Transcription Factor ChREBP Mediates High Glucose-Evoked Increase in HIF-1α Content in Epithelial Cells of Renal Proximal Tubules.

Hyperglycemia/diabetes appears to be accompanied by the state of hypoxia, which especially affects kidneys. The aim of the study was to elucidate the mechanism of high glucose action on HIF-1α expression in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. The research hypotheses included: (1) the participation of transcription factor ChREBP; and (2) the involvement of the effects resulting from pseudohypoxia, i.e., lowered intracellular NAD+/NADH ratio. The experiments were performed on HK-2 cells and primary cells: D-RPTEC (Diseased Human Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells-Diabetes Type II) and RPTEC (Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells). Protein and mRNA contents were determined by Western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. ChREBP binding to DNA was detected applying chromatin immunoprecipitation, followed by RT-qPCR. Gene knockdown was performed using siRNA. Sirtuin activity and NAD+/NADH ratio were measured with commercially available kits. It was found that high glucose in HK-2 cells incubated under normoxic conditions: (1) activated transcription of HIF-1 target genes, elevated HIF-1α and ChREBP content, and increased the efficacy of ChREBP binding to promoter region of HIF1A gene; and (2), although it lowered NAD+/NADH ratio, it affected neither sirtuin activity nor HIF-1α acetylation level. The stimulatory effect of high glucose on HIF-1α expression was not observed upon the knockdown of ChREBP encoding gene. Experiments on RPTEC and D-RPTEC cells demonstrated that HIF-1α content in diabetic proximal tubular cells was lower than that in normal ones but remained high glucose-sensitive, and the latter phenomenon was mediated by ChREBP. Thus, it is concluded that the mechanism of high glucose-evoked increase in HIF-1α content in renal proximal tubule endothelial cells involves activation of ChREBP, indirectly capable of HIF1A gene up-regulation.

Hypoxia increases the rate of renal gluconeogenesis via hypoxia-inducible factor-1-dependent activation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression.

Although up to 25% of glucose released into circulation in the postabsorptive state comes from renal gluconeogenesis, the regulatory mechanisms of this process are still poorly recognized, comparing to hepatic ones. The aim of the present study was to examine if hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) might be involved in the regulation of glucose de novo synthesis in kidneys. It was found that HK-2 cells (immortalized human kidney proximal tubules, capable of gluconeogenesis/glycogen synthesis) cultured with gluconeogenic substrates either in hypoxia (1% O2) or in the presence of DMOG (an inhibitor of HIF-1α degradation) exhibited increased glycogen content. This phenomenon was not correlated with augmented glucose intake and the effects were reversed by echinomycin (an inhibitor of HIF-1 binding to HRE sequence). As concluded from the measurement of the intracellular content of gluconeogenic intermediates followed by Western blot analysis, under conditions of hypoxia/increased HIF-1 level the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) was elevated, as a result of increased expression of the cytosolic isoform of PEPCK (PEPCK-C). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis proved HIF-1 ability to bind to the promoter region of PEPCK-C gene. The final conclusion that hypoxia/HIF-1 accelerates the rate of renal glucogenesis via the mechanism engaging activation of PEPCK-C expression might be useful in terms of e.g. diabetes treatment, as it is commonly accepted that under diabetic conditions kidneys and liver seem to be equally important sources of glucose synthesized de novo.

[The key role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in aging process]. / Kluczowa rola kinazy bialkowej aktywowanej przez AMP (AMPK) w procesach starzenia.

Aging is one of the most extensively studied biological process and yet still some of its aspects remain elusive. It appears that AMP - activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays an important role in many processes of aging, but this fact is often neglected in the studies on aging. This work summarizes the information about AMPK participation in the aging process. AMPK participation in the regulation of aging was indicated in the mechanisms dependent on: caloric restriction, mTOR, p53, sirtuins, autophagy, inflammation and the effects caused by polyphenols.

