Novel Mechanisms Modulating Palmitate-Induced Inflammatory Factors in Hypertrophied 3T3-L1 Adipocytes by AMPK

Objective. A growing body of evidence indicates that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) contributes to not only energy metabolic homeostasis but also the inhibition of inflammatory responses. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To elucidate the role of AMPK, in this study, we observed the effects of AMPK activation on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods. We observed signal transduction pathways regulating MCP-1, which increased in obese adipocytes, in an in vitro model of hypertrophied 3T3-L1 adipocytes preloaded with palmitate. Results. Palmitate-preloaded cells exhibited significant increase in MCP-1 release and triglyceride (TG) deposition. Increased MCP-1 release and TG deposition were significantly decreased by an AMPK activator. In addition, the AMPK activator not only markedly diminished MCP-1 secretion but also augmented phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. In contrast, MCP-1 release suppression was abolished by the AMPK inhibitor compound C and the MEK inhibitor U0126. Conclusions. MCP-1 release from hypertrophied adipocytes is suppressed by AMPK activation through the NF-κB and ERK pathways. These findings provide evidence that AMPK plays a crucial role in ameliorating obesity-induced inflammation.

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Role of AMP-activated protein kinase during postovulatory aging of mouse oocytes†

Biology of Reproduction ◽

10.1093/biolre/ioaa081 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 103 (3) ◽

pp. 534-547

Author(s):

Guang-Yi Sun ◽

Shuai Gong ◽

Qiao-Qiao Kong ◽

Zhi-Bin Li ◽

Jia Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protein Kinase ◽

Species Difference ◽

Adenosine Monophosphate ◽

Cytoplasmic Calcium ◽

Ampk Activation ◽

Mouse Oocytes ◽

Compound C ◽

Oocyte Aging ◽

Amp Activated Protein Kinase

Abstract Studies suggested that postovulatory oocyte aging might be prevented by maintaining a high maturation-promoting factor (MPF) activity. Whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays any role in postovulatory oocyte aging is unknown. Furthermore, while activation of AMPK stimulates meiotic resumption in mouse oocytes, it inhibits meiotic resumption in pig and bovine oocytes. Thus, the species difference in AMPK regulation of oocyte MPF activities is worth in-depth studies. This study showed that AMPK activation with metformin or 5-aminoimidazole- 4-carboxamide- 1-beta-d- ribofuranoside and inactivation with compound C significantly increased and decreased, respectively, the activation susceptibility (AS) and other aging parameters in aging mouse oocytes. While AMPK activity increased, MPF activity and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) decreased significantly with time post ovulation. In vitro activation and inactivation of AMPK significantly decreased and increased the MPF activity, respectively. MPF upregulation with MG132 or downregulation with roscovitine completely abolished the effects of AMPK activation or inactivation on AS of aging oocytes, respectively. AMPK facilitated oocyte aging with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytoplasmic calcium. Furthermore, treatment with Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) inhibitors significantly decreased AS and AMPK activation. Taken together, the results suggested that AMPK facilitated oocyte aging through inhibiting MPF activities, and postovulatory oocyte aging activated AMPK with decreased cAMP by activating CaMKs via increasing ROS and cytoplasmic calcium.

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Berberine suppresses proinflammatory responses through AMPK activation in macrophages

AJP Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1152/ajpendo.90599.2008 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 296 (4) ◽

pp. E955-E964 ◽

Cited By ~ 275

Author(s):

Hyun Woo Jeong ◽

Kuan Chi Hsu ◽

Joo-Won Lee ◽

Mira Ham ◽

Jin Young Huh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Peritoneal Macrophages ◽

