13C high-resolution-magic angle spinning MRS reveals differences in glucose metabolism between two breast cancer xenograft models with different gene expression patterns.

Tumor cells have increased glycolytic activity, and glucose is mainly used to form lactate and alanine, even when high concentrations of oxygen are present (Warburg effect). The purpose of the present study was to investigate glucose metabolism in two xenograft models representing basal-like and luminal-like breast cancer using (13) C high-resolution-magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) MRS and gene expression analysis. Tumor tissue was collected from two groups for each model: untreated mice (n=19) and a group of mice (n=16) that received an injection of [1-(13) C]-glucose 10 or 15 min before harvesting the tissue. (13) C HR-MAS MRS was performed on the tumor samples and differences in the glucose/alanine (Glc/Ala), glucose/lactate (Glc/Lac) and alanine/lactate (Ala/Lac) ratios between the models were studied. The expression of glycolytic genes was studied using tumor tissue from the same models. In the natural abundance MR spectra, a significantly lower Glc/Ala and Glc/Lac ratio (p<0.001) was observed in the luminal-like model compared with the basal-like model. In the labeled samples, the predominant glucose metabolites were lactate and alanine. Significantly lower Glc/Ala and Glc/Lac ratios were observed in the luminal-like model (p<0.05). Most genes contributing to glycolysis were expressed at higher levels in the luminal-like model (fdr<0.001). The lower Glc/Ala and Glc/Lac ratios and higher glycolytic gene expression observed in the luminal-like model indicates that the transformation of glucose to lactate and alanine occurred faster in this model than in the basal-like model, which has a growth rate several times faster than that of the luminal-like model. The results from the present study suggest that the tumor growth rate is not necessarily a determinant of glycolytic activity.

Tricarboxylic acid cycle activity measured by 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy in rats subjected to the kaolin model of obstructed hydrocephalus.

Evaluating early changes in cerebral metabolism in hydrocephalus can help in the decision making and the timing of surgical intervention. This study was aimed at examining the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle rate and (13)C label incorporation into neurotransmitter amino acids and other compounds 2 weeks after rats were subjected to kaolin-induced progressive hydrocephalus. In vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), combined with the infusion of [1,6-(13)C]glucose, was used to monitor the time courses of (13)C label incorporation into the different carbon positions of glutamate in the forebrains of rats with hydrocephalus as well as in those of controls. Metabolic rates were determined by fitting the measured data into a one-compartment metabolic model. The TCA cycle rate was 1.3 ± 0.2 µmoles/gram/minute in the controls and 0.8 ± 0.4 µmoles/gram/minute in the acute hydrocephalus group, the exchange rate between α-ketoglutarate and glutamate was 4.1 ± 2.5 µmoles/gram/minute in the controls and 2.7 ± 2.6 µmoles/gram/minute in the hydrocephalus group calculated from in vivo MRS. There were no statistically significant differences between these rates. Hydrocephalus caused a decrease in the amounts of glutamate, alanine and taurine. In addition, the concentration of the neuronal marker N-acetyl aspartate was decreased. (13)C Labelling of most amino acids derived from [1,6-(13)C]glucose was unchanged 2 weeks after hydrocephalus induction. The only indication of astrocyte impairment was the decreased (13)C enrichment in glutamine C-2. This study shows that hydrocephalus causes subtle but significant alterations in neuronal metabolism already early in the course of the disease. These sub-lethal changes, however, if maintained and if ongoing might explain the delayed and programmed neuronal damage as seen in chronic hydrocephalus.

Alteration of glial-neuronal metabolic interactions in a mouse model of Alexander disease.

