with increased levels of serum free fatty acids (FFAs), abnormal deposition of lipid droplets and increased levels of HIF-1α protein (a transcription factor that has been reported to facilitate cellular lipid accumulation) within hippocampal microglia were observed in HFD-fed mice. The use of minocycline, a pharmacological suppressor of microglial overactivation, effectively attenuated neurobehavioral abnormalities and hippocampal structural alterations but barely altered lipid droplet accumulation in the hippocampal microglia of HFD-fed mice. Coadministration of triacsin C abolished the increases in lipid droplet formation, phagocytic activity, and ROS levels in primary microglia treated with serum from HFD-fed mice. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that the adverse influence of early-life HFD consumption on behavior and hippocampal structure is attributed at least in part to microglial overactivation that is accompanied by an elevated serum FFA concentration and microglial aberrations represent a potential preventive and therapeutic target for HFD-related emotional disorders.

Serum free fatty acid level in children with primary hypertension

To examine the serum level of free fatty acid (FFA) in children with primary hypertension and its value in the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of primary hypertension in children. In this retrospective study, 34 children with primary hypertension who were treated for the first time in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January to June, 2021, were enrolled as the hypertension group, and 32 children with normal blood pressure who underwent physical examination during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The two groups were compared in terms of the levels of fasting serum FFA, fasting serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence of FFA on the development of primary hypertension. Compared with the control group, the hypertension group had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05), as well as significantly higher serum levels of FFA, TG, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C and a significantly lower serum level of HDL-C (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the hypertension group had significantly higher rates of elevated serum FFA (>0.45 mmol/L for girls and >0.60 mmol/L for boys) (P<0.05) and abnormal blood lipid levels (abnormality in at least one index among serum TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and non-HDL-C) (P<0.05). A multivariate logistic regression equation was established based on age, sex, BMI, elevated serum FFA, and abnormal blood lipid levels, and the results showed that elevated serum FFA was an independent risk factor for primary hypertension in children (OR=17.560, 95%CI: 1.964-157.003, P<0.05). There is a significant increase in serum FFA level in children with primary hypertension, and the increase in serum FFA can increase the risk of primary hypertension in children.

The effects of intermittent hypoxia on hepatic expression of fatty acid translocase CD36 in lean and diet-induced obese mice

BackgroundBoth obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are prevalent within obese individuals. We aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent hypoxia (IH), a clinical feature of OSA, on hepatic expression of fatty acid translocase (CD36) in relation to liver injury in lean and diet-induced obese mice. MethodsFour-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized to standard diet (SD) or high fat (HF) diet groups. At 13-week-old, all mice were exposed to either air or IH (IH30; thirty hypoxic episodes per hour) for four weeks. We assessed liver injury through lipid profile, oxidative and inflammatory stress, histological scoring and hepatic CD36 expression. ResultsIn lean mice, IH elevated serum and hepatic triglyceride and free fatty acid (FFA) levels, in line with upregulation of hepatic CD36 expression and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive cells in support of inflammatory infiltrates along with increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1(CXCL-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). In diet-induced obese mice, an increase in hepatic alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, serum and hepatic levels of lipid parameters and inflammatory markers, serum MDA level, hepatic expressions of CD36 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and MPO-positive cells was observed. IH potentiated hepatic ALT activity, serum CXCL-1 and hepatic interleukin-6 (IL-6), in line with inflammatory infiltrates, but paradoxically, reduced hepatic FFA level and hepatic CD36 expression, compared to obese mice without IH exposure. However, IH further augmented diet-induced liver steatosis and fibrosis as shown by histological scores. ConclusionThis study contributes to support that IH featuring OSA may lead to liver injury via differential regulation of hepatic CD36 expression in lean and diet-induced obese mice.

