Angptl4 Expression Research Articles

Effect of thyroid function on pre-β1 high-density lipoprotein levels in patients with Graves' disease undergoing radioiodine treatment.

The metabolism of HDL is altered in thyroid dysfunctions. Preβ-1 HDL is a very small discoidal precursor HDL and promotes cholesterol efflux via ABCA1. The effects of thyroid dysfunctions on pre-β1 HDL are unknown. Thyroid hormone regulates ANGPTL3 expression, which may participate in HDL metabolism in thyroid dysfunctions. To determine the variation of HDL subfractions, especially preβ-1 HDL in thyroid dysfunctions, and whether ANGPTL3 mediates the effect of thyroid function on HDL metabolism. We recruited 26 patients with Graves' disease undergoing radioiodine treatment. They were evaluated at three time points: at baseline, when they were hypothyroid after radioiodine treatment, and when they were on stable levothyroxine replacement and euthyroid. The concentrations of smaller HDL particles Preβ-1 HDL and HDL3 were highest at the hyperthyroid state, and lowest at the hypothyroid state. While the larger HDL particles HDL2 and HDL1 changed just the opposite. Preβ1-HDL and HDL3 were positively correlated to fT3 and fT4, while were negatively correlated to TSH. In contrast, HDL1 was negatively associated with fT3 and fT4, while was positively associated with TSH. The correlations between thyroid hormones and HDL subfractions remained significant after adjusting for ANGPTL3. There is a shift form smaller HDL particles pre-β1 HDL and HDL3 to larger HDL particles HDL2 and HDL1 in hypothyroidism, while the change is just the opposite in hyperthyroidism. In future, cholesterol efflux capacity should be measured to determine if the function of HDL particles also changes with the shifting of HDL subfractions.

Similarities and differences in the process of metastasis and differentiation of renal cancer on gene expression

Background. Metastasing and degree of differentiation refer to the main clinical characteristics of malignant tumors. Both listed features need an in-depth study that can lead to an understanding of the mechanisms for the occurrence of certain state of cancer cells.Objective. Studying the processes of metastasis and differentiation of the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) on gene expression.Materials and methods. The levels of expression of ten genes in 65 paired samples were studied (ccRCC tumor tissue and the normal kidney tissue) by the real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results. It is shown that the expression of CA9, NDUFA4L2, VWF, IGFBP3, BHLHE41, ANGPTL4 and EGLN3 genes is associated both with the degree of differentiation of the ccRCC and with the metastasis of this tumor. C1QA expression is connected only with metastasis, but does not participate in the process of differentiation of tumor cells. An ambiguous situation with FN1 and CSF1R gene expression is not essential for ccRCC metastasis processes, but may have a certain value for differentiation of cells of this tumor. Low-differentiated tumors have about five times an increased metastasis frequency during the year relative to highly differentiated tumors (odds ratio 4.94). A low correlation of gene expression in tumors with a low degree of differentiation is revealed, as opposed to their high co-expression during tumor progression by TNM classifications.Conclusion. A significant part of genes substantial for the development of ccRCC is associated with both metastasis and the degree of differentiation of the ccRCC, which is due to the similarity of functional changes that stimulate both of these processes. For low-differentiated tumors the number of genes with correlated expression is less than in high-differentiated tumors. This may be due to disorganization of gene expression.

Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhanced Proangiogenic Potential of Cardiac Fibroblasts via Angiopoietin-Like 4.

Methods and Results We isolated primary CFs from Sprague-Dawley rats (1–3 days old) and treated them with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS+sEVs. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) was increased in the LPS+sEVs group more than in the LPS group. After inhibition of Angptl4 expression in sEVs and CFs, cell proliferation, Transwell migration, and tube formation assays were used to detect the angiogenic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. β-Catenin expression in CFs was detected by western blotting. The β-catenin inhibitor ICG001 was used to examine whether β-catenin was involved in the proangiogenic potential of CFs promoted by sEVs. sEVs enhanced the proangiogenic potential of CFs under inflammatory conditions, which was associated with β-catenin signaling. The proangiogenic potential of CFs was decreased when Angptl4 was knocked down in CFs and in hucMSCs. Conclusions The sEVs regulated CFs to promote angiogenesis via Angptl4 in an inflammatory environment. This may provide a research basis for treating myocardial injury with sEVs.

