Astragalus polysaccharide attenuates free fatty acid-induced toxicity by activating AMPK in C2C12 myoblasts

AIM: To examine the effects of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on the toxicity of free fatty acids (FFAs) in C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS: C2C12 cells were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, APS group, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR)group,FFAs group and FFAs+APS group. MTT assay was used to observe the viability of C2C12 cells. C2C12 cells pretreated with FFAs at concentration of 0.25 mmol/L for 24 h were exposed to APS at dose of 200 mg/L for 24 h. The expression of total AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (p-ACC) was examined by Western blotting. The content of AMP and ATP was determined by HPLC. The structural changes of the mitochondria were examined by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The results of MTT assay indicated that APS improved the viability of C2C12 cells pretreated with FFAs. In FFAs+APS group, the ratio of AMP/ATP was increased after treatment with APS. No difference of total AMPK expression in C2C12 cells between APS group and FFAs group was observed. However, the expression of p-AMPK and p-ACC increased in APS group as compared with FFAs group. The results of transmission electron microscopy indicated that APS improved the vacuolar degeneration of mitochondria resulted from treatment with FFAs in C2C12 cells. CONCLUSION: In C2C12 cells, APS attenuates FFA-induced lipotoxity via a mitochondria-and AMPK-dependent mechanism.     

APS improves free fatty acid metabolism by activating AMPK and promoting translocation of FAT/CD36 in C2C12 myoblasts

AIM：To investigate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the metabolism of free fatty acids (FFAs) in C2C12 myoblasts. METHODS：Cultured C2C12 myoblasts were used in the study. The viability of C2C12 myoblasts treated with FFAs at different concentrations for different time was observed by MTT assay. The concentrations of FFAs in the medium were detected by acetyl-CoA synthase (ACS)-acetyl-CoA oxidase (ACOD) method. The expression of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), AMPK and p-AMPK protein was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS：FFAs decreased the viability of C2C12 myoblasts in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Compared with FFAs group, the expression of cellular membrane FAT/CD36 and p-AMPK proteins increased in FFAs+APS group, but total AMPK and FAT/CD36 protein expression was not significantly changed. Meanwhile, the concentration of FFAs in the medium decreased and the cell viability increased in FFAs+APS group as compared with the group. CONCLUSION：APS improves the metabolism of FFAs by activating AMPK and promoting translocation of FAT/CD36 in C2C12 myoblasts.     

Astragalus polysaccharides attenuate endothelial cell injury caused by homocysteine via AMPK pathway

AIM:To investigate the protective effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injured by homocysteine (Hcy) and its mechanism. METHODS:HUVECs cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups:control group, APS group[APS (200 mg/L) treatment for 24 h], Hcy group[Hcy (1 mmol/L) treatment for 24 h], and Hcy+APS group[Hcy (1 mmol/L) and APS (200 mg/L) co-treatment for 24 h]. The cell viability were measured by MTT assay. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and superoxidase dismutase (SOD), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in HUVECs were detected by the commercial kits. The mRNA expression of SOD1, catalase (CAT) and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) was detected by RT-qPCR. The protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) and phosphorylated AMPKα (p-AMPKα) were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with control group, the cell viability, the activity of SOD, and the mRNA expression of SOD1 and CAT in the HUVECs were decreased, but the activity of LDH, the content of MDA, and the mRNA expression of NOX2 were increased significantly in Hcy group(P<0.05). APS inhibited the decrease in cell viability, and the increases in LDH acti-vity and MDA content induced by Hcy. APS increased SOD activity and the mRNA expression of SOD1 and CAT, but reduced the mRNA expression of NOX2. Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, reduced the protective effect of APS on HUVECs injured by Hcy. CONCLUSION:APS protects HUVECs from Hcy-induced injury via AMPK signaling pathway to regulate intracellular oxidative stress.     

