Short-term administration of tibolone reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats fed high-fat and high-fructose.

Inflammation and oxidative stress are critical events involved in neurodegeneration. In animal models, it has been shown that chronic consumption of a hypercaloric diet, which leads to inflammatory processes, affects the hippocampus, a brain region fundamental for learning and memory processes. In addition, advanced age and menopause are risk factors for neurodegeneration. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) ameliorates menopause symptoms. Tibolone (TB), a synthetic hormone, exerts estrogenic, progestogenic and androgenic effects on different tissues. We aimed to determine the effect of short-term TB administration on oxidative stress and inflammation markers in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats fed a high-fat-and-fructose diet (HFFD). Adult female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and fed standard diet or HFFD-consisting of 10% lard supplemented chow and 20% high-fructose syrup in the drinking water-and administered vehicle or TB (1 mg/kg for seven days). Finally, we administered hormone receptor antagonists (MPP, RU486 or FLU) to each of the OVX + HFFD + TB groups. Bodyweight, triglycerides and cholesterol, oxidative stress and inflammation markers, and the activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes were quantified in the hippocampus of each experimental group. We observed that short-term TB administration significantly reduced body weight, AGEs, MDA levels, increased SOD and GPx activity, improved GSH/GSSG ratio, and reduced IL-6 and TNF-α. Our findings suggest that short-term administration of TB decreases oxidative stress and reduces inflammation caused by HFFD and early estrogenic decline. These effects occurred via estrogen receptor alpha.

Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue in Aorta Reactivity from Obese and Hyperglycemic CD-1 Mice: New Insights into Perivascular Adipose Tissue.

Background: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) plays an essential role in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, during obesity and diabetes, its role in vascular tone regulation is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the function of the PVAT on aorta reactivity in the lean and cafeteria (CAF) diet-induced obese-hyperglycemic mice model. Methods: Aorta reactivity to phenylephrine, KCl, and acetylcholine was analyzed in lean (n = 6) and obese mice (n = 6). Also, nitric oxide (NO-) and cyclooxygenase participation, in the presence (n = 6) and absence (n = 6) of PVAT, were examined in the aortas. Results: After a CAF diet for 19 weeks, obese mice showed increased body weight, glucose intolerance, and hypercholesterolemia concerning lean mice. Vascular reactivity to phenylephrine was reduced significantly in the aorta of obese mice. In contrast, the contraction produced by KCl (80 mM) was increased in the aorta of obese mice independent of PVAT. Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation diminished in the aortas of obese mice in the presence of PVAT. Nonselective inhibition of cyclooxygenases likely shows that PVAT and endothelium release vasorelaxant prostanoids. Conclusions: The results suggest that PVAT modulates aorta reactivity by releasing NO-, decreasing the α1-adrenergic response to phenylephrine, and probably releasing vasorelaxant prostanoids. The data suggest that PVAT regulates the vascular smooth muscle and endothelial function in a CAF diet-induced obese-hyperglycemic mice model.

Antihyperglycemic Effects of Salvia polystachya Cav. and Its Terpenoids: α-Glucosidase and SGLT1 Inhibitors.

The antihyperglycemic activity of ethanolic extract from Salvia polystachya (EESpS) and its products was evaluated using in vivo, ex vivo and in silico assays; additionally, an acute toxicity assay was evaluated. EESpS was classified as a nontoxic class 5 drug. EESpS, ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAcFr), secondary-6-fraction (SeFr6), ursolic acid (UA), and oleanolic acid (OA) reduced the hyperglycemia in DM2 mice. α-glucosidase inhibition was evaluated with oral sucrose and starch tolerance tests (OSuTT and OStTT), an intestinal sucrose hydrolysis (ISH) assay and molecular docking studies using acarbose as control. SGLT1 inhibition was evaluated with oral glucose and galactose tolerance tests (OGTT and OGaTT), an intestinal glucose absorption (IGA) assay and molecular docking studies using canagliflozin as the control. During the carbohydrate tolerance tests, all the treatments reduced the postprandial peak, similar to the control drugs. During the ISH, IC50 values of 739.9 and 726.3 µM for UA and OA, respectively, were calculated. During the IGA, IC50 values of 966.6 and 849.3 for UA, OA respectively, were calculated. Finally, during the molecular docking studies, UA and OA showed ∆G values of -6.41 and -5.48 kcal/mol-1, respectively, on α-glucosidase enzymes. During SGLT1, UA and OA showed ∆G values of -10.55 and -9.65, respectively.

