Upregulation Of Uncoupling Protein Research Articles

Pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) as a cell model to assess patient responsiveness to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicopentaenoic acid (EPA)

Abstract Background The abundance of epicardial (EAT) and pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) is associated with several cardiac risk factors and a higher carotid intima-media thickness, with a potential contributory role to the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Under conditions promoting obesity, both epicardial and pericardial adipose tissue undergo a metabolic shift, acquiring an inflammatory and pro-atherogenic phenotype. Addressing dysmetabolism and inflammation associated with EAT and PAT are a promising and innovative therapeutic approach for preventing coronary atherosclerosis. Recent data have highlighted a noteworthy association between the abundance of adipose tissue n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as their ratio to the omega-6 FA arachidonic acid (AA), with a lower risk of myocardial infarction. Purpose To develop an efficient method for isolation of adipocytes from human PAT and evaluation of adipocyte response to DHA and EPA. Methods PAT samples were collected from 9 CAD patients, undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery and immediately processed before to assess more than 50 experimental conditions. Isolated adipocytes were morphologically and molecularly characterized. Cell responsiveness was evaluated by cell exposure to inflammatory stimuli, with or without variable amounts of DHA, EPA, or AA assessing a spectrum of gene expressions and pro-inflammatory functional activities. Results Pure cultures of pericardial adipocytes exhibited prolonged viability (beyond 72 hours). and retained responsiveness to pro-inflammatory and lipolytic stimuli, while also showing the capacity to activate the insulin signalling pathway. Cell exposure to DHA or EPA resulted in a downregulation of messenger (m)RNA expression for monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, interleukin (IL)-6 and metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 (p<0.05) and in upregulation of uncoupling protein-(UCP)-1, UCP-2 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ (p< 0.05) (Figure 1). In line with mRNA expression, a significant reduction in both cytokines and MMP-9 protein release was observed (p<0.05) (Figure 2). These effects paralleled a significant incorporation of DHA and EPA into total cell lipids (p<0.05). Functionally, the cell supernatant from DHA- or EPA-conditioned cells displayed diminished ability to attract monocytes in chemotaxis assays. AA exhibited no such activities. Conclusion(s) In a novel cellular model of isolated and cultured adipocytes from PAT, DHA and EPA attenuated the inflammatory and dysmetabolic characteristics of this cardiac adipose tissue.

Carbonic anhydrase 2 mediates anti-obesity effects of black tea as thermogenic activator

Obesity is a metabolic disorder due to over-accumulation of adipose tissue and ultimately becomes a “disease”. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning emerge as a potential strategy of anti-obesity by dissipating energy as heat. However, drugs based on adipose tissue thermogenesis have not been successfully approved yet. In current study, we found that black tea extract (BTE) obtained by patent-authorized manufacturing process prevented body weight gain as novel thermogenic activator with reduction of adiposity, improvement of adipose distribution, and glucose metabolism improvement in diet-induced obesity mice. Mechanismly, anti-obesity effect of BTE depends on promoting BAT thermogenesis and WAT browning with upregulation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), especially visceral adipose tissue (VAT) with browning resistance. Specifically, utilizing in silico approach of network pharmacology and molecular docking, we identified carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) in nitrogen metabolism as anti-obesity target of BTE and further elucidated that protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway linked CA2 and UCP1. Meanwhile gut microbiota regulation may prompt the CA2-dependent thermogenesis activation. Our findings demonstrated anti-obesity effect of BTE as thermogenic activator through CA2-mediated BAT thermogenesis and WAT browning via CA2-AKT-UCP1 signaling pathway, which could be developed as promising anti-obesity agent with good safety and efficacy.

