MTHFR C677T polymorphism affects normotensive diastolic blood pressure independently of blood lipids.

BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism was found to be associated with hypertension. High blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, gestational hypertension, and high-risk pregnancy. BP is a complex trait strongly associated with blood lipid parameters. However, studies of the effect of MTHFR C677T polymorphism on BP levels independently of blood lipids are scarce. Our objective was to analyze and quantify the effect of MTHFR C677T polymorphism on normotensive BP independently of blood lipids. METHODS: MTHFR C677T genotyping was done for 151 Israeli women attending the genetics clinic at Soroka Medical Center. Biochemical (blood lipids) and BP data were extracted from Soroka Medical Center records. BP was regarded as a continuous parameter using analysis of covariance and post hoc Tukey's HSD (honestly significant difference) analysis. RESULTS: The frequencies of genotypes CC, TT, and CT were 41%, 12%, and 47%, respectively. A significant (P < 0.0001) association was found between genotype and diastolic BP (DBP) when adjusted to body mass index and age. Mean DBP was significantly lower for CC than for TT genotypes (71.2 vs. 78.7 mm Hg); however the difference between the heterozygotes (73.9 mm Hg) and the other 2 genotypes was not significant. Cholesterol, LDLcalc (LDLcalculaed), and homocysteine blood levels significantly contributed to the effect of MTHFR C677T polymorphism on the DBP trait. There was also significant association between genotype and folic acid levels. CONCLUSIONS: MTHFR C677T polymorphism significantly affects DBP in Israeli women, independently of blood lipids. Each C to T substitution is associated with a mean 3.4-mm Hg increase in DBP.

Differential regulation of pancreatic digestive enzymes during chronic high-fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice.

Exocrine pancreatic digestive enzymes are essential for the digestion of dietary components and are regulated by them. Chronic excess dietary high fat (HF) consumption is a contributing factor of diet-induced obesity (DIO) and associated chronic diseases and requires adaptation by the pancreas. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of chronic HF diet feeding on exocrine pancreatic digestive enzyme transcript levels in DIO C57BL/6J mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed diets containing either 10 or 45% energy (E%) derived from fat for 12 weeks (n 10 mice per diet group). Pancreatic tissue and blood samples were collected at 0, 4 and 12 weeks. The expression of a panel of exocrine pancreatic digestive enzymes was analysed using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The HF (45 E%) diet-fed C57BL/6J mice developed obesity, hyperleptinaemia, hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia. The transcript levels of pancreatic lipase (PL), pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (PLRP2) and pancreatic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were initially elevated; however, they were down-regulated to basal control levels at week 12. The transcript levels of colipase were significantly affected by diet and time. The protein levels of PL and PLRP2 responded to HF diet feeding. The transcript levels of amylase and proteases were not significantly affected by diet and time. The transcript levels of specific lipases in hyperinsulinaemic, hyperleptinaemic and hyperglycaemic DIO C57BL/6J mice are down-regulated. However, these mice compensate for this by the post-transcriptional regulation of the levels of proteins that respond to dietary fat. This suggests a complex regulatory mechanism involved in the modulation of fat digestion.

BBS4 directly affects proliferation and differentiation of adipocytes.

BBS4 is one of several proteins whose defects cause Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), a multi-systemic disorder, manifesting with marked obesity. BBS4 polymorphisms have been associated with common non-syndromic morbid obesity. BBS4 obesity molecular mechanisms, and the role of the BBS4 gene in adipocyte differentiation and function are not entirely known. We now show that Bbs4 plays a direct and essential role in proliferation and adipogenesis: silencing of Bbs4 in 3T3F442A preadipocytes induced accelerated cell division and aberrant differentiation, evident through morphologic studies (light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy), metabolic analyses (fat accumulation, fatty acid profile and lipolysis) and adipogenic markers transcripts (Cebpα, Pparγ, aP2, ADRP, Perilipin). Throughout adipogenesis and when challenged with fat load, Bbs4 silenced cells accumulate significantly more triglycerides than control adipocytes, albeit in smaller (yet greater in number) droplets containing modified fatty acid profiles. Thus, greater fat accumulation in the silenced cells is a consequence of both a higher rate of adipocyte proliferation and of aberrant differentiation leading to augmented aberrant accumulation of fat per cell. Our findings suggest that the BBS obesity might be partly due to a direct role of BBS4 in physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie adipose tissue formation relevant to obesity.

