Plasma Free Fatty Acid Levels Research Articles

P2Y 14 receptor regulates adipocyte lipid mobilization and whole‐body glucose homeostasis

The incidence and prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rapidly increasing worldwide. Obesity is associated with chronically elevated plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels, causing peripheral insulin resistance and T2D. Drugs that are able to regulate adipocyte lipolytic processes, improving insulin sensitivity and whole-body glucose homeostasis, have considerable therapeutic potential. Gi-coupled P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14R), activated by UDP-glucose is abundantly expressed in mouse and human adipocytes. P2Y14R activation in primary mouse adipocytes decreased cAMP levels and CL-316,243 (β3-adrenoceptor agonist) induced lipolysis. To investigate the physiological relevance of adipocyte P2Y14Rs in regulating lipid and glucose homeostasis in-vivo, we generated a mouse model lacking P2Y14R specifically in adipocytes. Lack of adipocyte P2Y14R increased lipolysis only in the fasting state, resulting in decreased body weight, improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Accordingly, high fat diet increased, whereas fasting decreased P2Y14R expression in visceral white adipocytes. Mechanistic studies suggested that activation of P2Y14R reduced the activity of lipolytic enzymes including ATGL and HSL, thereby inhibiting lipolysis. Supporting these findings, administration of P2Y14R agonist in control mice decreased lipolysis. Coadministration of P2Y14R antagonist with the P2Y14R agonist rescued the decrease in lipolysis. In conclusion, we demonstrate that lack of adipocyte P2Y14R decreased diet-induced obesity by enhancing lipolysis in the fasting state, suggesting that P2Y14R antagonists may prove beneficial for the therapy of obesity and T2D.

Av-UCP single nucleotide polymorphism affects heat production during cold exposure in chicks.

Uncoupling protein one (UCP1) is involved in thermogenesis, especially in non-shivering heat production. In chickens, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the av-UCP (avian UCP) gene has been reported to be associated with body weight gain and increased abdominal fat. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the av-UCP gene SNP and heat production in chicks. C/C and T/T male chicks (Rhode Island Red) of av-UCP gene SNP (g. 1270, C>T) were exposed to a low temperature environment (16°C for 15min) and their physiological responses were compared. After cold exposure, mean rectal temperatures of C/C chicks were higher than those of T/T chicks. In pectoral muscle, genes expression of av-UCP and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 were higher in C/C chicks than T/T chicks. Hypothalamic expression levels of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and proopiomelanocortin genes were higher in C/C chicks than T/T chicks. Expression of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone, arginine vasotocin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neuropeptide Y genes did not differ between C/C and T/T chicks. In addition, plasma free fatty acid levels in C/C chicks were lower than those of T/T chicks. These results suggest that the av-UCP gene SNP affects non-shivering heat production via the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis and fatty acid metabolism in the chicken.

Computational Hypothesis: How Intra-Hepatic Functional Heterogeneity May Influence the Cascading Progression of Free Fatty Acid-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of chronic liver disease in developed nations, affecting around 25% of the population. Elucidating the factors causing NAFLD in individual patients to progress in different rates and to different degrees of severity, is a matter of active medical research. Here, we aim to provide evidence that the intra-hepatic heterogeneity of rheological, metabolic and tissue-regenerating capacities plays a central role in disease progression. We developed a generic mathematical model that constitutes the liver as ensemble of small liver units differing in their capacities to metabolize potentially cytotoxic free fatty acids (FFAs) and to repair FFA-induced cell damage. Transition from simple steatosis to more severe forms of NAFLD is described as self-amplifying process of cascading liver failure, which, to stop, depends essentially on the distribution of functional capacities across the liver. Model simulations provided the following insights: (1) A persistently high plasma level of FFAs is sufficient to drive the liver through different stages of NAFLD; (2) Presence of NAFLD amplifies the deleterious impact of additional tissue-damaging hits; and (3) Coexistence of non-steatotic and highly steatotic regions is indicative for the later occurrence of severe NAFLD stages.