Alexander disease is a rare and usually fatal neurological disorder characterized by the abundant presence of protein aggregates in astrocytes. Most cases result from dominant missense de novo mutations in the gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), but how these mutations lead to aggregate formation and compromise function is not known. A transgenic mouse line (Tg73.7) over-expressing human GFAP produces astrocytic aggregates indistinguishable from those seen in the human disease, making them a model of this disorder. To investigate possible metabolic changes associated with Alexander disease Tg73.7 mice and controls were injected simultaneously with [1-(13)C]glucose to analyze neuronal metabolism and [1,2-(13)C]acetate to monitor astrocytic metabolism. Brain extracts were analyzed by (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to quantify amounts of several key metabolites, and by (13)C MRS to analyze amino acid neurotransmitter metabolism. In the cerebral cortex, reduced utilization of [1,2-(13)C]acetate was observed for synthesis of glutamine, glutamate, and GABA, and the concentration of the marker for neuronal mitochondrial metabolism, N-acetylaspartate (NAA) was decreased. This indicates impaired astrocytic and neuronal metabolism and decreased transfer of glutamine from astrocytes to neurons compared with control mice. In the cerebellum, glutamine and GABA content and labeling from [1-(13)C]glucose were increased. Evidence for brain edema was found in the increased amount of water and of the osmoregulators myo-inositol and taurine. It can be concluded that astrocyte-neuronal interactions were altered differently in distinct regions.

Mild reduction in the activity of the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex elevates GABA shunt and glycolysis.

Diminished energy metabolism and reduced activity of brain alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) occur in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. The relation between diminished KGDHC activity and altered energy metabolism is unknown. The present study tested whether a reduction in the KGDHC activity would alter cellular metabolism by comparing metabolism of [U-13C]glucose in a human embryonic kidney cell line (E2k100) to one in which the KGDHC activity was about 70% of control (E2k67). After a 2 h incubation of the cells with [U-13C]glucose, the E2k67 cells showed a greater increase in 13C labeling of alanine compared with the E2k100 cells. This suggested an increase in glycolysis. Furthermore, an increase in labeled lactate after 12 h incubation supported the suggestion of an increased glycolysis in the E2k67 cells. Increased GABA shunt in the E2k67 cells was indicated by increased 13C labeling of GABA at both 2 and 12 h compared with the control cells. GABA concentration as determined by HPLC was also increased in the E2k67 cells compared with the control cells. However, the GABA shunt was not sufficient to normalize metabolism in the E2k67 cells compared with control at 2 or 12 h. However, by 24 h metabolism had normalized (i.e. labeling was similar in E2k67 and E2k100). Thus, the data are consistent with an enhanced glycolysis and GABA shunt in response to a mild reduction in KGDHC. Our findings indicate that a mild change in KGDHC activity can lead to large changes in metabolism. The changes may maintain normal energy metabolism but make the cells more vulnerable to perturbations such as occur with oxidants.

Availability of neurotransmitter glutamate is diminished when beta-hydroxybutyrate replaces glucose in cultured neurons.

Ketone bodies serve as alternative energy substrates for the brain in cases of low glucose availability such as during starvation or in patients treated with a ketogenic diet. The ketone bodies are metabolized via a distinct pathway confined to the mitochondria. We have compared metabolism of [2,4-(13)C]beta-hydroxybutyrate to that of [1,6-(13)C]glucose in cultured glutamatergic neurons and investigated the effect of neuronal activity focusing on the aspartate-glutamate homeostasis, an essential component of the excitatory activity in the brain. The amount of (13)C incorporation and cellular content was lower for glutamate and higher for aspartate in the presence of [2,4-(13)C]beta-hydroxybutyrate as opposed to [1,6-(13)C]glucose. Our results suggest that the change in aspartate-glutamate homeostasis is due to a decreased availability of NADH for cytosolic malate dehydrogenase and thus reduced malate-aspartate shuttle activity in neurons using beta-hydroxybutyrate. In the presence of glucose, the glutamate content decreased significantly upon activation of neurotransmitter release, whereas in the presence of only beta-hydroxybutyrate, no decrease in the glutamate content was observed. Thus, the fraction of the glutamate pool available for transmitter release was diminished when metabolizing beta-hydroxybutyrate, which is in line with the hypothesis of formation of transmitter glutamate via an obligatory involvement of the malate-aspartate shuttle.

