Prostaglandin E2, Produced by Mast Cells in Colon Tissues From Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Contributes to Visceral Hypersensitivity in Mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Visceral hypersensitivity is common in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We investigated whether inflammatory molecules, such as histamine and proteases, activate prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (also called COX2) to increase the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by mast cells, which activates the receptor PTGER2 (also called EP2) in the dorsal root ganglia to promote visceral hypersensitivity. METHODS: We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure levels of spontaneous release of molecules from mast cells in colonic mucosa from patients with IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D; 18 women and 5 men; aged 28-60 years), healthy individuals (controls, n = 24), mice, and rats. We measured visceromotor responses to colorectal distension in rodents after intracolonic administration of colon biopsy supernatants, histamine, PGE2, a small interfering RNA against EP2, or an agonist of F2R like trypsin receptor 1 (F2RL1, also called protease-activated receptor 2 [PAR2]). We investigated the role of COX2, produced by mast cells, in mediation of visceral hypersensitivity using mice with the Y385F substitution in Ptgs2 (Ptgs2Y385F mice), mast cell-deficient (W/WV) mice, and W/WV mice given injections of mast cells derived from wild-type or Ptgs2Y385F mice. RESULTS: Colon biopsies from patients with IBS-D had increased levels of PGE2, based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and COX2 messenger RNA and protein, compared with control biopsies. Immunohistochemistry showed that most of the COX2 was in mast cells. Intracolonic infusions of rats with IBS-D biopsy supernatants generated a 3- to 4-fold increase in visceromotor responses to colorectal distension; this was associated with significant increases in PGE2, histamine, and tryptase in the colonic mucosa. These increases were prevented by a mast cell stabilizer, COX2 inhibitor, or knockdown of EP2. Intracolonic administration of supernatants from biopsies of patients with IBS-D failed to induce visceral hypersensitivity or increase the level of PGE2 in W/WV and Ptgs2Y385Fmice. Reconstitution of mast cells in W/WV mice restored the visceral hypersensitivity response. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal synthesis of PGE2 by colonic mast cells appears to induce visceral hypersensitivity in patients with IBS-D.

Altered R-spondin 1/CART neurocircuit in the hypothalamus contributes to hyperphagia in diabetes.

Hyperphagia is common in diabetes and may worsen hyperglycemia and diabetic complications. The responsible mechanisms are not well understood. The hypothalamus is a key center for the control of appetite and energy homeostasis. The ventromedial nucleus (VMH) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) are two critical nuclei involved in these processes. We have reported that R-spondin 1 (Rspo1) and its receptor leucin-rich repeat and G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) in the VMH and ARC suppressed appetite, but the downstream neuronal pathways are unclear. Here we show that neurons containing cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in ARC express both LGR4 and insulin receptor; intracerebroventricular injection of Rspo1 induced c-Fos expression in CART neurons of ARC; and silencing CART in ARC attenuated the anorexigenic actions of Rspo1. In diabetic and obese fa/fa rats, Rspo1 mRNA in VMH and CART mRNA in ARC were reduced; this was accompanied by increased food consumption. Insulin treatment restored Rspo1 and CART gene expressions and normalized eating behavior. Chronic intracerebroventricular injection of Rspo1 inhibited food intake and normalized diabetic hyperphagia; intracerebroventricular injection of Rspo1 or insulin increased CART mRNA in ARC. In the CART neuron cell line, Rspo1 and insulin potentiated each other on pERK and ß-catenin, and in rats, they acted synergistically to inhibit food intake. Silencing Rspo1 in VMH reduced CART expression in ARC and attenuated the inhibitory effect of insulin on food intake. In conclusion, our data indicated that CART works downstream of Rspo1 and Rspo1 mediated the action of insulin centrally. The altered Rspo1/CART neurocircuit in the hypothalamus contributes to hyperphagia in diabetes. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study reports that cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of hypothalamus acted downstream of R-spondin 1 (Rspo1) to inhibit food intake. The Rspo1 mRNA level in ventromedial nucleus (VMH) and CART mRNA level in ARC were reduced in type 1 diabetic rat and obese fa/fa rat. Rspo1 and insulin acted synergistically on phospho-ERK and ß-catenin signal pathways and in suppressing food intake. The current results proposed that altered Rspo1/CART neurocircuit in the hypothalamus contributes to hyperphagia in diabetes.