ERK1/2 pathway is involved in renal gluconeogenesis inhibition under conditions of lowered NADPH oxidase activity.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of renal gluconeogenesis occurring under conditions of lowered activity of NADPH oxidase (Nox), the enzyme considered to be one of the main sources of reactive oxygen species in kidneys. The in vitro experiments were performed on primary cultures of rat renal proximal tubules, with the use of apocynin, a selective Nox inhibitor, and TEMPOL (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl), a potent superoxide radical scavenger. In the in vivo experiments, Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, a well established model of diabetes type 2, were treated with apocynin solution in drinking water. The main in vitro findings are the following: (1) both apocynin and TEMPOL attenuate the rate of gluconeogenesis, inhibiting the step catalyzed by phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), a key enzyme of the process; (2) in the presence of the above-noted compounds the expression of PEPCK and the phosphorylation of transcription factor CREB and ERK1/2 kinases are lowered; (3) both U0126 (MEK inhibitor) and 3-(2-aminoethyl)-5-((4-ethoxyphenyl)methylene)-2,4-thiazolidinedione (ERK inhibitor) diminish the rate of glucose synthesis via mechanisms similar to those of apocynin and TEMPOL. The observed apocynin in vivo effects include: (1) slight attenuation of hyperglycemia; (2) inhibition of renal gluconeogenesis; (3) a decrease in renal PEPCK activity and content. In view of the results summarized above, it can be concluded that: (1) the lowered activity of the ERK1/2 pathway is of importance for the inhibition of renal gluconeogenesis found under conditions of lowered superoxide radical production by Nox; (2) the mechanism of this phenomenon includes decreased PEPCK expression, resulting from diminished activity of transcription factor CREB; (3) apocynin-evoked inhibition of renal gluconeogenesis contributes to the hypoglycemic action of this compound observed in diabetic animals. Thus, the study has delivered some new insights into the recently discussed issue of the usefulness of Nox inhibition as a potential antidiabetic strategy.

[Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of diseases of affluence--the key role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)]. / Aktywnosc fizyczna w profilaktyce i leczeniu chorób cywilizacyjnych--kluczowa rola kinazy bialkowej aktywowanej przez AMP (AMPK).

In developed countries, we can observe an increasing number of people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension and arteriosclerosis. The main reason for this phenomenon is the abnormal energy balance due to sedentary lifestyles. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in many countries around the world, nowadays. In this paper, the impact of physical activity on the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases and cancer is considered. Exercise is one of the factors activating 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This enzyme is crucial in maintaining the energy balance of the cell and the entire organism, and its activation results in excluding the anabolic and switching on the catabolic processes. It is believed that the activation of AMPK is responsible for most of the positive effects resulting from physical exercise. Although there are pharmacological methods of activation of this enzyme, they seem to be not as effective as physical exercise. Therefore, physical activity should be the most important form of prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

[Involvement of nucleotide receptors in the regulation of vascular function]. / Udzial receptorów nukleotydowych w regulacji funkcji naczyn krwionosssnych.

A novel function of ATP as a signal molecule was described nearly 50 years ago. Since then many receptors that could be activated via ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP and adenozine binding were discovered. The mechanism of signal transduction as well as quite complicated regulation of changes of extracellular nucleotides concentration is currently studied. Purinergic signaling in blood vessels is mostly engaged in vascular tone regulation thus maintaining proper blood pressure. ATP coreleased with noradrenaline from perivascular sympathetic nerves cause vasoconstriction whereas ATP in blood vessel lumen stimulate endothelial cells to release endothelium derived relaxing factor. Nucleotides and nucleosides contributes also to growth and differention of new blood vessels. Changes in purinergic signaling is commonly observed in cardiovascular diseases that plague our times, that is why nucleotide receptors seems to be good pharmacological target.

[The role of glucose transporters in human metabolic regulation]. / Rola transporterów glukozy w regulacji metabolizmu czlowieka.

Glucose is one of the most important sources of energy in human metabolizm. Cells absorb it by active transport (with SGLT transporters) or by facilitated diffusion (with GLUT transporters). GLUT family consists of 14 proteins grouped in 3 subclasses based on similarities in their architecture. They differ from one another in affinity to glucose, tissue distribution and type of signals that cause their translocaton to the cell membrane what results in different levels of sugar transport into the tissues. SGLT proteins cotransport glucose with Na+ ions. Energy required to this transport is acquired from gradient of Na+ ions that is maintained by Na+/K(+)-ATPase. SGLT family consists of 12 proteins which include sugar cotransporters of anions, vitamins and short-chain fatty acids. Some of them also have a function of glucose sensors as well as water and urea channels.

[Role of hypothalamic AMP-activated protein kinase in the control of food intake]. / Rola podwzgórzowej kinazy bialkowej aktywowanej przez AMP w kontroli pobierania pokarmu.