Astragalus polysaccharides improve chronic heart failure by promoting myocardial FFA metabolism via AMPK pathway

AIM: To investigate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on chronic heart failure and its mechanism. METHODS: Male SD rats (n=32) were randomly divided into control group, sham group, model group and APS group (8 rats in each group). The left coronary artery ligation in the rats was conducted to establish myocardial infarction heart failure model. After modeling, the rats in APS group were given APS (3 g·kg^-1·d^-1) by intragastric administration for 6 weeks. Left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVD), left ventricular systolic diameter (LVS), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS) were detected by echocardiography. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes. The concentrations of free fatty acid (FFA) in the serum and myocardium were observed by the method of acetyl coenzyme A synthetase and acetyl coenzyme A oxidase (ACS-ACOD). The protein levels of total AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-1) were measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: No significant difference in each index between sham group and control group was observed. Compared with control group, LVEF and FS in model group was significantly decreased, while LVD and LVS was significantly increased (P<0.05). The LVEF and FS in APS group were significantly improved compared with model group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between APS group and control group. LVD and LVS in APS group were obviously improved compared with mo-del group (P<0.05), and the difference was significant compared with control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, focal myocardial necrosis increased, and residual myocardial cells reduced in model group, while those was much better in APS group as compared with model group (P<0.05). The FFA concentrations in the serum and myocardium in model group increased significantly compared with control group (P<0.05), while those decreased significantly in APS group as compared with model group (P<0.05). The protein levels of p-AMPK, CPT-1, and cell membrane FAT/CD36 in model group decreased significantly compared with control group (P<0.05), and those in APS group increased obviously compared with control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: APS improves chronic heart failure by activating the AMPK pathway and promoting myocardial ingestion and utiliation of FFA.     

Effect of sitagliptin on autopaghy in mesangial cells induced by AGEs

AIM: To investigate the effect of sitagliptin on the autopaghy and the expression of extracellular matrix in mesangial cells induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). METHODS: The cells were divided into 5 groups:control group, AGE group, and sitagliptin (5, 10 and 20 μmol/L) groups. After 48 h, the cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and the content of collagen (Col) Ⅳ in the supernatant of the cell culture was detected by ELISA. The protein levels of beclin-1, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPK, p70S6K and p-p70S6K were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the viability and the expression of Col IV induced by AGEs in the cultured mesangial cells were significantly increased (P<0.01). Sitagliptin decreased the viability and the expression of Col IV induced by AGEs in the mesangial cells in a dose-dependent manner. AGEs significantly inhibited the protein levels of beclin-1 and p-AMPK, but significantly increased the protein level of p-p70S6K. Compared with AGE group, sitagliptin significantly reversed the above results in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Autophagy may mediate the protective effect of sitagliptin on mesangial cells induced by AGEs.     

Activated AMPK attenuates cardiac hypertrophy in rats through increasing myocardial fatty acid oxidation

AIM: To investigate the antihypertrophic function of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK) and its effects on myocardial fatty acid oxidation.METHODS: The model of cardiac hypertrophy was produced by banding abdominal aorta (transaortic constriction, TAC) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside(AICAR), a pharmacological activator of AMPK, was injected subcutaneously (0.5 mg·kg-1·d-1) 24 hours after operation and continued till 7 weeks after operation. Echocardiographic and ventricular remodeling parameters, free fatty acid concentration in blood serum and myocardium, and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPARα) and carnitine palmityl transferase(CPT-I) mRNA were investigated after treatment of AICAR or vehicle for 7 weeks. RESULTS: Compared with control group, treatment of rats subjected to TAC with AICAR significantly increased the mRNA expression of PPARα and CPT-I and subsequently decreased free fatty acid concentration in blood and myocardium, improved echocardiographic characteristics, and reduced the increases in the heart weight/body weight ratio and myocyte diameter.CONCLUSION: Pharmacological activation of AMPK may attenuate cardiac hypertrophy through increasing myocardial fatty acid oxidation.     

