Positive allosteric GABAA receptor modulation counteracts lipotoxicity-induced gene expression changes in hepatocytes in vitro.

Introduction: We have previously shown that the novel positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor, HK4, exerts hepatoprotective effects against lipotoxicity-induced apoptosis, DNA damage, inflammation and ER stress in vitro. This might be mediated by downregulated phosphorylation of the transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of HK4 on lipotoxicity-induced hepatocyte injury at the transcriptional level. Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with palmitate (200 µM) in the presence or absence of HK4 (10 µM) for 7 h. Total RNA was isolated and the expression profiles of mRNAs were assessed. Differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to the DAVID database and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software for functional and pathway analysis, all under appropriate statistical testing. Results: Transcriptomic analysis showed substantial modifications in gene expression in response to palmitate as lipotoxic stimulus with 1,457 differentially expressed genes affecting lipid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, oxidative and ER stress among others. HK4 preincubation resulted in the prevention of palmitate-induced dysregulation by restoring initial gene expression pattern of untreated hepatocytes comprising 456 genes. Out of the 456 genes, 342 genes were upregulated and 114 downregulated by HK4. Enriched pathways analysis of those genes by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, pointed towards oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysregulation, protein ubiquitination, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation as affected pathways. These pathways are regulated by the key upstream regulators TP53, KDM5B, DDX5, CAB39 L and SYVN1, which orchestrate the metabolic and oxidative stress responses including modulation of DNA repair and degradation of ER stress-induced misfolded proteins in the presence or absence of HK4. Discussion: We conclude that HK4 specifically targets mitochondrial respiration, protein ubiquitination, apoptosis and cell cycle. This not only helps to counteract lipotoxic hepatocellular injury through modification of gene expression, but - by targeting transcription factors responsible for DNA repair, cell cycle progression and ER stress - might even prevent lipotoxic mechanisms. These findings suggest that HK4 has a great potential for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

DPP4 Promotes Human Endothelial Cell Senescence and Dysfunction via the PAR2-COX-2-TP Axis and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal accumulation of senescent cells in the vessel wall leads to a compromised vascular function contributing to vascular aging. Soluble DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4; sDPP4) secretion from visceral adipose tissue is enhanced in obesity, now considered a progeric condition. sDPP4 triggers vascular deleterious effects, albeit its contribution to vascular aging is unknown. We aimed to explore sDPP4 involvement in vascular aging, unraveling the molecular pathway by which sDPP4 acts on the endothelium. METHODS: Human endothelial cell senescence was assessed by senescence-associated ß-galactosidase assay, visualization of DNA damage, and expression of prosenescent markers, whereas vascular function was evaluated by myography over human dissected microvessels. In visceral adipose tissue biopsies from a cohort of obese patients, we explored several age-related parameters in vitro and ex vivo. RESULTS: By a common mechanism, sDPP4 triggers endothelial cell senescence and endothelial dysfunction in isolated human resistance arteries. sDPP4 activates the metabotropic receptor PAR2 (protease-activated receptor 2), COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2) activity, and the production of TXA2 (thromboxane A2) acting over TP (thromboxane receptor) receptors (PAR2-COX-2-TP axis), leading to NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome activation. Obese patients exhibited impaired microarterial functionality in comparison to control nonobese counterparts. Importantly, endothelial dysfunction in obese patients positively correlated with greater expression of DPP4, prosenescent, and proinflammatory markers in visceral adipose tissue nearby the resistance arteries. Moreover, when DPP4 activity or sDPP4-induced prosenescent mechanism was blocked, endothelial dysfunction was restored back to levels of healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal sDPP4 as a relevant mediator in early vascular aging and highlight its capacity activating main proinflammatory mediators in the endothelium that might be pharmacologically tackled.

Positive allosteric γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor modulation prevents lipotoxicity-induced injury in hepatocytes in vitro.