PA and OA induce abnormal glucose metabolism by inhibiting KLF15 in adipocytes

BackgroundObesity-induced elevated serum free fatty acids (FFAs) levels result in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the molecular mechanism remains largely enigmatic. This study was to explore the effect and mechanism of KLF15 on FFAs-induced abnormal glucose metabolism.MethodsLevels of TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and glucose were measured by different assay kits. qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the levels of GPR120, GPR40, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, KLF15, and downstream factors.ResultsKLF15 was decreased in visceral adipose tissue of obesity subjects and high-fat diet (HFD) mice. In HFD mice, GPR120 antagonist significantly promoted KLF15 protein expression level and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, meanwhile reduced the blood glucose levels. While, blocking GPR40 inhibited the KLF15 expression. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, 1500 μM PA inhibited KLF15 through a GPR120/P-p38 MAPK signal pathway, and 750 μM OA inhibited KLF15 mainly through GPR120 while not dependent on P-p38 MAPK, ultimately resulting in abnormal glucose metabolism. Unfortunately, GPR40 didn’t contribute to PA or OA-induced KLF15 reduction.ConclusionsBoth PA and OA inhibit KLF15 expression through GPR120, leading to abnormal glucose metabolism in adipocytes. Notably, the inhibition of KLF15 expression by PA depends on phosphorylation of p38 MAPK.

Spinal Cord Injury Reduces Serum Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 and Impairs Its Signaling Pathways in Liver and Adipose Tissue in Mice.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in dysregulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism; the underlying cellular and physiological mechanisms remain unclear. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a circulating protein primarily secreted by the liver that lowers blood glucose levels, corrects abnormal lipid profiles, and mitigates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. FGF21 acts via activating FGF receptor 1 and ß-klotho in adipose tissue and stimulating release of adiponectin from adipose tissue which in turn signals in the liver and skeletal muscle. We examined FGF21/adiponectin signaling after spinal cord transection in mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) or a standard mouse chow. Tissues were collected at 84 days after spinal cord transection or a sham SCI surgery. SCI reduced serum FGF21 levels and hepatic FGF21 expression, as well as β-klotho and FGF receptor-1 (FGFR1) mRNA expression in adipose tissue. SCI also reduced serum levels and adipose tissue mRNA expression of adiponectin and leptin, two major adipokines. In addition, SCI suppressed hepatic type 2 adiponectin receptor (AdipoR2) mRNA expression and PPARα activation in the liver. Post-SCI mice fed a HFD had further suppression of serum FGF21 levels and hepatic FGF21 expression. Elevated serum free fatty acid (FFA) levels after HFD feeding were observed in post-SCI mice but not in sham-mice, suggesting defective FFA uptake after SCI. Moreover, after SCI several genes that are implicated in insulin’s action had reduced expression in tissues of interest. These findings suggest that downregulated FGF21/adiponectin signaling and impaired responsiveness of adipose tissues to FGF21 may, at least in part, contribute to the overall picture of metabolic dysfunction after SCI.

Mid-gestation serum lipidomic profile associations with spontaneous preterm birth are influenced by body mass index.

Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. While metabolic changes leading to preterm birth are unknown, several factors including dyslipidemia and inflammation have been implicated and paradoxically both low (<18.5 kg/m2) and high (>30 kg/m2) body mass indices (BMIs) are risk factors for this condition. The objective of the study was to identify BMI-associated metabolic perturbations and potential mid-gestation serum biomarkers of preterm birth in a cohort of underweight, normal weight and obese women experiencing either sPTB or full-term deliveries (n = 102; n = 17/group). For this purpose, we combined untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics with targeted metabolic profiling of major regulators of inflammation and metabolism, including oxylipins, endocannabinoids, bile acids and ceramides. Women who were obese and had sPTB showed elevated oxidative stress and dyslipidemia characterized by elevated serum free fatty acids. Women who were underweight-associated sPTB also showed evidence of dyslipidemia characterized by elevated phospholipids, unsaturated triglycerides, sphingomyelins, cholesteryl esters and long-chain acylcarnitines. In normal weight women experiencing sPTB, the relative abundance of 14(15)-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid and 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids to other regioisomers were altered at mid-pregnancy. This phenomenon is not yet associated with any biological process, but may be linked to estrogen metabolism. These changes were differentially modulated across BMI groups. In conclusion, using metabolomics we observed distinct BMI-dependent metabolic manifestations among women who had sPTB. These observations suggest the potential to predict sPTB mid-gestation using a new set of metabolomic markers and BMI stratification. This study opens the door to further investigate the role of cytochrome P450/epoxide hydrolase metabolism in sPTB.

