Apomorphine Reduces A53T α-Synuclein-Induced Microglial Reactivity Through Activation of NRF2 Signalling Pathway.

The chiral molecule, apomorphine, is currently used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). As a potent dopamine receptor agonist, this lipophilic compound is especially effective for treating motor fluctuations in advanced PD patients. In addition to its receptor-mediated actions, apomorphine has also antioxidant and free radical scavenger activities. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and microglia reactivity have emerged as central players in PD. Thus, modulating microglia activation in PD may be a valid therapeutic strategy. We previously reported that murine microglia are strongly activated upon exposure to A53T mutant α-synuclein. The present study was designed to investigate whether apomorphine enantiomers could modulate this A53T-induced microglial activation. Taken together, the results provided evidence that apomorphine enantiomers decrease A53T-induced microgliosis, through the activation of the NRF2 signalling pathway, leading to a lower pro-inflammatory state and restoring the phagocytic activity. Suppressing NRF2 recruitment (trigonelline exposure) or silencing specifically Nfe2l2 gene (siRNA treatment) abolished or strongly decreased the anti-inflammatory activity of apomorphine. In conclusion, apomorphine, which is already used in PD patients to mimic dopamine activity, may also be suitable to decrease α-synuclein-induced microglial reactivity.

2-(Thienothiazolylimino)-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones inhibit cell division cycle 25 A phosphatase.

Cell division cycle dual phosphatases (CDC25) are essential enzymes that regulate cell progression in cell cycle. Three isoforms exist as CDC25A, B and C. Over-expression of each CDC25 enzyme is found in cancers of diverse origins. Thiazolidinone derivatives have been reported to display anti-proliferative activities, bactericidal activities and to reduce inflammation process. New 2-(thienothiazolylimino)-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of CDC25 phosphatase. Among the molecules tested, compound 6 inhibited CDC25A with an IC50 estimated at 6.2±1.0µM. The binding of thiazolidinone derivative 6 onto CDC25A protein was reversible. In cellulo, compound 6 treatment led to MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell growth arrest. To our knowledge, it is the first time that such 4-thiazolidinone derivatives are characterized as CDC25 potential inhibitor.

Added Value of Scintillating Element in Cerenkov-Induced Photodynamic Therapy.

Cerenkov-induced photodynamic therapy (CR-PDT) with the use of Gallium-68 (68Ga) as an unsealed radioactive source has been proposed as an alternative strategy to X-ray-induced photodynamic therapy (X-PDT). This new strategy still aims to produce a photodynamic effect with the use of nanoparticles, namely, AGuIX. Recently, we replaced Gd from the AGuIX@ platform with Terbium (Tb) as a nanoscintillator and added 5-(4-carboxyphenyl succinimide ester)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (P1) as a photosensitizer (referred to as AGuIX@Tb-P1). Although Cerenkov luminescence from 68Ga positrons is involved in nanoscintillator and photosensitizer activation, the cytotoxic effect obtained by PDT remains controversial. Herein, we tested whether free 68Ga could substitute X-rays of X-PDT to obtain a cytotoxic phototherapeutic effect. Results were compared with those obtained with AGuIX@Gd-P1 nanoparticles. We showed, by Monte Carlo simulations, the contribution of Tb scintillation in P1 activation by an energy transfer between Tb and P1 after Cerenkov radiation, compared to the Gd-based nanoparticles. We confirmed the involvement of the type II PDT reaction during 68Ga-mediated Cerenkov luminescence, id est, the transfer of photon to AGuIX@Tb-P1 which, in turn, generated P1-mediated singlet oxygen. The effect of 68Ga on cell survival was studied by clonogenic assays using human glioblastoma U-251 MG cells. Exposure of pre-treated cells with AGuIX@Tb-P1 to 68Ga resulted in the decrease in cell clone formation, unlike AGuIX@Gd-P1. We conclude that CR-PDT could be an alternative of X-PDT.

Importance of Rose Bengal Loaded with Nanoparticles for Anti-Cancer Photodynamic Therapy.

