ABSTRACT
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene (NAG-1) or GDF15 is a divergent member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) superfamily and mice expressing hNAG-1/hGDF15 have been shown to be resistant to HFD-induced obesity and inflammation. This study investigated if hNAG-1 increases lifespan in mice and its potential mechanisms. Here we report that female hNAG-1 mice had significantly increased both mean and median life spans in two transgenic lines, with a larger difference in life spans in mice on a HFD than on low fat diet. hNAG-1 mice displayed significantly reduced body and adipose tissue weight, lowered serum IGF-1, insulin and glucose levels, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased oxygen utilization, oxidative metabolism and energy expenditure. Gene expression analysis revealed significant differences in conserved gene pathways that are important regulators of longevity, including IGF-1, p70S6K, and PI3K/Akt signaling cascades. Phosphorylation of major components of IGF-1/mTOR signaling pathway was significantly lower in hNAG-1mice. Collectively, hNAG-1 is an important regulator of mammalian longevity and may act as a survival factor. Our study suggests that hNAG-1 has potential therapeutic uses in obesity-related diseases where life span is frequently shorter.
Subject(s)
Energy Metabolism/physiology , Growth Differentiation Factor 15/metabolism , Longevity/physiology , Signal Transduction/physiology , Animals , Body Weight/physiology , Female , Growth Differentiation Factor 15/genetics , Insulin/metabolism , Insulin Resistance/physiology , Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism , Mice , Phosphorylation , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolismABSTRACT
In hemolytic disorders, such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, the mechanisms of thrombosis are poorly understood. Appropriate animal models would increase the understanding of the pathophysiology of thrombosis. We previously reported that rats exposed to 2-butoxyethanol (2-BE) developed hemolytic anemia and disseminated thrombosis resembling sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. To characterize our model further, we investigated age- and dose-related differences in sensitivity to 2-BE. We exposed groups of 6- and 12-week-old F344 rats (5 animals/group) to 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg/day of 2-BE for up to 4 days. Blood was collected on days 2-4 for complete blood count and measurement of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Histopathological evaluation was performed to find evidence of disseminated thrombosis. The maximum hemolytic response, resulting in decreased erythrocyte count and higher mean cell volume (MCV) occurred in the 12-week-old rats treated with the highest dose of 2-BE (250 mg/kg, p<0.0001). The highest increase in ICAM-1 levels occurred in the 12-week-old rats treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg 2-BE (p<0.0001). No intravascular thrombi were noted in the 6-week-old 2-BE-treated animals. The majority of intravascular thrombi occurred in the 12-week-old rats treated with 250 mg/kg 2-BE. Because our findings show age- and dose-related sensitivities, we suggest that 12-week-old rats and doses of 250 mg/kg be used in the 2-BE model.