Effect of Nephropathy Prescription I on the Expression of Angptl3 and Podocyte-Associated Protein in Mice with Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Nephropathy Prescription I on the expression of angptl3, nephrin, and podocin, in addition to its protective effects on podocytes in mice with adriamycin-induced nephropathy. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control (C), adriamycin (Model or M), adriamycin + Nephropathy Prescription I (M + Z), adriamycin + prednisone acetate (M + S), and adriamycin + Nephropathy Prescription I + prednisone acetate groups (M + Z + S). All mice except those in the C group in the experimental groups were treated with a single tail vein injection of adriamycin. The urine albumin-creatinine ratio was measured before model establishment and on the 7th day, 14th day, 21st day, and 28th day of doxorubicin injection. All the mice were sacrificed on the 29th day. Blood samples were collected to observe biochemical indicators in the serum. The morphological structure and podocyte ultrastructure in the kidney were observed using light and electron microscopy, respectively. The expression of angptl3, nephrin, and podocin at the mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Following modeling with adriamycin, albuminuria was observed in urine samples in the first week, and the urinary protein/creatinine ratio increased maximally in the fourth week in the M group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the urinary protein/creatinine ratio significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the third week in the (M + Z) group compared to that in the M group. Similarly, this ratio decreased in the (M + S) and (M + Z + S) groups compared to that in the M group throughout the experiment. Compared with the C group, serum albumin content and the expression of nephrin and podocin decreased (P < 0.05), whereas blood lipid level and the expression of angptl3 increased (P < 0.05) in the M group. Glomerular foot process fusion was observed in this group using electron microscopy. In all the intervention groups, serum albumin content and the expression of nephrin and podocin increased (P < 0.05), whereas blood lipid level and the expression of angptl3 decreased (P < 0.05), with alleviated glomerular foot process injury observed particularly in the (M + Z + S) group. The Nephropathy Prescription I can alleviate albuminuria, increase serum albumin levels, lower blood lipid levels, and reduce the fusion of foot processes of podocytes in mice with adriamycin-induced nephropathy. The protective effects of the Nephropathy Prescription I may function by reducing Angptl3 expression and increasing nephrin and podocin expression.

ANGPTL4 Expression in Ovarian Granulosa Cells Is Associated With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

ObjectivesThis study aims to characterize the expression of ANGPTL4 in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) and its association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsThis study included 104 PCOS patients and 112 women in control group undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) from the reproductive hospital affiliated with Shandong University from 2019 to 2021. By reverse transcription and real-time quantitative (RT-q) PCR, the mRNA expression of ANGPTL4 in GCs was assessed, and clinical information for these patients were then reviewed and analyzed.ResultsThe RT-qPCR results showed that ANGPTL4 expression in the control group was significantly lower than that in the PCOS group (p = 0.000) and had positive association with AMH (r = 0.211), HOMA-IR (r = 0.174), LDL/HDL (r = 0.176), ApoB/ApoAI (r = 0.155), and TC/HDL (r = 0.189). Additionally, the high expression of ANGPTL4 in the ovarian granulosa cells might be an independent predictor in PCOS (OR: 3.345; 95% CI: 1.951–5.734) with a close contact with incidence of PCOS (AUC: 0.704; 95% CI: 0.633–0.774, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study revealed higher ANGPTL4 expression in ovarian GCs with PCOS. Its association with glucose and lipid metabolism showed that ANGPTL4 might play an important role in PCOS metabolism and pathogenesis.