Low-intensity exercise diverts cardiac fatty acid metabolism from triacylglycerol synthesis to beta oxidation in fructose-fed rats

Context Excessive fructose consumption causes ectopic lipid storage leading to metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases associated with defective substrate utilisation in the heart. Objective Examining the preventive impact of low-intensity exercise on alterations related to fructose-rich diet (FRD) on cardiac fatty acid (FA) transport and metabolism. Materials and methods Male Wistar rats were divided into control and two groups that received 10% fructose for 9 weeks, one of which was additionally exposed to exercise. Results FRD elevated plasma and cardiac TAG, FATP1 in plasma membrane, Lipin 1 in microsomes and HSL mRNA, while mitochondrial CPT1 was decreased. Exercise decreased plasma free FA level, raised CD36 in plasma membrane and FATP1 in lysate, mitochondrial CPT1 and decreased microsomal Lipin 1 in fructose-fed rats. Conclusions FRD changed plasma lipids and augmented partitioning of FA to TAG storage in the heart, whereas exercise in FRD rats switched metabolism of FA towards β-oxidation.

Skeletal muscle-specific over-expression of the nuclear sirtuin SIRT6 blocks cancer-associated cachexia by regulating multiple targets.

BackgroundDuring cancer cachexia, cytokines released from tumour cells can alter body's metabolism, which can lead to onset of this disease process. Biological basis of cachexia is multifactorial; hence, it is important to identify and modulate multiple targets to curtail the process of cachexia. Previously, we reported that the nuclear sirtuin, SIRT6, blocks expression of myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle growth, through modulation of the NF‐κB signalling. This study was undertaken to test whether muscle‐specific over‐expression of SIRT6 can block the cancer‐associated muscle wasting in vivo and to identify additional relevant targets of SIRT6, which can explain its ability to maintain muscle health.MethodsWe generated a skeletal muscle‐specific SIRT6 over‐expressing transgenic mouse line (Sk.T6Tg) expressing SIRT6 at a moderate (two‐fold to four‐fold) level, compared with its control littermates. To generate a cancer‐cachexia model, B16F10 mouse melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously in the flanks of mice. Gastrocnemius muscle tissues from non‐tumour and tumour controls and Sk.T6Tg mice (n = 5–20) were analysed by histology, immunoblotting, and RT‐qPCR. Plasma samples of mice were evaluated using cytokine arrays and ELISA in both non‐tumour and tumour conditions.ResultsOur results demonstrate dual benefits of muscle‐specific moderate over‐expression of SIRT6 in a mouse model of cancer‐cachexia. In tumour‐bearing mice, SIRT6 over‐expression preserved muscle weight (P < 0.001) and fibre size (P < 0.005) as well as suppressed tumour growth (P < 0.05). SIRT6 over‐expression significantly reduced myostatin expression and plasma free fatty acids levels but maintained plasma insulin levels in tumour‐bearing mice. These positive effects of SIRT6 were associated with downregulation of the circulatory chemokine, CXCL10, and the myokine, WNT4. SIRT6 also upregulated expression of GLUT4, the major glucose transporter in the skeletal muscle. These results for the first time demonstrate that SIRT6 regulates multiple targets to limit tumour growth and cancer‐associated muscle atrophy.ConclusionGiven the multifactorial nature of cachexia, SIRT6, which concurrently controls multiple pathways, can be a valuable therapeutic target to overcome this debilitating syndrome.

Dendrobium Officinale Polysaccharide Attenuates Insulin Resistance and Abnormal Lipid Metabolism in Obese Mice

Objectives: Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP), a traditional Chinese medicine, has several pharmacological actions in hepatoprotection, cancer chemotherapy, hypoglycemia, anti-fatigue effect, and gastric ulcer protection, among others. However, the effect of DOP in obesity-associated insulin resistance and lipid metabolism remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of DOP in insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism in obese mice. Materials and Methods: The insulin resistance models were established using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, C2C12 myocytes, and primary cultured hepatocytes incubated in palmitate acid. After treatment with DOP, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myocytes and glucose output of primary cultured hepatocytes were detected. In addition, the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT was confirmed by western blot. Related mechanism studies were confirmed by qRT-PCR and western blotting. DOP was orally administrated in obese mice. Fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, glucose tolerance test (GTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were measured to evaluate insulin sensitivity of mice. Lipid analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of DOP on lipid metabolism in obese mice. Results: In vitro, DOP treatment ameliorated palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance in adipocytes, myocytes, and hepatocytes. Mechanistically, DOP regulated cellular insulin sensitivity via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Furthermore,administration of DOP significantly reduced the insulin resistance of obese mice, as seen by decreased levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In addition, DOP treatment attenuated high fat diet(HFD)-induced liver lipid accumulation by reducing liver triglycerides (TG), plasma free fatty acid (FFA), serum cholesterol (TC), TG, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and increasing HDL-C levels. Conclusions: DOP could improve obesity-associated insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism by acting on PPAR-γ, which may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for obesity-associated insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorder. Funding Statement: This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (2020JJ4799). Declaration of Interests: There are no potential conflicts of interest to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: All protocols of animal care and experiment were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the Laboratory Animal Research Center at Xiangya Medical School of Central South University, China.