Regulation of AMPK/PPARα/SCAD signal pathway on cardiac hypertrophy

AIM：To study the effect of short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (SCAD）on cardiac hypertrophy and to explore the role of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα） signal pathway in the regulation of SCAD during the development of cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS：The optimal sequence of SCAD interference was chosen by Western blotting and real-time PCR. The cardiomyocytes were treated with fenofibrate (10 μmol/L) for 24 h and subsequently stimulated with the optimal sequence of SCAD interference. The changes of SCAD expression at mRNA and protein levels, the enzyme activity of SCAD, the cardiomyocyte surface area and free fatty acids were determined. Using real-time PCR for analyzing the markers of cardiac hypertrophy, the mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF） and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was detected to judge the development of cardiac hypertrophy. The cardiomyocytes were treated with fenofibrate (10 μmol/L) or AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR, 0.5 mmol/L) for 30 min and subsequently stimulated with phenylephrine (PE, 20 μmol/L) for 24 h. The changes of cardiomyocyte surface area, free fatty acids, and the expression of SCAD, PPARα and p-AMPKα (T172) at mRNA and protein levels were observed. RESULTS：The effect of optimal sequence siRNA-1186 and PE on the cardiomyocytes was the same. Compared with control group, the expression of ANF and BNP at mRNA level, the cardiomyocyte surface area and free fatty acids were increased obviously in siRNA-1186 group. After pretreated with fenofibrate (10 μmol/L), the expression of PPARα and SCAD, and the enzyme activity of SCAD were significantly increased, while the free fatty acids were decreased, indicating that fenofibrate prevented the development of cardiac hypertrophy induced by knockdown of SCAD. Compared with control group, the expression of SCAD, PPARα and p-AMPKα (T172) at mRNA and protein levels was significantly down-regulated, and the enzyme activity of SCAD was obviously decreased in PE group. Compared with PE group, the expression of SCAD, PPARα and p-AMPKα (T172) was significantly up-regulated, and the cardiomyocyte surface area and the content of free fatty acids were obviously decreased in the cardiomyocytes pretreated with fenofibrate or AICAR for 30 min. CONCLUSION：Down-regulation of SCAD is related to the cardiac hypertrophy and energy metabolism. AMPK/PPARα/SCAD signaling pathway may regulate cardiac hypertrophy directly.     

Effect of metformin combined with paclitaxel on apoptosis and AMPK signaling in human breast cancer cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of metformin combined with paclitaxel on the viability and apoptosis of breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and its possible mechanism. METHODS:MCF-7 cells were treated with metformin at different concentrations (2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mmol/L) and in vitro cultured. The viability of MCF-7 cells was measured by MTT assay. Metformin at 2 mmol/L or paclitaxel at 2.4 mg/L alone or in combination was used to treat the cells, and compound C, an inhibitor of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling transduction pathway, was also used. The cells were divided into control group, metformin group, paclitaxel group, combination group, and combination +compound C group. The apoptosis of the cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The protein levels of AMPK and P21 were examined by Western blot. RESULTS:Metformin at different concentrations (2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mmol/L) significantly inhibited the cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compared with control group, treatment with metformin at 2 mmol/L or paclitaxel at 2.4 mg/L alone or in combination significantly inhibited the cell viability, induced apoptosis (P<0.05), decreased the level of Bcl-2 (P<0.05), increased the levels of Bax and caspase-3 (P<0.05), and promoted the protein expression of AMPK and P21 (P<0.05). The effects of metformin and paclitaxel in combination were better than those of single drug treatment, while AMPK inhibitor weaken these effects. CONCLUSION:Metformin combined with paclitaxel inhibits the viability and induces the apoptosis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells by activating AMPK signaling pathway and regulating apoptosis signaling pathway.     

3,4-Dihydroxyacetophenone reduces TG content in L02 cells and hepatic tissue via AMPK pathway

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone (3,4-DHAP) regulating lipid metabolism in human hepatic cells (L02 cells) and rabbit hepatic tissue. METHODS: L02 cells were divided into normal control group, model group, 3,4-DHAP group and simvastatin group. The cells were collected after treated with drugs for 8 h. Triglyceride (TG) content in the cells was detected by TG kit. RT-qPCR was applied to detect the mRNA expression level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The protein levels of AMPK, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), phosphorylated sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (p-SREBP-1c) and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (p-ACC) were detected by Western blot. Male New Zealand white rabbits (n=32) were randomized into normal control group, model group, 3,4-DHAP group and simvastatin group. The rabbits were treated with the drugs from week 2 to week 12. At the end of week 12, all rabbits were sacrificed. The liver lipids were measured by oil red O staining, and TG content was analyzed by TG kit. The protein levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, p-SREBP-1c and p-ACC in hepatic tissue were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: In L02 cells, compared with model group, TG content in 3,4-DHAP group was significantly decreased, and the expression of AMPK at mRNA and protein levels and the protein levels of p-AMPK, p-SREBP-1c and p-ACC were significantly increased. In rabbits of 3,4-DHAP group, the TG content was significantly decreased compared with model group, and the protein levels of AMPK, p-SREBP-1c and p-ACC were significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The AMPK signaling pathway may be involved in the mechanism of 3,4-DHAP to reduce TG content in L02 cells and rabbit hepatic tissue.     