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 promotes hyperlipidemia-induced renal injury by down-regulating the expression of ACTN4

ObjectiveThe molecular mechanism of in hyperlipidemia-induced renal injury has not been elucidated. Angiogenin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a key regulator of lipid metabolism. The role of ANGPTL4 hyperlipidemia-induced renal injury has not been reported. MethodsWild type C57 mice and gene angptl4 knockout mice were fed with 60% high fat diet or normal diet respectively. The serum lipid, urinary albumin and renal pathology were tested at the 9th, 13th, 17th and 21st week with high fat diet. ResultsElevated blood lipids in the wild-type mice with high-fat diet were found at 9th week. At the 17th week, the level of urinary albumin in high-fat fed wild type mice were significantly higher than which with normal diet, correspondingly, segmental fusion of podocyte foot process in kidney could be observed in these hyperlipidemia mice. IHC showed that the expression of ANGPTL4 in glomeruli of high-fat fed wild type mice began significant elevated since the 9th week. When given high fat diet, compared to the wild type, the gene angptl4 knockout mice showed significantly alleviated the levels of hyperlipidemia, proteinuria and effacement of podocyte foot process. Finally, the expression of ACTN4 showed remarkably lower in glomeruli podocyte of wild type mice fed high fat diet than that of wild type mice with normal diet at each time-point (P < 0.01). Differently, the expression of ACTN4 in gene angptl4 knockout mice did not happen significantly weaken when given the same dose of high fat diet. ConclusionANGPTL4 could play a role in hyperlipidemic-induced renal injury via down-regulating the expression of ACTN4 in kidney podocyte.

Alpha1-antitrypsin combined fatty acids induced angiopoietin-like protein 4, expression in breast cancer: A pilot study

IntroductionThe effect of nutrition on inflammation and breast cancer (BC) prognosis is still inconclusive. Mechanism of data suggests that different types of fatty acids (FAs) play an essential role in carcinogenesis, and binding of alpha 1 antitrypsin (A1AT) may modulate carcinogenesis. The increased expression in the bound form of A1AT and release of Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) targets the gene of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ). Our aim of the study was to compare the effect of FA-free (A1AT-0) and FAs bound forms of A1AT on levels of IL-1β, PPAR-gamma, and Angplt4 in breast cancer and control women. Methodology10 women with breast cancer and ten control women within the age group 25–60 years with normal (Pi) M allele A1AT were recruited. Mononuclear cells were isolated and treated with different A1AT and FAs on the various combinations (linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid) for time-dependent study (2,4,18 and 24 h) and analyzed for the interleukin −1 beta(IL-1b), PPAR-gamma, and Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) expression by using ELISA method and gas chromatography for analyzing FAs. One-way ANOVA combined with multiple comparisons is used to compare the means. Results100% of the study subjects were homozygous for the normal allele of A1AT. Time-dependent effects of A1AT and A1AT conjugated fatty acids on IL-I b, PPAR-g and Angptl4 showed statistically significant P = 0.07, P = 0.001, and P = 0.02 respectively, compared to those of the former study subjects. But within the groups, PPAR-g levels in case group (F(15,40)1.606, P = 0.003) and Angptl4 in the control group (F(15,32)0.64, P = 0.043) differed significantly. ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, it's the first kind of study, and we speculate that the A1AT complex with different types of FAs results in a new form of A1AT having a solid capability to regulate the inflammation-induced synthesis, processing, and release of an active form of IL-1β. Our experimental data shows that the anti-inflammatory property of A1AT combined FAs likely to be mediated PPAR γand Angptl4 activation, thereby inhibiting the IL-1b. These findings may be worth assessing BC's biological effects and therapeutic effectiveness.