Activin E upregulates uncoupling protein 1 and fibroblast growth factor 21 in brown adipocytes

Activin E activates brown and beige adipocytes and has been controversially implicated as a factor that induces obesity and fatty liver. Here, we sought to address this controversial issue by producing recombinant human activin E to evaluate its effects on HB2 brown adipocytes in vitro. Activin E increased uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21) mRNA expression in the adipocytes. This upregulation was suppressed by SB431542, an inhibitor of activin receptor-like kinase (Alk) TGF-β type I receptors. SB431542 also inhibited the activin E-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3. A promoter assay using a CAGA-Luc reporter and Alk expression vectors revealed that activin E activated the TGF-β/activin pathway via Alk7. The upregulation of Ucp1 and Fgf21 mRNA might be mediated through Alk7 and Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Activin E is a potential stimulator of energy expenditure by activating brown adipocytes and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for treating obesity.

Dysfunction of the Brown Adipose Organ in HFD-Obese Rats and Effect of Tart Cherry Supplementation.

Obesity has a great impact on adipose tissue biology, based on its function as a master regulator of energy balance. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) undergoes remodeling, and its activity declines in obese subjects due to a whitening process. The anti-obesity properties of fruit extracts have been reported. The effects of tart cherry against oxidative stress, inflammation, and the whitening process in the BAT of obese rats were investigated. Intrascapular BAT (iBAT) alterations and effects of Prunus cerasus L. were debated in rats fed for 17 weeks with a high-fat diet (DIO), in DIO supplemented with seed powder (DS), and with seed powder plus the juice (DJS) of tart cherry compared to CHOW rats fed with a normo-caloric diet. iBAT histologic observations revealed a whitening process in DIO rats that was reduced in the DS and DJS groups. A modulation of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) protein and gene expression specifically were detected in the obese phenotype. An upregulation of UCP-1 and related thermogenic genes after tart cherry intake was detected compared to the DIO group. Metabolic adjustment, endoplasmic reticulum stress, protein carbonylation, and the inflammatory microenvironment in the iBAT were reported in DIO rats. The analysis demonstrated an iBAT modulation that tart cherry promoted. In addition to our previous results, these data confirm the protective impact of tart cherry consumption on obesity.

UCP2 promotes NSCLC proliferation and glycolysis via the mTOR/HIF-1α signaling.

Metabolic disturbance is a hallmark of cancers. Targeting key metabolic pathways and metabolism-related molecular could be a potential therapeutic approach. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) plays a pivotal part in the malignancy of cancer and its capacity to develop resistance to pharmaceutical interventions. However, it is unclear about the mechanism of how UCP2 acts in the tumor growth and metabolic reprogramming process in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we conducted qRT-PCR to investigate the expression of UCP2 in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Subsequent functional studies including colony formation assay, CCK-8 assay, and glycolysis assay were conducted to investigate the functions of UCP2 in NSCLC. The regulatory mechanism of UCP2 toward the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) signaling in NSCLC was confirmed through western blotting. We observed a significant upregulation of UCP2 in both NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The increased expression of UCP2 has a strong association with a worse outlook. Silencing UCP2 remarkably dampened NSCLC cell proliferation and glycolysis capacities. Mechanically, UCP2 promoted NSCLC tumorigenesis partially via regulating the mTOR/HIF-1α axis. Taken together, we explored the functions as well as the mechanisms of the UCP2/mTOR/HIF-1α axis in NSCLC progression, uncovering potential biological signatures and targets for NSCLC treatment.

Lactate coordinated with exercise promoted the browning of inguinal white adipose tissue.