Antihyperglycemic Effects and Mode of Actions of Musa paradisiaca Leaf and Fruit Peel Hydroethanolic Extracts in Nicotinamide/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effects of Musa paradisiaca (M. paradisiaca) leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts and to suggest their probable mode of actions in nicotinamide (NA)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts were analyzed by GC-MS that indicated the presence of phytol, octadecatrienoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecadienoic acid as major components in the leaf extract and vitamin E, octadecenamide, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol as major phytochemicals in the fruit peel extract. Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5), 15 minutes after intraperitoneal injection of NA (120 mg/kg body weight). The NA/STZ-induced diabetic rats were, respectively, treated with M. paradisiaca leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight/day by oral administration for 28 days. The treatment of NA/STZ-induced diabetic rats with leaf and fruit peel extracts significantly improved the impaired oral glucose tolerance and significantly increased the lowered serum insulin and C-peptide levels. The HOMA-IR (as the index of insulin resistance) and QUICKI (as a marker for insulin sensitivity), as well as HOMA-β cell function were significantly alleviated as a result of treatment of diabetic rats with leaf and fruit peel extracts. In association, the elevated serum-free fatty acids, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased. In addition, the suppressed adipose tissue PPARγ, GLUT4, adiponectin, and insulin receptor β-subunit mRNA expressions were upregulated while the elevated adipose tissue resistin expression was downregulated in diabetic rats as a result of treatment with the leaf and peel extract. Based on these results, it can be concluded that M. paradisiaca leaf and fruit peel hydroethanolic extracts have antihyperglycemic effects which may be mediated via their insulinotropic and insulin-sensitizing effects.

LncRNA LEGLTBC Functions as a ceRNA to Antagonize the Effects of miR-34a on the Downregulation of SIRT1 in Glucolipotoxicity-Induced INS-1 Beta Cell Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose and/or high serum free fatty acids. Chronic hyperlipidemia causes the dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells, which is aggravated in the presence of hyperglycemia (glucolipotoxicity). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to play key roles in type 1 diabetes mellitus development. However, their roles in glucolipotoxicity-induced beta cell dysfunction are not fully understood. In the present study, we identified the differentially expressed lncRNAs in INS-1 cells exposed to high glucose and palmitate (HG/PA). Among the dysregulated lncRNAs, NONRATT003679.2 (low expression in glucolipotoxicity-treated beta cells (LEGLTBC)) was involved in glucolipotoxicity-evoked rat islet beta cell damage. LEGLTBC functioned as a molecular sponge of miR-34a in INS-1 cells. Additionally, SIRT1 was identified as a target of miR-34a and LEGLTBC promoted SIRT1 expression by sponging miR-34a. The upregulation of LEGLTBC attenuated HG/PA-induced INS-1 cell injury through the promotion of SIRT1-mediated suppression of ROS accumulation and apoptosis. This is the first study to comprehensively identify the lncRNA expression profiling of HG/PA-treated INS-1 beta cells and to demonstrate that LEGLTBC functions as a competing endogenous RNA and regulates miR-34a/SIRT1-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis in INS-1 cells undergoing glucolipotoxicity.