Rose Bengal (RB) is a photosensitizer (PS) used in anti-cancer and anti-bacterial photodynamic therapy (PDT). The specific excitation of this PS allows the production of singlet oxygen and oxygen reactive species that kill bacteria and tumor cells. In this review, we summarize the history of the use of RB as a PS coupled by chemical or physical means to nanoparticles (NPs). The studies are divided into PDT and PDT excited by X-rays (X-PDT), and subdivided on the basis of NP type. On the basis of the papers examined, it can be noted that RB used as a PS shows remarkable cytotoxicity under the effect of light, and RB loaded onto NPs is an excellent candidate for nanomedical applications in PDT and X-PDT.

Terbium-Based AGuIX-Design Nanoparticle to Mediate X-ray-Induced Photodynamic Therapy.

X-ray-induced photodynamic therapy is based on the energy transfer from a nanoscintillator to a photosensitizer molecule, whose activation leads to singlet oxygen and radical species generation, triggering cancer cells to cell death. Herein, we synthesized ultra-small nanoparticle chelated with Terbium (Tb) as a nanoscintillator and 5-(4-carboxyphenyl succinimide ester)-10,15,20-triphenyl porphyrin (P1) as a photosensitizer (AGuIX@Tb-P1). The synthesis was based on the AGuIX@ platform design. AGuIX@Tb-P1 was characterised for its photo-physical and physico-chemical properties. The effect of the nanoparticles was studied using human glioblastoma U-251 MG cells and was compared to treatment with AGuIX@ nanoparticles doped with Gadolinium (Gd) and P1 (AguIX@Gd-P1). We demonstrated that the AGuIX@Tb-P1 design was consistent with X-ray photon energy transfer from Terbium to P1. Both nanoparticles had similar dark cytotoxicity and they were absorbed in a similar rate within the cells. Pre-treated cells exposure to X-rays was related to reactive species production. Using clonogenic assays, establishment of survival curves allowed discrimination of the impact of radiation treatment from X-ray-induced photodynamic effect. We showed that cell growth arrest was increased (35%-increase) when cells were treated with AGuIX@Tb-P1 compared to the nanoparticle doped with Gd.

Predictive early gene signature during mouse Bhas 42 cell transformation induced by synthetic amorphous silica nanoparticles.

Synthetic amorphous silica nanoparticles (SAS) are used widely in industrial applications. These nanoparticles are not classified for their carcinogenicity in humans. However, some data still demonstrate a potential carcinogenic risk of these compounds in humans. The Bhas 42 cell line was developed to screen chemicals, as tumor-initiators or -promoters according to their ability to trigger cell-to-cell transformation, in a cell transformation assay. In the present study, we performed unsupervised transcriptomic analysis after exposure of Bhas 42 cells to NM-203 SAS as well as to positive (Min-U-Sil 5® crystalline silica microparticles, and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) and negative (diatomaceous earth) control compounds. We identified a common gene signature for 21 genes involved in the early stage of the SAS- Min-U-Sil 5®- or TPA-induced cell transformation. These genes were related to cell proliferation (over expression) and cell adhesion (under expression). Among them, 12 were selected on the basis of their potential impact on cell transformation. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to confirm the transcriptomic data. Moreover, similar gene alterations were found when Bhas 42 cells were treated with two other transforming SAS. In conclusion, the results obtained in the current study highlight a 12-gene signature that could be considered as a potential early "bio-marker" of cell transformation induced by SAS and perhaps other chemicals.

Chemical profile, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition activities and docking studies of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. and Cymbopogon nervatus (Hochst.) Chiov. from Sudan.

Essential oils from the inflorescence of Cymbopogon schoenanthus and C. nervatus growing in Northern Sudan were examined for their chemical composition, antiproliferative activity against human breast carcinoma and human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines, antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdenum, antiradical, reducing power, and ferrous chelating), and enzyme inhibition activity against acetylcholinesterase butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. In silico study on the inhibition of tyrosinase and α-amylase was also performed. Piperitone (59.1%) and isomers of para-menthadienols (35.3%) were the main compounds in C. schoenanthus and C. nervatus oils, respectively. Oil from C. nervatus possessed higher antioxidant activity than that from C. schoenanthus except for its metal chelating ability. Both oils showed high antiproliferative activity. In silico study showed that trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol and piperitone (both isomers) revealed the best docking scores for α-amylase and tyrosinase, respectively. In conclusion, oils from these two Cymbopogon species could be new natural agents with functional properties for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Recently, there is a growing tendency to replace synthetic oils by natural ones in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical products. In this context, we investigated the chemical characterization and biological activities of two Cymbopogon species essential oils (C. schoenanthus (L.) Spreng. and C. nervatus). Antioxidant capacity, enzyme inhibition, and antiproliferative effects were tested for biological activities. Chemical characterization was identified by GC-MS. Based on our findings, the Cymbopogon species may be utilized as sources of natural bioactive agents in food industries.