Lipotoxicity of free fatty acid mixture and effect of free fatty acid mixture on lipid metabolism-related genes in L-02 cells

AIM：To investigate the lipotoxicity of free fatty acid (FFA) mixture and the effect of the FFA mixture on lipid metabolism-related genes in L-02 cells. METHODS：A normal human hepatocytes-derived cell line L-02 was treated with 0.5, 1 and 2 mmol/L FFA mixture (oleate and palmitate, 2∶1) for 24 h. The cellular total lipid accumulation was determined after Nile red staining by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) content was measured using an enzymatic kit. The viability of L-02 cells was determined by MTT assay and the apoptosis-inducing effect of FFA mixture was evaluated by annexin V/PI staining. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the culture medium were detected by ALT and AST kits. The mRNA levels of lipid metabolism-related genes, adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), were examined by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS：All the different concentrations of FFA mixture increased intracellular lipid accumulation and TG content in a dose-dependent manner. FFA mixture at concentration of 1 mmol/L increased intracellular TG by 2.6 folds, which matched with the change in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients. Treatment for 24 h with 0.5 mmol/L and 1 mmol/L FFA mixture did not trigger apparent cell death and apoptosis, while treatment with 2 mmol/L FFA mixture resulted in a marked decrease in cell viability and induced early and late stages of apoptosis in L-02 cells. The levels of ALT and AST in the culture supernatant had no significant difference between control group and FFA treatment group. Treatment with 1 mmol/L FFA mixture up-regulated the expression of ADRP and SREBP-1 by 2.660 and 2.758 folds, respectively. CONCLUSION：FFA mixture induces the hepatic steatosis and 2 mmol/L FFA mixture causes mild cells damage in L-02 cells. The up-regulation of ADRP and SREBP-1 may be involved in FFA-induced hepatic steatosis.     

Early high-protein diet improves glucose metabolism in SGA rats via adiponectin-AMPK signaling

AIM: To investigate the effect of early high-protein diet on glucose metabolism in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) rats and the role of adiponectin-AMP-activated protein (AMPK) signaling in this process. METHODS: Forty-eight neonatal male SGA rats were established by maternal food restriction throughout the period of pregnancy. The animals were randomly divided into SGA control group (CS group, 24 rats) and high-protein intervention SGA group (HPS group, 24 rats) when born. Twenty-four normal neonatal male rats were used as normal control group (CN group). The rats in CN group and CS group were breastfed for 3 weeks and their mothers were provided free access to basic diet. After weaning, they were provided free access to basic diet until 12 weeks of age. The rats in HPS group were breastfed for 3 weeks and their mothers were provided free access to high-protein diet. After weaning, they were provided free access to high-protein diet until 4 weeks of age. At the 4th week of age, they were provided free access to basic diet until 12 weeks of age. From 4 to 12 weeks of age, fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The serum adiponectin level and the visceral fat mass (VFM) were detected. The percentage of VFM to body weight (VFM%) was calculated. The visceral fat was paraffin-embedded and the adipocyte area was determined. The expression of AMPKα,phosphorylated AMPKα (p-AMPKα) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle was analyzed. At the 12th week of age, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. RESULTS: At the 4th week of age, no significant difference of HOMA-IR among groups was observed. At the 12th week of age, HOMA-IR in CS group was significantly higher than that in CN group and HPS group. No significant difference of HOMA-IR between CN group and HPS group was found. From 4 to 12 weeks of age, VFM% and adipocyte area of visceral fat in CS group were significantly higher than those in CN group and HPS group. No significant difference of VFM% and adipocyte area of visceral fat between CN group and HPS group was observed. The level of serum adiponectin, and the expression of p-AMPKα and GLUT4 in skeletal muscle were significantly lower in CS group than those in CN group and HPS group. The protein levels of p-AMPKα and GLUT4 were not significantly different between CN group and HPS group. No significant difference in the expression of AMPKα in skeletal muscle among groups was observed. At the 12th week of age, the area under the curve (AUC) of glucose level in OGTT was higher in CS group than that in CN group and HPS group. No significant difference of AUC of glucose level between CN group and HPS group was found. CONCLUSION: Early high protein diet may improve glucose metabolism in SGA rats, partly by avoiding excessive accumulation of visceral fat and possibly by activating adiponectin-AMPK signal pathway to increase GLUT4 expression.     