Western diet increases HMGB1 levels and activates cardiac and hepatic Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling in male mice

BackgroundOverconsumption of a Western diet (WD), characterized by a high amount of fats and carbohydrates, is a major contributor to the epidemic of non‐alcoholic liver and cardiovascular disease in the United States. Our laboratory has recently demonstrated that WD causes endothelial dysfunction via vascular TLR4 signaling activation, a key component of innate immunity linked to inflammation. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that WD triggers inflammatory responses in the livers and hearts of male mice via activation of TLR4 signaling. We also investigated whether WD elevates high‐mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) levels, a pro‐inflammatory factor known to be an endogenous ligand for TLR4.MethodsAdult male C57BL/J mice were randomized in two experimental groups: Control Group received a regular chow diet and WD group received WD (40% fat, 43% carbohydrates, and 17% protein) for 28 weeks. Prior to terminal experiments, body weights were measured weekly. After euthanasia with isoflurane (via nasal 5% in 100% O2), livers, hearts, and adipose tissue were removed and processed for further molecular assays. Blood samples were also obtained for biochemical analysis.ResultsAs expected, WD group exhibited increased body weight (31.1 ± 3.2 vs. 25.2 ± 1.4g, p&lt;0.01), adipocyte size (7724.2 ± 1745.8 vs. 2727.3 ± 927.1 μm2, p&lt;0.05) and elevated serum free fatty acids (0.20 ± 0.02 vs. 0.14 ± 0.024 mM, p&lt;0.05) compared to controls. Next, to test the hypothesis that WD activates TLR4 signaling in hepatic and cardiac tissue, Western blot analysis was performed. Hepatic expression of TLR4 (2.8 fold increase vs. controls, p&lt;0.001) and its downstream protein TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) (1.8 fold increase vs. controls, p&lt;0.01) were markedly elevated in the WD group. Similarly, cardiac expression of TLR4 (2.2 fold increase vs. controls, p&lt;0.01) and TRAF6 (2.8 fold increase vs. controls, p&lt;0.001) were increased in the WD group. Strikingly, we found that serum HMGB1 expression was significantly increased in WD group in comparison to the controls (70% elevation vs control, p&lt;0.05).ConclusionOur results suggest that upregulation of HMGB1 may contribute to TLR4/TRAF6 signaling activation in hepatic and cardiac tissue of western diet fed mice. To expand this investigation, we will utilize pharmacological and molecular approaches to target HMGB1 and confirm its role in WD‐induced inflammation.Support or Funding InformationIn‐house Grant NYITThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Sex Differences in Inflammatory Responses to Adipose Tissue Lipolysis in Diet-Induced Obesity.

Males are known to have profound adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) accumulation in gonadal white adipose tissue (GWAT) during obesity, whereas females are protected from such an inflammatory response even with increased adiposity. The inflammatory tone in males is linked to insulin resistance and might be the underlying cause for sex differences in metabolic disease. Factors regulating the meta-inflammatory response remain unclear but enhanced lipid storage in females may explain the reduced inflammatory response to high-fat diets. In this study, we evaluated lean and obese females with stimulated lipolysis to understand whether a stress release of free fatty acids (FFAs) could induce female ATMs. We demonstrate that in both lean and obese females, GWAT CD11c- resident ATMs accumulate with β-3 adrenergic receptor-stimulated lipolysis. Lipolysis elevated serum FFA, triglyceride, and IL-6 levels in females that corresponded to significant phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase protein expression in obese female GWAT compared with males. Increased lipolytic response in obese females was associated with crown-like structures and induced Il6, Mcp1, Arg1, and Mgl1 expression in obese female GWAT, suggesting an environment of lipid clearance and adipose remodeling. With this finding we next investigated whether lipid storage and lipolytic mediators differed by sex. Diacylglycerol, ceramides, phospholipids, and certain fatty acid species associated with inflammation were elevated in male GWAT compared with obese female GWAT. Overall, our data demonstrate a role for GWAT lipid storage and lipolytic metabolites to induce inflammation in males and induce remodeling in females that might explain sex differences in overall metabolic health.