Lactate, an important exercise metabolite, induces white adipose tissue browning by upregulated uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression. However, the function of lactate during browning of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) caused by exercise is unclear. Here, we considered lactate as an exercise supplement and investigated the effects of chronic pre-exercise lactate administration on energy metabolism and adipose tissue browning. C57B/L6 male mice (5 weeks of age) were divided into six groups. We evaluated the changes in blood lactate levels in each group of mice after the intervention. Energy expenditure was measured after the intervention immediately by indirect calorimetry. The marker protein levels and gene expressions were determined by western-blot and quantitative real-time PCR. HIIT significantly decreased adipose tissue weight while increased energy expenditure and the expression of UCP1 in iWAT; however, these regulations were inhibited in the DCA+HIIT group. Compared with the MICT and LAC groups, long-term lactate injection before MICT led to lower WAT weight to body weight ratios and higher energy expenditure in mice. Furthermore, the marker genes of browning in iWAT, such as Ucp1 and Pparγ, were significantly increased in the LAC+MICT group than in the other groups, and the expression of monocarboxylate transporter-1 (Mct1) mRNA was also significantly increased. Lactate was involved in exercise-mediated browning of iWAT, and its mechanism might be the increased of lactate transport through MCT1 or PPARγ upregulation induced by exercise. These findings suggest exogenous lactate may be a new exercise supplement to regulate metabolism.

Early Adipogenesis and Upregulation of UCP1 in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Stimulated by Devitalized Microfragmented Fat (MiFAT).

Adipose tissue is mainly composed by adipocytes. Moreover, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), macrophages, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix components are present. The variety of molecules as cytokines and growth factors of its structure very rich in blood vessel makes it also similar to a true endocrine organ that however needs still to be fully investigated. In our study, we used human lipoaspirate to obtain mechanically microfragmented fat (MiFAT) which was washed and then devitalized by freezing-thawing cycles. In our experiments, thawed MiFAT was used to stimulate cultures of MSCs from two different sources (adipose tissue and gingiva papilla) in comparison with a traditional stimulation in vitro obtained by culturing MSCs with adipogenic medium. MSCs stimulated with MiFAT showed a very early production of lipid droplets, after only 3 days, that correlated with an increased expression of adipokines. Furthermore, a significant upregulation of PPAR gamma 1 alpha coactivator (PPARGC1A) was observed with an overexpression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) that suggest a pattern of differentiation compatible with the beige-brown fat.

Ketogenic diet with aerobic exercise can induce fat browning: potential roles of β-hydroxybutyrate.

Despite evidence suggesting that metabolic intermediates like β-HB influence white adipose tissue (WAT) metabolism, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) on the fat browning program and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms using both in vitro and in vivo models. We assessed the effects of β-HB on fat browning in adipocytes using 3T3-L1 cells and rat models. We evaluated the effects of β-HB on fat browning, thermogenesis, lipid accumulation, adipokine expression, and mitochondrial biogenesis by treating mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes with sodium β-HB for 24 h or by continuously exposing preadipocytes to β-HB during the 8-day differentiation process. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, exercise only (EX), ketogenic diet only (KD), and combined exercise and ketogenic diet (KE) groups for an 8-week intervention involving diet and/or exercise. After intervention, we evaluated WAT histology, plasma lipids and adipokines, and the expression of markers related to fat browning, thermogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis in WAT of rats. In our adipocyte culture experiments, β-HB reduced intracellular lipid accumulation by enhancing lipolysis and stimulated the expression of thermogenic and fat browning genes like uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), and adipokines such as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FDNC5). Additionally, β-HB activated the AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α pathway, with UCP1 and PRDM16 upregulation mediated by β-HB intracellular action and SIRT1 activity. In animal experiments, KE group raised β-HB levels, decreasing body weight and blood lipids. KD with EX promoted WAT browning possibly via AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α, augmenting PRDM16, UCP1, FGF21, and FNDC5 expression. β-HB induction via KD and/or EX shows potential in promoting WAT browning by activating mitochondrial biogenesis, lipolysis, and thermogenesis, suggesting that dietary and physical intervention inducing β-HB may benefit metabolic health.