AIM: To determine if a novel positive allosteric modulator of the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptor, the thioacrylamide-derivative HK4, which does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, protects human hepatocytes against lipotoxicity-induced injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Allosteric modulation of the GABAA receptor by HK4 was determined by patch clamp in HEK-293 cells, calcium influx in INS-1E cells and by using the specific GABAA channel blockers picrotoxin and tert-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) in HepG2 cells. Apoptosis was analysed using caspase 3/7, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and array assays in HepG2 cells and/or human primary hepatocytes. Phosphorylation of STAT3 and the NF-κB subunit p65, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Patch clamping, calcium influx measurements and apoptosis assays with the non-competitive GABAA channel blockers picrotoxin and TBPS proved HK4 as a selective positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor. In HepG2 cells, which expressed the main GABAA receptor subunits, HK4 prevented palmitate-induced apoptosis. This protective effect was mediated by downregulation of caspase 3/7 activity and was additionally verified by TUNEL assay. HK4 effectively prevented palmitate-induced apoptosis in human primary hepatocytes. HK4 reduced STAT3 and NF-κB phosphorylation, reduced cleaved PARP-1 expression and upregulated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone PDI. CONCLUSIONS: HK4 reduced lipotoxic-induced apoptosis by preventing inflammation, DNA damage and ER stress. We propose that the effect of HK4 is mediated by STAT3 and NF-κB. It is suggested that thioacrylamide compounds represent an innovative pharmacological tool to treat or prevent non-alcoholic steatohepatitis as first-in-class drugs.

Inter-Organ Crosstalk in the Development of Obesity-Associated Insulin Resistance.

The epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes have led to intensive investigation of the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and their main complications such as cardiovascular diseases and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This search has contributed to better understand how organs and tissues communicate with each other in the so-called inter-organ crosstalk. Adipose tissue, the liver, or skeletal muscle can actively release secreted factors termed "organokines" which can interact with other distant targets in complex networks. More recently, other novel mediators of inter-organ crosstalk such as extracellular vesicles and their non-traditional cargoes as miRNAs and lncRNAs are gaining importance and represent potential therapeutic targets. In the present chapter we summarize some of the current knowledge on inter-organ communication with a focus on adipose tissue-released factors and their modulation on other organs and tissues like pancreas, liver, skeletal muscle, the cardiovascular system, and the gut in the context of obesity and its progression to insulin resistance. We also provide a perspective on mediators of inter-organ crosstalk as potential therapeutic targets.

Cannabinoid Receptors in Metabolic Regulation and Diabetes.

There is an urgent need for developing effective drugs to combat the obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus epidemics. The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in energy homeostasis. It comprises the cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands called endocannabinoids and their metabolizing enzymes. Because the CB1 receptor is overactivated in metabolic alterations, pharmacological blockade of the CB1 receptor arose as a promising candidate to treat obesity. However, because of the wide distribution of CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, their negative central effects halted further therapeutic use. Although the CB2 receptor is mostly peripherally expressed, its role in metabolic homeostasis remains unclear. This review discusses the potential of CB1 and CB2 receptors at the peripheral level to be therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases. We focus on the impact of pharmacological intervention and/or silencing on peripheral cannabinoid receptors in organs/tissues relevant for energy homeostasis. Moreover, we provide a perspective on novel therapeutic strategies modulating these receptors. Targeting CB1 with peripherally restricted antagonists, neutral antagonists, inverse agonists, or monoclonal antibodies could represent successful strategies. CB2 agonism has shown promising results at preclinical level. Beyond classic antagonism and agonism targeting orthosteric sites, the recently described crystal structures of CB1 and CB2 open new possibilities for therapeutic interventions with negative and positive allosteric modulators. The challenge of simultaneously targeting CB1 and CB2 might be possible by developing dual-steric ligands. The future will tell whether these promising strategies result in a renaissance of the cannabinoid receptors as therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases.

DPP4 and ACE2 in Diabetes and COVID-19: Therapeutic Targets for Cardiovascular Complications?