GLUT4 translocation in C2C12 myoblasts and primary mouse hepatocytes by an antihyperglycemic flavone from Tillandsia usneoides.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is characterized by deregulation in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, with a very high mortality rate. Glucose Transporter type 4 (GLUT4) plays a crucial role in T2D and represents a therapeutic target of interest. Tillandsia usneoides (T. usneoides) is a plant used as a remedy for diabetes. T. usneoides decreased blood glucose in different experimental models. However, the involvement of GLUT4 in this effect has not yet been explored. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate whether any component in T. usneoides might participate in the effect on blood glucose through a bioassay-guided fractionation, testing its potential antihyperglycemic effect in mice, as well as its influence on GLUT4 translocation in C2C12 myoblasts and primary hepatocytes. METHODS: The aqueous extract and the Ethyl Acetate fraction (TU-AcOEt) of T. usneoides were evaluated in a hypoglycemic activity bioassay and in the glucose tolerance test in CD-1 mice. TU-AcOEt was fractionated, obtaining five fractions that were studied in an additional glucose tolerance test. C1F3 was fractioned again, and its fractions (C2F9-12, C2F22-25, and C2F38-44) were examined by HPLC. The C2F38-44 fraction was analyzed by Mass Spectrometry (MS) and subjected to additional fractionation. The fraction C3F6-9 was explored by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), resulting in 5,7,4´-trihydroxy-3,6,3´,5´-tetramethoxyflavone (Flav1). Subsequently, a viability test was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of Flav1 and fractions C2F9-12, C2F22-25. C2F38-44, and C3F30-41 in C2C12 myoblasts and primary mouse hepatocytes. Confocal microscopy was also performed to assess the effect of Flav1 and fractions on GLUT4 translocation. RESULTS: The TU-AcOEt fraction exhibited a hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic effect in mice, and its fractionation resulted in five fractions, among which fraction C1F3 decreased blood glucose. MS and NMR analysis revealed the presence of Flav1. Finally, Flav1 significantly promoted the translocation of GLUT4 in C2C12 myoblasts and primary hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: To date, Flav1 has not been reported to have activity in GLUT4; this study provides evidence that T. usneoides is a plant with the potential to develop novel therapeutic agents for the control of T2D.

Oleanolic acid induces a dual agonist action on PPARγ/α and GLUT4 translocation: A pentacyclic triterpene for dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease characterized by defects in glycemia regulation. This disease is associated with alterations in insulin action and lipid metabolism, generating hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias. Currently, it is necessary to develop new or known drugs that promote the sensitization of insulin action. Thus, activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) is probably the key to doing this. PPARs participate in maintaining an energetic balance between storage and the expenditure of energy. The activation of PPARγ produces the storage of energy, mainly as glycogen and fat. Meanwhile, PPARα activation promotes lipid degradation. Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid of numerous edible and medicinal plants, decreases hyperglycemia and lipid accumulation. However, the effects on PPARs and their regulated genes are unknown. Our aim was to determine the effects of OA on PPAR γ/α expression and their regulated genes (adiponectin, type 4 glucose transporter, fatty acid transport protein, and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase) in C2C12 myoblasts by RT-PCR, Western blot, GLUT-4 translocation, and lipid storage in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In C2C12 myoblasts, OA increased the expression of mRNA in both PPARγ/α and their regulated genes; also, PPARγ, GLUT-4, and FATP-1 protein expression increased, as well as GLUT-4 translocation. In 3T3-L1, OA increased the expression of mRNA in both PPARγ/α and maintained lipid storage unchanged. In conclusion, OA exhibited a dual action on PPARγ/α, which might explain in part its antihyperglycemic effect. This compound represents an alternative for designing novel therapeutic strategies in the control of T2D.