The effect of ellagic acid on the metabolic syndrome: A review article

Objective(s): Metabolic syndrome is a collection of metabolic abnormalities that includes hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. Ellagic acid is found in various fruits and vegetables. It has been reported to have several pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, chemopreventive, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, and antidiabetic. Our current study aims to shed light on the probable efficiency of ellagic acid in managing metabolic syndrome and its complications. Materials and methodsTo prepare the present review, the databases or search engines utilized included Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, and relevant articles have been gathered with no time limit until March 2023. ResultsSeveral investigations indicated that ellagic acid could be a potent compound for the treatment of many disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia by various mechanisms, including increasing insulin secretion, insulin receptor substrate protein 1 expression, regulating glucose transporter 4, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), attenuating tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress in related tissues. Furthermore, ellagic acid ameliorates mitochondrial function, upregulates uncoupling protein 1 (found in brown and white adipose tissues), and regulates blood levels of nitrate/nitrite and vascular relaxations in response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. ConclusionEllagic acid can treat or manage metabolic syndrome and associated complications, according to earlier studies. To validate the beneficial effects of ellagic acid on metabolic syndrome, additional preclinical and clinical research is necessary.

Lipid Nanoparticles as a Shuttle for Anti-Adipogenic miRNAs to Human Adipocytes.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are major health burdens for which no effective therapy is available today. One treatment strategy could be to balance the metabolic functions of adipose tissue by regulating gene expressions using miRNAs. Here, we have loaded two anti-adipogenic miRNAs (miR26a and miR27a) into a pegylated lipid nanoparticle (PEG-LNP) formulation by a single-step microfluidic-assisted synthesis step. For the miRNA-loaded LNPs, the following system properties were determined: particle size, zeta potential, miRNA complexation efficiency, and cytotoxicity. We have used a human preadipocyte cell line to address the transfection efficiency and biological effects of the miRNA candidates at the gene and protein level. Our findings revealed that the upregulation of miR27a in preadipocytes inhibits adipogenesis by the downregulation of PPARγ and the reduction of lipid droplet formation. In contrast, miR26a transfection in adipocytes induced white adipocyte browning detected as the upregulation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) as a marker of non-shivering thermogenesis. We conclude that the selective delivery of miRNAs by PEG-LNPs to adipocytes could offer new perspectives for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases.

UCP2 Upregulation Increases Fra-1 Expression and S-phase Cell Population without Decreasing Apoptosis during Skin Cell Transformation

Upregulation of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) is considered a prosurvival mechanism for cancer cells. This prosurvival function is thought to be mediated by UCP2’s uncoupling activity which reduces the production of superoxide in the mitochondria. However, exactly how highly expressed UCP2 regulates cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell death during the early stage of tumorigenesis has not been studied thoroughly. For this purpose, we generated UCP2 stably overexpressed JB6 Cl-41 cells (a skin cell transformation model) and performed studies to answer the above questions. Our results demonstrated that UCP2 overexpression enhanced cell proliferation, activation of the oncoprotein Fra-1, anchorage-independent growth, 3D spheroids growth, and glucose uptake during skin cell transformation. Next, our results demonstrated that UCP2 overexpression resulted in marked decreases in the proportion of the cells in the G1 phase and an increase of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle, which was accompanied by increased expression of Cyclin E and Cdk2. Lastly, UCP2 overexpression did not enhance or suppress apoptosis during skin cell transformation, as indicated by Annexin V and active caspase 3/7 staining. Taken together, these data suggest that UCP2 upregulation mainly enhances the Fra-1 oncogenic pathway which drives cell proliferation, without inhibiting apoptosis during skin cell transformation.

One-Pot Controllable Assembly of a Baicalin-Condensed Aptamer Nanodrug for Synergistic Anti-Obesity.