Common FSNP variants of fourteen Bardet-Biedl syndrome genes and adult body mass.

OBJECTIVE: Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare monogenic multi-systemic disorder manifesting with marked obesity. Fourteen BBS genes have been identified to date and additional loci are expected. Mutations of several BBS genes were shown to affect fat cell differentiation. The purpose was to Investigate the association between common polymorphisms in all 14 genes as a group and body weight. DESIGN AND METHODS: We investigated association between tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) located between 10 kb upstream and downstream from the transcribed sequences of each of 14 BBS genes, and body weight and fat in 2462 adult women from the UK Twins study. Significant results were further tested in a confirmation sample of 2003 women from the same cohort and additionally in the GIANT consortium population (n = 123,865). RESULTS: 105 SNPs in 14 BBS genes were selected and tested in the first cohort of women for association with the body weight and fat related phenotypes, i.e. weight, body mass index (BMI), total body fat (assessed by DEXA), total fat/height(2), and total fat/weight. We used principal component (PC) derived using the latter five traits as a primary phenotype for this study. Of the 105 SNPs, 3 variants in BBS9 and BBS11 showed evidence of nominally significant association with elevated body weight and fat. However, none of the associations survived multiple-testing correction. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that common variation in 14 BBS genes (within or adjacent to the genes) are unlikely to have a substantial effect on body weight and fat in the European population.

From fat cell biology to public health preventive strategies - pinpointing the critical period for obesity prevention.

The prevalence of childhood and adolescence obesity is increasing to alarming proportions worldwide and poses a major public health problem by significantly elevating the risks of chronic diseases. There is strong evidence that childhood overweight and obesity are risk factors for severe obesity over the whole life course. In fact, longitudinal studies have found that most overweight/obese children would become overweight and obese adults. There is a lack of coupling in the scientific literature between adipose tissue development and biology to obesity prevention and treatment strategies. This is of utmost importance, especially regarding childhood and adolescence, as the major scientific paradigm in studies of adiposity is that the major number of adipocytes is set for life at this early age. This review discusses the current adipose cell biology paradigms to pinpoint the critical factors and periods in childhood overweight and obesity and, consecutively, to develop relevant prevention strategies.

Autosomal recessive lethal congenital contractural syndrome type 4 (LCCS4) caused by a mutation in MYBPC1.

Autosomal recessive lethal congenital contractural syndrome (LCCS) is a severe form of neuromuscular arthrogryposis. We previously showed that this phenotype is caused in two unrelated inbred Bedouin tribes by different defects in the phosphatidylinositol pathway. However, the molecular basis of the same phenotype in other tribes remained elusive. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel LCCS founder mutation within a minimal shared homozygosity locus of approximately 1 Mb in two affected individuals of different tribes: a homozygous premature stop producing mutation in MYBPC1, encoding myosin-binding protein C, slow type. A dominant missense mutation in MYBPC1 was previously shown to cause mild distal arthrogryposis. We now show that a recessive mutation abrogating all functional domains in the same gene leads to LCCS.

