RESUMO
Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is characterized by fibrosis, ineffective hematopoiesis in marrow, and hematopoiesis in extramedullary sites and is associated with abnormal megakaryocyte (MK) development and increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 release. To clarify the role of TGF-ß1 in the pathogenesis of this disease, the TGF-ß1 signaling pathway of marrow and spleen of the Gata1(low) mouse model of myelofibrosis (MF) was profiled and the consequences of inhibition of TGF-ß1 signaling on disease manifestations determined. The expression of 20 genes in marrow and 36 genes in spleen of Gata1(low) mice was altered. David-pathway analyses identified alterations of TGF-ß1, Hedgehog, and p53 signaling in marrow and spleen and of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in spleen only and predicted that these alterations would induce consequences consistent with the Gata1(low) phenotype (increased apoptosis and G1 arrest both in marrow and spleen and increased osteoblast differentiation and reduced ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in marrow only). Inhibition of TGF-ß1 signaling normalized the expression of p53-related genes, restoring hematopoiesis and MK development and reducing fibrosis, neovascularization, and osteogenesis in marrow. It also normalized p53/mTOR/Hedgehog-related genes in spleen, reducing extramedullary hematopoiesis. These data identify altered expression signatures of TGF-ß1 signaling that may be responsible for MF in Gata1(low) mice and may represent additional targets for therapeutic intervention in PMF.
Assuntos
Modelos Animais de Doenças , Fator de Transcrição GATA1/fisiologia , Mielofibrose Primária/patologia , Transdução de Sinais , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Adulto , Animais , Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Biomarcadores Tumorais/metabolismo , Western Blotting , Medula Óssea/metabolismo , Medula Óssea/patologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Quimiocina CXCL12/genética , Quimiocina CXCL12/metabolismo , Citocinas/metabolismo , Citometria de Fluxo , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise de Sequência com Séries de Oligonucleotídeos , Mielofibrose Primária/etiologia , Mielofibrose Primária/metabolismo , RNA Mensageiro/genética , RNA Interferente Pequeno/genética , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo Real , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Via Transcriptase Reversa , Baço/metabolismo , Baço/patologia , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/genética , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismo , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/antagonistas & inibidores , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/genética , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/genética , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismoRESUMO
Patients with primary myelofibrosis have increased risk for bleeding and thrombosis. It is debated whether propensity to thrombosis is due to increased numbers of platelet microparticles and/or to pathological platelet-neutrophil interactions. Platelet neutrophil interactions are mediated by P-selectin and even though the megakaryocytes of myelofibrosis patients express normal levels of P-selectin, it remains abnormally localized to the demarcation membrane system rather than being assembled into the α-granules in platelets. Mice carrying the hypomorphic Gata1(low) mutation express the same megakaryocyte abnormalities presented by primary myelofibrosis patients, including abnormal P-selectin localization to the DMS and develop with age myelofibrosis, a disease that closely resembles human primary myelofibrosis. Whether these mice would also develop thrombosis has not been investigated as yet. The aim of this study was to determine whether Gata1(low) mice would develop thrombosis with age and, in this case, the role played by P-selectin in the development of the trait. To this aim, Gata1(low) mice were crossed with P-sel(null) mice according to standard genetic protocols and Gata1(low)P-sel(wt), Gata1(low)P-sel(null) and Gata1(WT)P-sel(null) or Gata1(wt)P-sel(wt) (as controls) littermates obtained. It was shown that platelet counts, but not hematocrit, are reduced in Gata1(low) mice. Moreover, platelet microparticles are reduced in Gata1(low) mice and P-selectin positive platelet microparticles were not found. To determine the phenotypic implications of the different mutations, bleeding time was estimated by a tail cut procedure. Mutant mice were sacrificed and presence of thrombosis was determined by immunohistological staining of organs. Gata1(low) mice with or without the P-selectin null trait had a prolonged bleeding time compared to wild type mice. However, in Gata1(low) mice significantly higher frequency of thrombotic events was seen in adult and old Gata1(low) mice compared to Gata1(low)P-sel(null) mice. Thus, presence of the P-selectin null trait rescued Gata1(low) mice from the thrombotic phenotype, but did not change the level of platelet microparticles. Taken together these data indicate that abnormal localization of P-selectin, induced by the Gata1(low) mutation, and thus, increased pathological interactions with leucocytes, is responsible for the increased presence of thrombosis seen in these mice.