COVID-19 outbreak, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 coronavirus has become an urgent health and economic challenge. Diabetes is a risk factor for severity and mortality of COVID-19. Recent studies support that COVID-19 has effects beyond the respiratory tract, with vascular complications arising as relevant factors worsening its prognosis, then making patients with previous vascular disease more prone to severity or fatal outcome. Angiotensin-II converting enzime-2 (ACE2) has been proposed as preferred receptor for SARS-CoV-2 host infection, yet specific proteins participating in the virus entry are not fully known. SARS-CoV-2 might use other co-receptor or auxiliary proteins allowing virus infection. In silico experiments proposed that SARS-CoV-2 might bind dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4/CD26), which was established previously as receptor for MERS-CoV. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) component ACE2 and DPP4 are proteins dysregulated in diabetes. Imbalance of the RAAS and direct effect of soluble DPP4 exert deleterious vascular effects. We hypothesize that diabetic patients might be more affected by COVID-19 due to increased presence ACE2 and DPP4 mediating infection and contributing to a compromised vasculature. Here, we discuss the role of ACE2 and DPP4 as relevant factors linking the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19 in diabetic patients and present an outlook on therapeutic potential of current drugs targeted against RAAS and DPP4 to treat or prevent COVID-19-derived vascular complications. Diabetes affects more than 400 million people worldwide, thus better understanding of how they are affected by COVID-19 holds an important benefit to fight against this disease with pandemic proportions.

Visfatin/eNampt induces endothelial dysfunction in vivo: a role for Toll-Like Receptor 4 and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Visfatin/extracellular-nicotinamide-phosphoribosyltranferase-(eNampt) is a multifaceted adipokine enhanced in type-2-diabetes and obesity. Visfatin/eNampt cause in vitro endothelial dysfunction and vascular inflammation, although whether the same effects are achieved in vivo is unknown. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), a main surface pattern recognition receptor of innate immune system is a potential target for visfatin/eNampt. We studied its capacity to generate vascular dysfunction in vivo, focusing on TLR4 role and downstream activation of nod-like-receptor-protein-3 (NLRP3)-inflammasome. 4 month-old C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 7 days infusion of visfatin/eNampt, alone or together with FK 866 (Nampt enzymatic inhibitor), CLI 095 (TLR4 blocker), MCC 950 (NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor), or anakinra (interleukin(IL)-1-receptor antagonist). Endothelial dysfunction was tested in isolated microvessels. In human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC), proteins related to the NLRP3-inflammasome phosphorylated p-65, NLRP3, caspase-1, pro-IL-1ß, and mature IL-1ß were determined by Western blot, while the inflammasome related apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC-specks) was studied by immunofluorescence. Impaired endothelium-dependent relaxations were observed in isolated mesenteric microvessels from visfatin/eNampt-infused mice. This effect was attenuated by co-treatment with FK 866 or CLI 095, supporting a role for Nampt enzymatic activity and TLR4 activation. Moreover, cultured HUVEC exposed to visfatin/eNampt showed higher expression and activation of NLRP3-inflammasome. Again, this effect relied on Nampt enzymatic activity and TLR4 activation, and it was abrogated by the inflammasome assembly blockade with MCC 950. The endothelial dysfunction evoked by visfatin/eNampt infusion in vivo was also sensitive to both MCC 950 and anakinra treatments, suggesting that the NLRP3-inflammasome-driven tissular release of IL-1ß is the final mediator of endothelial damage. We conclude that Visfatin/eNampt produces in vivo vascular dysfunction in mice by a Nampt-dependent TLR4-mediated pathway, involving NLRP3-inflammasome and paracrine IL-1ß. Thus, those targets may become therapeutic strategies for attenuating the adipokine-mediated vascular dysfunction associated to obesity and/or type-2-diabetes.

DPP4 deletion in adipose tissue improves hepatic insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obesity.