The rapid, simple and low-cost preparation of DNA micro-nano-architectures remain challenging in biosensing and therapy. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-driven DNA micro-nano-flowers are used to construct a nanosized baicalin-compressed-aptamer-nanodrug (bcaND) via one-pot assembly for targeted and synergistic anti-obesity. In the design, the tailored Adipo-8 (tAdi-8) overhang in the PCR amplicon displays anti-obesity targeting activity, while the baicalin loaded in the bcaND by embedding the amplicon plays a three-fold role as a lipid-lowering factor, bcaND size compressor, and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1)-raised thermogenic activator. The ingenious bcaND represents an advanced multifunctional nanomaterial capable of adjusting the morphology at an optimal 400/1 molar ratio of Mg2+ to phosphate groups, compressing the size from 2.699µm to 214.76nm using 1mg/mL baicalin at a temperature of 70°C, an effective payload with amplicons of up to 98.94%, and a maximum baicalin load of 86.21g/g DNA. Responsive release in acidic conditions (pH 5.0) occurs within 72h, accelerating thermogenesis via UCP1 up-regulation by 2.5-fold in 3T3-L1-preadipocytes and 13.7-fold in the white-adipose-tissue (WAT) of mice, targeting adipocytes and visceral white adipose tissue. It plays an efficient synergistic role in obesity therapy in vitro and in vivo, providing a new direction for DNA self-assembly nanotechnology.

8-OR: Plasminogen Deficiency Protects against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Insulin Resistance, but Not Diet-Induced Obesity

Obesity affects over 40% of the US population and predisposes individuals to metabolic syndrome, which is associated with a 50% increase in the risk of cardiovascular events. A documented clinical manifestation of obesity is a procoagulant and anti-fibrinolytic state. Elevated levels of circulating plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) -1 are correlated with metabolic syndrome, and PAI-1-deficient mice are protected from diet-induced obesity (DIO) . However, an unresolved question is whether plasminogen itself influences the development of obesity and associated disease sequelae? Here, we analyzed the impact of genetically-imposed plasminogen deficiency on the development of DIO and associated pathologies. Over the course of 20 weeks, plasminogen-deficient (Plg-) mice gained as much weight as the control mice (Plg+) on HFD, although HFD-fed Plg- mice had larger epididymal white adipose tissues than those of HFD-fed Plg+ mice. In contrast, while HFD-fed Plg+ animals displayed a fatty liver disease phenotype characterized by histological evidence of steatosis, elevated triglyceride content, and hepatocellular injury, HFD-fed Plg- mice were protected from developing each of these pathologies. HFD-fed Plg+ mice also developed hypercholesterolemia, whereas circulating cholesterol levels in Plg- mice were comparable to LFD-fed mice. Intriguingly, while the brown adipose tissue mass was comparable between diet and genotype, there was an upregulation of uncoupling protein-1 (Ucp1) expression in BAT of HFD-fed Plg- mice. Notably, whereas HFD-fed Plg+ mice showed evidence of insulin resistance as revealed by compromised glucose clearance, HFD-fed Plg- mice were partially protected. Collectively, our data suggest that plasmin (ogen) contributes to HFD-induced fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, and that plasminogen deficiency imposes a state of metabolically healthy obesity. Disclosure W.S.Hur: None. Y.Nguyen: None. Y.Patel: None. K.C.King: None. M.J.Flick: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (RDK112778)

Pro‐inflammatory Cytokines Increase Glycolysis through Upregulation of Uncoupling Protein and Akt Activation in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Non‐cancerous colonocytes use butyrate, which is a short‐chain fatty acid derived from the fermentation of dietary fiber, as a primary energy source. In contrast, cancerous colonocytes use glucose as their preferred energetic substrate and undergo enhanced glycolysis or the Warburg effect. It has been reported that increased production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) promote glycolysis. Previously, we have shown that interleukin1 beta increased glycolysis and decreased butyrate oxidation. However, the mechanism underlying how this pro‐inflammatory cytokine increased glycolysis was unclear. Here, we have discovered that Uncoupling Protein 2 (UCP2) appears to mediate the elevation in glycolysis induced by interleukin1 beta. UCP2 is a mitochondrial protein that transports the protons back into the mitochondrial matrix, thus dissipating the proton gradient and reducing ATP production. UCP2 is upregulated in various cancers such as breast, prostate, skin, and colorectal cancers. We hypothesize that interleukin1 beta promotes glycolysis by upregulating UCP2 and activating Akt in colorectal cancer cells. We have found colorectal cancer cells treated with interleukin1 beta showed elevated UCP2 expression and increased Akt activation. Next, we utilized the Seahorse XFe24 analyzer to check whether interleukin1 beta affects proton leak and ATP production in colorectal cancer cells. Preliminary data suggests that interleukin1 beta increases proton leak and decreases ATP production in mitochondria, which is consistent with the upregulation of UCP2 and demonstrates a functional consequence. To study whether UCP2 mediates the interleukin1 beta effect toward increasing glycolysis, we created a stable UCP2 knockdown in colorectal cancer cells and tested whether colorectal cancer cells that had diminished UCP2 from the RNAi knockdown did not show an increase in glycolysis when treated with interleukin1 beta as compared to RNAi mock colorectal cancer cells. Our preliminary data allude to a role for UCP2 in mediating the interleukin1 beta induced increase in glycolysis observed in colorectal cancer cells.