Dominant Negative ◽

Raw 264.7 Cells ◽

Ampk Activation ◽

Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 ◽

Compound C ◽

Proinflammatory Responses ◽

Cox 2 ◽

Amp Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Oxide Synthase

Berberine (BBR) has been shown to improve several metabolic disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia, by stimulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). However, the effects of BBR on proinflammatory responses in macrophages are poorly understood. Here we show that BBR represses proinflammatory responses through AMPK activation in macrophages. In adipose tissue of obese db/db mice, BBR treatment significantly downregulated the expression of proinflammatory genes such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Consistently, BBR inhibited LPS-induced expression of proinflammatory genes including IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, MCP-1, COX-2, and matrix metalloprotease-9 in peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. Upon various proinflammatory signals including LPS, free fatty acids, and hydrogen peroxide, BBR suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs, such as p38, ERK, and JNK, and the level of reactive oxygen species in macrophages. Moreover, these inhibitory effects of BBR on proinflammatory responses were abolished by AMPK inhibition via either compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, or dominant-negative AMPK, implying that BBR would downregulate proinflammatory responses in macrophages via AMPK stimulation.

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Exogenous phospholipase A2 affects inflammatory gene expression in primary bovine mammary epithelial cells

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029919000232 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 86 (2) ◽

pp. 177-180

Author(s):

Jacqueline P. Kurz ◽

Mark P. Richards ◽

Matthew Garcia ◽

Zhongde Wang

Keyword(s):

Epithelial Cells ◽

Phospholipase A2 ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Mammary Epithelial Cells ◽

Constitutive Expression ◽

Mammary Epithelial ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells ◽

Lps Challenge

AbstractThis Research Communication addresses the hypothesis that exogenously administered phospholipase A2 (PLA2) affects the inflammatory responses of bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) in vitro with the aim of providing preliminary justification of investigation into the uses of exogenously administered PLA2 to manage or treat bovine mastitis. Primary bMEC lines from 11 lactating Holstein dairy cows were established and the expression of 14 pro-inflammatory genes compared under unchallenged and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged conditions, with and without concurrent treatment with bovine pancreatic PLA2G1B, a secreted form of PLA2. No differences in the expression of these genes were noted between PLA2-treated and untreated bMEC under unchallenged conditions. Following LPS challenge, untreated bMEC exhibited significant downregulation of CXCL8, IL1B, CCL20, and CXCL1. In contrast, PLA2-treated bMEC exhibited significant downregulation of IL1B and CCL20 only. These findings indicate that exogenous PLA2 affects the expression of some pro-inflammatory factors in immune-stimulated bMEC, but does not influence the constitutive expression of these factors. Further investigation of the influence of exogenous PLA2 in the bovine mammary gland is justified.

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The Inflammatory Role of Pro-Resolving Mediators in Endometriosis: An Integrative Review

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22094370 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (9) ◽

pp. 4370

Author(s):

Cássia de Fáveri ◽

Paula M. Poeta Fermino ◽

Anna P. Piovezan ◽

Lia K. Volpato

Keyword(s):

Intracellular Signaling ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Critical Role ◽

Integrative Review ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Resolvin D1 ◽

Endogenous Factors

The pathogenesis of endometriosis is still controversial, although it is known that the inflammatory immune response plays a critical role in this process. The resolution of inflammation is an active process where the activation of endogenous factors allows the host tissue to maintain homeostasis. The mechanisms by which pro-resolving mediators (PRM) act in endometriosis are still little explored. Thus, this integrative review aims to synthesize the available content regarding the role of PRM in endometriosis. Experimental and in vitro studies with Lipoxin A4 demonstrate a potential inhibitory effect on endometrial lesions’ progression, attenuating pro-inflammatory and angiogenic signals, inhibiting proliferative and invasive action suppressing intracellular signaling induced by cytokines and estradiol, mainly through the FPR2/ALX. Investigations with Resolvin D1 demonstrated the inhibition of endometrial lesions and decreased pro-inflammatory factors. Annexin A1 is expressed in the endometrium and is specifically present in women with endometriosis, although the available studies are still inconsistent. Thus, we believe there is a gap in knowledge regarding the PRM pathways in patients with endometriosis. It is important to note that these substances’ therapeutic potential is evident since the immune and abnormal inflammatory responses play an essential role in endometriosis development and progression.