Adipocyte Lipolysis Triggers CD11c-ATM Inflammation in Lean Females and Obese Males and Females

Men and post-menopausal women are at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes than younger women. In obese rodent models, males exhibit profound adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) accumulation in gonadal white adipose tissue (GWAT) linked to insulin resistance, while females are protected even with enhanced adiposity. We hypothesize that these inflammatory differences may be a result of altered lipolysis responses and that females would have enhanced ATM accumulation when lipolysis is induced. Lipolysis was stimulated with a beta3 adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) agonist CL-316, 243 in C57Bl6/j male and female mice fed 16 weeks of 60% high fat diet (HFD). GWAT leukocytes were isolated after 18 h and evaluated by flow cytometry. Lipogenic, lipolytic, oxidative and inflammatory gene expression along with immunofluorescence were performed. ADRB3 activation did not alter adipose tissue weights, but significantly reduced liver weights in obese females. Obese CL treated female mice showed elevated serum free fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride (TG) levels compared to levels induced in males. Lipid overload impaired TG storage and utilization genes- Lpl, Fasn, Acsl1, Hsl, and Glut4 expression in obese females. Lipolysis promoted appearance of crown like structures (CLS) in males and females but only induced Il6 proinflammatory cytokine and Mcp1 chemokine expression in obese female GWAT. Activated lipolysis triggered CD11c- ATM accumulation in lean females but in both obese male and female GWAT. Obese males showed a marked reduction in GWAT dendritic cells (DC) but a significant reduction in both GWAT and inguinal WAT DCs of obese females. While obese females are resistant to inflammation, this study shows that induced lipolysis elevates FFA levels, alters lipid metabolism and increased CD11c- ATMs and CLSs in obese females. Elucidating the link between lipolysis and inflammation can better explain sex differences in overall metabolic health leading to targeted treatment strategies. Disclosure M. Varghese: None. S. Abrishami: None. K. Singer: None.

LNK deficiency aggravates palmitate-induced preadipocyte apoptosis

LNK (SH2B3) is an intracellular adaptor protein that negatively regulates cellular proliferation or self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and some other progenitor cells. LNK is also recognized as a key regulator of insulin resistance and inflammatory responses in several tissues and organs. The function of LNK in adipose tissue is unknown. We previously demonstrated that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mouse model had elevated serum free fatty acids (FFAs) levels and increased preadipocyte apoptosis in visceral fat tissue, showing the occurrence of lipotoxicity. Herein, when compared to control mice, the protein expression of LNK decreased in epididymal fat tissue from the high-sucrose/fat diet, low-dose streptozotocin induced T2DM mouse model. We thus investigated whether LNK could regulate palmitate-induced preadipocyte apoptosis in an in vitro apoptotic model in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. LNK specific siRNA exacerbated palmitate-induced apoptosis and increased pro-apoptotic protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax and cytochrome C; while overexpression of LNK cDNA exhibited significant anti-apoptotic effects. Consistently, LNK specific siRNA further decreased the Akt Ser-473 phosphorylation reduced by palmitate and located on upstream of Bax and cytochrome C. The siRNA-mediated LNK knockdown exacerbated mitochondrial membrane depolarization and mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species production induced by palmitate, whereas overexpression of LNK attenuated that. These results indicated that LNK plays a regulatory role in the palmitate-related preadipocyte apoptosis and might be involved in adipose tissue dysfunction.

Flaxseed oil supplementation manipulates correlations between serum individual mol % free fatty acid levels and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics. Insulin resistance and percent remaining pancreatic β-cell function are unaffected.