Lactols in an asymmetric aldol-desymmetrization sequence: access to tetrahydro-4H-furo[2,3-b]pyran-2-one and tetrahydro-4H-furo[2,3-b]furan-2-one derivatives.

An asymmetric aldol-desymmetrization sequence was developed which provided highly efficient access to important bicyclic oxygen-containing scaffolds with multiple chiral centers and one is a quaternary stereogenic center containing a free hydroxy group. Moreover, starting from racemic precursors, the final products were obtained as two separable diastereomers by flash chromatography. Several other heterocycles could also be easily generated with this strategy.

One-pot, highly efficient, asymmetric synthesis of ring-fused piperidine derivatives bearing N,O- or N,N-acetal moieties.

We successfully expand the application of lactols or cyclic hemiaminals as nucleophiles for the asymmetric synthesis of both N,O- and N,N-acetal moieties contained in the structure of ring-fused piperidine derivatives. This efficient one-pot protocol involves an organocatalyzed asymmetric aza-Diels-Alder reaction and iminium ion induced cyclization sequence to ultimately deliver heterocyclic compounds with excellent stereoselectivity in high yield, containing three continuous stereogenic centers.

Nesfatin-1 inhibits gastric acid secretion via a central vagal mechanism in rats.

Nesfatin-1, a novel hypothalamic peptide, inhibits nocturnal feeding behavior and gastrointestinal motility in rodents. The effects of nesfatin-1 on gastrointestinal secretory function, including gastric acid production, have not been evaluated. Nesfatin-1 was injected into the fourth intracerebral ventricle (4V) of chronically cannulated rats to identify a nesfatin dose sufficient to inhibit food intake. Nesfatin-1 (2 µg) inhibited dark-phase food intake, in a dose-dependent fashion, for >3 h. Gastric acid production was evaluated in urethane-anesthetized rats. Nesfatin-1 (2 µg) was introduced via the 4V following endocrine stimulation of gastric acid secretion by pentagastrin (2 µg·kg(-1)·h(-1) iv), vagal stimulation with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (200 mg/kg sc), or no stimulus. Gastric secretions were collected via gastric cannula and neutralized by titration to determine acid content. Nesfatin-1 did not affect basal and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion, whereas 2-deoxy-D-glucose-stimulated gastric acid production was inhibited by nesfatin-1 in a dose-dependent manner. c-Fos immunofluorescence in brain sections was used to evaluate in vivo neuronal activation by nesfatin-1 administered via the 4V. Nesfatin-1 caused activation of efferent vagal neurons, as evidenced by a 16-fold increase in the mean number of c-Fos-positive neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) in nesfatin-1-treated animals vs. controls (P < 0.01). Finally, nesfatin-induced Ca(2+) signaling was evaluated in primary cultured DMNV neurons from neonatal rats. Nesfatin-1 caused dose-dependent Ca(2+) increments in 95% of cultured DMNV neurons. These studies demonstrate that central administration of nesfatin-1, at doses sufficient to inhibit food intake, results in inhibition of vagally stimulated secretion of gastric acid. Nesfatin-1 activates DMNV efferent vagal neurons in vivo and triggers Ca(2+) signaling in cultured DMNV neurons.

[Repair of mandibular defects with hydrogel loaded with nano-hydroxyapatite in rats].

PURPOSE: To observe the effect of gellan gum loaded with nano-hydroxyapatite (GG/nHA) on repairing mandibular defect in rats. METHODS: Critical bone defects with 5 mm in diameter on the mandible of 16 SD rats were created and randomly divided into two groups. The bone defects in the experimental group were injected with GG/nHA and the control group were filled with absorbable gelatin sponge. The rats were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks after operation. The bone tissue healing was evaluated by Micro-CT. Bone tissue repairing effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) staining and Masson staining. GraphPad Prism 8.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prepared GG/nHA had a good injectability and could be delivered to the bone defect area with a syringe. Four and 8 weeks after operation, the newly formed bone and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Larger number of new bone were observed in the experimental group than the control group by H-E staining and Masson staining. CONCLUSIONS: GG/nHA can be injected into the mandibular defect area to promote its healing, and it is expected to be used as a novel bio-material for minimally invasive repair of oral and maxillofacial bone defects.

Secondary bile acids mediate high-fat diet-induced upregulation of R-spondin 3 and intestinal epithelial proliferation.