Temporal expression pattern of Bardet-Biedl syndrome genes in adipogenesis.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated with marked obesity. Research in rare forms of obesity has identified genes with significant roles in common obesity etiology. To date, 11 BBS genes have been cloned (BBS1-BBS11). However, the function of BBS genes in adipogenesis is unknown. Moreover, not all BBS genes have been shown to be expressed in adipose tissue. The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of BBS genes throughout adipogenesis. 3T3-F442A preadipocyte cells were harvested throughout the adipogenesis process (from day 1 to 8) at 1-day intervals. Levels of BBS genes transcripts were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Additionally, transcript levels of BBS5-9 and BBS11 were studied in mouse (C57BL/6) adipose tissue. We have shown for the first time that BBS5-9 and BBS11 are expressed in adipose tissue. Significant variations in the transcript levels of the BBS genes were identified throughout adipogenesis. Compared to the their levels in non-differentiated preadipocytes, transcript levels of BBS1-4, 6-9 and 11 were significantly augmented through differentiation, reaching maximum values at day 3 (BBS1-4, 6-8) and 4 (BBS9 and 11) by 3.5, 4, 2.9, 3, 5, 1.9, 2, 2.9 and 2.6-fold, respectively. These findings show for the first time a unique, temporal and synchronized expression of BBS genes during adipogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of BBS genes functional studies in adipogenesis.

Leptin restores plasma cholesterol, glucose and weight loss induced by IFNalpha treatment.

Leptin, an adipokine, a major regulator of food intake, was recently suggested to play a role in immune response. We previously showed that weight reduction following IFNalpha therapy is due, at least in part, to direct induction of adipose tissue apoptosis. We now studied the effect of leptin on IFNalpha treated adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. Diet induced obese C57/B6 mice were treated continually with recombinant (r) IFNalphaA/D + leptin (100 U/g body weight + 10 microg/day, respectably) or leptin (10 microg/day) alone for 8 days. Co-administration of IFNalphaA/D + leptin significantly reduced plasma cholesterol (P<0.001), glucose (P<0.007) and pro-apoptotic protein levels (P<0.05). Additionally, co-administration prevented loss of body weight due to adipocyte apoptosis. Thus, leptin co-administration with IFNalphaA/D decreases some of the side effects of IFNalpha administration such as weight loss, cholesterol and glucose levels.

Leptin directly regulates exocrine pancreas lipase and two related proteins in the rat.

Leptin, a metabolic regulator of energy expenditure, exerts its peripheral effects primarily by altering lipid metabolism. The exocrine pancreas has a key role in the digestion of dietary lipids, but the role of leptin in regulating pancreatic lipases remains unknown. Using the exocrine pancreas in vitro AR42J cell model, we studied the direct effects of leptin on pancreatic lipase (PL) secretion and on the mRNA levels of PL and PL-related proteins 1 and 2 (PLRP1, PLRP2). Leptin directly, rapidly (within 30 min) and significantly inhibited both the secretion and intracellular activity of PL. Leptin downregulated mRNA levels of PL and PLRP1, and upregulated transcripts of PLRP2. This study provides the first evidence that leptin directly regulates exocrine lipases at the levels of synthesis, activity and secretion. This rapid regulation may be associated with a short-term control of energy balance.

IFN-alpha induces apoptosis of adipose tissue cells.

Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) is produced in response to viral infections and used clinically in the therapy of a variety of cancers and viral infections. IFN-alpha treatment is often associated with severe weight reduction. To elucidate the mechanism of IFN-associated weight loss, we studied its effect on adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. Diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6 mice were treated continuously for 8 days with human IFN-alpha A/D (100 U/g body weight) or with vehicle alone. The body weight and adipose cell size of IFN-alpha A/D-treated DIO mice were significantly lower (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively) as compared with those of control DIO mice. PI3K and Bcl-2 were down-regulated whereas Bax expression was elevated in adipose tissue following IFN treatment as compared to adipose tissue of control DIO mice. Treatment of differentiated 3T3-F442A adipocytes with IFN-alpha A/D (250 U/ml, 36 h) significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells from 15.8% in control cells to 56+/-6%. In conclusion, weight loss following IFN-alpha therapy is due at least in part to increased apoptosis of adipocytes.

Conversion of adipogenic to osteogenic phenotype using crystalline porous biomatrices of marine origin.