Besides a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is an adipokine potentially upregulated in human obesity. We aimed to explore the role of adipocyte-derived DPP4 in diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance with an adipose tissue-specific knockout (AT-DPP4-KO) mouse. Wild-type and AT-DPP4-KO mice were fed for 24 wk with a high fat diet (HFD) and characterized for body weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and body composition and hepatic fat content. Image and molecular biology analysis of inflammation, as well as adipokine secretion, was performed in AT by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, real-time-PCR, and ELISA. Incretin levels were determined by Luminex kits. Under HFD, AT-DPP4-KO displayed markedly reduced circulating DPP4 concentrations, proving AT as a relevant source. Independently of glucose-stimulated incretin hormones, AT-DPP4-KO had improved glucose tolerance and hepatic insulin sensitivity. AT-DPP4-KO displayed smaller adipocytes and increased anti-inflammatory markers. IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) levels were lower in AT and serum, whereas free IGF1 was increased. The absence of adipose DPP4 triggers beneficial AT remodeling with decreased production of IGFBP3 during HFD, likely contributing to the observed, improved hepatic insulin sensitivity.

The angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis protects from endothelial cell senescence via klotho and Nrf2 activation.

Endothelial cell senescence is a hallmark of vascular aging that predisposes to vascular disease. We aimed to explore the capacity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) heptapeptide angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) to counteract human endothelial cell senescence and to identify intracellular pathways mediating its potential protective action. In human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures, Ang II promoted cell senescence, as revealed by the enhancement in senescence-associated galactosidase (SA-ß-gal+) positive staining, total and telomeric DNA damage, adhesion molecule expression, and human mononuclear adhesion to HUVEC monolayers. By activating the G protein-coupled receptor Mas, Ang-(1-7) inhibited the pro-senescence action of Ang II, but also of a non-RAS stressor such as the cytokine IL-1ß. Moreover, Ang-(1-7) enhanced endothelial klotho levels, while klotho silencing resulted in the loss of the anti-senescence action of the heptapeptide. Indeed, both Ang-(1-7) and recombinant klotho activated the cytoprotective Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. The HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX prevented the anti-senescence action evoked by Ang-(1-7) or recombinant klotho. Overall, the present study identifies Ang-(1-7) as an anti-senescence peptide displaying its protective action beyond the RAS by consecutively activating klotho and Nrf2/HO-1. Ang-(1-7) mimetic drugs may thus prove useful to prevent endothelial cell senescence and its related vascular complications.

The Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas Axis Counteracts Angiotensin II-Dependent and -Independent Pro-inflammatory Signaling in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Background and Aims: Targeting inflammation is nowadays considered as a challenging pharmacological strategy to prevent or delay the development of vascular diseases. Angiotensin-(1-7) is a member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that binds Mas receptors and has gained growing attention in the last years as a regulator of vascular homeostasis. Here, we explored the capacity of Ang-(1-7) to counteract human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) inflammation triggered by RAS-dependent and -independent stimuli, such as Ang II or interleukin (IL)-1ß. Methods and Results: In cultured HASMC, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the release of nitric oxide were stimulated by both Ang II and IL-1ß, as determined by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence or the Griess method, respectively. iNOS induction was inhibited by Ang-(1-7) in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect was equally blocked by two different Mas receptor antagonists, A779 and D-Pro7-Ang-(1-7), suggesting the participation of a unique Mas receptor subtype. Using pharmacological inhibitors, the induction of iNOS was proven to rely on the consecutive upstream activation of NADPH oxidase and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Indeed, Ang-(1-7) markedly inhibited the activation of the NADPH oxidase and subsequently of NF-κB, as determined by lucigenin-derived chemiluminescence and electromobility shift assay, respectively. Conclusion: Ang-(1-7) can act as a counter-regulator of the inflammation of vascular smooth muscle cells triggered by Ang II, but also by other stimuli beyond the RAS. Activating or mimicking the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis may represent a pharmacological opportunity to attenuate the pro-inflammatory environment that promotes and sustains the development of vascular diseases.