A high-fat diet (HFD) contributes to the increased incidence of colorectal cancer, but the mechanisms are unclear. We found that R-spondin 3 (Rspo3), a ligand for leucine-rich, repeat-containing GPCR 4 and 5 (LGR4 and LGR5), was the main subtype of R-spondins and was produced by myofibroblasts beneath the crypts in the intestine. HFD upregulated colonic Rspo3, LGR4, LGR5, and ß-catenin gene expression in specific pathogen-free rodents, but not in germ-free mice, and the upregulations were prevented by the bile acid (BA) binder cholestyramine or antibiotic treatment, indicating mediation by both BA and gut microbiota. Cholestyramine or antibiotic treatments prevented HFD-induced enrichment of members of the Lachnospiraceae and Rumincoccaceae, which can transform primary BA into secondary BA. Oral administration of deoxycholic acid (DCA), or inoculation of a combination of the BA deconjugator Lactobacillus plantarum and 7α-dehydroxylase-containing Clostridium scindens with an HFD to germ-free mice increased serum DCA and colonic Rspo3 mRNA levels, indicating that formation of secondary BA by gut microbiota is responsible for HFD-induced upregulation of Rspo3. In primary myofibroblasts, DCA increased Rspo3 mRNA via TGR5. Finally, we showed that cholestyramine or conditional deletion of Rspo3 prevented HFD- or DCA-induced intestinal proliferation. We conclude that secondary BA is responsible for HFD-induced upregulation of Rspo3, which, in turn, mediates HFD-induced intestinal epithelial proliferation.

Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing protein 4 (Asb-4) colocalizes with insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS4) in the hypothalamic neurons and mediates IRS4 degradation.

BACKGROUND: The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus regulates food intake. Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing protein 4 (Asb-4) is expressed in neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus, target neurons in the regulation of food intake and metabolism by insulin and leptin. However, the target protein(s) of Asb-4 in these neurons remains unknown. Insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS4) is an adaptor molecule involved in the signal transduction by both insulin and leptin. In the present study we examined the colocalization and interaction of Asb-4 with IRS4 and the involvement of Asb-4 in insulin signaling. RESULTS: In situ hybridization showed that the expression pattern of Asb-4 was consistent with that of IRS4 in the rat brain. Double in situ hybridization showed that IRS4 colocalized with Asb-4, and both Asb-4 and IRS4 mRNA were expressed in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons within the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. In HEK293 cells co-transfected with Myc-tagged Asb-4 and Flag-tagged IRS4, Asb-4 co-immunoprecipitated with IRS4; In these cells endogenous IRS4 also co-immunoprecipitated with transfected Myc-Asb-4; Furthermore, Asb-4 co-immunoprecipitated with IRS4 in rat hypothalamic extracts. In HEK293 cells over expression of Asb-4 decreased IRS4 protein levels and deletion of the SOCS box abolished this effect. Asb-4 increased the ubiquitination of IRS4; Deletion of SOCS box abolished this effect. Expression of Asb-4 decreased both basal and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT at Thr308. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrated that Asb-4 co-localizes and interacts with IRS4 in hypothalamic neurons. The interaction of Asb-4 with IRS4 in cell lines mediates the degradation of IRS4 and decreases insulin signaling.

Reciprocal roles of angiotensin II and Angiotensin II Receptors Blockade (ARB) in regulating Cbfa1/RANKL via cAMP signaling pathway: possible mechanism for hypertension-related osteoporosis and antagonistic effect of ARB on hypertension-related osteoporosis.

Hypertension is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Animal and epidemiological studies demonstrate that high blood pressure is associated with increased calcium loss, elevated parathyroid hormone, and increased calcium movement from bone. However, the mechanism responsible for hypertension-related osteoporosis remains elusive. Recent epidemiological studies indicate the benefits of Angiotensin II Receptors Blockade (ARB) on decreasing fracture risks. Since receptors for angiotensin II, the targets of ARB, are expressed in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts, we postulated that angiotensin II plays an important role in hypertension-related osteoporosis. Cbfa1 and RANKL, the important factors for maintaining bone homeostasis and key mediators in controlling osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation, are both regulated by cAMP-dependent signaling. Angiotensin II along with factors such as LDL, HDL, NO and homocysteine that are commonly altered both in hypertension and osteoporosis, can down-regulate the expression of Cbfa1 but up-regulate RANKL expression via the cAMP signaling pathway. We thus hypothesized that, by altering the ratio of Cbfa1/RANKL expression via the cAMP-dependent pathway, angiotensin II differently regulates osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation leading to enhanced bone resorption and reduced bone formation. Since ARB can antagonize the adverse effect of angiotensin II on bone by lowering cAMP levels and modifying other downstream targets, including LDL, HDL, NO and Cbfa1/RANKL, we propose the hypothesis that the antagonistic effects of ARB may also be exerted via cAMP signaling pathway.