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A Bibenzyl Component Moscatilin Mitigates Glycation-Mediated Damages in an SH-SY5Y Cell Model of Neurodegenerative Diseases through AMPK Activation and RAGE/NF-κB Pathway Suppression

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25194574 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (19) ◽

pp. 4574

Author(s):

Mei Chou Lai ◽

Wayne Young Liu ◽

Shorong-Shii Liou ◽

I-Min Liu

Keyword(s):

Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽

Cell Model ◽

P53 Expression ◽

Pheochromocytoma Cells ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Compound C ◽

Species Production ◽

Amp Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Exposure Ages

Moscatilin can protect rat pheochromocytoma cells against methylglyoxal-induced damage. Elimination of the effect of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) but activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are the potential therapeutic targets for the neurodegenerative diseases. Our study aimed to clarify AMPK signaling’s role in the beneficial effects of moscatilin on the diabetic/hyperglycemia-associated neurodegenerative disorders. AGEs-induced injury in SH-SY5Y cells was used as an in vitro neurodegenerative model. AGEs stimulation resulted in cellular viability loss and reactive oxygen species production, and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse. It was observed that the cleaved forms of caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase increased in SH-SY5Y cells following AGEs exposure. AGEs decreased Bcl-2 but increased Bax and p53 expression and nuclear factor kappa-B activation in SH-SY5Y cells. AGEs also attenuated the phosphorylation level of AMPK. These AGEs-induced detrimental effects were ameliorated by moscatilin, which was similar to the actions of metformin. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK, abolished the beneficial effects of moscatilin on the regulation of SH-SY5Y cells’ function, indicating the involvement of AMPK. In conclusion, moscatilin offers a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce the neurotoxicity or AMPK dysfunction of AGEs. It provides a potential beneficial effect with AGEs-related neurodegenerative diseases.

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ERK signaling mediates resistance to immunomodulatory drugs in the bone marrow microenvironment

Science Advances ◽

10.1126/sciadv.abg2697 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (23) ◽

pp. eabg2697

Author(s):

Jiye Liu ◽

Teru Hideshima ◽

Lijie Xing ◽

Su Wang ◽

Wenrong Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Outcome ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Nuclear Factor Κb ◽

Mek Inhibitor ◽

Erk Signaling ◽

Immunomodulatory Drugs ◽

Pathway Activation ◽

Extracellular Signal

Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) have markedly improved patient outcome in multiple myeloma (MM); however, resistance to IMiDs commonly underlies relapse of disease. Here, we identify that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) knockdown (KD)/knockout (KO) in MM cells mediates IMiD resistance via activation of noncanonical nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. Within MM bone marrow (BM) stromal cell supernatants, TNF-α induces proteasomal degradation of TRAF2, noncanonical NF-κB, and downstream ERK signaling in MM cells, whereas interleukin-6 directly triggers ERK activation. RNA sequencing of MM patient samples shows nearly universal ERK pathway activation at relapse on lenalidomide maintenance therapy, confirming its clinical relevance. Combination MEK inhibitor treatment restores IMiD sensitivity of TRAF2 KO cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our studies provide the framework for clinical trials of MEK inhibitors to overcome IMiD resistance in the BM microenvironment and improve patient outcome in MM.