Association of plasma free fatty acids levels with the presence and severity of coronary and carotid atherosclerotic plaque in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have higher prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) are a useful marker for predicting ASCVD. We hypothesized that FFAs could predict both coronary and carotid lesions in an individual with type 2 DM (T2DM). The present study, hence, was to investigate the relation of plasma FFA level to the presence and severity of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM.MethodsThree hundred and two consecutive individuals with T2DM who have received carotid ultrasonography and coronary angiography due to chest pain were enrolled in this study. Plasma FFAs were measured using an automatic biochemistry analyzer. Coronary and carotid severity was evaluated by Gensini score and Crouse score respectively. Subsequently, the relation of FFA levels to the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) in whole individuals were also assessed.ResultsIncreased plasma FFA levels were found in the groups either CAD or CAP compared to those without. Patients with higher level of FFAs had a higher CAD (89.9%) and elevated prevalence of CAP (69.7%). And also, patients with higher level of FFAs had a higher Gensini and Crouse scores. Multivariate regression analysis showed that FFA levels were independently associated with the presence of CAD and CAP (OR = 1.83, 95%CI: 1.27–2.65, P = 0.001; OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.22–2.14, P = 0.001, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.68 and 0.65 for predicting the presence of CAD and CAP in patients with DM respectively.ConclusionsThe present study firstly indicated that elevated FFA levels appeared associated with both the presence and severity of CAD and CAP in patients with T2DM, suggesting that plasma FFA levels may be a useful biomarker for improving management of patients with T2DM.

Electronic cigarettes cause alteration in cardiac structure and function in diet-induced obese mice.

In spite of the widespread use of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, and the proposed adverse cardiac effects of nicotine, the detrimental effects of e-cigarettes on the heart are not well known. This study examines the detrimental effects of e-cigarettes with nicotine at doses that yield circulating nicotine and cotinine in the ranges similar to the levels found in habitual smokers, and a high fat diet (HFD) on cardiac structure and function in a commonly used model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). C57BL/6J mice on an HFD were exposed to e-cigarette in the presence (2.4% nicotine) or absence (0% nicotine) of nicotine and saline aerosol for 12 weeks. Echocardiographic data demonstrated a decrease in left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening, LV ejection fraction, and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (VCF) in mice treated with e-cigarette (2.4% nicotine) compared to e-cigarette (0% nicotine) or saline exposed mice. Cardiomyocytes (CMs) of mice treated with e-cigarette (2.4% nicotine) exhibited LV abnormalities, including lipid accumulation (ventricular steatosis), myofibrillar derangement and destruction, and mitochondrial hypertrophy, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. The detrimental effects of e-cigarettes (2.4% nicotine) on cardiac structure and function was accompanied by increased oxidative stress, plasma free fatty acid levels, CM apoptosis, and inactivation of AMP-activated protein kinase and activation of its downstream target, acetyl-CoA-carboxylase. Our results indicate profound adverse effects of e-cigarettes (2.4% nicotine) on the heart in obese mice and raise questions about the safety of the nicotine e-cigarettes use.

Plasma Cathepsin D Activity Rather Than Levels Correlates With Metabolic Parameters of Type 2 Diabetes in Male Individuals.