Elevated total serum free fatty acids (FFAs) concentrations have been suggested, controversially, to enhance insulin resistance and decrease percent remaining β-cell function. However, concentrations of individual serum FFAs have never been published in terms of their relationship (correlation) to homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and percent remaining β-cell function (HOMA-%β) in the type 2 diabetics (T2Ds). Alpha-linolenic acid consumption has a negative correlation with the insulin resistance, which in turn is negatively correlated with the remaining β-cell function. The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that there would be different relationship (correlation) between the blood serum individual free FFA mol % levels and HOMA-IR and/or HOMA-%β in T2D. The secondary objective was to test the hypothesis that flaxseed oil, previously being shown to be ineffective in the glycemic control in T2Ds, may alter these correlations in a statistically significant manner as well as HOMA-IR and/or HOMA-%β. Patients were recruited via a newspaper advertisement and two physicians have been employed. All the patients came to visit one and three months later for a second visit. At the second visit, the subjects were randomly assigned (double blind) to flaxseed or safflower oil treatment for three months, until the third visit. Different statistically significant correlations or trends towards among some serum individual free FFA mol % levels and HOMA-IR and HOMA-%β, pre- and post-flaxseed and safflower oil supplementation were found. However, flaxseed oil had no impact on HOMA-IR or HOMA-%β despite statistically significant alterations in correlations compared to baseline HOMA-IR. The obtained data indicate that high doses of flaxseed oil have no statistically significant effect on HOMA-IR or HOMA-%β in T2Ds, probably due to the additive effects of negative and positive correlations.

Clinical significance of elevated serum A-FABP and free fatty acid in neonates with hypoxic ischemic brain damage.

The main function of adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is to regulate fatty acid metabolism as its molecular chaperone. The clinical significance of A-FABP in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) neonates is not yet clear. Free fatty acid (FFA) in cerebral cortex increases along with hypoxia ischemia degree. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether FFA can induce A-FABP expression and elevate the serum A-FABP level in HIBD neonates. In the present study, 42 HIBD neonates were selected including 11 cases as mild, 16 cases as moderate and 15 cases as severe. The serum was collected from peripheral vein at 72 h after the first visit (acute stage) and 7 days after birth (recovery stage), and the serum from 10 normal neonates was used as the control. The serum level of A-FABP and FFA in 42 neonates with acute phase and recovery phase HIBD were detected using ELISA and copper colorimetric method. The overall serum A-FABP content in HIBD neonates at the acute stage was significantly higher compared to the normal neonates (P<0.05). The serum A-FABP level in severe HIBD neonates was significantly higher than that in mild HIBD, moderate HIBD and normal neonates (P<0.05). The serum FFA level in HIBD neonates at the acute stage was 1,521.57±605.63 µmol/l, which was significantly higher than that in the normal neonates 838.24±294.22 µmol/l. The serum FFA levels in mild, moderate and severe HIBD neonates were significantly higher than those in the normal neonates. The overall A-FABP level in HIBD neonates at the recovery stage was significantly lower compared to the acute stage, which was significant in severe HIBD neonates. A-FABP levels in mild and moderate HIBD neonates at recovery stage were decreased compared with the acute stage, although there was no statistical difference. There was a positive correlation between serum A-FABP and FFA in HIBD neonates at acute stage (r=0.369, P<0.05). In conclusion, serum A-FABP and FFA levels were signifcantly increased in HIBD neonates at acute stage, and were positively correlated. The serum A-FABP level in HIBD neonates at recovery stage was significantly lower than that in the acute stage. The results suggested that serum A-FABP and FFA levels at acute stage can reflect the severity of HIBD. The detection of serum A-FABP and FFA can be applied as indicators for the early diagnosis of HIBD, but also provides a basis for the clinical evaluation of HIBD treatment.