Impact of oral lipid and glucose tolerance tests on the postprandial concentrations of angiopoietin-like proteins (Angptl) 3 and 4

BackgroundThe postprandial regulation of angiopoietin-like proteins (Angptls) and their expression in adipocytes is poorly characterized.ObjectiveCirculating Angptl3 and 4 were analyzed in healthy individuals undergoing either an oral lipid tolerance test (OLTT; n = 98) or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; n = 99). Venous blood was drawn after 0, 2, 4, and 6 h during OLTT and after 0, 1, and 2 h during OGTT. Anthropometric and laboratory parameters were assessed and concentrations of Angptls were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Angptl gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in murine adipose tissues and cellular fractions was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsAngptl3 concentrations significantly decreased while Angptl4 levels continuously increased during OLTT. Both proteins remained unaffected during OGTT. Angptl3 and Angptl4 were expressed in murine subcutaneous and visceral AT with higher mRNA levels in mature adipocytes when compared to the stroma-vascular cell fraction. Both proteins were strongly induced during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and they were unresponsive to glucose in mature fat cells. Adipocyte Angptl3 (but not Angptl4) mRNA expression was inhibited by the polyunsaturated fatty acids arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, whereas nine types of dietary fatty acids remained without any effect.ConclusionsThere is evidence of short-time regulation of Angptl3/4 levels upon metabolic stress. Angptl4 expression is high and Angptl3 expression is low in AT and restricted mainly to mature adipocytes without any differences concerning fat compartments. Whereas dietary fatty acids and glucose are without any effect, omega-3/-6-polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibited Anptl3 expression in adipocytes.

Endothelial cell-derived angiopoietin-like protein 2 supports hematopoietic stem cell activities in bone marrow niches

AbstractBone marrow niche cells have been reported to fine-tune hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) stemness via direct interaction or secreted components. Nevertheless, how niche cells control HSC activities remains largely unknown. We previously showed that angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) can support the ex vivo expansion of HSCs by binding to human leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2. However, how ANGPTL2 from specific niche cell types regulates HSC activities under physiological conditions is still not clear. Herein, we generated an Angptl2-flox/flox transgenic mouse line and conditionally deleted Angptl2 expression in several niche cells, including Cdh5+ or Tie2+ endothelial cells, Prx1+ mesenchymal stem cells, and Pf4+ megakaryocytes, to evaluate its role in the regulation of HSC fate. Interestingly, we demonstrated that only endothelial cell-derived ANGPTL2 and not ANGPTL2 from other niche cell types plays important roles in supporting repopulation capacity, quiescent status, and niche localization. Mechanistically, ANGPTL2 enhances peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor D (PPARD) expression to transactivate G0s2 to sustain the perinuclear localization of nucleolin to prevent HSCs from entering the cell cycle. These findings reveal that endothelial cell-derived ANGPTL2 serves as a critical niche component to maintain HSC stemness, which may benefit the understanding of stem cell biology in bone marrow niches and the development of a unique strategy for the ex vivo expansion of HSCs.

Derivation of a Novel CIHI in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma for Estimating Tumor Microenvironment and Clinical Prognosis.

An interaction between hypoxia and immunity has been confirmed in tumor tissue. However, there is no combined biomarker for diagnosis on this basis. Therefore, we developed a scoring formula based on markers of hypoxia and immunity. Firstly, the hypoxia-immune formula of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) was derived using LASSO-Cox regression in three cohorts from public database, and the corresponding score was calculated for each patient. The formula is as follows: combined hypoxia and immune index (CIHI) = LDHA expression × 0.2252 + GAPDH expression × 0.0727 + ANGPTL4 expression × 0.0724 + VEGFC expression × 0.1911 + DKK1 expression × 0.1355 + ADM expression × 0.0588 + BTK expression × −0.1659. Meanwhile, patients were divided into groups according to high and low CIHI, and expression profiles of hypoxia markers and immune markers were analyzed in different groups. CIHI was used to confirm that patients with high CIHI represented a state of hypoxiahigh-immunitylow, which had worse overall survival. We also discussed the evaluation value in the immune microenvironment and clinical application of CIHI. In conclusion, this study developed and validated a hypoxia-immune formula that can guide hypoxia modifier treatment and immunotherapy in LUAD.