Assuntos
Fator de Transcrição GATA1/sangue , Megacariócitos/patologia , Selectina-P/sangue , Mielofibrose Primária/sangue , Trombose/sangue , Animais , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , CamundongosRESUMO
Oxidative stress is believed to be a major contributory factor in the development of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disorder worldwide. In this study, the effects of high fat diet-induced NAFLD on Coenzyme Q (CoQ) metabolism and plasma oxidative stress markers in rats were investigated. Rats were fed a standard low fat diet (control) or a high fat diet (57% metabolizable energy as fat) for 18 weeks. The concentrations of total (reduced + oxidized) CoQ9 were increased by >2 fold in the plasma of animals fed the high fat diet, while those of total CoQ10 were unchanged. Reduced CoQ levels were raised, but oxidized CoQ levels were not, thus the proportion in the reduced form was increased by about 75%. A higher percentage of plasma CoQ9 as compared to CoQ10 was in the reduced form in both control and high fat fed rats. Plasma protein thiol (SH) levels were decreased in the high fat-fed rats as compared to the control group, but concentrations of lipid hydroperoxides and low density lipoprotein (LDL) conjugated dienes were unchanged. These results indicate that high fat diet-induced NAFLD in rats is associated with altered CoQ metabolism and increased protein, but not lipid, oxidative stress.
Assuntos
Gorduras na Dieta/efeitos adversos , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/induzido quimicamente , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/metabolismo , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Ubiquinona/análogos & derivados , Animais , Gorduras na Dieta/farmacologia , Lipoproteínas LDL/sangue , Masculino , Hepatopatia Gordurosa não Alcoólica/patologia , Oxirredução/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Compostos de Sulfidrila/sangue , Ubiquinona/metabolismoRESUMO
Osteopenia and osteoporosis are among the most prevalent consequences of ageing, urging the promotion of healthy nutritional habits as a tool in preventing bone fractures. Glucosinolates (GLSs) are organosulfur compounds considered relatively inert precursors of reactive derivatives isothiocyanates (ITCs). Recent evidence suggests that GLSs may exert biological properties based on their capacity to release hydrogen sulfide (H2S). H2S-donors are known to exert anabolic function on bone cells. Here, we investigated whether a GLS, glucoraphanin (GRA) obtained from Tuscan black kale, promotes osteogenesis in human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). H2S release in buffer and intracellular H2S levels were detected by amperometric measurements and fluorimetric/cytofluorimetric analyses, respectively. Alizarin red staining assay and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate mineral apposition and mRNA expression of osteogenic genes. Using an in vitro cell culture model, our data demonstrate a sulforaphane (SFN)-independent osteogenic stimulation of GRA in hMSCs, at least partially attributable to H2S release. In particular, GRA upregulated the expression of osteogenic genes and enhanced mineral apposition while increasing intracellular concentrations of H2S. Overall, this study suggests the feasibility of using cruciferous derivatives as natural alternatives to chemical H2S-donors as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of bone-wasting diseases.