Distinct changes in neuronal and astrocytic amino acid neurotransmitter metabolism in mice with reduced numbers of synaptic vesicles.

The relations between glutamate and GABA concentrations and synaptic vesicle density in nerve terminals were examined in an animal model with 40-50% reduction in synaptic vesicle numbers caused by inactivation of the genes encoding synapsin I and II. Concentrations and synthesis of amino acids were measured in extracts from cerebrum and a crude synaptosomal fraction by HPLC and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMRS), respectively. Analysis of cerebrum extracts, comprising both neurotransmitter and metabolic pools, showed decreased concentration of GABA, increased concentration of glutamine and unchanged concentration of glutamate in synapsin I and II double knockout (DKO) mice. In contrast, both glutamate and GABA concentrations were decreased in crude synaptosomes isolated from synapsin DKO mice, suggesting that the large metabolic pool of glutamate in the cerebral extracts may overshadow minor changes in the transmitter pool. (13)C NMRS studies showed that the changes in amino acid concentrations in the synapsin DKO mice were caused by decreased synthesis of GABA (20-24%) in cerebral neurons and increased synthesis of glutamine (36%) in astrocytes. In a crude synaptosomal fraction, the glutamate synthesis was reduced (24%), but this reduction could not be detected in cerebrum extracts. We suggest that lack of synaptic vesicles causes down-regulation of neuronal GABA and glutamate synthesis, with a concomitant increase in astrocytic synthesis of glutamine, in order to maintain normal neurotransmitter concentrations in the nerve terminal cytosol.

High-resolution MAS 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis of rabbit cornea after treatment with dexamethasone and exposure to UV-B radiation.

Metabolic changes in rabbit cornea after combined long-term steroid treatment and UV-B exposure were investigated. Corneas were exposed to UV-B radiation (2.05 J/cm2) after 36 days topical pretreatment with either 0.1% dexamethasone or saline. Twenty-four hours after UV-B exposure, corneas were excised and aqueous humour aspirated. Intact corneal tissues were analyzed by magic angle spinning proton NMR spectroscopy and pattern recognition methods. UV-B decreased corneal ascorbate (63% reduction), taurine (62%), and choline (63%), whereas glucose was elevated. Dexamethasone pretreatment further depleted corneal taurine and ascorbate, decreased aqueous ascorbate (85%), and accumulated glucose in cornea and aqueous humour. The results reflect antioxidative mechanisms and osmoregulation.

Metabolic reprogramming supports the invasive phenotype in malignant melanoma.

Invasiveness is a hallmark of aggressive cancer like malignant melanoma, and factors involved in acquisition or maintenance of an invasive phenotype are attractive targets for therapy. We investigated melanoma phenotype modulation induced by the metastasis-promoting microenvironmental protein S100A4, focusing on the relationship between enhanced cellular motility, dedifferentiation and metabolic changes. In poorly motile, well-differentiated Melmet 5 cells, S100A4 stimulated migration, invasion and simultaneously down-regulated differentiation genes and modulated expression of metabolism genes. Metabolic studies confirmed suppressed mitochondrial respiration and activated glycolytic flux in the S100A4 stimulated cells, indicating a metabolic switch toward aerobic glycolysis, known as the Warburg effect. Reversal of the glycolytic switch by dichloracetate induced apoptosis and reduced cell growth, particularly in the S100A4 stimulated cells. This implies that cells with stimulated invasiveness get survival benefit from the glycolytic switch and, therefore, become more vulnerable to glycolysis inhibition. In conclusion, our data indicate that transition to the invasive phenotype in melanoma involves dedifferentiation and metabolic reprogramming from mitochondrial oxidation to glycolysis, which facilitates survival of the invasive cancer cells. Therapeutic strategies targeting the metabolic reprogramming may therefore be effective against the invasive phenotype.