Role of retinoic acid X receptor in regulation of autophagy in rat alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation

AIM To investigate the regulatory effect of retinoic acid X receptor （RXR） on autophagy induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation （H/R） in rat alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cells （AEC Ⅱ） and its molecular mechanism. METHODS AEC Ⅱ were cultured in normoxia. The cells growing to logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into 5 groups： （1） control （Con） group： cells were cultured for 30 h under normal operation; （2） H/R group： cells were cultured in hypoxia condition for 6 h and then in reoxygenation condition for 24 h; （3） DMSO group： cells were pretreated 1.5 h with medium containing less than 0.1% DMSO before modeling, and the rest were treated the same as the H/R group; （4） 9-cis-retinoic acid （9-RA） group： cells were pretreated for 1 h with 9-RA （100 nmol/L） before hypoxia; （5） HX531 group： cells were treated with 9-RA （100 nmol/L） for 0.5 h, then treatment with HX531 （2.5 μmol/L） for 1 h. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell viability. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression of RXRα. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe the changes of intracellular ultrastructure, and the mRNA expression of adenosine AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK）, beclin 1, LC3, mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） and P62 was detected by RT-PCR. Western blot was used to detected the protein levels of p-AMPK, beclin 1, LC3-Ⅱ, p-mTOR and P62. RESULTS Compared with Con group, the cell viability in H/R, DMSO, 9-RA and HX531 groups were significantly decreased. The mRNA expression of AMPK, beclin 1 and LC3 was significantly increased, and the protein levels of p-AMPK, beclin 1 and LC3-Ⅱ were also increased. The mRNA expression of mTOR and P62 was decreased, and the protein levels of p-mTOR and P62 were also decreased （P<0.05）. The cell injury in 9-RA group was alleviated and autophagy level was significantly lower than that in H/R, DMSO and HX531 groups （P<0.05）, and no significant difference among H/R, DMSO and HX531 groups was observed （P>0.05）. CONCLUSION H/R induces autophagy of AEC Ⅱ. Activating RXR reduce the damage of AEC Ⅱ cells induced by H/R, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of autophagy.     

Inflammatory cytokines up-regulate FAT/CD36 expression in renal cells loaded by fatty acids

AIM: To investigate the effects of inflammatory cytokines on the expression of fatty acid transporter (FAT/CD36) in renal cells loaded by fatty acids. METHODS: Human mesangial cells (HMCs) and renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were treated with palmitate at concentrations of 0 mmol/L, 0.02 mmol/L, 0.04 mmol/L, 0.08 mmol/L, 0.16 mmol/L and 0.32 mmol/L for 24 h. The expression of FAT/CD36 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting,respectively. The renal cells were treated with palmitate at concentration of 0.04 mmol/L combined with TNF-α (25 μg/L) or IL-6 (20 μg/L) for 24 h. The effect of inflammatory cytokines on the mRNA and protein levels of FAT/CD36 in the renal cells was also investigated. Oil red O staining was used to determine the intracellular lipid droplet formation. The intracellular triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) were measured by enzymic assay and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: Palmitate loading dose-dependently increased the expression of FAT/CD36 at mRNA and protein levels in both HMCs and HK-2 cells. The inflammatory cytokines further increased the expression of FAT/CD36 at mRNA and protein levels in both cells loaded by palmitate. Oil red O staining, TG detection and FFA assay showed that the inflammatory cytokines increased intracellular lipid levels in both HMCs and HK-2 cells. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory cytokines up-regulate the expression of FAT/CD36 in renal cells loaded by fatty acids and exacerbate the intracellular lipid accumulation.     