AMP-activated kinase is an evolutionarily conserved enzyme found in every eukaryotic organism examined for its presence. It plays a critical role in the shift between catabolic and anabolic metabolism. Its activity is under the control of many factors, but basically it integrates the level of intracellular AMP with signals transduced by upstream kinases. It acts through the control of the activities of other enzymes, mitochondrial biogenesis, vesicular transport, and gene expression. From a physiological point of view its effects are pleiotropic and tissue dependent. In 2004, the control of food intake in hypothalamic neurons was added to the long list of its varied functions. Since then, its crucial role in transmitting signals from all important factors that inform the brain about the body's energy level, including leptin, insulin, glucose, ghrelin, and adiponectin, has been well established. Much attention was also paid to the molecular basis of this regulation. It seems that the main targets of hypothalamic AMPK are acetyl-CoA carboxylase and mTOR and the main candidate for upstream kinase is CaMKKbeta. These discoveries seem interesting not only due to their cognitive value, but because they may also carry significant practical aspects, both in the context of AMPK activators, such as the use of metformin in diabetes mellitus therapy, and in the recent trend to look for new ways to deal with the increase in obesity in well-developed countries. A better understanding of the role of AMPK in the control of food intake may create the possibility for new therapeutic approaches in this disease.

PPAR-gamma-independent inhibitory effect of rosiglitazone on glucose synthesis in primary cultured rabbit kidney-cortex tubules.

Therapeutic effect of rosiglitazone has been reported to result from an improvement of insulin sensitivity and inhibition of glucose synthesis. As the latter process occurs in both liver and kidney cortex the aim of this study was to elucidate the rosiglitazone action on glucose formation in both tissues. Primary cultured cells of both liver and kidney cortex grown in defined medium were use throughout. To identify the mechanism responsible for drug-induced changes, intracellular gluconeogenic intermediates and enzyme activities were determined. In contrast to hepatocytes, the administration of a 10 micromol/L concentration of rosiglitazone to renal tubules resulted in about a 70% decrease in the rate of gluconeogenesis, accompanied by an approximately 75% decrease in alanine utilization and a 35% increase in lactate synthesis. The effect of rosiglitazone was not abolished by GW9662, the PPAR-gamma irreversible antagonist, indicating that this action is not dependent on PPAR-gamma activation. In view of rosiglitazone-induced changes in gluconeogenic intermediates and a diminished incorporation of 14CO2 into pyruvate, it is likely that the drug causes a decline in flux through pyruvate carboxylase and (or) phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. It is likely that the hypoglycemic action of rosiglitazone is PPAR-gamma independent and results mainly from its inhibitory effects on renal gluconeogenesis.

The inhibition of gluconeogenesis by gatifloxacin may contribute to its hypoglycaemic action.

The action of gatifloxacin, the broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic commonly used in the therapy of various bacterial infections, was investigated in isolated rabbit hepatocytes and kidney-cortex tubules by measuring the activity of gluconeogenesis, a process that maintains whole body glucose homeostasis. The data show that in kidney-cortex tubules, application of gatifloxacin at up to 100 microM was followed by a marked accumulation of the drug in the intracellular milieu and a decrease in the rate of glucose formation from pyruvate by 20-50%. Gatifloxacin did not affect the rate of gluconeogenesis from either alanine + glycerol + octanoate or aspartate + glycerol + octanoate. At concentrations between 25 and 200 microM the drug decreased mitochondrial oxygen consumption by 20-45% with pyruvate + malate and ADP. As in the case of alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate, a well-established inhibitor of the mitochondrial pyruvate transporter, it diminished pyruvate uptake by both renal and hepatic mitochondria. The inhibitory action of gatifloxacin was less pronounced in hepatocytes where reduction in pyruvate-dependent glucose formation and mitochondrial respiration was by no more than 25%. The antibiotic did not influence mitochondrial oxygen consumption with glutamate + malate in either kidney-cortex or liver mitochondria. A differential substrate dependence of gatifloxacin action on gluconeogenesis and mitochondrial respiration combined with a decrease in pyruvate uptake by mitochondria suggest that the inhibitory action of this drug on gluconeogenesis might result from its impairment of pyruvate transport into mitochondria.

Differential effects of selegiline on glucose synthesis in rabbit kidney-cortex tubules and hepatocytes. In vitro and in vivo studies.