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Abstract WMP31: Dedifferentiation of Smooth Muscle Cells and its Potential Contribution to Pathogenesis of Intracranial Aneurysms

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wmp31 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mieko Oka ◽

Nobuhiko Ohno ◽

Takakazu Kawamata ◽

Tomohiro Aoki

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Smooth Muscle ◽

Smooth Muscle Cells ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Muscle Cells ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Potential Contribution ◽

Electron Microscopic

Introduction: Intracranial aneurysm (IA) affects 1 to 5 % in general public and becomes the primary cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage, the most severe form of stroke. However, currently, no drug therapy is available for IAs to prevent progression and rupture of lesions. Elucidation of mechanisms underlying the disease is thus mandatory. Considering the important role of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the maintenance of stiffness of arterial walls and also in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis via mediating inflammatory responses, we in the present study analyzed morphological or phenotypical changes of SMCs during the disease development in the lesions. Methods: We subjected rats to an IA model in which lesions are induced by increase of hemodynamic force loading on intracranial arterial bifurcations and performed histopathological analyses of induced lesions including the electron microscopic examination. We then immunostained specimens from induced lesions to explore factors responsible for dedifferentiation or migration of SMCs. In vitro study was also done to examine effect of some candidate factors on dedifferentiation or migration of cultured SMCs. Results: We first found the accumulation of SMCs underneath the endothelial cell layer mainly at the neck portion of the lesion. These cells was positive for the embryonic form of myosin heavy chain, a marker for the dedifferentiated SMCs, and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors like TNF-α. In immunostaining to explore the potential factor regulating the dedifferentiation of SMCs, we found that Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) was expressed in endothelial cells at the neck portion of IA walls. Consistently, recombinant PDGF-BB could promote the dedifferentiate of SMCs and chemo-attracted them in in vitro. Finally, in the stenosis model of the carotid artery, PDGF-BB expression was induced in endothelial cells in which high wall shear stress was loaded and the dedifferentiation of SMCs occurred there. Conclusions: The findings from the present study imply the role of dedifferentiated SMCs partially recruited by PDGF-BB from endothelial cells in the formation of inflammatory microenvironment at the neck portion of IA walls, leading to the progression of the disease.

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Imatinib protects against human beta-cell death via inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and activation of AMPK

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20210604 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Andris Elksnis ◽

Tomas A Schiffer ◽

Fredrik Palm ◽

Yun Wang ◽

Jing Cen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Tyrosine Kinase ◽

Beta Cell ◽

Mitochondrial Respiration ◽

Kinase Inhibitor ◽

Direct Interaction ◽

Ampk Activation ◽

Beta Cell Death ◽

Compound C

The protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib is used in the treatment of various malignancies, but may also promote beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the present investigation was to characterize the mechanisms by which imatinib protects insulin producing cells. Treatment of NOD mice with imatinib resulted in increased beta-cell AMPK phosphorylation. Imatinib activated AMPK also in vitro, resulting in decreased ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation and protection against IAPP-aggregation, TXNIP upregulation and beta-cell death. AICAR mimicked and compound C counteracted the effect of imatinib on beta-cell survival. Imatinib-induced AMPK activation was preceded by reduced glucose/pyruvate-dependent respiration, increased glycolysis rates, and a lowered ATP/AMP ratio. Imatinib augmented the fractional oxidation of fatty acids/malate, possibly via a direct interaction with the beta-oxidation enzyme ECHS1. In non-beta cells, imatinib reduced respiratory chain complex I and II-mediated respiration and ACC phosphorylation, suggesting that mitochondrial effects of imatinib are not beta-cell specific. In conclusion, tyrosine kinase inhibitors modestly inhibit mitochondrial respiration, leading to AMPK activation and TXNIP downregulation, which in turn protects against beta-cell death.

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hnRNPA2/B1 Ameliorates LPS-Induced Endothelial Injury through NF-κB Pathway and VE-Cadherin/β-Catenin Signaling Modulation In Vitro

Mediators of Inflammation ◽

10.1155/2020/6458791 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Yi Chen ◽

Dan Tang ◽

Linjie Zhu ◽

Tianjie Yuan ◽

Yingfu Jiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Inflammatory Responses ◽

Umbilical Vein ◽

Cell Metabolism ◽

Endothelial Permeability ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Endothelial Injury ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Barrier Dysfunction