Role of chlorogenic acid in endothelial dysfunction in db/db mice

AIM: To explore the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on endothelial dysfunction in db/db mice and the possible mechanism. METHODS: Male db/db mice (n=12) were divided into control group and CGA group, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in CGA group were treated with diet containing 0.02% CGA, while the mice in control group were given normal diet only. The observation period was 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose level, tail blood pressure and the body weight were analyzed each week. At the end of the 12th week, the mice were anesthetized and blood was taken from carotid artery. The plasma levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), catalase (CAT), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1) and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1) were measured by ELISA. The mouse aortas were isolated, and the superoxide anion and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured by DHE and DAF-2 DA staining, respectively. Wire Myograph System was used to detect the vasorelaxation of db/db mouse aorta. The protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), phosphorylated endothelial NO synthase (p-eNOS), P22^phox and P47^phox were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Dietary CGA decreased fasting blood glucose and body weight in db/db mice as compared with control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The plasma levels of HO-1, CAT, NQO1 and GPx-1 in CGA group were higher than those in control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Administration of CGA for 12 weeks attenuated superoxide anion level, increased NO level in the mouse endothelium and improved endothelium-dependent relaxation of the db/db mouse aorta. CGA also increased the protein levels of PPARα, Nrf2, p-AMPK and p-eNOS, and decreased P22^phox and P47^phox levels (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Dietary CGA improves db/db mouse endothelium-dependent relaxation. This effect may be related to the increases in the levels of antioxidant molecules PPARα, Nrf2 and p-AMPK, and the up-regulation of antioxidant capacity, thus decreasing the oxidative stress, promoting eNOS phosphorylation, and increasing NO level.     

Protective effect of anti-aging Klotho protein on human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with high glucose

AIM: To study the protective effect of anti-aging Klotho protein on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with high glucose (HG).METHODS: HUVECs were cultured in vitro, and divided into PBS control group, 5.5 mmol/L glucose group, 33.3 mmol/L glucose group, 0.1 μmol/L Klotho+33.3 mmol/L glucose group, 1 μmol/L Klotho+33.3 mmol/L glucose group, and 10 μmol/L Klotho+33.3 mmol/L glucose group. The viability of the HUVECs was measured by MTT assay. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in cell culture supernatants were observed. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HUVECs was analyzed by flow cytometry. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in HUVEC culture medium were detected by ELISA. The protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the HUVECs was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with PBS control group, 33.3 mmol/L glucose significantly decreased the HUVEC viability, increased ROS, LDH and MDA levels, reduced the activities of SOD and GSH, decreased the NO secretion, and induced the ET-1 and ICAM-1 secretion and the protein expression of NF-κB in HUVECs. When HUVECs were treated with Klotho protein at different concentrations combined with 33.3 mmol/L glucose, the cell viability was increased significantly, the ROS, LDH and MDA levels were decreased significantly, the antioxidant SOD and GSH activities were significantly increased, the secretion of NO was increased, but ET-1 and ICAM-1 releases and protein expression of NF-κB were significantly reduced.CONCLUSION: Anti-aging Klotho protein promotes the viability of HUVECs treated with HG, reduces the oxidative damage and ROS production, and restores the normal secretory function of HUVECs, thus playing a protective role in vascular endothelial cells through reducing the protein expression of NF-κB.     

Effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 on Sesn2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in liver of obese rats induced by high-fat diet

AIM: To explored the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide on Sesn2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in the liver of obese rats.METHODS: Male SD rats were divided into normal chow (NC) group (n=12) and high-fat diet (HF) group (n=33). After 12 weeks, 5 rats of each group were used to assess establishment of obese rat model. The rats in HF group were divided into 4 subgroups, HF group, low dose of liraglutide (LG) group, middle dose of liraglutide (MG) group, and high dose of liraglutide (HG) group, and treated with various doses of liraglutide (0, 50, 100 and 200 μg/kg) via hypodermic injection twice a day for 4 weeks. The body weight and epididymal fat index of the rats at the 16th week were measured. The liver tissue fatty degeneration was observed. The protein levels of Sesn2, AMPK, p-AMPK, mTOR and p-mTOR were determined by Western blot.RESULTS: The body weight of rats in HF group was obviously higher than that in NC group (P<0.01). Compared with NC group, the levels of Sesn2 and p-AMPK/AMPK were significantly decreased in HF group (P<0.01), while the level of p-mTOR/mTOR was not changed. After treatment with liraglutide for 4-week, the body weight of the rats in LG, MG and HG groups was obviously lower than that in HF group (P<0.01), and epididymal fat index of the rats in MG and HG groups was obviously lower than that in HF group (P<0.01). The protein level of Sesn2 in HG group was obviously higher than that in HF group (P<0.01). The level of p-AMPK/AMPK was significantly increased in MG and HG groups (P<0.01). The level of p-mTOR/mTOR was significantly increased decreased in LG, MG and HG groups (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide affects energy metabolism and improves the state of obesity through Sesn2/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.     