The action of selegiline, a selective and irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B, commonly applied in the therapy of Parkinson's disease, on glucose formation was investigated in isolated rabbit hepatocytes and kidney-cortex tubules, maintaining the whole body glucose homeostasis via gluconeogenic pathway activity. An intensive hepatic metabolism of selegiline resulted in formation of selegiline-N-oxide, desmethylselegiline, methamphetamine and amphetamine, whereas during slow degradation of the drug in freshly isolated renal tubules selegiline-N-oxide was mainly produced. At 100 microM concentration selegiline markedly diminished glucose synthesis in isolated renal tubules incubated with dihydroxyacetone or alanine+glycerol+octanoate (by about 60 and 30%, respectively), while at 5 microM concentration a similar degree of inhibition was achieved in renal tubules grown in primary culture under the same conditions (about 40 and 60%, respectively). Moreover, desmethylselegiline and selegiline-N-oxide considerably diminished glucose production in renal tubules whereas selegiline and its metabolites did not affect gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes. Contrary to control animals, following selegiline administration to alloxan-diabetic rabbits for 8 days (10 mg kg(-1) body wt. daily) the blood glucose and serum creatinine levels were significantly diminished, suggesting a decrease in renal gluconeogenesis and improvement of kidney functions. Since in renal tubules selegiline induced a decline in the intracellular levels of gluconeogenic intermediates and ATP content accompanied by a decrease in oxygen consumption in both kidney-cortex and hepatic mitochondria it seems possible that its inhibitory action on renal gluconeogenesis might result from an impairment of mitochondrial function, while an intensive selegiline metabolism in hepatocytes causes decrease of its concentration and in consequence no inhibition of gluconeogenesis. In view of these observations it is likely that an increased risk of selegiline-induced hypoglycemia might be expected particularly in patients exhibiting an impairment of liver function and following transdermal administration of this drug, i.e. under conditions of increased serum selegiline concentrations.

Extracellular nucleotides and adenosine independently activate AMP-activated protein kinase in endothelial cells: involvement of P2 receptors and adenosine transporters.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a key role in the regulation of energy homeostasis and is activated in response to cellular stress, including hypoxia/ischemia and hyperglycemia. The stress events are accompanied by rapid release of extracellular nucleotides from damaged tissues or activated endothelial cells (EC) and platelets. We demonstrate that extracellular nucleotides (ATP, ADP, and UTP, but not UDP) and adenosine independently induce phosphorylation and activation of AMPK in human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) by the mechanism that is not linked to changes in AMP:ATP ratio. HUVEC express NTPDases, as well as 5'-nucleotidase; hence, nucleotides can be metabolized to adenosine. However, inhibition of 5'-nucleotidase had no effect on ATP/ADP/UTP-induced phospho- rylation of AMPK, indicating that AMPK activation occurred as a direct response to nucleotides. Nucleotide-evoked phosphorylation of AMPK in HUVEC was mediated by P2Y1, P2Y2, and/or P2Y4 receptors, whereas P2Y6, P2Y11, and P2X receptors were not involved. The nucleotide-induced phosphorylation of AMPK was affected by changes in the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ and by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase (CaMKK), although most likely it was not dependent on LKB1 kinase. Adenosine-induced phosphorylation of AMPK was not mediated by P1 receptors but required adenosine uptake by equilibrative nucleoside transporters followed by its (intracellular) metabolism to AMP. Moreover, adenosine effect was Ca2+ and CaMKK independent, although probably associated with upstream LKB1. We hypothesize that P2 receptors and adenosine transporters could be novel targets for the pharmacological regulation of AMPK activity and its downstream effects on EC function.

[AMP-activated protein kinase--the key role in metabolic regulation]. / Kinaza bialkowa aktywowana przez AMP - kluczowe znaczenie w regulacji metabolizmu.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is the central component of a protein kinase cascade that acts as an energy sensor maintaining the energy balance at the cellular as well as at the whole body level. Within the healthy cell, metabolic stress leading to an increase in AMP concentration results in AMPK activation. Once activated, AMPK "switches off" many anabolic pathways e.g. fatty acid and protein synthesis while "switches on" catabolic pathways such as fatty acid oxidation or glycolysis which serve to restore intracellular ATP level. Adipocyte derived hormones leptin and adiponectin activate AMPK in peripheral tissues increasing energy expenditure. AMPK also regulates food intake due to response to hormonal and nutrient signals in hypothalamus. Antidiabetic drugs that mimic the action of insulin activate the AMPK signaling pathways. Further studies are needed to clarify the importance of the AMPK activation for therapeutic effects of this drugs.

Modulation of endothelial cell migration by extracellular nucleotides: involvement of focal adhesion kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-mediated pathways.