Inflammation, glucose, and vascular cell damage: the role of the pentose phosphate pathway.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia is acknowledged as a pro-inflammatory condition and a major cause of vascular damage. Nevertheless, we have previously described that high glucose only promotes inflammation in human vascular cells previously primed with pro-inflammatory stimuli, such as the cytokine interleukin (IL)1ß. Here, we aimed to identify the cellular mechanisms by which high glucose exacerbates the vascular inflammation induced by IL1ß. METHODS: Cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) and isolated rat mesenteric microvessels were treated with IL1ß in medium containing 5.5-22 mmol/L glucose. Glucose uptake and consumption, lactate production, GLUT1 levels, NADPH oxidase activity and inflammatory signalling (nuclear factor-κB activation and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression) were measured in HASMC, while endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were determined in rat microvessels. Pharmacological inhibition of IL1 receptors, NADPH oxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), as well as silencing of G6PD, were also performed. Moreover, the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) activity and the levels of reduced glutathione were determined. RESULTS: We found that excess glucose uptake in HASMC cultured in 22 mM glucose only occurred following activation with IL1ß. However, the simple entry of glucose was not enough to be deleterious since over-expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1 or increased glucose uptake following inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by sodium azide was not sufficient to trigger inflammatory mechanisms. In fact, besides allowing glucose entry, IL1ß activated the PPP, thus permitting some of the excess glucose to be metabolized via this route. This in turn led to an over-activation NADPH oxidase, resulting in increased generation of free radicals and the subsequent downstream pro-inflammatory signalling. Moreover, in rat mesenteric microvessels high glucose incubation enhanced the endothelial dysfunction induced by IL1ß by a mechanism which was abrogated by the inhibition of the PPP. CONCLUSIONS: A pro-inflammatory stimulus like IL1ß transforms excess glucose into a vascular deleterious agent by causing an increase in glucose uptake and its subsequent diversion into the PPP, promoting the pro-oxidant conditions required for the exacerbation of pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory pathways. We propose that over-activation of the PPP is a crucial mechanism for the vascular damage associated to hyperglycemia.

Eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid differentially regulate adipogenesis, acquisition of a brite phenotype and mitochondrial function in primary human adipocytes.

SCOPE: n-3 and n-6 PUFAs have several opposing biological effects and influence white adipose tissue (WAT) function. The recent discovery of thermogenic UCP1-expressing brite adipocytes within WAT raised the question whether n-3 and n-6 PUFAs exert differential effects on brite adipocyte formation and mitochondrial function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Primary human preadipocytes were treated with n-3 PUFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA; docosahexaenoic acid, DHA) or n-6 PUFA (arachidonic acid, ARA) during differentiation, and adipogenesis, white and brite gene expression markers, mitochondrial content and function were analyzed at day 12 of differentiation. Adipogenesis was equally increased by n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. The n-6 PUFA ARA increased lipid droplet size and expression of the white-specific marker TCF21 while decreased mitochondrial protein expression and respiratory function. In contrast, EPA increased expression of the brown adipocyte-related genes UCP1 and CPT1B, and improved mitochondrial function of adipocytes. The opposing effects of EPA and ARA on gene expression and mitochondrial function were also observed in cells treated from day 8 to 12 of adipocyte differentiation. CONCLUSION: EPA promotes brite adipogenesis and improves parameters of mitochondrial function, such as increased expression of CPTB1, citrate synthase activity and higher maximal respiratory capacity, while ARA reduced mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity in vitro.

Soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4 induces microvascular endothelial dysfunction through proteinase-activated receptor-2 and thromboxane A2 release.

BACKGROUND: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is a key protein in glucose homeostasis and a pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study explored whether the novel adipokine soluble DPP4 (sDPP4) can cause endothelial dysfunction, an early marker of impaired vascular reactivity. METHOD: Reactivity was studied in mesenteric arteries from 3-month-old female mice, using a small vessel myograph. Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) release was explored in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Neither the contractility to noradrenaline nor the endothelium-independent relaxations induced by sodium nitroprusside were modified by sDPP4. However, sDPP4 impaired in a concentration-dependent manner the endothelium-dependent relaxation elicited by acetylcholine. The DPP4 inhibitors K579 and linagliptin prevented the defective relaxation induced by sDPP4, as did the protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) inhibitor GB83. Downstream of PAR2, the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin, the COX2 inhibitor celecoxib or the thromboxane receptors blocker SQ29548 prevented the deleterious effects of sDPP4. Accordingly, sDPP4 triggered the release of TXA2 by endothelial cells, whereas TXA2 release was prevented by inhibiting DPP4, PAR2 or COX. CONCLUSION: In summary, these findings reveal sDPP4 as a direct mediator of endothelial dysfunction, acting through PAR2 activation and the release of vasoconstrictor prostanoids. By interfering with these actions, DPP4 inhibitors might help preserving endothelial function in the context of cardiometabolic diseases.