ObjectiveType 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance. Previous studies in patients demonstrated that plasma levels of cathepsin D (CTSD), which is optimally active in the acidic environment of lysosomes, correlate with insulin resistance. As plasma pH is slightly reduced in type 2 diabetic patients and we have previously shown that plasma CTSD activity is causally linked to insulin levels in vivo, it is likely that the activity of CTSD in plasma will be increased in type 2 diabetes compared to healthy individuals. However, so far the interaction between CTSD activity and levels to postprandial metabolic derangements in type 2 diabetes is not known.MethodsEighteen type 2 diabetes and 16 age-matched healthy males were given 2 consecutive standardized mixed meals, after which blood samples were collected. Plasma metabolic parameters as well as CTSD levels and activity were measured, and changes in plasma pH was assessed.ResultsIn line with the elevation of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) levels in male type 2 diabetics patients, plasma pH in type 2 diabetic individuals was decreased compared to male healthy individuals. While plasma CTSD levels were similar, plasma CTSD activity was increased in male type 2 diabetic compared to male healthy individuals. Besides, plasma CTSD activity rather than levels significantly correlated with indicators of type 2 diabetes (HbA1c, HOMA-IR and glucose). Furthermore, FFA was also independently associated with plasma CTSD activity (standardized β = 0.493, p = 0.007).ConclusionsDespite similar plasma CTSD levels, type 2 diabetic male individuals showed increased plasma CTSD activity compared to healthy males, which was independently linked to plasma FFA levels. Our data therefore point toward plasma CTSD as a metabolic regulator in male type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus: pathogenesis and genetic diagnosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a heterogeneous condition that is related to both defective insulin secretion and peripheral insulin resistance. Beta cells are the major organ for secreting insulin hence, it is important to maintain an adequate beta-cell mass in response to various changes. Insulin resistance is a major cause of T2DM leads to elevated free fatty acid (FFA) levels which increases beta-cell mass and insulin secretion to compensate for insulin insensitivity. Chronic increase of plasma FFA levels results in disturbances in lipid metabolism, which contributes to decreased beta-cell function and lipotoxicity thus promoting T2DM. In the present review, we have discussed the process of beta-cell destruction, the role of genes in contributing to the fast increase in the progression of T2DM in detail. More than 130 variants in various T2DM susceptibility and candidate genes have been discovered to be associated with T2DM. Still, these variants elucidate only a small amount of total heritability of T2DM. Further, there is also an inventory of presently used therapeutic tools and a review of novel therapeutic approaches like incretin-based therapies or sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors. Additionally, providing a concise but comprehensive update, this review will be essential to every clinician involved in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Effects of ethyl hexanoate on activities of sympathetic nerves innervating the brown and white adipose tissues, body temperature, and plasma fatty acids

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is implicated in maintaining homeostasis of the internal environment in mammals. Therefore, changes occurring in the ANS can cause alterations of physiological phenomena. Ethyl hexanoate (EH) is known as the aroma component of apples. To study the action of ethyl hexanoate on physiological phenomena, we examined the effect of an intragastric (IG) injection of 1 mL/kg body weight of 0.1 ppm EH solution on sympathetic nerve activity innervating the brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) in anesthetized rats. Consequently, IG administration of EH increased activity of the sympathetic nerves innervating both the BAT and WAT. In addition, the effects of the IG injection on body temperature above the interscapular BAT and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentration were also examined in conscious rats. In this attempt IG injection of EH elevated both the body temperature and plasma FFA levels. Furthermore, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy eliminated the effects of EH on sympathetic nerves innervating BAT and WAT. These findings suggest that EH causes excitations of sympathetic nerves innervating BAT and WAT, and enhances thermogenesis and lipolysis via the afferent vagus nerve. Thus, these present findings also suggest the possibility that EH might have anti-obesity effects.

D-allulose Ameliorates Metabolic Dysfunction in C57BL/KsJ-db/db Mice.

d-allulose is an uncommon sugar that provides almost no calories when consumed. Its sweetness is 70% that of sucrose. d-allulose is a metabolic regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. However, few reports concerning its effect on diabetes and related metabolic disturbances in db/db mice are available. In this study, we evaluated d-allulose’s effect on hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, diabetes and inflammatory responses in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice. Mice were divided into normal diet, erythritol supplemented (5% w/w), and d-allulose supplemented (5% w/w) groups. Blood glucose and plasma glucagon levels and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower in the d-allulose group than in the normal diet group, and plasma insulin level was significantly increased. Further, d-allulose supplement significantly increased hepatic glucokinase activity and decreased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Expression of glucose transporter 4, insulin receptor substrate 1, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha and AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 were also upregulated by d-allulose supplement in adipocyte and muscle. Finally, d-allulose effectively lowered plasma and hepatic triglyceride and free fatty acid levels, and simultaneously reduced hepatic fatty acid oxidation and carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity. These changes are likely attributable to suppression of hepatic fatty acid synthase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Notably, d-allulose also reduced pro-inflammatory adipokine and cytokine levels in plasma. Our results indicate that d-allulose is an effective sugar substitute for improving lipid and glucose metabolism.