Elevated Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Free Fatty Acid Levels Are Associated with Unfavorable Functional Outcome in Subjects with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) free fatty acid (FFA) levels in a cohort of patients with an acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In a prospective study, FFA levels were measured using an enzyme cycling method on admission in serum and CSF of 252 consecutive patients with AIS. The prognostic value of FFA to predict the functional outcome and mortality within 90-day was compared with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and with other known outcome predictors. Serum and CSF levels of FFA increased with increasing severity of stroke as defined by the NIHSS score (all P < 0.001). Patients with an unfavorable outcomes and non-survivors had significantly increased FFA serum and CSF levels on admission (all P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for common risk factors showed that serum FFA ≥0.71mmol/L (third quarters) was an independent predictor of functional outcome (odds ratios (OR) = 4.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.26-10.48) and mortality (OR = 7.72; 95% CI 3.01-21.48). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum FFA was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.72-0.86) for functional outcome and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78-0.94) for mortality. Similarly, CSF FFA level also was an indicator for predicting of functional outcome and mortality. FFA levels in serum and CSF may serve as independent biomarkers in addition of the traditional methods for assessing the functional outcome and mortality of AIS.

Synergistic association of elevated serum free fatty acid and glucose levels with large arterial stiffness in a general population: The Nagahama Study

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that artificial increases in circulating free fatty acid (FFA) levels might have adverse effects on the vasculature. However, whether or not this effect can be extrapolated to physiological variations in FFA levels has not been clarified. Given that FFAs exert a lipotoxic effect on pancreatic β-cells and might directly damage the arterial endothelium, we hypothesized that these adverse effects might synergize with hyperglycemia. MethodsA total of 9396 Japanese subjects were included in the study. Serum FFA levels were measured at baseline examination. Brachial-to-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured as an index of arterial stiffness. ResultsAs serum levels of FFA were markedly lower in subjects with higher insulin level, a significant association between FFA levels and baPWV was observed only in subjects with blood samples taken under fasting (≥12h, P<0.001) or near-fasting (5–11h, P<0.001) conditions, and not in those taken under non-fasting (<5h, P=0.307) conditions. Although type 2 diabetes and HbA1c showed a strong association with baPWV, the association between FFA level and baPWV remained significant (β=0.052, P<0.001) after adjustment for glycemic levels. In addition to their direct relationship, FFA and glucose levels were synergistically associated with baPWV (FFA⁎glucose; β=0.036, P<0.001). Differences in baPWV between the lowest and highest subgroups divided by a combination of FFA and glucose reached approximately 300cm/s. ConclusionsPhysiological variations in FFA concentrations might be a risk factor for large arterial stiffness. FFA and hyperglycemia exert a synergistic adverse effect on the vasculature.

Peripheral insulin resistance in obese girls with hyperandrogenism is related to oxidative phosphorylation and elevated serum free fatty acids.

Hyperandrogenic syndrome (HAS) is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. Muscle IR in type 2 diabetes is linked with defects in mitochondrial oxidative capacity. In vivo muscle mitochondrial function has not been studied in HAS, especially in youth, who are early in the disease process. Our goal was to measure muscle mitochondrial oxidative function and peripheral IR in obese youth with HAS. Obese girls without HAS [n = 22, age 15(13,17) yr, BMI Z-score 2.05 ± 0.37] and with HAS [n = 35, age 15(14,16) yr, BMI Z-score 2.18 ± 0.30] were enrolled. Mitochondrial function was assessed with (31)phosphorus MR spectroscopy before, during, and after near-maximal isometric calf exercise, and peripheral IR was assessed with an 80 mU·m(-2)·min(-1) hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Girls with HAS had higher androgens [free androgen index 7.9(6.6,15.5) vs. 3.5(3.0,4.0), P < 0.01] and more IR [glucose infusion rate 9.4(7.0, 12,2) vs. 14.5(13.2,15.8) mg·kg lean(-1)·min(-1), P < 0.01]. HAS girls also had increased markers of inflammation including CRP, platelets, and white blood cell count and higher serum free fatty acids during hyperinsulinemia. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was lower in HAS [0.11(0.06,0.19) vs. 0.18(0.12,0.23) mmol/s, P < 0.05], although other spectroscopy markers of mitochondrial function were similar between groups. In multivariate analysis of the entire cohort, IR related to androgens, oxidative phosphorylation, and free fatty acid concentrations during hyperinsulinemia. These relationships were present in just the HAS cohort as well. Obese girls with HAS have significant peripheral IR, which is related to elevated androgens and free fatty acids and decreased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. These may provide future options as targets for therapeutic intervention.

