scholarly journals miR-21 ablation and obeticholic acid ameliorate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e2748-e2748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro M Rodrigues ◽  
Marta B Afonso ◽  
André L Simão ◽  
Catarina C Carvalho ◽  
Alexandre Trindade ◽  
...  

Abstract microRNAs were recently suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a disease lacking specific pharmacological treatments. In that regard, nuclear receptors are arising as key molecular targets for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Here we show that, in a typical model of NASH-associated liver damage, microRNA-21 (miR-21) ablation results in a progressive decrease in steatosis, inflammation and lipoapoptosis, with impairment of fibrosis. In a complementary fast food (FF) diet NASH model, mimicking features of the metabolic syndrome, miR-21 levels increase in both liver and muscle, concomitantly with decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a key miR-21 target. Strikingly, miR-21 knockout mice fed the FF diet supplemented with farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) display minimal steatosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and cholesterol accumulation. In addition, lipoprotein metabolism was restored, including decreased fatty acid uptake and polyunsaturation, and liver and muscle insulin sensitivity fully reinstated. Finally, the miR-21/PPARα axis was found amplified in liver and muscle biopsies, and in serum, of NAFLD patients, co-substantiating its role in the development of the metabolic syndrome. By unveiling that miR-21 abrogation, together with FXR activation by OCA, significantly improves whole body metabolic parameters in NASH, our results highlight the therapeutic potential of nuclear receptor multi-targeting therapies for NAFLD.

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco A. Monsalve ◽  
Radha D. Pyarasani ◽  
Fernando Delgado-Lopez ◽  
Rodrigo Moore-Carrasco

Metabolic syndrome is estimated to affect more than one in five adults, and its prevalence is growing in the adult and pediatric populations. The most widely recognized metabolic risk factors are atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and elevated plasma glucose. Individuals with these characteristics commonly manifest a prothrombotic state and a proinflammatory state as well. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) may serve as potential therapeutic targets for treating the metabolic syndrome and its related risk factors. The PPARs are transcriptional factors belonging to the ligand-activated nuclear receptor superfamily. So far, three isoforms of PPARs have been identified, namely, PPAR-α, PPAR-β/δ, and PPAR-γ. Various endogenous and exogenous ligands of PPARs have been identified. PPAR-αand PPAR-γare mainly involved in regulating lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis, and their agonists are used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and T2DM. Whereas PPAR-β/δfunction is to regulate lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis, anti-inflammation, and fatty acid oxidation and its agonists are used in the treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This review mainly focuses on the biological role of PPARs in gene regulation and metabolic diseases, with particular focus on the therapeutic potential of PPAR modulators in the treatment of thrombosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Heitel ◽  
Giuseppe Faudone ◽  
Moritz Helmstädter ◽  
Jurema Schmidt ◽  
Astrid Kaiser ◽  
...  

AbstractNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) - a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome - is a multifactorial disease with alarming global prevalence. It involves steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver, thus demanding multiple modes of action for robust therapeutic efficacy. Aiming to fuse complementary validated anti-NASH strategies in a single molecule, we have designed and systematically optimized a scaffold for triple activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α and PPARδ. Pilot profiling of the resulting triple modulator demonstrated target engagement in native cellular settings and in mice, rendering it a suitable tool to probe the triple modulator concept in vivo. In DIO NASH in mice, the triple agonist counteracted hepatic inflammation and reversed hepatic fibrosis highlighting the potential of designed polypharmacology in NASH.


Author(s):  
Alfonso Bellia ◽  
Bruno Ruscello ◽  
Rolando Bolognino ◽  
Gianluca Briotti ◽  
Paolo Roberto Gabrielli ◽  
...  