Metabolic changes in rat lens after in vivo exposure to ultraviolet irradiation: measurements by high resolution MAS 1H NMR spectroscopy.

PURPOSE: In the present study, high-resolution magic angle spinning proton nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS (1)H NMR) spectroscopy was used to investigate changes in the metabolic profile of intact rat lenses after UVB irradiation of the eyes. METHODS: Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to UVB radiation at 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kJ/m(2). One eye was exposed, and the contralateral eye served as the control. One week after exposure, the lenses were removed and forward light-scattering was quantified. Thereafter, proton NMR spectra from the intact lenses were obtained. Relative changes in metabolite concentrations were determined. RESULTS: The lenses in all three groups showed significant increases in light-scattering after UVB irradiation. The high-quality HR-MAS (1)H NMR spectra permitted more than 30 different metabolites to be identified. UVB irradiation caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in concentrations of taurine, hypotaurine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, valine, myo-inositol, phosphocholine, betaine, succinate, and glutathione at all three UV doses. For glycine, glutamate, and lactate, significant decreases in concentration were observed at the two lowest UVR-B doses. The total amount of adenosine tri- and diphosphate and (ATP, ADP) decreased significantly and that of adenosine monophosphate AMP increased significantly at the two highest doses. Alanine was the only amino acid that increased after UVB irradiation. None of these metabolites exhibited a significant UVB dose-dependent relationship. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time the potential of HR-MAS (1)H NMR spectroscopy as an analytical tool for use on intact lenses. Near-threshold UVR-B doses led to a generally significant decrease in water-soluble metabolites 1 week after exposure. The lack of dose-dependent changes in the metabolites indicates that repair processes during the first week after UVB irradiation overcome the immediate metabolic disturbances.

ß-Hydroxybutyrate is the preferred substrate for GABA and glutamate synthesis while glucose is indispensable during depolarization in cultured GABAergic neurons.

The ketogenic diet has multiple beneficial effects not only in treatment of epilepsy, but also in that of glucose transporter 1 deficiency, cancer, Parkinson's disease, obesity and pain. Thus, there is an increasing interest in understanding the mechanism behind this metabolic therapy. Patients on a ketogenic diet reach high plasma levels of ketone bodies, which are used by the brain as energy substrates. The interaction between glucose and ketone bodies is complex and there is still controversy as to what extent it affects the homeostasis of the neurotransmitters glutamate, aspartate and GABA. The present study was conducted to study this metabolic interaction in cultured GABAergic neurons exposed to different combinations of (13)C-labeled and unlabeled glucose and ß-hydroxybutyrate. Depolarization was induced and the incorporation of (13)C into glutamate, GABA and aspartate was analyzed. The presence of ß-hydroxybutyrate together with glucose did not affect the total GABA content but did, however, decrease the aspartate content to a lower value than when either glucose or ß-hydroxybutyrate was employed alone. When combinations of the two substrates were used (13)C-atoms from ß-hydroxybutyrate were found in all three amino acids to a greater extent than (13)C-atoms from glucose, but only the (13)C contribution from [1,6-(13)C]glucose increased upon depolarization. In conclusion, ß-hydroxybutyrate was preferred over glucose as substrate for amino acid synthesis but the total content of aspartate decreased when both substrates were present. Furthermore only the use of glucose increased upon depolarization.

Quantification of amounts and (13)C content of metabolites in brain tissue using high- resolution magic angle spinning (13)C NMR spectroscopy.