Protease-Activated Receptor 2 Promotes Pro-Atherogenic Effects through Transactivation of the VEGF Receptor 2 in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.

Background: Obesity is associated with impaired vascular function. In the cardiovascular system, protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) exerts multiple functions such as the control of the vascular tone. In pathological conditions, PAR2 is related to vascular inflammation. However, little is known about the impact of obesity on PAR2 in the vasculature. Therefore, we explored the role of PAR2 as a potential link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed with either a chow or a 60% high fat diet for 24 weeks prior to isolation of aortas. Furthermore, human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and human coronary smooth muscle cells (HCSMC) were treated with conditioned medium obtained from in vitro differentiated primary human adipocytes. To investigate receptor interaction vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was blocked by exposure to calcium dobesilate and a VEGFR2 neutralization antibody, before treatment with PAR2 activating peptide. Student's t-test or one-way were used to determine statistical significance. Results: Both, high fat diet and exposure to conditioned medium increased PAR2 expression in aortas and human vascular cells, respectively. In HCSMC, conditioned medium elicited proliferation as well as cyclooxygenase 2 induction, which was suppressed by the PAR2 antagonist GB83. Specific activation of PAR2 by the PAR2 activating peptide induced proliferation and cyclooxygenase 2 expression which were abolished by blocking the VEGFR2. Additionally, treatment of HCSMC with the PAR2 activating peptide triggered VEGFR2 phosphorylation. Conclusion: Under obesogenic conditions, where circulating levels of pro-inflammatory adipokines are elevated, PAR2 arises as an important player linking obesity-related adipose tissue inflammation to atherogenesis. We show for the first time that the underlying mechanisms of these pro-atherogenic effects involve a potential transactivation of the VEGFR2 by PAR2.

Nutritional ingredients modulate adipokine secretion and inflammation in human primary adipocytes.

Nutritional factors such as casein hydrolysates and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have been proposed to exert beneficial metabolic effects. We aimed to investigate how a casein hydrolysate (eCH) and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids could affect human primary adipocyte function in vitro. Incubation conditions with the different nutritional factors were validated by assessing cell vitality with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and neutral red incorporation. Intracellular triglyceride content was assessed with Oil Red O staining. The effect of eCH, a non-peptidic amino acid mixture (AA), and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on adiponectin and leptin secretion was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intracellular adiponectin expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation were analyzed by Western blot, while monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release was explored by ELISA. The eCH concentration dependently increased adiponectin secretion in human primary adipocytes through its intrinsic peptide bioactivity, since the non-peptidic mixture, AA, could not mimic eCH's effects on adiponectin secretion. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and DHA combined with arachidonic acid (ARA) upregulated adiponectin secretion. However, only DHA and DHA/ARA exerted a potentanti-inflammatory effect reflected by prevention of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced NF-κB activation and MCP-1 secretion in human adipocytes. eCH and DHA alone or in combination with ARA, may hold the key for nutritional programming through their anti-inflammatory action to prevent diseases with low-grade chronic inflammation such as obesity or diabetes.

