Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition impairs adipose tissue development in mice

The effect of galardin, a broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, was studied in mice kept on a high fat diet (HFD). Five-week-old male wild-type mice were fed the HFD (42% fat) for up to 12 weeks and were daily injected intraperitoneally with the inhibitor (100 mg/kg) or with vehicle. After 12 weeks of the HFD, the body weights of both groups were comparable, but the weight of the isolated subcutaneous (SC) or gonadal (GON) fat deposits was significantly lower in the inhibitor-treated group than in the control group (88 +/- 11 versus 251 +/- 66 mg, respectively, for SC fat [P<0.05]; 90 +/- 24 versus 217 +/- 30 mg, respectively, for GON fat [P<0.02]). The number of adipocytes was somewhat higher and the diameter was somewhat smaller (but not significantly) in adipose tissues of the inhibitor-treated group. Adipose tissue of the inhibitor-treated mice contained more collagen than did that of the vehicle-treated mice (Sirius red-stained area of 42 +/- 2.6% versus 22 +/- 4.4%, respectively, for SC fat [P<0.05]; 21 +/- 5.1% versus 4.7 +/- 0.92%, respectively, for GON fat [P<0.01]); a distinct collagen-rich cap was formed around the inhibitor-treated tissue. In situ zymography with casein- or gelatin-containing gels confirmed a reduced MMP activity in SC and GON adipose tissues of inhibitor-treated mice. Thus, in this model, growth and development of adipose tissue appears to be limited by the formation of a collagen-rich matrix cap around the inhibitor-treated tissue. These data suggest a functional role for MMPs in the development of adipose tissue.     

血管外周脂肪在动脉粥样硬化中的作用

动脉粥样硬化(AS)是一个多因素参与的复杂病理过程。血管外周脂肪组织(PVAT)不仅是一种血管支持组织,还有着活跃的分泌功能。PVAT通过分泌各种活性物质“由外而内”地调节着血管的功能,参与了AS的病理过程。     

Inflammation and adipose tissue macrophages in lipodystrophic mice

Lipodystrophy and obesity are opposites in terms of a deficiency versus excess of adipose tissue mass, yet these conditions are accompanied by similar metabolic consequences, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and increased risk for diabetes and atherosclerosis. Hepatic and myocellular steatosis likely contribute to metabolic dysregulation in both states. Inflammation and macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue also appear to participate in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced insulin resistance, but their contributions to lipodystrophy-induced insulin resistance have not been evaluated. We used aP2-nSREBP-1c transgenic (Tg) mice, an established model of lipodystrophy, to ask this question. Circulating cytokine elevations suggested systemic inflammation but even more dramatic was the number of infiltrating macrophages in all white and brown adipose tissue depots of the Tg mice; in contrast, there was no evidence of inflammatory infiltrates or responses in any other tissue including liver. Despite there being overt evidence of adipose tissue inflammation, antiinflammatory strategies including salicylate treatment and genetic suppression of myeloid NF-κB signaling that correct insulin resistance in obesity were ineffective in the lipodystrophic mice. We further showed that adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) in lipodystrophy and obesity are very different in terms of activation state, gene expression patterns, and response to lipopolysaccharide. Although ATMs are even more abundant in lipodystrophy than in obesity, they have distinct phenotypes and likely roles in tissue remodeling, but do not appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance.     

Role of adipose tissue in haemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis

Obesity is associated with an increased incidence of insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The increased risk for cardiovascular diseases could partly be caused by a prothrombotic state that exists because of abdominal obesity.
Adipose tissue induces thrombocyte activation by the production of adipose tissue-derived hormones, often called adipokines, of which some such as leptin and adiponectin have been shown to directly interfere with platelet function. Increased adipose tissue mass induces IR and systemic low-grade inflammation, also affecting platelet function. It has been demonstrated that adipose tissue directly impairs fibrinolysis by the production of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and possibly thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor. Adipose tissue may contribute to enhanced coagulation by direct tissue factor production, but hypercoagulability is likely to be primarily caused by affecting hepatic synthesis of the coagulation factors fibrinogen, factor VII, factor VIII and tissue factor, by releasing free fatty acids and pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6) into the portal circulation and by inducing hepatic IR.
Adipose tissue dysfunction could thus play a causal role in the prothrombotic state observed in obesity, by directly and indirectly affecting haemostasis, coagulation and fibrinolysis.     