Abstract 12568: Angptl2 is Essential for Aortic Valve Development in Mice

Introduction: Angiopoietin-like 2 (Angptl2) is a pro-inflammatory anti-apoptotic protein, secreted by senescent cells. Angptl2 also contributes to maintain tissue homeostasis, and we previously reported that adult Angptl2-knockdown (KD) mice exhibit spontaneous Aortic Valve (AoV) stenosis with thickened leaflets compared to wild-type (WT) littermates. It is unknown whether and how Angptl2 contributes to AoV development. Hypothesis: Angptl2 is expressed in the AoV at the embryonic stage and is essential for its development, by contributing to programmed apoptosis/senescence and proliferation occurring during organogenesis. Methods: Embryonic hearts aged 14.5 (E14.5) and 18 days (E18) of Angptl2 -KD and WT mice were dissected. Protein expression (immunofluorescence) and leaflets/hinges thickness of AoV (hematoxylin &amp; eosin) were quantified in histological sections. Data are mean±SEM of n embryos. Results: Compared to WT mice, in AoV leaflets from Angptl2 -KD mice at E14.5, we observed a decrease in apoptotic cells (determined by TUNEL;-47%, p&lt;0.05, n=4), mostly in Valve Interstitial Cells (VICs), a decreased number of Valve Endothelial Cells (VECs) expressing the senescence marker p21 (-48%, p&lt;0.05, n=4), together with a trend towards an increased cell proliferation (Ki67; +396%, p=0.13, n≥6). In turn, a premature thickening of both the leaflets (from 73±18 to 91±33μm, p&lt;0.05, n≥8) and the hinges (from 38±10 to 49±20μm, p&lt;0.01, n≥8) of the valves was measured in Angptl2 -KD mice at E18. Concomitantly, Angptl2 is dynamically expressed during AoV development in WT mice: at E14.5, Angptl2 is expressed in all cell types, suggesting that it could effectively contribute to regulate apoptosis/senescence in both VICs and VECs. At E18, Angptl2 expression in WT mice is restricted to VICs at the border of the leaflet, where the mechanical stress is high, a pattern also observed in adult WT mice. Conclusions: Knockdown of Angptl2 is deleterious to AoV development by disturbing the fine balance between embryonic cell apoptosis/senescence and proliferation, which is essential to adequate AoV maturation; this unbalance progresses to severe AoV stenosis in adult mice. Angptl2 -KD is a new mouse model of spontaneous AoV stenosis, a disease in high medical needs.

The Pathogenic Role of Long Non-coding RNA H19 in Atherosclerosis via the miR-146a-5p/ANGPTL4 Pathway.

The abnormally expressed long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 has a crucial function in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease; however, its role in atherosclerosis is yet to be known. We aimed to examine the impacts of lncRNA H19 on atherogenesis as well as the involved mechanism. The outcomes from this research illustrated that the expression of lncRNA H19 was elevated in mouse blood and aorta with lipid-loaded macrophages and atherosclerosis. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated lncRNA H19 overexpression significantly increased the atherosclerotic plaque area in apoE−/− mice supplied with a Western diet. The upregulation of lncRNA H19 decreased the miR-146a-5p expression but increased the levels of ANGPTL4 in mouse blood and aorta and THP-1 cells. Furthermore, lncRNA H19 overexpression promoted lipid accumulation in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced THP-1 macrophages. However, the knockdown of lncRNA H19 served as a protection against atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice and lowered the accumulation of lipids in ox-LDL-induced THP-1 macrophages. lncRNA H19 promoted the expression of ANGPTL4 via competitively binding to miR-146a-5p, thus promoting lipid accumulation in atherosclerosis. These findings altogether demonstrated that lncRNA H19 facilitated the accumulation of lipid in macrophages and aggravated the progression of atherosclerosis through the miR-146a-5p/ANGPTL4 pathway. Targeting lncRNA H19 might be an auspicious therapeutic approach for preventing and treating atherosclerotic disease.