Extracellular nucleotides bind to type-2 purinergic/pyrimidinergic (P2) receptors that mediate various responses, such as cell activation, proliferation and apoptosis, implicated in inflammatory processes. The role of P2 receptors and their associated signal transduction pathways in endothelial cell responses has not been fully investigated. Here, it is shown that stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with extracellular ATP or UTP increased intracellular free calcium ion concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)), induced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), p130(cas) and paxillin, and caused cytoskeletal rearrangements with consequent cell migration. Furthermore, UTP increased migration of HUVEC in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)-dependent manner. BAPTA or thapsigargin inhibited the extracellular nucleotide-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i), a response crucial for both FAK phosphorylation and cell migration. Furthermore, long-term exposure of HUVEC to ATP and UTP, agonists of the G protein-coupled P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptor subtypes, caused upregulation of alpha(v) integrin expression, a cell adhesion molecule known to directly interact with P2Y2 receptors. Our results suggest that extracellular nucleotides modulate signaling pathways in HUVEC influencing cell functions, such as cytoskeletal changes, cellular adhesion and motility, typically associated with integrin-activation and the action of growth factors. We propose that P2Y2 and possibly P2Y4 receptors mediate those responses that are important in vascular inflammation, atherosclerosis and angiogenesis.

[Chloroquine--miscellaneous properties of the antimalarial drug]. / Chlorochina--wszechstronne wlasciwosci leku przeciwmalarycznego.

Chloroquine is a drug with over 60 years of safe clinical use in the treatment of malaria. The multiple mechanisms of chloroquine action have appeared to be useful in the therapy of many miscellaneous disorders well beyond its original antimalarial purposes. This paper is focused on the application of chloroquine for the treatment of malaria, porphyria cutanea tarda, rheumatoid arthritis, palindromic rheumatism and lupus. The possibility of the use of chloroquine in the therapy of other disorders such as diabetes mellitus, AIDS, hyperlipidemia, sarcoidosis, hypercalcemia, and melanoma is reviewed. Mechanisms of action of the drug as well as side effects on metabolism are discussed in view of recent discoveries.

Purinergic regulation of glucose and glutamine synthesis in isolated rabbit kidney-cortex tubules.

The effects of extracellular purinergic agonists and their breakdown products on glucose and glutamine synthesis in rabbit kidney-cortex tubules incubated with aspartate + glycerol or alanine + glycerol + octanoate were investigated. A rapid extracellular degradation of ATP was accompanied by an accumulation of AMP, inosine, and hypoxanthine. Extracellular ATP and its breakdown products accelerated glucose synthesis in renal tubules, while ammonium released from adenine-containing compounds enhanced glutamine synthesis and diminished the degree of gluconeogenesis stimulation. In contrast to AMP and inosine, ATP evoked calcium signals, while both ATP and inosine decreased intracellular cAMP content and accelerated the flux through fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase as concluded from changes in gluconeogenic intermediates. Since (i) the activity of partially purified renal fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase was increased upon protein phosphatase-1 treatment and decreased following treatment of previously dephosphorylated enzyme with protein kinase A catalytic subunit and (ii) both 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and 8-(4-chlorophenyltio)-cAMP inhibited renal glucose synthesis, it seems likely that in rabbit renal tubules ATP and inosine stimulate gluconeogenesis via cAMP decrease, which favors the appearance of a more active, dephosphorylated form of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, a key gluconeogenic enzyme.

Inhibition of gluconeogenesis by vanadium and metformin in kidney-cortex tubules isolated from control and diabetic rabbits.

Effect of vanadyl acetylacetonate (VAc) and metformin on gluconeogenesis has been studied in isolated hepatocytes and kidney-cortex tubules of rabbit. Glucose formation from alanine+glycerol+octanoate, pyruvate or dihydroxyacetone was inhibited by 50-80% by 100 microM VAc or 500 microM metformin in renal tubules of control and alloxan-diabetic animals, while the inhibitory action of these compounds in hepatocytes was less pronounced (by about 20-30%). In contrast to VAc, metformin increased the rate of lactate formation by about 2-fold in renal tubules incubated with alanine+glycerol+octanoate. In view of VAc-induced changes in intracellular gluconeogenic intermediates and gluconeogenic enzyme activities, it is likely that this compound may decrease fluxes through pyruvate carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase. In contrast to VAc, metformin-induced decrease in renal gluconeogenesis may result from a decline of cytosolic oxaloacetate level and consequently PEPCK activity. Following 6 days of VAc administration (1.275 mg Vkg(-1) body weight daily) the blood glucose level in alloxan-diabetic rabbits was normalised while blood glucose changes in control animals were not observed. On the contrary, in diabetic animals treated for 6 days with metformin (200 mg kg(-1) body weight day(-1)) a high blood glucose level was maintained. Unfortunately, VAc-treated control and diabetic rabbits exhibited elevated serum urea and creatinine levels. In VAc-treated animals vanadium was accumulated in kidney-cortex up to 7.6+/-0.6 microg Vg(-1) dry weight. In view of a potential vanadium nephrotoxicity a therapeutic application of vanadium compounds needs a critical re-evaluation.