Reduced Levels and Disrupted Biosynthesis Pathways of Plasma Free Fatty Acids in First-Episode Antipsychotic-Naïve Schizophrenia Patients.

Membrane phospholipid deficits have been well-documented in schizophrenia (SZ) patients. Free fatty acids (FFAs) partially come from the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids and serve as the circulating pool of body fatty acids. These FFAs are involved in many important biochemical reactions such as membrane regeneration, oxidation, and prostaglandin production which may have important implications in SZ pathology. Thus, we compared plasma FFA levels and profiles among healthy controls (HCs), affective psychosis (AP) patients, and first-episode antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia (FEANS) patients. A significant reduction of total FFAs levels was observed in SZ patients. Specifically, significant reductions of 16:0, 18:2n6c, and 20:4n6 levels were detected in FEANS patients but not in APs when compared with levels in HCs. Also, disrupted metabolism of fatty acids especially in saturated and n-6 fatty acid families were observed by comparing correlations between precursor and product fatty acid levels within each fatty acid family. These findings may suggest an increased demand of membrane regeneration, a homeostatic imbalance of fatty acid biosynthesis pathway and a potential indication of increased beta oxidation. Collectively, these findings could help us better understand the lipid metabolism with regard to SZ pathophysiology.

Metabolic Profile of Steers Subjected to Normal Feeding, Fasting, and Re-Feeding Conditions.

The effects of feeding, fasting, and re-feeding on the metabolic profile of growing cattle were studied. Blood and urine samples were obtained from 12 crossbred steers weighing approximately 300 kg during the following periods: 11 h of normal feeding (postprandial period), 48 consecutive hours of fasting, followed by 48 h of re-feeding. Compared with the postprandial period, fasting caused the following modifications: moderate hypoglycemia accompanied by remarkable lipolysis detected by the increase in plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFAs); absence of hepatic lipidosis, as there were no changes in aspartate aminotransferase activity or serum cholesterol levels; mild ketogenesis, confirmed by the slight increase of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB); increased amino acid burn for energy production, verified by the increase in serum urea contents. There were strong positive correlations between the plasma levels of FFAs and βHB (r = 0.68; p < 0.001), fasting duration and FFA concentration (r = 0.92; p < 0.00001), and fasting duration and serum urea (r = 0.52; p < 0.001); there was a negative correlation between fasting duration and blood glucose (r = −0.52; p < 0.0001). During this same period, mild hypovolemia characterized by an increase in intravascular volume deficit was observed. The metabolic condition observed during fasting was completely reversed during re-feeding, except for the temporarily higher proteolysis.

Resveratrol Improves Hepatic Redox Status and Lipid Balance of Neonates with Intrauterine Growth Retardation in a Piglet Model.

Abnormal lipid metabolism, oxidative stress (OS), and inflammation play a pivotal role in the increased susceptibility to neonatal fatty liver diseases associated with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This study was firstly conducted to investigate whether resveratrol could alleviate IUGR-induced hepatic lipid accumulation, alteration of redox and immune status in a sucking piglet model and explore the possible mechanisms at transcriptional levels. A total of 36 pairs of 7 d old male normal birth weight (NBW) and IUGR piglets were orally fed with either 80 mg resveratrol/kg body weight/d or 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium for a period of 14 days, respectively. Compared with the NBW piglets, the IUGR piglets displayed compromised growth performance and liver weight, reduced plasma free fatty acid (FFA) level, increased hepatic OS, abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation and weakened hepatic immune function, and hepatic aberrant transcriptional expression of some genes such as heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase 1, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, liver fatty acid-binding proteins 1, toll-like receptor 4, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Oral administration of resveratrol to piglets decreased the levels of FFA and total triglycerides (TG) in the plasma and hepatic TNF-α concentration, and increased glutathione reductase activity and reduced glutathione level in the liver. Resveratrol restored the increased alanine aminotransferase activity in the plasma of IUGR piglets. Treatment with resveratrol ameliorated the increased hepatic malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, TG, and FFA concentrations induced by IUGR. Resveratrol treatment alleviated the reduced lipoprotein lipase activity and its mRNA expression as well as TNF-α gene expression in the liver of IUGR piglets. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase 1 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 genes expression of piglets was upregulated by oral resveratrol administration. In conclusion, resveratrol administration plays a beneficial role in hepatic redox status and lipid balance of the IUGR piglets.