Caries experience in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate in China.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the levels of dental caries in subjects with cleft lip and/or palate in China in comparison with controls. DESIGN: A total of 380 subjects with cleft lip and/or palate and 339 non cleft control subjects were examined for dental caries using the decayed-missing-filled-teeth (DMFT/dmft) and decayed-missing-filled-surfaces (DMFS/dmfs) index. A questionnaire was used to acquire subjects' living habits and family socioeconomic status. SETTING: West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University. SUBJECTS: Individuals between 3 and 25 years of age. RESULTS: Caries prevalence and scores for dmft/DMFT and dmfs/DMFS were significantly higher in subjects with cleft palates when compared with the non cleft control group (p < .05), except 3- to 5-year-old children (p > .05). However, in the 3- to 5-year-old group, children with cleft lip and/or palate had significantly more caries than children of the same age with only a cleft lip with or without alveolus (p < .05). Children whose clefts had been surgically repaired had a lower dmft and dmfs than those whose clefts had not been surgically repaired (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Individuals with oral cleft are at an increased risk for dental caries. The types of cleft and the surgical repair are two important factors for dental caries.

[Role of enamel organic matrix in the remineralization of initial demineralized enamel and artificial hydroxylapatite treated with Galla chinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the remineralization of initial demineralized enamel and artificial hydroxylapatite treated with Galla chinensis in vitro, and to assess the effect of enamel organic matrix on the potential of Galla chinensis to promote the remineralization of initial enamel carious lesions, further to elucidate the mechanism of Galla chinensis in promoting the remineralization of initial enamel carious lesion. METHODS: Bovine sound enamel blocks, non-organic enamel blocks and artificial hydroxylapatite blocks were demineralized and exposed to a pH-cycling. During the pH-cycling, the specimens were randomly treated with 1 g/L NaF, 4 g/L Galla chinensis extract (GCE) or double deionized water (DDW). Surface microhardness of all the samples was measured before and after the pH-cycling, and percentage surface microhardness recovery (% SMHR) was calculated. The surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: A significant increase in microhardness (P < 0.05) with many irregular deposits and prominences on GCE treated regular enamel blocks were observed. No significant increase in that of the regular enamel treated with DDW, enamel disposed of its organic matrix or artificial hydroxylapatite treated with GCE were observed (P > 0.05). No obvious changes in the SEM images of regular enamel treated with DDW, enamel disposed of its organic matrix or artificial hydroxylapatite treated with GCE compared to those of them before pH-cycling. CONCLUSION: Galla chinensis enhances the remineralization of initial enamel carious lesions in vitro. The organic matrix of enamel was shown to play a substantial role in the observed mechanism.

[Effects of various surface treatments on the bonding efficacy of noncarious cervical sclerotic lesions].

Noncarious cervical sclerotic lesions (NCSL) are dental cervical lesions with noncarious sclerotic dentine (NCSD), which appears smooth, hard, and either light yellow or dark brown. Most NCSLs are wedge or dish shaped and commonly occur in canines and premolars, leading to dental hypersensitivity and aesthetic defect. The principal treatment is composite resin restoration; however, many clinical problems, such as retention loss, should not be ignored. NCSL's bonding interface includes NCSD and enamel, and interface pre-treatment can promote the bonding effect. This review summarizes current surface treatment methods and their influence on the bonding effectiveness of NCSL to provide guidance for clinical practice.

Bile acid toxicity in Paneth cells contributes to gut dysbiosis induced by high-fat feeding.