AngⅡ/AT1R pathway leads to down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation

AIM:To investigate the mechanism of angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ)/angiotensinⅡ type 1 receptor (AT₁R) pathway activating protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) which leads to down-regulation endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation level in mesenteric arteries of rats. METHODS:The mesenteric arteries of adult male SD rats (weighing 160~180 g; n=90) were isolated under aseptic conditions. Firstly, to determine the effect of angiotensinⅡ down-regulated eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level, the mesenteric arteries were randomly divided into normal control (control) group and AngⅡ group. The mesenteric arteries in AngⅡ group were incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L, 1×10^-6 mol/L and 1×10^-5 mol/L for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, respectively. Secondly, to investigate the molecular mechanism by which angiotensinⅡ activated PP2A leading to down-regulation eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level, the mesenteric arteries were randomly divided into control group, AngⅡ group and candesartan (CAN; a specific AT₁R blocker)+AngⅡ group. The mesenteric arteries were pretreated with 1×10^-5 mol/L CAN for 1 h, then incubated with 1×10^-7 mol/L AngⅡ for 12 h in CAN+AngⅡ group. The protein levels of eNOS, p-eNOS (Ser1177), PP2Ac, p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor 2 (I₂^PP2A) in the arteries were determined by Western blot. The activity of PP2A in the arteries was detected by PP2A activity kit. RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the protein level of p-eNOS (Ser1177) in the mesenteric arteries was decreased after incubated with AngⅡ for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h (P<0.05). The decreasing tendency of p-eNOS (Ser1177) showed concentration-dependently, especially in 12 h and 24 h groups. The expression of eNOS protein showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the mesenteric arteries of the rats were incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h in vitro, the protein levels of p-eNOS (Ser1177) were down-regulated (P<0.05); pretreatment with CAN significantly increased the protein level of p-eNOS (Ser1177) (P<0.05); the protein levels of eNOS showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A were decreased after the mesenteric arteries were treated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h (P<0.05). Candesartan pretreatment restored the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A (P<0.05), however the expression of PP2Ac protein showed no significant difference in each group. Compared with the control group, the activity of PP2A was increased in the mesenteric arteries incubated with AngⅡ at 1×10^-7 mol/L for 12 h (P<0.05). Candesarten pretreatment inhibited the activity of PP2A significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:AngⅡ increases PP2A activity via AT₁R pathway, thus leading to down-regulation eNOS (Ser1177) phosphorylation level in mesenteric arteries. The molecular mechanism of PP2A activation may be associated with decreasing the protein levels of p-PP2Ac (Tyr307) and I₂^PP2A.     

Insulin and gliclazide therapies improve liver lipid deposition in type 2 diabetic rats

AIM：To investigate the effect of insulin and gliclazide therapies on the liver fat accumulation in type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS：A high-fat diet plus low-dose streptozotocin was implemented to establish a type 2 diabetic rat model, and the rats were randomly divided into diabetes mellitus (DM) group, diabetic rats treated with insulin (INS) group, diabetic rats treated with gliclazide per os （PO） group, and normal control (NC) group. The diabetic rats in INS group and PO group were given insulin and gliclazide for 3 weeks, respectively. The changes of the liver fatty were evaluated with oil red O staining. Fasting plasma adiponectin concentration was measured by ELISA. The expression of adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) was detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK on threonine 172 (Thr172p-AMPK), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), phosphorylated SREBP-1c on serine 372 (Ser372p-SREBP-1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), phosphorylated ACC on serine79 (Ser79p-ACC) and immunoglobulin-binding protein (BiP) in the liver homogenate were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS：Compared with the normal rats, in DM group, the presence of cytoplasmic lipid deposits was confirmed by oil red O staining. In INS group, these changes were significantly lower than those in DM group. Similar results were obtained in PO group. Insulin therapy significantly increased the plasma concentration of diponectin and liver tissue levels of AdipoR1 compared with DM group. At the same time, these 2 indicators returned to normal levels after gliclazide therapy. Thr172p-AMPK/AMPK, Ser372p-SREBP-1c/SREBP-1c and Ser79p-ACC/ACC expression ratios were significantly reduced in DM group compared with control values. The expression of BiP was increased on the contrary. After insulin therapy, Thr172p-AMPK/AMPK and Ser372p-SREBP-1c/SREBP-1c were significantly increased, and Ser79p-ACC/ACC and BiP returned to the normal levels. After gliclazide treatment, Thr172p-AMPK/AMPK and Ser372p-SREBP-1c/SREBP-1c returned to the normal levels, the expression ratio of Ser79p-ACC/ACC had no significant improvement compared with DM group, and the expression of BiP significantly declined. CONCLUSION：Both the insulin and gliclazide therapies reduce the lipid deposition in the liver of rats with type 2 diabetes by activating AMPK, but the extent and mechanism are not the same. In insulin therapy, AMPK restrains the expression of SREBP-1c directly, increases the phosphorylation of SREBP-1c, and affects SREBP-1c by inhibiting the endoplasmic reticulum stress. Gliclazide treatment, which has no effect on the lipid oxidation, reduces lipid deposition in the liver only through the phosphorylation of SREBP-1c and the suppression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress.     