Expression of PPARgamma is reduced by medium supplementation with L-glutamine in human colorectal Caco-2 cells.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family. This receptor is implicated in colon cell differentiation and in colon cancer. Receptor activation by specific agonists has been shown to protect against colon cancer progression. PPARgamma protein content within cells is modulated by several mechanisms, including proteasome degradation, activation of Wnt signalling pathways and presence of fermentation products such as butyrate. Herein, we investigated the impact of L-glutamine on PPARgamma expression during the differentiation of Caco-2 cells grown in medium containing dialyzed fetal calf serum supplemented or not with L-glutamine. Using RT-PCR and Western blotting, we demonstrated that PPARgamma expression was decreased when L-glutamine was added to the medium. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that PPARgamma immunostaining was mainly found in cytoplasm when cells were cultured with L-glutamine while it was found in nuclei and cytoplasm when cells were grown without the addition of L-glutamine. Supershift retardation assays demonstrated a decrease of PPARgamma binding onto consensus peroxisome proliferator response element. We concluded that L-glutamine modulated PPARgamma expression in Caco-2 cells.

Immunoselection and characterization of a human genomic PPAR binding fragment located within POTE genes.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-inducible transcription factors and belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. They form heterodimers with retinoid X receptor (RXR) and bind to specific PPAR-response elements. To identify novel PPAR target genes, we developed an affinity method to isolate human genomic fragments containing binding sites for PPARs. For this, an antibody raised against all PPAR subtypes was used. Immunoselected fragments were amplified and sequenced. One of them, ISF1029, was mapped by BLAT and BLAST searches on different human chromosomes, downstream of several POTE genes. ISF1029 contained three hexamers strongly related to the AGGTCA motif organized according to a DR0/3 motif. The latter was found to bind to PPARalpha in gel mobility shift and supershift assays and to exhibit a downregulation potentiality in transfection experiments under clofibrate treatment. POTE genes were shown to be highly expressed in human Caco-2 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and downregulated by fenofibrate and 9-cis-retinoic acid, as attested by RT-PCR assays. Microarray analysis confirmed and extended to the human T98-G glioblastoma cells, the downregulation of several POTE genes expression by Wy-14,643, a potent PPARalpha activator. Our data provide new insights about the pleiotropic action of PPARs.

[PPARs and cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix interactions]. / PPAR et interactions des cellules entre elles ou avec la matrice extracellulaire.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors and belong to the superfamily of nuclear receptors. They are encoded by three genes located on different chromosomes: PPARalpha, PPARbeta/delta and PPARgamma. PPARalpha plays a key role in the control of lipid metabolism and homeostasis. PPARbeta/delta is expressed ubiquitously and participates in skeletal muscle physiology. PPARbeta/delta and PPARgamma are important factors for placental development and function as well as for embryo implantation. In addition, PPARgamma is mainly involved in adipogenesis. PPARs also participate more or less to cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Surprisingly, the involvement of these transcription factors in cell-cell and/or cell-matrix interactions has not yet been reviewed except for their role as therapeutic agents in inflammation. Nevertheless, several pioneer reports have recently provided some new insights in this research field, by suggesting that PPARs are involved, directly or indirectly, in these interactions and that their activation by specific ligands may lead to potential therapeutic approaches.