Assuntos
Sulfeto de Hidrogênio , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais , Células Cultivadas , Glucosinolatos/metabolismo , Glucosinolatos/farmacologia , Humanos , Sulfeto de Hidrogênio/metabolismo , Sulfeto de Hidrogênio/farmacologia , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/metabolismo , Osteogênese/genética , Oximas , SulfóxidosRESUMO
Bone and muscle have been recognized as endocrine organs since they produce and secrete "hormone-like factors" that can mutually influence each other and other tissues, giving rise to a "bone-muscle crosstalk". In our study, we made use of myogenic (C2C12 cells) and osteogenic (2T3 cells) cell lines to investigate the effects of muscle cell-produced factors on the maturation process of osteoblasts. We found that the myogenic medium has inhibitory effects on bone cell differentiation and we identified sclerostin as one of the myokines produced by muscle cells. Sclerostin is a secreted glycoprotein reportedly expressed by bone/cartilage cells and is considered a negative regulator of bone growth due to its role as an antagonist of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Given the inhibitory role of sclerostin in bone, we analyzed its expression by muscle cells and how it affects bone formation and homeostasis. Firstly, we characterized and quantified sclerostin synthesis by a myoblast cell line (C2C12) and by murine primary muscle cells by Western blotting, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, and ELISA assay. Next, we investigated in vivo production of sclerostin in distinct muscle groups with different metabolic and mechanical loading characteristics. This analysis was done in mice of different ages (6 weeks, 5 and 18 months after birth) and revealed that sclerostin expression is dynamically modulated in a muscle-specific way during the lifespan. Finally, we transiently expressed sclerostin in the hind limb muscles of young mice (2 weeks of age) via in vivo electro-transfer of a plasmid containing the SOST gene in order to investigate the effects of muscle-specific overproduction of the protein. Our data disclosed an inhibitory role of the muscular sclerostin on the bones adjacent to the electroporated muscles. This observation suggests that sclerostin released by skeletal muscle might synergistically interact with osseous sclerostin and potentiate negative regulation of osteogenesis possibly by acting in a paracrine/local fashion. Our data point out a role for muscle as a new source of sclerostin.
RESUMO
The X-linked Gata1(low) mutation in mice induces strain-restricted myeloproliferative disorders characterized by extramedullary hematopoiesis in spleen (CD1 and DBA/2) and liver (CD1 only). To assess the role of the microenvironment in establishing this myeloproliferative trait, progenitor cell compartments of spleen and marrow from wild-type and Gata1(low) mice were compared. Phenotype and clonal assay of non-fractionated cells indicated that Gata1(low) mice contain progenitor cell numbers 4-fold lower and 10-fold higher than normal in marrow and spleen, respectively. However, progenitor cells prospectively isolated from spleen, but not from marrow, of Gata1(low) mice expressed colony-forming function in vitro. Therefore, calculation of cloning activity of purified cells demonstrated that the total number of Gata1(low) progenitor cells was 10- to 100-fold lower than normal in marrow and >1,000 times higher than normal in spleen. This observation indicates that Gata1(low) hematopoiesis is favored by the spleen and is in agreement with our previous report that removal of this organ induces wild-type hematopoiesis in heterozygous Gata1(low/+) females (Migliaccio et al., 2009, Blood 114:2107). To clarify if rescue of wild-type hematopoiesis by splenectomy prevented extramedullary hematopoiesis in liver, marrow cytokine expression profile and liver histopathology of splenectomized Gata1(low/+) females were investigated. After splenectomy, the marrow expression levels of TGF-beta, VEGF, osteocalcin, PDGF-alpha, and SDF-1 remained abnormally high while Gata1(low) hematopoiesis was detectable in liver of both CD1 and DBA/2 mutants. Therefore, in the absence of the spleen, Gata1(low) hematopoiesis is supported by the liver suggesting that treatment of myelofibrosis in these animals requires the rescue of both stem cell and microenvironmental functions.