Naringin protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against injury induced by high glucose through PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of naringin (Nar) on the injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by 33 mmol/L high glucose (HG) and to explore its possible mechanisms.METHODS: The injury model was established by treating HUVECs with HG medium for the indicated time (6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h), and then the levels of NO, eNOS and p-eNOS were detected, respectively. The effects of Nar on high glucose-induced endothelial cell injury were observed. HUVECs were treated with Nar at concentrations of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/L for 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h and 48 h. The levels of NO in the supernatants were measured. The effects of Nar on HG-injured HUVECs were explored by treating the cells with 10 μmol/L of LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, or 0.5 μmol/L of AKT inhibitor Ⅳ, an AKT inhibitor, and then the levels of NO, PI3K, AKT, eNOS and their phosphorylated proteins were determined by Western blot.RESULTS: Nar at concentration of 50 mg/L significantly attenuated the injury of endothelial cells induced by high glucose (P<0.01), and the protective effects of Nar were abolished by pretreating with the inhibitor of PI3K or AKT (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Nar protects endothelial cells against the injury induced by high glucose through PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway.     

Yunpiheluo decoction alleviates diabetic kidney injury by regulating Sirt1/AMPK signaling pathway and activating autophagy

AIM: To observe the effect on Yunpiheluo decoction (YPHL) on renal injury in type 2 diabetic rats and to explore the mechanism from the perspective of Sirt1-AMPK-autophagy. METHODS: Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats (n=24) were randomly divided into model group, Sirt1 over-expression group and YPHL group, and fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet for 10 weeks. ZL rats were used as normal control and fed with normal diet for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, urine and blood were collected for renal function detection. The rats were sacrificed and specimen was submitted. In addition, the mRNA expression of Sirt1 was analyzed by real-time PCR. The protein levels of Sirt1, AMPK, p-AMPK, LC3 and P62 in the renal tissues wene determined by Western blot. The renal pathological changes were observed under light microscope with HE and Masson staining. RESULTS: Compared with control group, fasting blood glucose (FBG), urinary protein (UP), urinary albumin (U-ALB) and serum creatinine (SCr) in model group were obviously increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of Sirt1 was decreased (P<0.05). The protein levels of SIRT1, AMPK, p-AMPK and LC3-II/-I were decreased (P<0.01), and P62 was increased (P<0.01). Glomerular focal fibrosis, focal renal tubular epithelial cell vacuolation, necrosis, shedding and atrophy, tubular type, and renal interstitial fibrosis were observed. Compared with model group, FBG was obviously decreased in Sirt1 over-expression group (P<0.01), but it showed no significant change in YPHL group (P>0.05). SCr and U-ALB were decreased (P<0.05), Sirt1 mRNA was increased (P<0.05), the protein levels of SIRT1, AMPK, p-AMPK and LC3-II/-I were increased (P<0.01), and P62 was decreased (P<0.01) in Sirt1 over-expression group and YPHL group. HE and Masson staining showed that the renal damage in Sir1 over-expression group and YPHL group was attenuated. CONCLUSION: Yunpiheluo decoction may protect the kidney by increasing the expression level of Sirt1, activating AMPK, and regulating autophagy.