Brown adipose tissue thermogenesis during pregnancy in mice

The thermogenic activity of interscapular brown adipose tissue has been assessed at different stages of pregnancy in mice. In late pregnancy there was a hypertrophy of the tissue which reversed at parturition. Neither the total protein content nor the total cytochrome oxidase activity of the tissue changed significantly throughout pregnancy or into early lactation (2-3 days, post-partum). However, mitochondrial GDP binding, an index of the activity of the proton conductance pathway, was significantly decreased at the end of pregnancy with a further decrease in early lactation. Moderate food restriction had no effect on either cytochrome oxidase activity or mitochondrial GDP binding at the end of pregnancy, as compared with pregnant animals fed ad libitum. Food restriction did, however, prevent the hypertrophy of brown adipose tissue in late pregnancy. It is concluded that brown adipose tissue thermogenesis is not significantly decreased in the pregnant mouse until shortly before parturition, even in animals subject to food restriction. It is also concluded that the normal dietary stimulation of thermogenesis in response to hyperphagia is suppressed in the pregnant animal.     

Interferon-gamma induced adipose tissue inflammation is linked to endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mice

Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) has previously been associated with immuno-mediated inflammation in diet-induced obesity and type 1 diabetes. This study sought to define the role of IFNγ-induced adipose tissue inflammation in endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. We examined mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) inflammation, and endothelial function of small mesenteric artery (SMA) in control mice (m Lepr^db), diabetic mice (Lepr^db), m Lepr^db treated with IFNγ, and Lepr^db treated with anti-IFNγ or anti-monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (anti-MCP-1). mRNA and protein expression of IFNγ and MCP-1 were increased in MAT of Lepr^db, accompanied by increased T-lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration. Anti-IFNγ reduced MAT inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine expression in Lepr^db, while IFNγ treatment showed the opposite effects in m Lepr^db. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation of SMA was impaired in Lepr^db versus m Lepr^db, but sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced vasorelaxation was comparable. Both anti-IFNγ and anti-MCP-1 improved endothelial function of Lepr^db, while IFNγ treatment impaired endothelial function of m Lepr^db. Superoxide production was higher in both MAT and SMA of Lepr^db mice, and anti-IFNγ reduced MAT and SMA superoxide production. Macrophage accumulation in the adventitia of SMA, and mRNA expression of MCP-1 in SMA were increased in Lepr^db and IFNγ-treated m Lepr^db, but reduced in anti-IFNγ treated Lepr^db. These findings suggest IFNγ has a key role in the regulation of visceral adipose tissue inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.     

The development and endocrine functions of adipose tissue

White adipose tissue is a mesenchymal tissue that begins developing in the fetus. Classically known for storing the body's fuel reserves, adipose tissue is now recognized as an endocrine organ. As such, the secretions from adipose tissue are known to affect several systems such as the vascular and immune systems and play major roles in metabolism. Numerous studies have shown nutrient or hormonal manipulations can greatly influence adipose tissue development. In addition, the associations between various disease states, such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, and disregulation of adipose tissue seen in epidemiological and intervention studies are great. Evaluation of known adipokines suggests these factors secreted from adipose tissue play roles in several pathologies. As the identification of more adipokines and determination of their role in biological systems, and the interactions between adipocytes and other cells types continues, there is little doubt that we will gain a greater appreciation for a tissue once thought to simply store excess energy.     

Monoglyceride hydrolase in adipose tissue of obese hyperglycemic mice

Hydrolysis of monoglyceride by etherextracted homogenates of epididymal and ovarian fat from obese hyperglycemic mice and their nonobese litter mates was measured. Hydrolysis of monoglyceride, expressed as FFA released/g fat, was significantly less in the obese mice than in the litter mates. Hydrolysis of monoglyceride by “adipose” mice was not significantly different from that of their nonobese litter mates. The protein content of adipose tissue of obese mice was significantly greater than that of nonobese litter mates.     

Toll样受体2基因敲除对高脂饮食诱导的肥胖小鼠脂肪组织凋亡的影响

目的分析Toll样受体(TLR)2敲除对高脂饮食诱导的肥胖小鼠脂肪组织凋亡的影响。方法 C57BL/6J小鼠和TLR2基因敲除小鼠各16只,分为两组,给予普通饮食和高脂饮食喂养:正常对照组(NC)、肥胖组(OB)、TLR2基因敲除组(TK)和TLR2基因敲除肥胖组(TO)。16 w后检测各组空腹血糖(FPG),三酰甘油(TG),总胆固醇(TC),低密度脂蛋白(LDL)和高密度脂蛋白(HDL)水平及脂肪组织caspase3活性,bcl2和bax蛋白、mRNA表达量。结果与NC组相比,OB组小鼠脂肪组织caspase3活性升高,bax蛋白和mRNA水平升高,bcl2蛋白和mRNA水平降低;与OB组相比,TO组小鼠脂肪组织caspase3活性降低,bax蛋白和mRNA水平降低,bcl2蛋白和mRNA水平升高。结论 TLR2敲除减轻了高脂饮食诱导的肥胖小鼠脂肪组织的细胞凋亡。     

Decreased infiltration of adipose tissue macrophages and amplified inflammation of adipose tissue in obese mice with severe acute pancreatitis