Blood clearance kinetics and organ delivery of medium-chain triglyceride and fish oil-containing lipid emulsions: Comparing different animal species

Medium-chain triglycerides (TG) (MCT) and fish oil (FO) TG are incorporated as the core TG component into intravenous (IV) lipid emulsions for infusion in parenteral nutrition. Bolus injections of IV emulsions, on the other hand, have emerged as a novel therapeutic approach to treat various acute disorders. However, intravascular metabolism and organ delivery of acute IV injection of emulsions containing both MCT and FO are not fully defined, nor have they been characterized across common experimental animal models. We characterized and compared blood clearance kinetics and organ distribution of bolus injections of MCT/FO emulsions among different animal species. We also examined whether sex differences or feeding status can affect catabolic properties of MCT/FO lipid emulsions. Blood clearance rates of lipid emulsions with specific TG composition were compared in rats IV injected with [3H]cholesteryl hexadecyl ether labeled pure n-6 long-chain (LCT) and n-3 FO TG lipid emulsions, or emulsions containing MCT and FO at different ratios (wt/wt), which include 8:2 (80% MCT: 20% FO), 5:4:1 (50% MCT: 40% LCT: 10% FO) and SMOF (30% LCT: 30% MCT: 25% olive oil: 10% FO). Dose-response effects (0.016mg-1.6mgTG/g body weight) of the MCT/FO 8:2 emulsions on blood clearance properties and organ delivery were determined in both mice and rats. Blood clearance kinetics and organ uptake of MCT/FO 8:2 emulsions were compared between male and female rats and between fed and fasted rats. Changes in plasma lipid profiles after acute injections of MCT/FO 8:2 lipid emulsion at different doses (0.043, 0.133, and 0.4mgTG/g body weight) were characterized in non-human primates (Cynomolgus monkeys). MCT/FO 8:2 emulsion was cleared faster in rats when compared with other emulsions with different TG contents. Mice had faster blood clearance and higher fractional catabolic rates (FCR) when compared with the rats injected with MCT/FO 8:2 emulsions regardless of the injected doses. Mice and rats had similar plasma TG and free fatty acid (FFA) levels after low- or high-dose injections of the MCT/FO emulsion. Tissue distribution of the MCT/FO 8:2 lipid emulsion are comparable between mice and rats, where liver had the highest uptake per recovered dose among all organs (>60%). Feeding status and sex differences did not alter the blood clearance rate of the MCT/FO 8:2 emulsion in rats. In a nonhuman primate model, dose-response increases in plasma TG and FFA were observed after IV injection of MCT/FO 8:2 emulsions within the 1st 10min. A lipid emulsion containing both MCT and FO TG is cleared rapidly in blood and readily available for organ uptake in rodent and primate animal models. Characterization of the blood clearance properties of the MCT/FO 8:2 emulsion administered in various animal models may provide further insight into the safety and efficacy profiles for future therapeutic use of bolus injections of MCT/FO emulsions in humans.

Impact of human visceral and glutealfemoral adipose tissue transplant on glycemic control in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity.

Regional distribution of adipose tissue is an important factor in conferring cardiometabolic risk and obesity-related morbidity. We tested the hypothesis that human visceral adipose tissue (VAT) impairs glucose homeostasis, whereas subcutaneous glutealfemoral adipose tissue (GFAT) protects against the development of impaired glucose homeostasis in mice. VAT and GFAT were collected from patients undergoing bariatric surgery and grafted onto the epididymal adipose tissue of weight- and age-matched severe, combined immunodeficient mice. SHAM mice underwent surgery without transplant of tissue. Mice were fed a high-fat diet after xenograft. Energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity were assessed 6 wk later. Xenograft of human adipose tissues was successful, as determined by histology, immunohistochemical evaluation of collagen deposition and angiogenesis, and maintenance of lipolytic function. Adipose tissue transplant did not affect energy expenditure, food intake, whole body substrate partitioning, or plasma free fatty acid, triglyceride, and insulin levels. Fasting blood glucose was significantly reduced in GFAT and VAT compared with SHAM, whereas glucose tolerance was improved only in mice transplanted with VAT compared with SHAM mice. This improvement was not associated with differences in whole body insulin sensitivity or plasma insulin between groups. Together, these data suggest that VAT improves glycemic control and GFAT does not protect against the development of high-fat diet-induced glucose intolerance. Hence, the intrinsic properties of VAT and GFAT do not necessarily explain the postulated negative and positive effects of these adipose tissue depots on metabolic health.