Genetic analysis of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma1 splice variants in human colorectal cell lines.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor family. In colon, this transcription factor is involved in differentiation of absorptive cells. PPARgamma participates also in colon carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Two isoforms, namely PPARgamma1 and PPARgamma2, have been described. Recently, new PPARgamma1 transcripts whose translation raises PPARgamma1 protein have been characterised. They differ from each other by combination of untranslated exons localised in the 5' UTR of the PPARG gene. Here, we studied whether such a diversity of PPARgamma transcripts occurs in human colon cell models. Based on bioinformatic analysis, putative untranslated exons were identified in the human PPARG gene. By RT-PCR analysis, we have demonstrated that several of these untranslated exons are included in PPARgamma transcripts from colon-derived cell lines or in those derived from other tissue. Using HT-29 cells, changes in PPARgamma1 mRNA levels were observed after treatment with PPARgamma agonists such as pioglitazone and troglitazone. These modifications correlated with particular PPARgamma transcripts excluding the untranslated exon A2. HT-29 cells treatment with actinomycin D or cycloheximide showed that the presence of PPARgamma mRNA including exon A2 was dependent on de novo protein synthesis. We concluded that diverse PPARgamma1 mRNA exist in colorectal cells. Levels of PPARgamma1 transcript varied according to the phenotype of colon cell model used. We suggest that regulation of PPARgamma1 mRNA levels could be dependent in part on the composition of untranslated exon(s) in the 5' UTR of PPARgamma1 mRNA.

Effects of PPAR and RXR ligands in semaphorin 6B gene expression of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

This study tests the hypothesis that the activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and 9-cis-retinoic acid receptor (RXR) regulate human semaphorin 6B (Sema6B) gene expression. The human MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cell line was chosen because it expresses Sema6B at a high level. The Sema6B mRNA level was analyzed by RT-PCR and the semaphorin 6B protein content was determined using a polyclonal antibody that we have produced and characterized. Treatments with fenofibrate (a PPARalpha activator) and troglitazone (a PPARgamma ligand) strongly decreased the Sema6B mRNA. The drop in Sema6B mRNA level and in protein content was more important when the treatment combined the action of fenofibrate or troglitazone and 9-cis-retinoic acid. On the other hand, no significant change was observed in the Sema6B mRNA and protein levels when the cells were exposed to the combined action of GW610742 (a PPARbeta activator) and 9-cis-retinoic acid. These data suggest that PPARalpha/RXR and PPARgamma/RXR heterodimers are involved in the regulation of Sema6B gene expression and open new perspectives concerning the participation of these nuclear receptors in cell recognition and migration.

Chemical composition, antiproliferative, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oils from aromatic plants growing in Sudan.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential of essential oil, as therapeutic molecule source, from olibanum of Boswellia papyrifera (Burseraceae), leafy stems of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (Poaceae) and Croton zambesicus (Euphorbiaceae) and rhizome of Cyperus rotundus (Cyperaceae) found in Sudan. Respective essential oil was evaluated for anti-proliferative, antibacterial and antioxidant activity. METHODS: Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and then analysed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anti-proliferative activity was determined against human cell lines (MCF7 and MDA-MB231, HT29 and HCT116) by the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) procedure. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by diphenyl 2 pycril hydrazil (DPPH) assay. Antibacterial activity was determined against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria by microdilution method. RESULTS: The essential oil from olibanum of Boswellia papyrifera contained mainly alcohol and ester derivatives (46.82%) while monoterpenes (69.84%) dominated in Corton zambesicus oil. Sesquiterpenes were the most highly represented classes of terpene derivatives in Cyperus schoenanthus (71.59%) and Cyperus rotundus (44.26%). Oil of Cymbopogon schoenanthus revealed the best anti-proliferative activity against HCT116 cell line with IC50 value at (19.1 ± 2.0) µg/mL. Oil of Croton zambesicus showed the best antioxidant activity [EC50 (4.20 ± 0.19) mg/mL]. All oils showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranged from 16 to 250 µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the essential oils of these plants could be used as a source of natural anti-proliferative, antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

Endophytic fungi associated with Sudanese medicinal plants show cytotoxic and antibiotic potential.

In this study, we isolated 15 endophytic fungi from five Sudanese medicinal plants. Each fungal endophytic strain was identified by sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA. Ethyl acetate extracts were prepared from each endophyte cultivated in vitro and tested for their respective antibacterial activities and antiproliferative activities against human cancer cells. Antibacterial screening was carried out against two bacterial strains: Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, by the broth dilution method. Cell viability was evaluated by the MTT procedure after exposure of MCF7 breast cancer cells and HT29 or HCT116 human colon adenocarcinoma cells to each endophytic extract. Of interest, Byssochlamys spectabilis isolated from Euphorbia prostata showed cytotoxicity (IC50 = 1.51 ± 0.2 µg mL(-1)) against MCF7 cells, but had a low effect against HT29 or HCT116 cells (IC50 > 20 µg mL(-1)). Cladosporium cladosporioides 2, isolated from Vernonia amygdalina leaves, showed antiproliferative activities against MCF7 cells (IC50 = 10.5 ± 1.5 µg mL(-1)) only. On the other hand, B. spectabilis and Alternaria sp. extract had antibacterial activities against the S. aureus strain. The findings of this work revealed that endophytic fungi associated with medicinal plants from Sudan could be considered as an attractive source of new therapeutic compounds.