Increased expression level of ANGPTL8 in white adipose tissue under acute and chronic cold treatment

BackgroundAngiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTL), primarily 3, 4, and 8, play a major role in maintaining energy homeostasis by regulating triglyceride metabolism. This study evaluated the level of ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 in the liver, brown adipose tissue (BAT), and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SAT) of mice maintained under acute and chronic cold conditions.MethodsC57BL/6J mice were exposed to cold temperature (4 °C) for 10 days with food provided ad libitum. Animal tissues were harvested at Day 0 (Control group, n = 5) and Days 1, 3, 5, and 10 (cold treatment groups, n = 10 per group). The expression levels of various genes were measured in the liver, SAT, and BAT. ANGPTL3, 4, and 8 expressions were measured in the liver. ANGPTL4, 8, and genes involved in browning and lipid metabolism [uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL)] were measured in SAT and BAT. Western blotting (WB) analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to confirm ANGPTL8 expression in these tissues.ResultsThe expressions of ANGPTL3 and 8 mRNA were significantly reduced in mouse liver tissues after cold treatment (P < 0.05); however, the expression of ANGPTL4 was not significantly altered. In BAT, ANGPTL8 expression was unchanged after cold treatment, whereas ANGPTL4 expression was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). ANGPTL4 levels were also significantly reduced in SAT, whereas ANGPTL8 gene expression exhibited over a 5-fold increase. Similarly, UCP1 gene expression was also significantly increased in SAT. The mRNA levels of LPL and ATGL showed an initial increase followed by a gradual decrease with an increase in the days of cold exposure. ANGPTL8 protein overexpression was further confirmed by WB and IHC.ConclusionsThis study shows that exposure to acute and chronic cold treatment results in the differential expression of ANGPTL proteins in the liver and adipose tissues (SAT and BAT). The results show a significant reduction in ANGPTL4 in BAT, which is linked to improved thermogenesis in response to acute cold exposure. ANGPTL8 was activated under acute and chronic cold conditions in SAT, suggesting that it is involved in regulating lipolysis and enhancing SAT browning.

Oleic and palmitic acids induce hepatic angiopoietin-like 4 expression predominantly via PPAR-γ in Larimichthys crocea.

Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is a potent regulator of TAG metabolism, but knowledge of the mechanisms underlying ANGPTL4 transcription in response to fatty acids is still limited in teleost. In the current study, we explored the molecular characterisation of ANGPTL4 and regulatory mechanisms of ANGPTL4 in response to fatty acids in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea). Here, croaker angptl4 contained a 1416 bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 471 amino acids with highly conserved 12-amino acid consensus motif. Angptl4 was widely expressed in croaker, with the highest expression in the liver. In vitro, oleic and palmitic acids (OA and PA) treatments strongly increased angptl4 mRNA expression in croaker hepatocytes. Moreover, angptl4 expression was positively regulated by PPAR family (PPAR-α, β and γ), and expression of PPARγ was also significantly increased in response to OA and PA. Moreover, inhibition of PPARγ abrogated OA- or PA-induced angptl4 mRNA expression. Beyond that, PA might increase angptl4 expression partly via the insulin signalling. Overall, the expression of ANGPTL4 is strongly upregulated by OA and PA via PPARγ in the liver of croaker, which contributes to improve the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of ANGPTL4 in fish.

AAV5-based gene therapy targeting ANGPTL3 reduces hyperlipidemia and development of atherosclerosis in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice

Background and Aims: ANGPTL3 is an inhibitor of lipoprotein and endothelial lipase, thus restricting triglyceride hydrolysis from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and leading to increased plasma lipid levels. We explored the therapeutic potential of a gene therapeutic approach to target ANGPTL3 expression by introduction of an artificial microRNA into hepatocytes using an adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5) vector (AAV5-miQURE™) in hyperlipidemic APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, alone or in combination with atorvastatin treatment.