Adipogenic and osteogenic cells share part of the early differentiation cascade of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The choice of a mesenchymal precursor cell to differentiate into a particular cell type is dictated by many spatial and temporal cues, including growth factors, neighboring mature cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM), which plays an important role in bone formation. Whether adipocytes that have initiated differentiation along one lineage can convert into osteogenic lineage by merely interacting with materials having specific surface parameters is unknown. Using crystalline three-dimensional (3D) biomatrices of marine origin (CaCO(3)), we explored whether preadipocytes can convert into osteoblasts. Cells (3T3F442A) were seeded on 3D biomatrices of marine origin (Porites lutea). Analyses were made at different time intervals-1, 2, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-seeding. Cell characterizations were done using morphological (light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy), histological (Alizarin red, von Kossa and Oil red O staining), enzymatic (alkaline phosphatase activity, and quantitative PCR testing transcript levels of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, core binding factor- 1 (Cbfa1), and fatty acid binding protein (aP2). We demonstrated 3T3F442A preadipocyte modulation and differentiation into bone-forming cells when grown on biomatrix of marine origin without addition of other bone morphogenesis inducers. We found an active ossification process typical of osteogenic phenotype as early as 2 days after seeding. It is suggested that this crystalline biomatrix having a particular 3D topology or surface parameters supports fast cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of preadipocytes to osteogenic phenotype.

Lactation decreases pancreatic lipase mRNA level in the rat.

Lactation alters maternal metabolism and increases food intake in rats to support milk production. Pancreatic lipase (PL) is primarily responsible for fat digestion in adults and is regulated by dietary fat. The present research determined the regulation of PL by lactation and dietary fat. In Expt 1, eighteen Sprague-Dawley dams and twelve age-matched virgins (controls) were fed a low-fat diet (LF; 11 % energy as safflower oil) for 7-63 d. At postpartum (day 0), peak lactation (day 15) and post-lactation (day 56) and after 7 d in virgins, the pancreas was removed for mRNA and enzyme analyses. In Expt 2, thirty-six Sprague-Dawley dams were fed LF until day 9 postpartum when dams were divided into three groups of twelve; one continued to be fed LF, one was fed a moderate-fat diet (MF; 40 % energy as safflower oil); and one was fed a high-fat diet (HF; 67 % energy as safflower oil) diet. At peak lactation (day 15) and post-lactation (day 56), the pancreas was removed for mRNA and enzyme analyses. Expt 1 revealed that lactation and post-lactation significantly (P<0.001) decreased PL mRNA (67 % and 76 %, respectively), but only post-lactation decreased PL activity. Increased dietary fat in Expt 2 significantly increased PL mRNA (LF

Placental angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 expression and correlation with birth weight in twins.

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) in human placentas of dizygotic dichorionic twins in relation to fetal growth. STUDY DESIGN: Placentas from dizygotic-dichorionic twins (n=14) obtained from normal uncomplicated pregnancies were collected immediately after delivery. A quantitative assessment of the placental expression of Ang1 and Ang2 was done using quantitative PCR. Birth weight and anthropometric parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was preformed. RESULTS: Ang1 and Ang2 were expressed in the placentas. We found a significant positive correlation between birth weight and expression of both Ang1 and Ang2 (p<0.009, p<0.011, respectively). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between skin fold, BMI and Ang1 expression (p<0.0001 and p<0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: A positive correlation between twin birth weight and placental angiogenesis was found. We suggest that placental expression of Ang1 and Ang2 may have an important role in fetal growth in twin pregnancy.

Pancreatic lipase and its related protein 2 are regulated by dietary polyunsaturated fat during the postnatal development of rats.