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2/B1) is a protein involved in the regulation of RNA processing, cell metabolism, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. However, the effect of hnRNPA2/B1 on injured endothelial cells (ECs) remains unclear. We investigated the effect of hnRNPA2/B1 on lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced vascular endothelial injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the underlying mechanisms. LPS was used to induce EC injury, and the roles of hnRNPA2/B1 in EC barrier dysfunction and inflammatory responses were measured by testing endothelial permeability and the expression of inflammatory factors after the suppression and overexpression of hnRNPA2/B1. To explore the underlying mechanism by which hnRNPA2/B1 regulates endothelial injury, we studied the VE-cadherin/β-catenin pathway and NF-κB activation in HUVECs. The results showed that hnRNPA2/B1 was elevated in LPS-stimulated HUVECs. Moreover, knockdown of hnRNPA2/B1 aggravated endothelial injury by increasing EC permeability and promoting the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Overexpression of hnRNPA2/B1 can reduce the permeability and inflammatory response of HUVEC stimulated by LPS in vitro, while increasing the expression of VE-Cadherin and β-catenin. Furthermore, the suppression of hnRNPA2/B1 increased the LPS-induced NF-κB activation and reduced the VE-cadherin/β-catenin pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that hnRNPA2/B1 can regulate LPS-induced EC damage through regulating the NF-κB and VE-cadherin/β-catenin pathways.

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Chronic in vivo or acute in vitro resveratrol attenuates endothelium-dependent cyclooxygenase-mediated contractile signaling in hypertensive rat carotid artery

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.00675.2015 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 120 (10) ◽

pp. 1141-1150 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Steven G. Denniss ◽

Rebecca J. Ford ◽

Christopher S. Smith ◽

Andrew J. Jeffery ◽

James W. E. Rush

Keyword(s):

Carotid Artery ◽

Day Treatment ◽

Spontaneously Hypertensive ◽

Compound C ◽

Tp Receptor ◽

Wistar Kyoto ◽

Amp Activated Protein Kinase ◽

Endothelium Dependent Relaxation

Exaggerated cyclooxygenase (COX) and thromboxane-prostanoid (TP) receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent contraction can contribute to endothelial dysfunction. This study examined the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on endothelium-dependent contraction and cell signaling in the common carotid artery (CCA) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Acetylcholine (Ach)-stimulated endothelium-dependent nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-mediated relaxation in precontracted SHR CCA was impaired (maximum 73 ± 6% vs. 87 ± 5% in WKY) ( P < 0.05) by competitive COX-mediated contraction. Chronic (28-day) treatment in vivo (drinking water) with a ∼0.075 mg·kg−1·day−1 RSV dose affected neither endothelium-dependent relaxation nor endothelium-dependent contraction and associated prostaglandin (PG) production evaluated in non-precontracted NOS-blocked CCA. In contrast, a chronic ∼7.5 mg·kg−1·day−1 RSV dose improved endothelium-dependent relaxation (94 ± 6%) and attenuated endothelium-dependent contraction (58 ± 4% vs. 73 ± 5% in No-RSV) and PG production (183 ± 43 vs. 519 ± 93 pg/ml) in SHR CCA, while U46619-stimulated TP receptor-mediated contraction was unaffected. In separate acute in vitro experiments, 20-μM RSV preincubation attenuated endothelium-dependent contraction (6 ± 4% vs. 62 ± 2% in No Drug) and PG production (121 ± 15 vs. 491 ± 93 pg/ml) and attenuated U46619-stimulated contraction (134 ± 5% vs. 171 ± 4%) in non-precontracted NOS-blocked SHR CCA. Compound C, a known AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, did not prevent the RSV attenuating effect on Ach- and U46619 -stimulated contraction but did prevent the RSV attenuating effect on PG production (414 ± 58 pg/ml). These data demonstrate that RSV can attenuate endothelium-dependent contraction both by suppressing arterial wall PG production, which may be partially mediated by AMPK, and by TP receptor hyporesponsiveness, which does not appear to be mediated by AMPK.

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