High-fat feeding (HFF) leads to gut dysbiosis through unclear mechanisms. We hypothesize that bile acids secreted in response to high-fat diets (HFDs) may act on intestinal Paneth cells, leading to gut dysbiosis. We found that HFF resulted in widespread taxonomic shifts in the bacteria of the ileal mucosa, characterized by depletion of Lactobacillus and enrichment of Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridium XIVa, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae, which were prevented by the bile acid binder cholestyramine. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization studies showed that G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5) expressed in Paneth cells was upregulated in the rats fed HFD or normal chow supplemented with cholic acid. This was accompanied by decreased lysozyme+ Paneth cells and α-defensin 5 and 6 and increased expression of XBP-1. Pretreatment with ER stress inhibitor 4PBA or with cholestyramine prevented these changes. Ileal explants incubated with deoxycholic acid or cholic acid caused a decrease in α-defensin 5 and 6 and an increase in XBP-1, which was prevented by TGR5 antibody or 4PBA. In conclusion, this is the first demonstration to our knowledge that TGR5 is expressed in Paneth cells. HFF resulted in increased bile acid secretion and upregulation of TGR5 expression in Paneth cells. Bile acid toxicity in Paneth cells contributes to gut dysbiosis induced by HFF.

Satiety induced by bile acids is mediated via vagal afferent pathways.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the role and the pathways used by bile acid receptor TGR5 in transmitting satiety signals. We showed TGR5 colocalized with cholecystokinin type A (CCK-A) receptors in a subpopulation of rat nodose ganglia (NG) neurons. Intra-arterial injection of deoxycholic acid (DCA) dose-dependently increased firing rate in NG while a subthreshold dose of DCA and CCK-8 increased firing rates synergistically. TGR5-specific agonist oleanolic acid induced NG neuronal firing in a dose-dependent manner. However, the same units did not respond to GW4064, a nuclear receptor-specific agonist. Quantity of DCA-activated neurons in the hypothalamus was determined by c-Fos expression. Combining DCA and CCK-8 caused a 4-fold increase in c-Fos activation. In the arcuate nucleus, c-Fos-positive neurons coexpressed cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript and proopiomelanocortin. DCA-induced c-Fos expression was eliminated following truncal vagotomy or silencing of TGR5 in the NG. Feeding studies showed intravenous injection of 1 µg/kg of DCA reduced food intake by 12% ± 3%, 24% ± 5%, and 32% ± 6% in the first 3 hours, respectively. Silencing of TGR5 or CCK-A receptor in the NG enhanced spontaneous feeding by 18% ± 2% and 13.5% ± 2.4%, respectively. When both TGR5 and CCK-A receptor were silenced, spontaneous feeding was enhanced by 37% ± 4% in the first 3 hours, suggesting that bile acid may have a physiological role in regulating satiety. Working in concert with CCK, bile acid synergistically enhanced satiety signals to reduce spontaneous feeding.

[Effects of natural plant ginkgolic acids on the apoptosis of human Hep-2 cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-cancer effects and mechanism of natural plant ginkgolic acids (GAs) on Human Hep-2 cancer cells. METHODS: Hep-2 cancer cells were treated with different concentration of GAs for different times. The proliferation of Hep-2 cancer cells were detected by MTT colorimetric assay. Biochemistry characteristics of cell apoptosis was analyzed by DNA agarose electrophoresis and FCM. RESULTS: The proliferation of Hep-2 cancer cells were inhibited significantly by GAs in a dose and time-dependent manner. Typical DNA ladder bands of Hep-2 cell DNA treated with GAs were observed on agarose electrophoresis gels. Increased apoptosis of Hep-2 cells treated with GAs was also noticed with FCM analysis. CONCLUSION: Ginkgolic acids show an anti-tumor activity through inhibition the growth and inducing apoptosis of tumor cell in vitro.

[Human mycobiome and diseases].

The proportion of mycobiome is less than 1% of human microbiome. However, fungal community plays a key role in human health and diseases. With high-throughput sequencing applications, the structure and composition of mycobiome in the mouth, lung, gut, vagina, and skin have been analyzed, and the role of microbiome in diseases has been investigated. Mycobiome also influences the composition of bacteriome and includes key species that maintain the structure and function of microbial communities. Fungi also influence host immune responses. In this review, we summarized the mycobiome com-position at various sites and different diseases and the interactions between fungi-bacteria and fungi-host.