Assuntos
Hematopoese Extramedular/genética , Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/fisiologia , Transtornos Mieloproliferativos/genética , Baço/fisiopatologia , Animais , Medula Óssea/metabolismo , Células da Medula Óssea/citologia , Células da Medula Óssea/fisiologia , Proliferação de Células , Citocinas/análise , Citocinas/metabolismo , Meio Ambiente , Espaço Extracelular/fisiologia , Feminino , Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/citologia , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular/análise , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular/metabolismo , Fígado/citologia , Fígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Transtornos Mieloproliferativos/metabolismo , Transtornos Mieloproliferativos/fisiopatologia , Baço/citologia , Baço/metabolismo , Esplenectomia , Células-Tronco/citologia , Células-Tronco/fisiologiaRESUMO
The discovery of JAK2 mutations in Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms has prompted investigators to evaluate mutation-targeted treatments to restore hematopoietic cell functions in these diseases. However, the results of the first clinical trials with JAK2 inhibitors are not as promising as expected, prompting a search for additional drugable targets to treat these disorders. In this paper, we used the hypomorphic Gata1(low) mouse model of primary myelofibrosis (PMF), the most severe of these neoplasms, to test the hypothesis that defective marrow hemopoiesis and development of extramedullary hematopoiesis in myelofibrosis is due to insufficient p27(Kip1) activity and is treatable by Aplidin, a cyclic depsipeptide that activates p27(Kip1) in several cancer cells. Aplidin restored expression of Gata1 and p27(Kip1) in Gata1(low) hematopoietic cells, proliferation of marrow progenitor cells in vitro and maturation of megakaryocytes in vivo (reducing TGF-beta/VEGF levels released in the microenvironment by immature Gata1(low) megakaryocytes). Microvessel density, fibrosis, bone growth, and marrow cellularity were normal in Aplidin-treated mice and extramedullary hematopoiesis did not develop in liver although CXCR4 expression in Gata1(low) progenitor cells remained low. These results indicate that Aplidin effectively alters the natural history of myelofibrosis in Gata1(low) mice and suggest this drug as candidate for clinical evaluation in PMF.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Depsipeptídeos/uso terapêutico , Fator de Transcrição GATA1/genética , Mielofibrose Primária/genética , Receptores CXCR4/metabolismo , Distribuição por Idade , Animais , Antineoplásicos/administração & dosagem , Células da Medula Óssea , Inibidor de Quinase Dependente de Ciclina p27/genética , Inibidor de Quinase Dependente de Ciclina p27/metabolismo , Depsipeptídeos/administração & dosagem , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Esquema de Medicação , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Camundongos , Mutação , Peptídeos Cíclicos , Mielofibrose Primária/metabolismo , Células-Tronco/metabolismo , Redução de Peso/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The Osteocyte, recognized as a major orchestrator of osteoblast and osteoclast activity, is the most important key player during bone remodeling processes. Imbalances occurring during bone remodeling, caused by hormone perturbations or by mechanical loading alterations, can induce bone pathologies such as osteoporosis. Recently, the active fraction of parathormone, PTH (1-34) or Teriparatide (TPTD), was chosen as election treatment for osteoporosis. The effect of such therapy is dependent on the temporal manner of administration. The molecular reasons why the type of administration regimen is so critical for the fate of bone remodeling are numerous and not yet well known. Our study attempts to analyze diverse signaling pathways directly activated in osteocytes upon TPTD treatment. By means of gene array analysis, we found many molecules upregulated or downregulated in osteocytes. Later, we paid attention to Wisp-2, a protein involved in the Wnt pathway, that is secreted by MLO-Y4 cells and increases upon TPTD treatment and that is able to positively influence the early phases of osteogenic differentiation. We also confirmed the pro osteogenic property of Wisp-2 during mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into the preliminary osteoblast phenotype. The same results were confirmed with an in vivo approach confirming a remarkable Wisp-2 expression in metaphyseal trabecular bone. These results highlighted the anabolic roles unrolled by osteocytes in controlling the action of neighboring cells, suggesting that the perturbation of certain signaling cascades, such as the Wnt pathway, is crucial for the positive regulation of bone formation.