Impact of UCP2 depletion on heat stroke-induced mitochondrial function in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Objective The incidence rate of heat stroke (HS) has increased, with high morbidity and mortality rates, in recent years. Previous studies have suggested that vascular endothelial cell injury is one of the main pathological features of HS. Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) exhibits antioxidant activity under various stress conditions. This study aims to investigate the role of UCP2 in HS-induced vascular endothelial injury. Method To explore the mechanisms mediating vascular endothelial cell injury induced by HS, we established an HS model of HUVECs in vitro. The percentage of cell death and viability induced by HS were assessed using annexin V-FITC/PI staining and CCK8 assays. HS-induced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detected by JC-1 staining. HS-induced mitochondrial superoxide was measured by MitoSOX staining, and analyzed by flow cytometry. UCP2, Drp1, phosphorylated Drp1, OPA1, and Mfn2 expression levels were measured by western blotting. Results HS triggered mitochondrial fragmentation and UCP2 upregulation in a time-dependent manner in HUVECs. As a specific Drp1 inhibitor, Mdivi‐1 pretreatment significantly promoted mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in HS-induced HUVECs. In addition, siRNA-mediated UCP2 knockdown further aggravated mitochondrial fragmentation and ΔΨm depolarization and increased mitochondrial ROS production and cell apoptosis in HS-induced HUVECs, which were abolished by Drp1 inhibition. Conclusion Our results indicate that UCP2 protects against HS-induced vascular endothelial damage and that it enhances mitochondrial function. These findings reveal that UCP2 can be a potential contributor to mechanism-based therapeutic strategies for HS.

POS-402 UNCOUPLING PROTEIN 1 (UCP1) INHIBITS EPITHELIAL MESENCHYMAL TRANSFORMATION AND EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX AGGREGATION IN RENAL INTERSTITIAL FIBROSIS THROUGH SIRT3 DEPENDENT REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES (ROS) PATHWAY

Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathological process of all chronic kidney diseases (CKD) developing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, massive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), disappearance of renal proper cells and reduction of microvessels. At present, although the research on renal interstitial fibrosis is gradually in-depth, its diagnosis and treatment methods are still very scarce. Therefore, to clarify the new pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis and develop new methods for early diagnosis and treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis has become the focus and difficulty of current renal diseases research. Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) is the most important marker of brown adipose tissue (BAT), located in the inner membrane of the mitochondria. UCP1 can promote mitochondrial inner membrane proton conduction and decouple ATP synthesis from cellular respiration. The current research on UCP1 mainly focuses on fat metabolism, but its function in CKD has not been reported yet. Western blot, immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of UCP1. UCP1 over expression lentivirus and UCP1 agonist CL316243 were used to upregulate UCP1. EMT related markers, collagen I, fibronectin, antioxidant enzyme SOD2 and CAT were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. ROS detection kit was used to show the ROS production. SIRT3 knockdown was achieved by siRNA. This study firstly discovers that UCP1 is significant downregulated in patients with renal fibrosis and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) animal model. Further research finds that upregulation of UCP1 can reverse the epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and ECM accumulation in renal fibrosis model both in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, UCP1 reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing the stability of SIRT3, which is weakened when SIRT3 is knocked down. Accordingly, this study proposes a scientific hypothesis in which UCP1 relieve EMT, ECM accumulation and renal interstitial fibrosis by increasing the stability of SIRT3 and decreasing the production of ROS. It will provide new ideas and targets for the treatment of CKD.