An Immune-Gene-Based Classifier Predicts Prognosis in Patients With Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: Immunity plays a vital role in the human papilloma virus (HPV) persistent infection, and closely associates with occurrence and development of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Herein, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis to establish an immune-gene signature and immune-associated nomogram for predicting prognosis of CSCC patients. Methods: The list of immunity-associated genes was retrieved from ImmPort database. The gene and clinical information of CSCC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) website. The immune gene signature for predicting overall survival (OS) of CSCC patients was constructed using the univariate Cox-regression analysis, random survival forests, and multivariate Cox-regression analysis. This signature was externally validated in GSE44001 cohort from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Then, based on the established signature and the TCGA cohort with the corresponding clinical information, a nomogram was constructed and evaluated via Cox regression analysis, concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots and decision curve analyses (DCAs). Results: A 5-immune-gene prognostic signature for CSCC was established. Low expression of ICOS, ISG20 and high expression of ANGPTL4, SBDS, LTBR were risk factors for CSCC prognosis indicating poor OS. Based on this signature, the OS was significantly worse in high-risk group than in low-risk group (p-value < 0.001), the area under curves (AUCs) for 1-, 3-, 5-years OS were, respectively, 0.784, 0.727, and 0.715. A nomogram incorporating the risk score of signature and the clinical stage was constructed. The C-index of this nomogram was 0.76. AUC values were 0.811, 0.717, and 0.712 for 1-, 3-, 5-years OS. The nomogram showed good calibration and gained more net benefits than the 5-immune-gene signature and the clinical stage. Conclusion: The 5-immune-gene signature may serve as a novel, independent predictor for prognosis in patients with CSCC. The nomogram incorporating the signature risk score and clinical stage improved the predictive performance than the signature and clinical stage alone for predicting 1-year OS.

Integrative Analysis of Colonic Biopsies from Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Identifies an Interaction Between Microbial Bile Acid-inducible Gene Abundance and Human Angiopoietin-like 4 Gene Expression.

Microbial-derived bile acids can modulate host gene expression, and their faecal abundance is decreased in active inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We analysed the impact of endoscopic inflammation on microbial genes involved in bile acid biotransformation, and their interaction with host transcriptome in the intestinal mucosa of IBD patients. Endoscopic mucosal biopsies were collected from non-inflamed and inflamed terminal ileum, ascending and sigmoid colon of IBD patients. Prediction of imputed metagenome functional content from 16S rRNA profile and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR] were utsed to assess microbial bile acid biotransformation gene abundance, and RNA-seq was used for host transcriptome analysis. Linear regression and partial Spearman correlation accounting for age, sex, and IBD type were used to assess the association between microbial genes, inflammation, and host transcriptomics in each biopsy location. A Bayesian network [BN] analysis was fitted to infer the direction of interactions between IBD traits and microbial and host genes. The inferred microbial gene pathway involved in secondary bile acid biosynthesis [ko00121 pathway] was depleted in inflamed terminal ileum of IBD patients compared with non-inflamed tissue. In non-inflamed sigmoid colon, the relative abundance of bile acid-inducible [baiCD] microbial genes was positively correlated with the host Angiopoietin-like 4 [Angptl4] gene expression. The BN analysis suggests that the microbial baiCD gene abundance could affect Angptl4 expression, and this interaction appears to be lost in the presence of inflammation. Endoscopic inflammation affects the abundance of crucial microbial bile acid-metabolising genes and their interaction with Angptl4 in intestinal mucosa of IBD patients.

Allobaculum Involves in the Modulation of Intestinal ANGPTLT4 Expression in Mice Treated by High-Fat Diet.