Assuntos
Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intracelular/genética , Osteoblastos/efeitos dos fármacos , Teriparatida/farmacologia , Animais , Remodelação Óssea/efeitos dos fármacos , Diferenciação Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intracelular/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Osteoblastos/fisiologia , Osteócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Osteócitos/fisiologia , Osteogênese/efeitos dos fármacos , Osteogênese/genética , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-DawleyRESUMO
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-based therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for several biomedical applications. Following the observation that endogenous and exogenous H2S plays a prominent role as a bone anabolic agent, we recently developed a silk fibroin (SF) porous scaffold loaded with GYY4137 (GYY), an H2S donor, for applications in bone tissue engineering. Here, we assayed whether the combination of SF with H2S potentiates the osteoconductive properties of SF. Biocompatibility and osteoanabolic activity were assayed in vitro using human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells. Cell cultures were performed on a perfusion bioreactor to obtain results closer to the in vivo microenvironment. Cytotoxicity was excluded by lactate dehydrogenase and live/dead assays. Cell colonization and mineral apposition were evaluated by Haematoxylin & Eosin and Von Kossa/Alizarin Red-S stainings respectively. PCR array for human osteogenesis and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to identify pathways and targets involved. Our findings show that H2S-releasing SF scaffolds supported cell adhesion, proliferation and viability. Moreover, H2S activated genes and proteins involved in ossification, osteoblast differentiation, bone mineral metabolism and angiogenesis allowing a high and early mineralization. Based on these properties, we suggest the use of H2S-releasing SF scaffolds for bone healing and regeneration applications.
Assuntos
Fibroínas/química , Sulfeto de Hidrogênio/farmacologia , Engenharia Tecidual/métodos , Alicerces Teciduais/química , Fosfatase Alcalina/metabolismo , Animais , Bombyx , Calcificação Fisiológica/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Forma Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Humanos , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/citologia , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/efeitos dos fármacos , Neovascularização Fisiológica/efeitos dos fármacos , Neovascularização Fisiológica/genética , Osteogênese/efeitos dos fármacos , Osteogênese/genética , RNA Mensageiro/genética , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Regulação para Cima/efeitos dos fármacos , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismoRESUMO
PURPOSE: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapeutic modality based on (10)B(n,alpha)(7)Li reaction, for the treatment of malignant gliomas. One of the main limitations for BNCT effectiveness is the insufficient intake of (10)B nuclei in the tumor cells. This work was aimed at investigating the use of L-DOPA as a putative enhancer for (10)B-drug 4-dihydroxy-borylphenylalanine (BPA) uptake in the C6-glioma model. The investigation was first performed in vitro and then extended to the animal model. METHODS AND MATERIALS: BPA accumulation in C6-glioma cells was assessed using radiowave dielectric spectroscopy, with and without L-DOPA preloading. Two L-DOPA incubation times (2 and 4 hours) were investigated, and the corresponding effects on BPA accumulation were quantified. C6-glioma cells were also implanted in the brain of 32 rats, and tumor growth was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging. Rats were assigned to two experimental branches: (1) BPA administration; (2) BPA administration after pretreatment with L-DOPA. All animals were sacrificed, and assessments of BPA concentrations in tumor tissue, normal brain, and blood samples were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: L-DOPA preloading induced a massive increase of BPA concentration in C6-glioma cells only after a 4-hour incubation. In the animal model, L-DOPA pretreatment produced a significantly higher accumulation of BPA in tumor tissue but not in normal brain and blood samples. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the potential use of L-DOPA as enhancer for BPA accumulation in malignant gliomas eligible for BNCT. L-DOPA preloading effect is discussed in terms of membrane transport mechanisms.