Metabolic pathway mapping using (13)C NMR spectroscopy has been used extensively to study interactions between neurons and glia in the brain. Established extraction procedures of brain tissue are time consuming and may result in degradation of labile substances. We examined the potential of mapping (13)C-enriched compounds in intact brain tissue using high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR spectroscopy. Sprague-Dawley rats received an intraperitoneal injection of [1,6-(13)C]glucose, and 15 min later the animals were subjected to microwave fixation of the brain. Quantification of concentration and (13)C labelling of metabolites in intact rat thalamus were carried out based on exogenous ethylene glycol concentrations measured from (1)H NMR spectra using an ERETIC (Electronic REference To access In vivo Concentrations) signal. The results from intact tissue were compared with those from perchloric acid-extracted brain tissue. Amounts of (13)C labelling at different positions (C2, C3 and C4) in glutamate, glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and aspartate measured in either intact tissue or perchloric acid extracts were not significantly different. Proton NMR spectra were used for quantification of six different amino acids plus lactate, inositol, N-acetylaspartate, creatine and phosphocreatine. Again, results were very similar when comparing the methods. To our knowledge, this is the first time quantitative (13)C NMR spectroscopy measurements have been carried out on intact brain tissue ex vivo using the HR-MAS technique. The results show that HR-MAS (13)C NMR spectroscopy in combination with (1)H NMR spectroscopy and the ERETIC method is useful for metabolic studies of intact brain tissue ex vivo.

In vivo mapping of temporospatial changes in manganese enhancement in rat brain during epileptogenesis.

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with structural and functional abnormalities, such as hippocampal sclerosis and axonal reorganization. The temporal evolution of these changes remains to be determined, and there is a need for in vivo imaging techniques that can uncover the epileptogenic processes at an early stage. Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in this regard. The aim of this study was to analyze the temporospatial changes in manganese enhancement in rat brain during the development of epilepsy subsequent to systemic kainate application (10 mg/kg i.p.). MnCl(2) was given systemically on day 2 (early), day 15 (latent), and 11 weeks (chronic phase) after the initial status epilepticus. Twenty-four hours after MnCl(2) injection T1-weighted 3D MRI was performed followed by analysis of manganese enhancement. In the medial temporal lobes, there was a pronounced decrease in manganese enhancement in CA1, CA3, dentate gyrus, entorhinal cortex and lateral amygdala in the early phase. In the latent and chronic phases, recovery of the manganese enhancement was observed in all these structures except CA1. A significant increase in manganese enhancement was detected in the entorhinal cortex and the amygdala in the chronic phase. In the latter phase, the structurally intact cerebellum showed significantly decreased manganese enhancement. The highly differentiated changes in manganese enhancement are likely to represent the net outcome of a number of pathological and pathophysiological events, including cell loss and changes in neuronal activity. Our findings are not consistent with the idea that manganese enhancement primarily reflects changes in glial cells.

Time dependency of metabolic changes in rat lens after in vivo UVB irradiation analysed by HR-MAS 1H NMR spectroscopy.

The lens ability to protect against, and repair ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced damages, is of crucial importance to avoid cataract development. The influence of UVR-induced damage and repair processes on the lens metabolites are not fully understood. Observation of short- and long-term changes in light scattering and the metabolic profile of pigmented rat lenses after threshold UVR exposure might serve to better understand the protective mechanisms in the lens. By using high resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) 1H NMR spectroscopy it was possible to investigate the metabolites of intact rat lenses. Brown-Norway rats were exposed to 15 kJm(-2) UVB irradiation. One eye was exposed and the contralateral served as control. The rats were sacrificed 5, 25, 125, and 625 hr post-exposure and the lenses were removed. The degree of cataract was quantified by measurement of lens forward light scattering. Thereafter, proton NMR spectra from intact lenses were obtained and relative changes in metabolite concentrations were determined. The light scattering in the lens peaked at 25 hr post-exposure and decreased thereafter. The lowest level of light scattering was measured 625 hr after exposure. No significant changes in concentration were observed for the metabolites 5 and 25 hr post-exposure except the total amount of adenosine tri- and diphosphate (ATP/ADP) that showed a significant decrease already 5 hr after exposure. At 125 hr the lens concentrations of lactate, succinate, phospho-choline, taurine, betaine, myo-inositol, and ATP/ADP showed a significant decrease (p<0.05). Phenylalanine was the only metabolite that revealed a significant increase 125 hr post-exposure. At 625 hr most of the metabolic changes seemed to normalise back to control levels. However, the concentration of betaine and phospho-choline were still showing a significant decrease 625 hr after UVB irradiation. The impact of UVB irradiation on the metabolic profile did not follow the same time dependency as the development of cataract. While the light scattering peaked at 25 hr post-exposure, significant changes in the endogenous metabolites were observed after 125 hr. Both the metabolic changes and the light scattering seemed to average back to normal within a month after exposure. Significant decrease in osmolytes like taurine, myo-inositol and betaine indicated osmotic stress and loss of homeostasis. This study also demonstrated that HR-MAS 1H NMR spectroscopy provides high quality spectra of intact lenses. These spectra contain a variety of information that might contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic response to drugs or endogenous stimuli like UVB irradiation.