Increasing studies have shown that obesity is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, type 2 diabetes, and a variety of cancers. The dysfunction of gut microbiota was proved to result in obesity. Recent research indicated ANGPTL4 was a key regulator in lipid metabolism and a circulating medium for gut microbiota and fat deposition. The present study was conducted to investigate the alteration of gut microbiota and ANGPTL4 expression in the gastrointestinal tract of mice treated by the high-fat diet. Ten C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to two groups and fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) containing 60% fat or a normal-fat diet (Control) containing 10% fat. The segments of ileum and colon were collected for the determination of ANGPTL4 expression by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical analysis while the ileal and colonic contents were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed HFD significantly increased mice body weight, epididymal fat weight, perirenal fat weight, liver weight, and the lipid content in the liver (P < 0.05). The relative expression of ANGPTL4 and the ANGPTL4-positive cells in the ileum and colon of mice was significantly increased by HFD treatment. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the ileal and colonic microbiota suggested that HFD treatment changed the composition of the gut microbiota. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and the abundance of Allobaculum was significantly higher in the HFD group than in the Control group while the abundance of Adlercreutzia, Bifidobacterium, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and Ruminococcus was significantly decreased. Interestingly, the abundance of Allobaculum was positively correlated with the expression of ANGPTL4. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of strategies to control the obesity and related diseases by the regulation of ANGPTL4 and gut microbiota.

Gastrokine-1, an anti-amyloidogenic protein secreted by the stomach, regulates diet-induced obesity

Obesity and its sequelae have a major impact on human health. The stomach contributes to obesity in ways that extend beyond its role in digestion, including through effects on the microbiome. Gastrokine-1 (GKN1) is an anti-amyloidogenic protein abundantly and specifically secreted into the stomach lumen. We examined whether GKN1 plays a role in the development of obesity and regulation of the gut microbiome. Gkn1−/− mice were resistant to diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis (high fat diet (HFD) fat mass (g) = 10.4 ± 3.0 (WT) versus 2.9 ± 2.3 (Gkn1−/−) p < 0.005; HFD liver mass (g) = 1.3 ± 0.11 (WT) versus 1.1 ± 0.07 (Gkn1−/−) p < 0.05). Gkn1−/− mice also exhibited increased expression of the lipid-regulating hormone ANGPTL4 in the small bowel. The microbiome of Gkn1−/− mice exhibited reduced populations of microbes implicated in obesity, namely Firmicutes of the class Erysipelotrichia. Altered metabolism consistent with use of fat as an energy source was evident in Gkn1−/− mice during the sleep period. GKN1 may contribute to the effects of the stomach on the microbiome and obesity. Inhibition of GKN1 may be a means to prevent obesity.

Adipocyte-Specific ACKR3 Regulates Lipid Levels in Adipose Tissue.

Dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT) may contribute to the pathology of several metabolic diseases through altered lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) expression was shown to increase in AT during obesity, and its ubiquitous elimination caused hyperlipidemia in mice. Although these findings point towards a role of ACKR3 in the regulation of lipid levels, the role of adipocyte-specific ACKR3 has not yet been studied exclusively in this context. In this study, we established adipocyte- and hepatocyte-specific knockouts of Ackr3 in ApoE-deficient mice in order to determine its impact on lipid levels under hyperlipidemic conditions. We show for the first time that adipocyte-specific deletion of Ackr3 results in reduced AT triglyceride and cholesterol content in ApoE-deficient mice, which coincides with increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and increased Angptl4 expression. The role of adipocyte ACKR3 in lipid handling seems to be tissue-specific as hepatocyte ACKR3 deficiency did not demonstrate comparable effects. In summary, adipocyte-specific ACKR3 seems to regulate AT lipid levels in hyperlipidemic Apoe−/− mice, which may therefore be a significant determinant of AT health. Further studies are needed to explore the potential systemic or metabolic effects that adipocyte ACKR3 might have in associated disease models.