The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist anakinra improves endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a crucial early phenomenon in vascular diseases linked to diabetes mellitus and associated to enhanced oxidative stress. There is increasing evidence about the role for pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), in developing diabetic vasculopathy. We aimed to determine the possible involvement of this cytokine in the development of diabetic endothelial dysfunction, analysing whether anakinra, an antagonist of IL-1 receptors, could reduce this endothelial alteration by interfering with pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory pathways into the vascular wall. RESULTS: In control and two weeks evolution streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, either untreated or receiving anakinra, vascular reactivity and NADPH oxidase activity were measured, respectively, in isolated rings and homogenates from mesenteric microvessels, while nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation was determined in aortas. Plasma levels of IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured by ELISA. In isolated mesenteric microvessels from control rats, two hours incubation with IL-1ß (1 to 10 ng/mL) produced a concentration-dependent impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxations, which were mediated by enhanced NADPH oxidase activity via IL-1 receptors. In diabetic rats treated with anakinra (100 or 160 mg/Kg/day for 3 or 7 days before sacrifice) a partial improvement of diabetic endothelial dysfunction occurred, together with a reduction of vascular NADPH oxidase and NF-κB activation. Endothelial dysfunction in diabetic animals was also associated to higher activities of the pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which were markedly reduced after anakinra treatment. Circulating IL-1ß and TNF-α levels did not change in diabetic rats, but they were lowered by anakinra treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this short-term model of type 1 diabetes, endothelial dysfunction is associated to an IL-1 receptor-mediated activation of vascular NADPH oxidase and NF-κB, as well as to vascular inflammation. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction, vascular oxidative stress and inflammation were reduced after anakinra treatment. Whether this mechanism can be extrapolated to a chronic situation or whether it may apply to diabetic patients remain to be established. However, it may provide new insights to further investigate the therapeutic use of IL-1 receptor antagonists to obtain vascular benefits in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or atherosclerosis.

Soluble DPP4 induces inflammation and proliferation of human smooth muscle cells via protease-activated receptor 2.

DPP4 is an ubiquitously expressed cell-surface protease that is shedded to the circulation as soluble DPP4 (sDPP4). We recently identified sDPP4 as a novel adipokine potentially linking obesity to the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate direct effects of sDPP4 on human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs) and to identify responsible signaling pathways. Using physiological concentrations of sDPP4, we could observe a concentration-dependent activation of ERK1/2 (3-fold) after 6h, which remained stable for up to 24h. Additionally, sDPP4 treatment induced a 1.5-fold phosphorylation of the NF-κB subunit p65. In accordance with sDPP4-induced stress and inflammatory signaling, sDPP4 also stimulates hVSMC proliferation. Furthermore we could observe an increased expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 (2.5-, 2.4- and 1.5-fold, respectively) by the sDPP4 treatment. All direct effects of sDPP4 on signaling, proliferation and inflammation could completely be prevented by DPP4 inhibition. Bioinformatic analysis and signaling signature induced by sDPP4 suggest that sDPP4 might be an agonist for PAR2. After the silencing of PAR2, the sDPP4-induced ERK activation as well as the proliferation was totally abolished. Additionally, the sDPP4-induced upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 could completely be prevented by the PAR2 silencing. In conclusion, we show for the first time that sDPP4 directly activates the MAPK and NF-κB signaling cascade involving PAR2 and resulting in the induction of inflammation and proliferation of hVSMC. Thus, our in vitro data might extend the current view of sDPP4 action and shed light on cardiovascular effects of DPP4-inhibitors.

Adipose tissue dysfunction and inflammation in cardiovascular disease.

Adipose tissue (AT) was long perceived as a passive lipid storage depot but it is now considered as an endocrine organ that produces a large number of mediators that affect metabolism, inflammation and coagulation. In obesity, the increased size of adipocytes and chronic low-grade inflammation within AT alter its normal physiological function. AT dysfunction results in altered production and secretion of adipokines, which in turn affect several tissues, e.g. the liver, skeletal muscles and vasculature, in a para- or endocrine manner. Numerous circulating proinflammatory mediators involved in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are directly released from adipocytes, thereby linking obesity to an increased cardiovascular risk. In the current chapter, we focus, on the one hand, on a small selection of novel adipokines with a potentially strong link to CVD: soluble dipeptidyl peptidase-4, visfatin and lipocalin-2. On the other hand, we summarize the most recent findings on the novel cardioprotective adipokines omentin and apelin.