Triglyceride mediated upregulation of UCP3 in murine heart

Proper mitochondrial function is of great importance to maintain efficient cardiac function. Dysregulated fatty acid oxidation (FAO) or glucose metabolism is an underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. The mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) is proposed to have a protective role in heart disease. However, the physiological function of UCP3 is under debate, and its role as an anti-oxidative protein is critically discussed. UCP3 expression was shown to coincide with FAO, which strengthens the hypothesis about UCP3 involvement in metabolism.

Development of ovarian tumour causes significant loss of muscle and adipose tissue: a novel mouse model for cancer cachexia study.

BackgroundCancer‐associated cachexia (CAC) is a complex syndrome of progressive muscle wasting and adipose loss with metabolic dysfunction, severely increasing the morbidity and mortality risk in cancer patients. However, there are limited studies focused on the underlying mechanisms of the progression of CAC due to the complexity of this syndrome and the lack of preclinical models that mimics its stagewise progression.MethodsWe characterized the initiation and progression of CAC in transgenic female mice with ovarian tumours. We measured proposed CAC biomarkers (activin A, GDF15, IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α) in sera (n = 6) of this mouse model. The changes of activin A and GDF15 (n = 6) were correlated with the decline of bodyweight over time. Morphometry and signalling markers of muscle atrophy (n ≥ 6) and adipose tissue wasting (n ≥ 7) were assessed during CAC progression.ResultsCancer‐associated cachexia symptoms of the transgenic mice model used in this study mimic the progression of CAC seen in humans, including drastic body weight loss, skeletal muscle atrophy, and adipose tissue wasting. Serum levels of two cachexia biomarkers, activin A and GDF15, increased significantly during cachexia progression (76‐folds and 10‐folds, respectively). Overactivation of proteolytic activity was detected in skeletal muscle through up‐regulating muscle‐specific E3 ligases Atrogin‐1 and Murf‐1 (16‐folds and 14‐folds, respectively) with decreasing cross‐sectional area of muscle fibres (P < 0.001). Muscle wasting mechanisms related with p‐p38 MAPK, FOXO3, and p‐AMPKα were highly activated in concurrence with an elevation in serum activin A. Dramatic fat loss was also observed in this mouse model with decreased fat mass (n ≥ 6) and white adipocytes sizes (n = 6) (P < 0.0001). The adipose tissue wasting was based on thermogenesis, supported by the up‐regulation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Fibrosis in adipose tissue was also observed in concurrence with adipose tissue loss (n ≥ 13) (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsOur novel preclinical CAC mouse model mimics human CAC phenotypes and serum biomarkers. The mouse model in this study showed proteolysis in muscle atrophy, browning in adipose tissue wasting, elevation of serum activin A and GDF15, and atrophy of pancreas and liver. This mouse line would be the best preclinical model to aid in clarifying molecular mediators of CAC and dissecting metabolic dysfunction and tissue atrophy during the progression of CAC.