Acute Administration of Tibolone Prevents Oxidative Stress in Ovariectomized Rats Fed High-Fat-and-Fructose Diet.

In addition to oxidative stress due to the increase of free radicals, estrogen deficiency is associated with changes in enzymatic activity, glutathione redox ratio (GSH/GSSG), and the content of oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde. Tibolone, a synthetic steroid, has been used as an elective treatment for the relief of menopausal symptoms. However, the acute effects of hormonal therapy with tibolone on metabolic parameters and oxidative stress markers associated with the first stages of estrogen deficiency are still unknown. The study aimed to evaluate if the acute administration of tibolone reduces oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats fed high-fat-and-fructose diet. Rats were fed a standard diet or a diet consisting of 10% lard-supplemented chow and 20% high-fructose syrup in the drinking water plus tibolone or vehicle for seven days. Weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels, as well as antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers were quantified in the serum of each experimental group. It was observed that seven days of diet and tibolone treatment in the ovariectomized group reduced weight, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose levels and advanced glycation end products but did not change GSH/GSSG ratio nor the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase. Also, both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity decreased, as well as malondialdehyde levels. These results suggest that the acute treatment with tibolone prevented the changes in the metabolic parameters analyzed as well as the increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and AGEs induced by ovariectomy and high-fat diet.

Cucurbita ficifolia†Bouché (Cucurbitaceae) and D-chiro-inositol modulate the redox state and inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

OBJECTIVES: Cucurbita ficifolia (characterised by its D chiro inositol (DCI) content) and of synthetic DCI on the redox state, mRNA expression and secretions of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, we evaluated the insulin-mimetic action of both treatments by assessing protein kinase B (PKB) activation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. METHODS: Adipocytes were treated with C. ficifolia and synthetic DCI. The redox state was determined by spectrophotometry as changes in the reduced glutathione/oxidised glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities; H2 O2 levels were measured by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression and the protein level of cytokines were determinate by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The activation of PKB activation was detected by Western blot. KEY FINDINGS: C. ficifolia extract and synthetic DCI reduced oxidative stress by decreased H2 O2 levels, increased glutathione peroxidase activity and changes in the GSH/GSSG ratio. Furthermore, DCI decreased the mRNA expression and secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and resistin, while C. ficifolia reduced protein levels of resistin and increased IL-6 levels. Only DCI demonstrated insulin-mimetic action. CONCLUSIONS: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of C. ficifolia extract can be explained in part by its DCI content, which modulates the GSH/GSSG ratio and contributes to a reduced proinflammatory state. C. ficifolia and DCI treatments may reduce the disturbances caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, DCI may improve insulin sensitivity through its insulin-mimetic effects.

Monosodium glutamate neonatal intoxication associated with obesity in adult stage is characterized by chronic inflammation and increased mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in mice.

The monosodium glutamate (MSG) neonatal administration in mice provides a model of obesity with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and insulin resistance. However, the inflammatory profile of cytokines produced from fat tissue and its relationship to the metabolic dysfunction induced by MSG have not yet been revealed. The aim of this study was to establish the inflammatory profile attributed to MSG by measuring the expression of adipokines in visceral fat and serum of 19-week-old mice as well as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and gamma (PPARα and γ). Some metabolic and biochemical parameters were also quantified. The MSG increased mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), resistin and leptin, but adiponectin did not exhibit any changes. In addition, impaired glucose tolerance, increased levels of insulin, resistin and leptin were observed in serum. Both PPARα and PPARγ were activated in MSG-induced obese mice, which might explain its inflammatory profile. However, liver transaminases were severely depressed, indicating that MSG may also induce liver injury, contributing to inflammation. The MSG neonatal neuro-intoxication in mice may thus provide a model of obesity and inflammation characterized by the dual activation of PPARα and PPARγ, which might offer new insights into the mechanism of inflammatory diabetes in obesity leading to steatohepatitis, as well as a suitable model to study the role of new therapeutic agents to prevent or reduce insulin resistance, the inflammatory state and liver steatosis.