The developmental gene expression of pancreatic lipase (PL) and its related proteins (PLRP1 and PLRP2) is anticoordinate. It is unknown whether dietary fat regulates the expression of these proteins in the preweanling stage. For determining the regulation of development and diet on PL, PLRP1, and PLRP2 as early as the suckling period, pregnant (Sprague-Dawley) rats consumed from day 15 (d15) of pregnancy through d9 of lactation a purified low (11% of energy) safflower oil diet [low-fat (LF)]. From d9 of lactation, dams and their respective pups were fed LF, medium-fat (MF; 40% of energy), or high-fat (HF; 67% of energy) safflower oil diets to d56. Milk fatty acid content had 15- to 100-fold less C:10 and 2.6- to 3.3-fold more C18:2 in MF and HF groups. Diet (LF < MF = HF; P < 0.002), postnatal development (d15 < d21 < d28 = d56; P < 0.001), and interaction of diet x development significantly affected PL activity starting as early as d15. PL mRNA levels showed a parallel effect of diet (LF < HF = MF; P < 0.013) and development (P < 0.001). Both PLRP1 and PLRP2 mRNA levels were significantly affected by development (P < 0.001) and had an anticoordinate pattern compared with PL expression (d15 > d21 > d28). Reported for the first time is the significant down-regulation of PLRP2 mRNA levels by high polyunsaturated fat in suckling (d15) rats. In conclusion, PL and PLRP2 gene expression is regulated anticoordinately by the amount of dietary polyunsaturated fat starting as early as the preweanling phase of development.

Regulation of pancreatic lipase by dietary medium chain triglycerides in the weanling rat.

Pancreatic lipase (PL) and its related protein 1 (PLRP1) are regulated by the amount of dietary fat through an apparent transcriptional mechanism. Regulation of PL and PLRP1 by type of fat (chain length and degree of saturation) is less well understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether medium-chain triglycerides regulate PL and PLRP1. For 7 d, weanling (21-d-old) Sprague Dawley male rats were fed diets low (11% of energy), moderate (40% of energy), or high (67% of energy) in trioctanoate/tridecanoate (MCT) or safflower (low fat only) oils. Food consumption decreased as dietary MCT increased, and the consumption of MCT diets was lower than that of the low-safflower (control) diet. Final body weight was similar among rats fed the low- or moderate-MCT or control diets, but was significantly reduced (17%) in those fed the high-MCT diets. PL activity was significantly elevated 53-60% (p < 0.002) in rats fed low and moderate MCT diets, respectively, compared with that of rats fed high-MCT or control diets. PL and PLRP1 mRNA levels were not significantly different among diets, suggesting that chain length regulates PL and PLRP1 translationally or posttranslationally. The beta-hydroxybutyrate plasma concentration was significantly (p < 0.02) higher (85%) in rats consuming low-MCT diet compared with those of rats fed the control diet. MCT at low levels, but not high levels, increase PL activity without changing its mRNA levels.

Circulating leptin levels in newborn rats: a significant post- natal developmental effect, independent of dietary polyunsaturated fat levels.

Leptin expression exhibits developmental and dietary regulation, but it is unknown whether there is an interaction of the regulation by dietary fat and postnatal development. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of different levels of dietary polyunsaturated fat on circulating leptin levels at different post-natal developmental stages. Pregnant (Sprague-Dawley) rats consumed from day 15 of pregnancy through day 9 of lactation a low fat, (11% of energy; LF) polyunsaturated safflower oil diet. From day 9 of lactation, dams and their respective pups were fed low, moderate (40% of energy; MF) or high (67% of energy; HF) polyunsaturated safflower oil diets to full maturation (56 days). Diets were iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous. Milk fatty acid content reflected the mothers and pups diet, with 15 to 100 fold less C10:0 and 2.6 to 3.3 fold more C18:2 in MF and HF groups compared to LF diet. In newborn rats through post-natal day 56, levels of polyunsaturated fat in mothers' milk and mothers/pups diet had no effect on the levels of circulating leptin. The post-natal development period significantly affected circulating leptin levels (p < 0.001, 15 days = 56 days > 21 days > 28 days). In summary, the developmental postnatal stage regulates leptin levels, independently of the polyunsaturated fat levels in the diet.