Differential Expression of Ormdl Genes in the Islets of Mice and Humans with Obesity

SummaryThe orosomucoid-like (Ormdl) proteins play a critical role in sphingolipid homeostasis, inflammation, and ER stress, all of which are associated with obesity and βcell dysfunction. However, their roles in β cells and obesity remain unknown. Here, we show that islets from overweight/obese human donors displayed marginally reduced ORMDL1-2 expression, whereas ORMDL3 expression was significantly downregulated compared with islets from lean donors. In contrast, Ormdl3 was substantially upregulated in the islets of leptin-deficient obese (ob/ob) mice compared with lean mice. Treatment of ob/ob mice and their islets with leptin markedly reduced islet Ormld3 expression. Ormdl3 knockdown in a β cell line induced expression of pro-apoptotic markers, which was rescued by ceramide synthase inhibitor fumonisin B1. Our results reveal differential expression of Ormdl3 in the islets of a mouse model and humans with obesity, highlight the potential effect of leptin in this differential regulation, and suggest a role for Ormdl3 in β cell apoptosis.

Significance of plasma free fatty acid level for assessing and diagnosing acute myocardial infarction.

Aim: To clarify the diagnostic value of the circulating free fatty acid (FFA) level for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in coronary heart disease patients. Methods & results: A total of 1776 patients were screened by coronary angiography from October 2014 to February 2016. The plasma FFA level was significantly higher in coronary heart disease patients with lesions in three or more vessels than those with lesions in one or two vessels. Moreover, an elevated FFA level was identified as an independent risk factor for AMI on multivariate regression analysis and shown to be a sensitive and specific indicator for AMI diagnosis by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Conclusion: An elevated FFA level is an independent risk factor and independent diagnostic marker for AMI.

1705-P: Adipocyte Specific Ablation of P2Y14R Improves Glucose Metabolism in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity

Adipose tissue is one of the major tissues in body regulating glucose and energy homeostasis. White adipose tissue (iWAT) serves as primary site of energy storage while brown (BAT) and beige AT play a major role in energy expenditure. AT also exerts endocrine effects by secreting various adipokines/batokines regulating whole body glucose metabolism. Diverse G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are expressed in adipocytes and thus have emerged as potential targets for novel antidiabetic drugs. P2Y purinergic receptors are a class of GPCRs activated by nucleotides and nucleotide sugars. The purinergic P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14R) is natively activated by UDP-glucose. P2Y14R is expressed in white as well as brown adipocytes, and receptor mRNA levels was increased in iWAT due to high fat feeding. The potential role of P2Y14R in AT with respect to maintaining whole body glucose homeostasis remains unexplored. To this end, we generated a knockout mouse model lacking P2Y14R selectively in adipocytes (Ad-P2Y14-KO) using Cre/loxP technology. Interestingly, Ad-P2Y14-KO consuming a high fat diet gained less weight than the control mice. Body composition revealed that the decrease in body weight gain in Ad-P2Y14-KO was due to a decrease in fat mass. Decreased body weight resulted in improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in Ad-P2Y14-KO. Moreover, fasting blood glucose and fed plasma insulin levels were decreased in Ad-P2Y14-KO. Circulating levels of adipokines such as leptin were decreased in knockout mice, indicating increased sensitivity to leptin in Ad-P2Y14-KO. Interestingly, a lack of P2Y14R signaling increased lipolysis in adipocytes, as plasma free fatty acids levels was elevated in Ad-P2Y14-KO in the fasting state. Liver weight was decreased in Ad-P2Y14-KO indicating a lack of ectopic deposition of fat due to enhanced lipolysis. Mechanistic studies are underway to link the observed phenotype with P2Y14R signaling in adipocytes. Disclosure S. Jain: None. K.A. Jacobson: None.