Sodium butyrate modulates adipocyte expansion, adipogenesis, and insulin receptor signaling by upregulation of PPAR-γ in obese Apo E knockout mice.

OBJECTIVES: Studies suggest that sodium butyrate reduces obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance in in vitro and in vivo models. Apo E-/- mice have high basal oxidative stress and naturally develop dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Because these disorders are present in obesity, the aim of this study was to determine whether Apo E-/- mice could be a more realistic model for studying obesity and insulin resistance. METHODS: We evaluated the action of orally administered sodium butyrate on adipose tissue expansion and insulin resistance using diet-induced obese Apo E-/- mice. RESULTS: Findings from the present study demonstrated that obese mice fed a sodium butyrate-supplemented diet presented a modest reduction of weight gain associated with reduction of adipocyte expansion, induction of adipogenesis and angiogenesis, and adiponectin production. Sodium butyrate also improved insulin sensitivity, by increasing insulin receptor expression associated with activation of Akt signaling pathway. These results were associated with increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ expression and nuclear factor-κB downregulation. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that oral supplementation of butyrate could be useful as an adjuvant in the treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance.

Combination of Azathioprine and Aminosalicylate Treatment Prevent Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women with Ulcerative Colitis by Reducing Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with involvement of the immune system. Chronic inflammatory diseases have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but few studies have assessed this risk in patients with UC and the influence of drug treatment. Thus, we evaluated the risk of development of CVD in women with UC in clinical remission, considering the drug treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one women with UC participated in this study: 12 used aminosalicylates (ASA group) and 9 used azathioprine added to aminosalicylates (AZA+ASA group). The healthy control group was matched for age. We evaluated blood pressure, body composition, and biochemical and immunological parameters. RESULTS: Compared to the respective control group, the UC groups showed expansion of body fat and less lean body mass. Blood pressure, pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and anti-oxidized LDL antibodies were higher in UC groups. Only AZA+ASA group showed increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-ß). Framingham scores showed higher risk of CVD in UC groups. UC groups were compared and women treated with azathioprine showed reduction of total protein, globulin, ESR, and lymphocytes, with increased IL-6, TNF, IL-10, and TGF-ß. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that women with UC in clinical remission have a higher risk for development of atherosclerosis and CVD when compared to the control group, while women treated with azathioprine seem more protected than those treated only with aminosalicylates, due to better regulation of the inflammatory process.