[Effect of zoladronate on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of zoledronate acid (ZA) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS: The BMSCs isolated from the SD rats were cultured with different concentrations of ZA (1, 5, 10, and 20 µmol·L), and the contro1 group received the same volume of culture medium but without ZA. Cell counting kit-8 was used to detect proliferation activity in each group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining were used to detect the osteogenic differentiation ability in each group. The gene expression levels of ALP, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), typeⅠcollagenase (COL-Ⅰ), runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx-2), zinc finger structure transcription factor (Osx), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN) were evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Zoledronate at 1 µmol·L⁻¹ concentration had no effect on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. No significant difference was observed between this group and the control group (P>0.05). When the ZA concentration was more than 1 µmol·L⁻¹, ZA inhibited the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and the effect was concentration dependent. The difference between each group and the control group was statistically significant (P<0.05). At ZA concentration of 5 µmol·L⁻¹, ZA enhanced the expression of ALP, BMP-2, COL-Ⅰ, Runx-2, Osx, OCN, and OPN (P<0.05). However, at ZA concentration of more than 5 µmol·L⁻¹, the expression levels of osteogenicrelated genes in each group was lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low ZA concentration has no effect on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. ZA at 5 µmol·L⁻¹ concentration inhibits the proliferation but promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. High ZA concentration inhibits the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Effect of des-acyl ghrelin on adiposity and glucose metabolism.

Ghrelin, a gastric peptide hormone, has been reported to regulate GH secretion and energy homeostasis. Here, we examined the effect of des-acyl ghrelin driven from the fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) promoter on adiposity and glucose metabolism. A high level of expression of des-acyl ghrelin (692 +/- 293 fmol/g fat) in adipose tissue was detected in FABP4-ghrelin transgenic mice, but not in wild-type littermates. Circulating des-acyl ghrelin was significantly higher in FABP4-ghrelin transgenic mice (8409 +/- 3390 pm) compared with wild-type mice (513 +/- 58 pm). No significant change was observed for plasma acylated ghrelin and obestatin. Epididymal and perirenal fat masses decreased 35 +/- 9 and 52 +/- 9%, respectively, in FABP4-ghrelin transgenic mice. FABP4-ghrelin transgenic mice are resistant to obesity induced by high-fat diet. Brown fat mass was not affected by overexpression of ghrelin in adipose tissue. Glucose tolerance tests showed glucose levels to be significantly lower in FABP4-ghrelin transgenic mice than in controls after glucose administration. Insulin sensitivity testing showed that FABP4-ghrelin transgenic mice had a 28 +/- 5% greater hypoglycemic response to insulin. Our study demonstrates that overexpression of ghrelin from the FABP4 promoter impairs the development of white adipose tissues, and alters glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice.

Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing protein 4 (Asb-4) interacts with GPS1 (CSN1) and inhibits c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activity.

Asb-4 is a gene that is specifically expressed in the hypothalamic energy homeostasis-associated areas and is down-regulated in the arcuate nucleus of fasted Sprague Dawley and obese Zucker rats. It has two functional domains, the ankyrin repeat and the SOCS box. The function of Asb-4 is unclear. We used yeast two hybridization to search for protein(s) that interact with Asb-4. With Asb-4 minus its SOCS box (Asb-4/Deltasb) as a bait, we screened mouse testis and arcuate nucleus cDNA libraries and identified G-protein pathway suppressor 1 (GPS1, also known as CSN1) as an Asb-4 interacting protein. GPS1 co-immunoprecipitated with Asb-4 both in vitro and in human HEK293 cells. When Asb-4 and GPS1 were co-transfected into HEK293 cells, expression of Asb-4 reduced the protein level of GPS1. Deletion of the SOCS box (Asb4/Deltasb) did not abolish the inhibitory effect of Asb-4 on GPS1, indicating that the SOCS box was not needed for its inhibitory effect. In NIH 3T3 L1 cells, expression of GPS1 enhanced c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. Co-expression of Asb-4 with GPS1 inhibited JNK activity. Treatment of the cells with insulin (20 nM) stimulated JNK activity. Expression of GPS1 potentiated the stimulatory effect of insulin, whereas co-expression of Asb-4 along with GPS1 inhibited JNK activity. In HEK293 cells expression of GPS1 elevated phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) at serine307, co-expression of Asb-4 with GPS1 reduced the IRS-1ser307 phosphorylation. The present study demonstrates that Asb-4 interacts with GPS1 and inhibits JNK activity.