ObjectiveMacrophages are involved in obesity-associated inflammation and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) development. However, the role of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) in obesity-related SAP has not been fully elucidated. We investigated the relationship between ATMs and inflammatory responses in SAP model mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD).MethodsSAP was induced in animal models via intraperitoneal injections of caerulein and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). SAP severity was evaluated, both morphologically and biochemically, and macrophage infiltration in the pancreas and epididymal adipose tissue was measured. We also analyzed apoptosis levels, polarization of the ATMs, and expression of inflammatory mediators in epididymal adipose tissue.ResultsObesity increased disease severity in SAP animals. Increased macrophage infiltration in the pancreas induced by SAP was found in both normal diet (ND)- and HFD-fed mice. Total ATM infiltration in epididymal adipose tissue was elevated by HFD, while a significant decrease in infiltration was observed in both the ND + SAP and HFD + SAP groups. The apoptosis levels of ATMs were reduced in the HFD group, but were markedly enhanced in both the ND + SAP and HFD + SAP groups compared to their respective control groups. Higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were observed in the HFD + SAP than in the ND + SAP group. Increased proportion of M1 type ATMs was induced by both HFD and SAP.ConclusionsTotal ATM infiltration was decreased in epididymal adipose tissue of SAP animals. ATM polarization to the M1 type resulted in an amplified inflammatory response in obese mice with SAP.     

Angiotensinogen, angiotensin II and adipose tissue development

Adipose tissue is an important source of angiotensinogen (AGT). Recent evidence shows that a local renin-angiotensinogen system (RAS) is present in human adipose tissue and may act as a distinct system from plasma RAS. In obese patients, the involvement of angiotensin II (angII) as a consequence of increased plasma AGT secreted from adipose tissue has been proposed in the development of hypertension. Another role of AGT via angII in the development of adipose tissue is supported by the following: (i) in vitro, angII stimulates the production and release of prostacyclin from adipocytes, which in turn promotes the differentiation of precursor cells into adipocytes; (ii) ex vivo and in vivo, both angII and (carba)prostacyclin promote the formation of new fat cells; and (iii) AGT -/- mice exhibit a slowing down of adipose tissue development, as compared to wild-type mice. Altogether the data are consistent with an autocrine/paracrine mechanism implicating AGT, angII and prostacyclin in adipose tissue development.     

Role of interleukin-6 in fibrinolytic changes induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice.

We have recently demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-6 is protective against coagulatory and hemostatic disturbance and subsequent pulmonary hemorrhage induced by bacterial endotoxin, at least partly, via the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines using IL-6-null [IL-6(-/-)] mice and corresponding wild-type mice. Its role in fibrinolytic systems remains undefined, however. The present study elucidated the role of IL-6 in the activity of alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor, an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, during inflammation induced by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide in IL-6(-/-) and wild-type mice. Both IL-6(-/-) and wild-type mice were injected with vehicle or lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg). Seventy-two hours later, blood samples were collected and alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor activity was examined. Lipopolysaccharide challenge induced significant enhancement of alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor activity as compared with vehicle challenge in wild-type mice, but not in IL-6(-/-) mice. In the presence of lipopolysaccharide, the activity was significantly lower in IL-6(-/-) mice than that in wild-type mice. These results indicate that IL-6 can, at least partly, inhibit the lipopolysaccharide-enhanced fibrinolysis via the enhanced alpha2-plasmin inhibitor activity.     

Endocrine and nutritional regulation of fetal adipose tissue development

In the fetus, adipose tIssue comprises both brown and white adipocytes for which brown fat is characterised as possessing the unique uncoupling protein (UCP)1. The dual characteristics of fetal fat reflect its critical role at birth in providing lipid that is mobilised rapidly following activation of UCP1 upon cold exposure to the extra-uterine environment. A key stage in the maturation of fetal fat is the gradual rise in the abundance of UCP1. For species with a mature hypothalamic-pituitary axis at birth there is a gradual increase in the amount and activity of UCP1 during late gestation, in conjunction with an increase in the plasma concentrations of catecholamines, thyroid hormones, cortisol, leptin and prolactin. These may act individually, or in combination, to promote UCP1 expression and, following the post-partum surge in each hormone, UCP1 abundance attains maximal amounts.Adipose tIssue grows in the fetus at a much lower rate than in the postnatal period. However, its growth is under marked nutritional constraints and, in contrast to many other fetal organs that are unaffected by nutritional manipulation, fat mass can be significantly altered by changes in maternal and, therefore, fetal nutrition. Fat deposition in the fetus is enhanced during late gestation following a previous period of nutrient restriction up to mid gestation. This is accompanied by increased mRNA abundance for the receptors of IGF-I and IGF-II. In contrast, increasing maternal nutrition in late gestation results in less adipose tIssue deposition but enhanced UCP1 abundance. The pronounced nutritional sensitivity of fetal adipose tIssue to both increased and decreased maternal nutrition may explain why the consequences of an adverse nutritional environment persist into later life.