Abstract 10267: Thermogenic Modulation of Perivascular Adipose Tissue Ameliorates Cardioautonomic Deterioration in Prediabetes

Introduction: Cardiac autonomic neuropathy, a risk factor of cardiovascular mortality, is a common manifestation of prediabetes. Evidence points to perivascular adipose tissue inflammation as a quintessential instigator of cardiovascular dysfunction in metabolic impairment. Interventions tailored to ameliorate such subtle cardiovascular involvement have not been forthcoming. Data emerging from our laboratory implicate alteration of adipocyte mitochondrial bioenergetics, particularly an upregulation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression and subsequent augmentation of adipose tissue hypoxia, as a potential culprit driving localized adipose inflammation. Hypothesis: Inhibition of UCP1-mediated thermogenesis or activation of the alternative thermogenic pathway, futile creatine cycling, through supplementation with phosphate or creatine monohydrate, respectively, may ameliorate the inflammatory phenotype observed in non-obese prediabetic rats. Methods: A non-obese prediabetic rat model, developed in our laboratory was used. This phenotype is evoked by 12 weeks of hypercaloric feeding causing localized perivascular inflammation in absence of systemic markers of inflammation. Cardioautonomic function was assessed by invasive hemodynamics. Localized adipose tissue inflammation and macrophage polarization were examined. Results: UCP1 inhibition by phosphate supplementation reversed the blunted parasympathetic baroreflex sensitivity observed in prediabetic rats. This was associated with the alleviation of perivascular adipose tissue hypoxia, inflammation, and altered macrophage polarization. These changes were accompanied by normalization of metabolic efficiency that increased in prediabetic rats due to UCP1 upregulation. Similar functional effects were observed after creatine supplementation without changes in metabolic efficiency. Conclusions: Bypassing UCP1-mediated thermogenesis upregulated by increased caloric intake alleviates cardioautonomic deterioration triggered by perivascular inflammation. This is achieved by UCP1 inhibition with a potential risk of increased metabolic efficiency and weight gain, or by activation of the alternative thermogenic pathway of creatine cycling.

Protective Role of Plasminogen Deficiency in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Glucose Dysmetabolism

Obesity is global health problem with 40% of the world population being classified as overweight (BMI > 25) and 13% as obese (BMI > 30). Obesity drives chronic metabolic inflammation leading to metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, Type II diabetes, and certain cancers. A documented clinical manifestation of obesity is perturbed and dysregulated hemostatic system leading to a procoagulant and anti-fibrinolytic state that ultimately results in an increased risk of thrombosis.Previous work suggested that clotting system components thrombin and fibrin engage in reciprocal mechanisms and contribute to the development of obesity. Specifically, we have shown that fibrin accumulates within obese adipose tissue and liver of obesity patients and mice challenged with a high fat diet (HFD) and colocalizes with macrophages, a key driver of inflammation in obesity. Despite the fact that obesity is known to be linked to an impaired fibrinolytic system, a potential functional contribution of fibrinolytic proteases to the development of obesity and associated downstream diseases has been understudied.Here, we tested the hypothesis that elimination of the fibrinolytic protease plasminogen would increase HFD-driven fibrin deposition and exacerbate macrophage accumulation and subsequent weight gain and obesity-associated pathologies. Contrary to our hypothesis, plasminogen-deficient (Plg-) mice gained as much weight as the Plg+ mice after 20 weeks on HFD. However, whereas the liver mass of HFD-challenged Plg+ mice was significantly higher than that of low fat diet (LFD)-fed mice, the livers of HFD-fed Plg- mice had a mass comparable to LFD-fed mice. HFD-fed Plg- mice had reduced hepatocellular damage, measured by plasma ALT activity, as well as reduced hepatosteatosis, measured by hepatic triglyceride content and liver histology, compared to HFD-fed Plg+ mice. Circulating cholesterol levels in HFD-fed Plg -/- mice were comparable to LFD-fed Plg- mice, while it was significantly elevated in HFD-fed Plg+ mice. While the epididymal white adipose tissue mass was higher in HFD-fed Plg- mice compared to HFD-fed Plg+ mice, the brown adipose tissue mass was comparable. However, there was an upregulation of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) expression BAT of HFD-fed Plg- mice. Glucose clearance was more efficient in HFD-fed Plg- mice compared to HFD-fed Plg+ mice in a glucose tolerance test. Collectively, our data suggest that plasmin(ogen) contributes to HFD-induced fatty liver disease and glucose dysmetabolism. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.