High-resolution magic angle spinning 1H NMR spectroscopy of metabolic changes in rabbit lens after treatment with dexamethasone combined with UVB exposure.

BACKGROUND: Long-term steroid treatment and UVB exposure are well-known cataractogenic factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate metabolic changes in the rabbit lens after long-term dexamethasone treatment in combination with UVB exposure, using high-resolution magic angle spinning proton nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-MAS (1)H NMR) spectroscopy to analyse intact lens tissues. METHODS: Rabbits received topical doses of 0.1% dexamethasone or 0.9% saline (50 microl) four times daily for 36 days. On day 37, the eyes were exposed to UVB radiation (2.05 J/cm(2)). Twenty-four hours later the animals were killed, and HR-MAS (1)H NMR spectra of lens tissues were obtained. RESULTS: More than 15 major metabolites were assigned in NMR spectra of rabbit lenses. The combined treatment with dexamethasone and UVB induced large reductions in the concentration of reduced glutathione, inositols, taurine and lactate compared with normal lenses. Concurrently, the levels of glucose, sorbitol and sorbitol-3-phosphate were increased. After exposure to UVB radiation only, the most significant finding was a decrease in the concentration of lactate. No lens opacities were detected. CONCLUSIONS: HR-MAS (1)H NMR spectroscopy was found to be an efficient tool for analysis of intact lens tissues. High-resolution NMR spectra of intact lens tissue enabled metabolic changes to be quantified. Long-term treatment with dexamethasone combined with UVB exposure induced substantial metabolic changes, dominated by osmolytic regulation processes and loss of glutathione.

Analysis of immediate changes of water-soluble metabolites in alkali-burned rabbit cornea, aqueous humor and lens by high-resolution 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

PURPOSE: To investigate immediate changes in water-soluble metabolites of ocular tissue in alkali-burned eyes by using high-resolution 1H-NMR spectroscopy. METHODS: Adult New Zealand rabbit eyes were burned with 1 M NaOH for 1 min. Normal eyes were used as control. Samples from aqueous humor and perchloric acid extracts of the cornea and lens were analyzed on a NMR spectrometer operating at 500 MHz for protons. Metabolites were quantified by comparing peak area with an added internal standard, TSP (3'-trimethylsilylpropinate-2,2,3,3-d4). RESULTS: Alkali burn of corneal surface causes immediate changes in concentration of many water-soluble metabolites in the anterior segment. Even as far away as the lens a significant increase in lactate was found. Cornea showed a significant increase in glucose and a significant decrease in hypo-taurine concentration. Most changes were observed in aqueous humor, with significant increases in succinate, creatine, scyllo- and myo-inositol and a significant decrease in citrate concentration. Furthermore, a small decrease in ascorbate concentration in aqueous humor was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides a valuable contribution to the knowledge of metabolic alterations in alkali-burned eyes. It shows that 1H-NMR spectroscopy is well suited for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of changes of metabolite concentrations in damaged tissues. This can help us to better evaluate and understand the biological alterations due to alkali burn.