Purification and cloning of two high molecular mass isoforms of peanut seed oleosin encoded by cDNAs of equal sizes.

Oleosins are small plant proteins characterized by a long hydrophobic core flanked by amphipathic N- and C-terminal domains, which act as emulsifiers for the storage of lipids in seeds. They have been sequenced in a number of oilseeds important for the food industry but not in peanuts. We purified the major isoform of peanut oleosin by preparative electrophoresis with continuous elution, in sufficient amounts to raise specific antibodies, perform circular dichroism and N-sequence tryptic fragments. The structure of the purified oleosin was dominated by alpha-helix that may be assigned to the SDS-resistant central hydrophobic stretch. A two-step RT-PCR strategy was developed to determine the cDNA sequence of this oleosin. Two cDNA variants of equal sizes encoding for isoforms of 176 amino acids each were identified. The isoforms differed by seven amino acids mainly located in the N- and C-terminal domains. The corresponding mRNAs were estimated at 0.9 kb by Northern blot and were transcribed from genes without introns. Immunoprecipitation of the in vitro-translated peanut oleosin labeled with [14C]leucine or [35S]methionine produced the full-length protein (17 kDa) and a 6-kDa peptide corresponding to the N/C-terminal domains. This peptide was able to form SDS-PAGE stable oligomers by interacting with the full-length protein. A similar peptide was released after [125I]iodination of the purified oleosin that generated intermediate-sized oligomers also visible by Western blot on a crude oleosin extract. Oligomers reflect the natural ability of oleosins to strongly interact with each other via not only their central domains but also their N- and C-terminal domains.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2-heteroarylimino-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones as potential anti-tumor agents.

A series of 35 heteroarylimino-1,3-thiazolidinones with three sites of functionalization were synthesized and their antiproliferative properties were studied. The in vitro screening by MTT assay was performed against five cancer cell lines (human colon cancer cell lines HT29, HCT116 and SW620 and breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231). It was observed that N3-substituted thiazolidinones had moderate activities whereas 5-benzylidene thiazolidinones showed promising activities. To investigate the mechanism of action, detailed biological studies of six selected compounds (those presenting the lower mitotic index) were carried out on the human colon cancer HT29 cell line. Cell cycle assay revealed that those compounds induced cell accumulation in G2/M and in subG0/G1 phases of cell cycle. Moreover, dissipation of mitochondria membrane potential was observed as well as redox changes in treated cells.

Induction of the expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) by clofibrate in jerboa tissues.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily that can be activated by natural fatty acids and various xenobiotics, including clofibrate. This transcription factor primarily regulates genes involved in lipid metabolism and homeostasis. We present the expression pattern of the PPARalpha subtype in the adult jerboa Jaculus orientalis, determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting using specific probes and a polyclonal antibody for PPARalpha, respectively. PPARalpha is highly expressed in liver and kidney, and to a lesser extent in duodenum and colon. PPARalpha expression is increased at the mRNA and protein levels in liver and duodenum of jerboa treated for 2 weeks with the peroxisome proliferator (PP) clofibrate. The induction is tissue-specific as no significant changes are observed in kidney and colon. The present data indicate that the PP-induced PPARalpha gene expression is not dependent on the PPARalpha content in target cells.

Evaluation of ∆2-pioglitazone, an analogue of pioglitazone, on colon cancer cell survival: Evidence of drug treatment association with autophagy and activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.