The changes of LCHAD in preeclampsia with different clinical features and the correlation with NADPH P47-phox, p38MAPK-α, COX-2 and serum FFA and TG

Objective To investigate the changes of fatty acid oxidase in the placenta of preeclampsia cases with different clinical features, and the relationship with oxidative stress and inflammatory response. To study the correlation of serum free fatty acid (FFA) and triglycerides (TG) level in early second trimester with the molecular changes of the long-chain fatty acid oxidase in the third trimester. Methods This was prospective cohort study, in which cases with singleton pregnancies who archived in Haidian Maternal and Children's Hospital, Beijing, from January 1st 2012 to May 31st, with regular prenatal care were included. Doppler ultrasound was used for screening for the presence of early diastolic notch of uterine artery at 22-24 weeks of gestation. All the 101 cases with the early diastolic notch of uterine artery were included as the notch group, and 377 cases without the early diastolic notch of uterine artery were included as the non-notch group. The perinatal outcomes and the incidence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy of the two groups were observed. The serum level of FFA and TG was tested, and the mRNA and protein expression of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD), P47-phox subunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase α(p38MAPK-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were detected using real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. The relationship between serum level of FFA and TG and the mRNA and protein expression of LCHAD, NADPH P47-phox,p38MAPK-α and COX-2 of the placental tissue specimens were analyzed. Results (1) In the notch group, there were 9 cases of early-onset preeclampsia, 15 cases of late-onset preeclampsia and 10 cases of gestational hypertension; and there were 8 cases of late-onset preeclampsia and 18 cases of gestational hypertension in the non-notch group. 15 cases with normal blood pressure in each group were randomly selected as the control group.(2)The serum level of TG of cases of early-onset preeclampsia, late-onset preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in the notch group were(2.0 ± 0.8),(1.8 ± 0.6) and(1.9±0.7)mmol/L, and that of FFA were(0.68±0.26), (0.52±0.10) and (0.52±0.17) mmol/L, respectively. The serum level of TG of cases of late-onset preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in the non-notch group were(1.6±0.6) and (1.4±0.4) mmol/L, and that of FFA were (0.49±0.11) and (0.48±0.05) mmol/L, respectively. The serum level of TG and FFA in the control group were (1.4±0.5) and (0.52±0.06) mmol/L, respectively. The TG level of the notch group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05) . (6) The mRNA expression of placental LCHAD in the early-onset preeclampsia in the notch group was significantly negatively correlated with the mRNA expression of placental NADPH P47-phox and COX-2 (r=- 0.877,-0.762,P<0.05). The mRNA expression of placental LCHAD in the control group was significantly negatively correlated with the mRNA expression of placental COX-2 (r=-0.565,P<0.01). The protein expression of placental LCHAD in the early-onset preeclampsia in the notch group was significantly negatively correlated with the protein expression of NADPH P47-phox (r=-0.818,P<0.01). The protein expression of placental LCHAD in the control group was significantly negatively correlated with the protein expression of COX-2 (r=-0.502,P<0.01). Conclusions The placental mRNA and protein expression of long-chain fatty acid oxidation enzymes were different in different clinical features of preeclampsia, which were reduced more obviously in the early-onset preeclampsia in the notch group than that of the late-onset preeclampsia in the notch group, and were negatively correlated with the elevated serum FFA level, significantly enhanced oxidative stress and inflammatory response, but with no correlation with serum TG level. Key words: Pre-eclampsia; 3-Hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenases; NADPH oxidase; Fatty acids, nonesterified; Triglycerides; Oxidative stress