Assuntos
Compostos de Boro/farmacocinética , Terapia por Captura de Nêutron de Boro/métodos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/metabolismo , Dopaminérgicos/administração & dosagem , Glioma/metabolismo , Levodopa/administração & dosagem , Fenilalanina/análogos & derivados , Animais , Compostos de Boro/sangue , Compostos de Boro/uso terapêutico , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Neoplasias Encefálicas/sangue , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Dopaminérgicos/farmacologia , Glioma/sangue , Glioma/radioterapia , Levodopa/farmacologia , Masculino , Fenilalanina/sangue , Fenilalanina/farmacocinética , Fenilalanina/uso terapêutico , RatosRESUMO
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a promising binary modality used to treat malignant brain gliomas. To optimize BNCT effectiveness a non-invasive method is needed to monitor the spatial distribution of BNCT carriers in order to estimate the optimal timing for neutron irradiation. In this study, in vivo spatial distribution mapping and pharmacokinetics evaluation of the (19)F-labelled boronophenylalanine (BPA) were performed using (19)F magnetic resonance imaging ((19)F MRI) and (19)F magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((19)F MRS). Characteristic uptake of (19)F-BPA in C6 glioma showed a maximum at 2.5 h after compound infusion as confirmed by both (19)F images and (19)F spectra acquired on blood samples collected at different times after infusion. This study shows the ability of (19)F MRI to selectively map the bio-distribution of (19)F-BPA in a C6 rat glioma model, as well as providing a useful method to perform pharmacokinetics of BNCT carriers.
Assuntos
Compostos de Boro , Terapia por Captura de Nêutron de Boro/métodos , Frutose/análogos & derivados , Glioma/radioterapia , Animais , Compostos de Boro/farmacocinética , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/patologia , Neoplasias Encefálicas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Encefálicas/radioterapia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Demografia , Radioisótopos de Flúor/sangue , Frutose/farmacocinética , Glioma/metabolismo , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Neoplasias Experimentais/fisiopatologia , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Clustering of patient-derived glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) through unsupervised analysis of metabolites detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) evidenced three subgroups, namely clusters 1a and 1b, with high intergroup similarity and neural fingerprints, and cluster 2, with a metabolism typical of commercial tumor lines. In addition, subclones generated by the same GSC line showed different metabolic phenotypes. Aerobic glycolysis prevailed in cluster 2 cells as demonstrated by higher lactate production compared to cluster 1 cells. Oligomycin, a mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor, induced high lactate extrusion only in cluster 1 cells, where it produced neutral lipid accumulation detected as mobile lipid signals by MRS and lipid droplets by confocal microscopy. These results indicate a relevant role of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation for energy production in GSCs. On the other hand, further metabolic differences, likely accounting for different therapy responsiveness observed after etomoxir treatment, suggest that caution must be used in considering patient treatment with mitochondria FAO blockers. Metabolomics and metabolic profiling may contribute to discover new diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers to be used for personalized therapies.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in response to a high-fat diet in rats and to test the hypothesis that dietary coenzyme Q monomethyl ether (CoQme) has antisteatogenic effects. METHODS: Rats were fed a standard low-fat diet (control) for 18 wk or a diet containing 35% fat (57% metabolizable energy) for 10 wk, then divided into three groups for the following 8 wk. One group was given CoQ9me (30mg/kg body weight per day in 0.3mL olive oil: high fat+CoQ9me), the second olive oil (0.3mL/d) only (high fat + olive oil), and the third group received no supplements (high fat). RESULTS: Insulin levels and the activity of alanine aminotransferase in the plasma were significantly increased in all high-fat diet groups, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance indicated insulin resistance. Triacylglycerol concentrations in whole plasma and in very low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein fractions were also raised. Liver histology showed lipid accumulation in animals fed the high-fat diets, and liver triacylglycerol levels were increased (2.5- to 3-fold) in all high-fat diet groups. These effects were not changed by the administration of CoQ9me. CONCLUSIONS: Rats fed a diet with 57% energy from fat showed insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, increased very low-density lipoprotein production, hepatic steatosis, and liver damage, and thus provide a good model for the early stages of NAFLD. Dietary CoQ9me, however, did not ameliorate the damaging effects of the high-fat diet.