AbstractWe investigated early effects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation added to hypocaloric diet on metabolic syndrome features in sedentary middle-aged individuals. We randomly assigned 25 patients to Whole-Body Electromyostimulation plus caloric restriction or caloric restriction alone for 26 weeks. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, glycated hemoglobin, lipids, uric acid, creatinphosphokynase, C-reactive protein were assessed. Body composition was evaluated with direct-segmental, multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Both groups lost approximately 10% of weight, with similar effects on waist circumference and fat mass. Change in free-fat mass was significantly different between groups (caloric restriction −1.5±0.2 vs. Whole-Body Electromyostimulation plus caloric restriction +1.1±0.4 kg, p=0.03). Whole-Body Electromyostimulation plus caloric restriction group experienced greater percent reductions in insulin (−45.5±4.4 vs. −28.2±3.6%, p=0.002), HOMA-IR (–51.3±3.2 vs. –25.1±1.8%, p=0.001), triglycerides (−22.5±2.9 vs. −4.1±1.6%, p=0.004) and triglycerides/HDL (p=0.028). Subjects trained with Whole-Body Electromyostimulation had also significant improvement in systolic pressure (138±4 vs. 126±7 mmHg, p=0.038). No discontinuations for adverse events occurred. In middle-aged sedentary subjects with the metabolic syndrome, Whole-Body Electromyostimulation with caloric restriction for 26 weeks can improve insulin-resistance and lipid profile compared to diet alone. Further studies are needed to ascertain long-term efficacy and feasibility of this approach in individuals with the metabolic syndrome.


2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 973-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Chang ◽  
Linda A Jaber ◽  
Helen D Berlie ◽  
Mary Beth O'Connell

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the evolution of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists from single site to multiple subtype or partial agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. DATA SOURCES: Information was obtained from MEDLINE (1966-March 2007) using search terms peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist, PPAR dual agonist, PPAR α/γ agonist, PPAR pan agonist, partial PPAR, and the specific compound names. Other sources included pharmaceutical companies, the Internet, and the American Diabetes Association 64th-66th Scientific Sessions abstract books. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Animal data, abstracts, clinical trials, and review articles were reviewed and summarized. DATA SYNTHESIS: PPAR α, γ, and δ receptors play an important role in lipid metabolism, regulation of adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, and insulin sensitivity. The PPAR dual agonists were developed to combine the triglyceride lowering and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol elevation from the PPAR-α agonists (fibrates) with the insulin sensitivity improvement from the PPAR-γ agonists (thiazolidinediones). Although the dual agonists reduced hemoglobin A1C(A1C) and improved the lipid profile, adverse effects led to discontinued development. Currently, PPAR-γ agonists (GW501516 in Phase I trials), partial PPAR-γ agonists (metaglidasen in Phase II and III trials), and pan agonists (α, γ, δ netoglitazone in Phase II and III trials) with improved cell and tissue selectivity are undergoing investigation to address multiple aspects of the metabolic syndrome with a single medication. By decreasing both A1C and triglycerides, metaglidasen did improve multiple aspects of the metabolic syndrome with fewer adverse effects than compared with placebo. Metaglidasen is now being compared with pioglitazone. CONCLUSIONS: Influencing the various PPARs results in improved glucose, lipid, and weight management, with effects dependent on full or partial agonist activity at single or multiple receptors. Although the dual PPAR compounds have been associated with unacceptable toxicities, new PPAR agonist medications continue to be developed and investigated to discover a safe drug with benefits in multiple disease states.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Haddad ◽  
Diane Vallerand ◽  
Antoine Brault ◽  
Pierre S. Haddad

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease related to the metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes. The rising prevalence of NASH and the lack of efficient treatments have led to the exploration of different therapeutic approaches. Milk thistle (Silibum marianum) is a medicinal plant used for its hepatoprotective properties in chronic liver disease since the 4th century BC. We explored the therapeutic effect of silibinin, the plant's most biologically active extract, in an experimental rat NASH model. A control group was fed a standard liquid diet for 12 weeks. The other groups were fed a high-fat liquid diet for 12 weeks without (NASH) or with simultaneous daily supplement with silibinin–phosphatidylcholine complex (Silibinin 200 mg kg−1) for the last 5 weeks. NASH rats developed all key hallmarks of the pathology. Treatment with silibinin improved liver steatosis and inflammation and decreased NASH-induced lipid peroxidation, plasma insulin and TNF-α. Silibinin also decreasedO2∙-release and returned the relative liver weight as well as GSH back to normal. Our results suggest that milk thistle's extract, silibinin, possesses antioxidant, hypoinsulinemic and hepatoprotective properties that act against NASH-induced liver damage. This medicinal herb thus shows promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of NASH.


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