Thiazolidinediones have been shown to exhibit anti-proliferative effects against cancer cells derived from diverse tissue origins both in vivo and in vitro. We studied the anti-proliferative impact of 5-{4-(2-(5-ethyl-pyridin-2-yl)-ethoxy)-benzylidene}-thiazolidine-2,4-dione (∆2-pioglitazone), an analogue of pioglitazone, which binds to the nuclear peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ without activating it, on human adenocarcinoma-derived HT29 and HCT116 cells. In HTC116 cells, exposure to ∆2-pioglitazone reduced cell growth, but HT29 cells reached the plateau phase of growth after three days. ∆2-pioglitazone treatment did not trigger cells to enter apoptosis but enhanced the autophagy process. The effect of ∆2-pioglitazone treatment was related to the increase of oxygen and nitric oxide-derived species production and decreased glutathione content. Moreover, pre-treatment with an antioxidant before addition of ∆2-pioglitazone limited cell growth inhibition, reduced the production of reactive species and attenuated autophagy within the cells. The impact of the drug was associated with activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway as demonstrated by the increased protein content of several antioxidant enzymes, notably heme-oxygenase-1.

Differential regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha1 and truncated PPARalpha2 as an adaptive response to fasting in the control of hepatic peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation in the hibernating mammal.

Seasonal obesity and fasting-associated hibernation are the two major metabolic events governing hepatic lipid metabolism in hibernating mammals. In this process, however, the role of the nuclear receptor known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha has not been elucidated yet. Here we show, as in human, that jerboa (Jaculus orientalis) liver expresses both active wild-type PPARalpha (PPARalpha1wt) and truncated PPARalpha forms and that the PPARalpha1wt to truncated PPARalpha2 ratio, which indicates the availability of active PPARalpha1wt, is differentially regulated during fasting-associated hibernation. Functional activation of hepatic jerboa PPARalpha, during prehibernating and hibernating states, was demonstrated by the induction of its target genes, which encode peroxisomal proteins such as acyl-CoA oxidase 1, peroxisomal membrane protein 70, and catalase, accompanied by a concomitant induction of PPARalpha thermogenic coactivator PPARgamma coactivator-1alpha. Interestingly, sustained activation of PPARalpha by its hypolipidemic ligand, ciprofibrate, abrogates the adaptive fasting response of PPARalpha during prehibernation and overinduces its target genes, disrupting the prehibernation fattening process. In striking contrast, during fasting-associated hibernation, jerboas exhibit preferential up-regulation of hepatic peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation instead of the mitochondrial pathway, which is down-regulated. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that PPARalpha is subject to a hibernation-dependent splicing regulation in response to feeding-fasting conditions, which defines the activity of PPARalpha and the activation of its target genes during hibernation bouts of jerboas.

Pioglitazone improves aortic wall elasticity in a rat model of elastocalcinotic arteriosclerosis.

Specific treatment of age-related aortic wall arteriosclerosis and stiffening is lacking. Because ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma have beneficial effects on the arterial wall in atherosclerosis, via an antiinflammatory mechanism, we investigated whether long-term pioglitazone (Pio) treatment protects against another form of vascular wall disease, arteriosclerosis. We evaluated, in a rat model of elastocalcinotic arteriosclerosis (hypervitaminosis D and nicotine [VDN]), whether Pio (3 mg . kg(-1) per day for 1.5 month PO) attenuated arteriosclerosis and its consequences: aortic wall rigidity, increased aortic pulse pressure, and left ventricular hypertrophy. In VDN rats, medial calcification was associated with monocyte/macrophage infiltration and induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1beta. Pio increased nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma immunostaining in the aortic wall, decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (P <0.05 versus VDN Pio-), tended to decrease interleukin 1beta mRNA expression (P =0.08 versus VDN Pio-), blunted aortic wall calcification (271+/-69, P <0.05 versus VDN Pio- 562+/-87 micromol . g(-1) dry weight) and prevented fragmentation of elastic fibers (segments per 10,000 microm2: 8.4+/-0.3; P <0.05 versus VDN Pio- 10.5+/-0.6). Pio reduced aortic wall stiffness (elastic modulus/wall stress: 4.8+/-0.6; P <0.05 versus VDN Pio- 10.0+/-1.6), aortic pulse pressure (30+/-2 mm Hg; P <0.05 versus VDN Pio- 39+/-4) and left ventricular hypertrophy (1.58+/-0.05 g . kg(-1); P <0.05 versus VDN Pio- 1.76+/-0.06). In conclusion, long-term Pio treatment attenuates aortic wall elastocalcinosis and, thus, lowers aortic wall stiffness, aortic pulse pressure, and left ventricular hypertrophy.