酰基辅酶A胆固醇酰基转移酶抑制剂对人系膜细胞细胞内脂质稳态的影响

目的 研究酰基辅酶A胆固醇酰基转移酶抑制剂（ACATI，58-035）对脂质负荷人系膜细胞系（HMCL）细胞内脂质稳态的影响。 方法 油红O染色观察细胞内脂滴变化。偶氮四唑盐（MTT）法了解细胞增殖。高效液相色谱法（HPLC）测定细胞内游离胆固醇(FC)和胆固醇酯（CE）。Western印迹法检测ACATI对HMCL ACAT1和腺苷三磷酸结合盒转运体A1(ABCA1)的蛋白表达。荧光实时定量PCR检测ACATI对HMCL ACAT1、ABCA1和低密度脂蛋白（LDL）受体的影响。瞬时转染检测ACATI对HMCL ACAT1 p1启动子的影响。 结果 100 mg/L LDL明显增加HMCL内脂滴和CE含量。10 mg/L ACATI 58-035没有细胞毒性，且能显著抑制LDL导致的脂滴形成和CE含量增加(相对对照比值，分别是1.91±0.36和1.07±0.30,P < 0.01)。100 mg/L LDL主要在蛋白水平增加ACAT1表达（为对照1.27倍），在10 mg/L ACATI 58-035共同作用时，ACAT1蛋白表达进一步增加（为对照1.77倍）；100 mg/L LDL明显上调HMCL ABCA1 mRNA表达[为对照（2.97±0.39）倍，P < 0.01]，明显下调LDL受体mRNA表达[为对照（0.08±0.02）倍, P < 0.01]，在10 mg/L ACATI 58-035共同作用时，HMCL ABCA1的蛋白和mRNA表达进一步上调[为对照（4.41±1.27）倍，与LDL作用组比较，P < 0.05]，LDL受体mRNA表达进一步下调[为对照（0.04±0.005）倍，与LDL作用组比较，P < 0.01]。 结论 脂质负荷HMCL在一定剂量ACATI作用下，细胞内CE含量明显减少，FC并没有明显增加，这与HMCL上调ABCA1蛋白和mRNA表达、下调LDL受体mRNA表达有关。脂质负荷主要引起HMCL ACAT1蛋白表达增加。     

Dysregulation of LDL receptor under the influence of inflammatory cytokines: a new pathway for foam cell formation.

BACKGROUND: Lipid-mediated renal injury is an important component of glomerulosclerosis and its similarity to atherosclerosis is well described. This study focused on the relationship between lipid-mediated injury and inflammation by examining the role of inflammatory cytokines in the regulation of human mesangial cell low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. METHODS: A human mesangial cell line (HMCL) was used to study the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) on the regulation of LDL receptor mRNA and protein in the presence of a high concentration of native LDL (250 microg/mL). RESULTS: Native LDL caused foam cell formation in HMCL in the presence of antioxidants, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Both cytokines overrode LDL receptor suppression induced by a high concentration of LDL and increased LDL uptake by enhancing receptor expression. These cytokines also caused increased expression of SCAP [sterol responsive element binding protein (SREBP) cleavage activation protein], and an increase in the nuclear translocation of SREBP, which induces LDL receptor expression. CONCLUSION: These observations demonstrate that inflammatory cytokines can modify cholesterol-mediated LDL receptor regulation in mesangial cells, permitting unregulated intracellular accumulation of unmodified LDL and causing foam cell formation. These findings suggest that inflammatory cytokines contribute to lipid-mediated renal damage, and also may have wider implications for the study of inflammation in the atherosclerotic process.     

Diltiazem suppresses collagen synthesis and IL-1beta-induced TGF-beta1 production on human peritoneal mesothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: After long-term treatment with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), some patients may develop peritoneal fibrosis. Peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) participate in the inflammatory reactions in the peritoneal cavity, and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) are involved in peritoneal fibrosis. Diltiazem is used frequently in patients with CAPD to treat hypertension. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of diltiazem on collagen- and IL-1beta-induced TGF-beta1 production on human PMCs and the signalling pathway of diltiazem in this induction. METHODS: Human PMCs were cultured from the enzymatic disaggregation of human omentum. Collagen synthesis was measured by [3H]proline incorporation into pepsin-resistant, salt-precipitated collagen. The expression of collagen I and III, and TGF-beta1 mRNA was evaluated by northern blotting. The production of TGF-beta1 by human PMCs was measured by immunoassay. The changes of intracellular calcium level after adding Fura-2-AM were measured by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Western blotting was used to assess mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling proteins. RESULTS: We found that diltiazem (<0.2 mM) inhibited collagen I and III mRNA expression and collagen syntheses on a dose-dependent basis. Diltiazem (0.2 mM) suppressed IL-1beta- (5 ng/ml) induced TGF-beta1 production on human PMCs at both the protein and mRNA levels. Diltiazem (0.2 mM) also inhibited IL-1beta- (5 ng/ml) induced collagen I and III mRNA expression. Intracellular calcium levels did not change after the treatment with diltiazem, IL-1beta or both. The IL-1beta-treated human PMCs increased phospho-JNK (stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and phospho-p38 MAPK expression, while diltiazem could suppress this phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS: Diltiazem suppressed collagen synthesis of human PMCs and inhibited IL-1beta-induced TGF-beta1 production on human PMCs. This signalling transduction may be through p38 MAPK and JNK pathways instead of intracellular calcium. These results suggest diltiazem to be a potential therapeutic regimen in preventing peritoneal fibrosis and support further in vivo studies.     

白细胞介素1β对人肾小球系膜细胞LOX-1和ABCA1表达的影响

目的 研究白细胞介素1β（IL-1β）对人肾小球系膜细胞株（HMCL）植物血凝素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1（LOX-1）以及腺苷三磷酸结合盒转运体A1（ABCA1）表达的影响，及其与细胞胆固醇稳态的关系。 方法 实时定量PCR和Western印迹法检测IL-1β对人肾小球系膜细胞LOX-1、ABCA1表达的影响。 结果 人肾小球系膜细胞表达LOX-1 mRNA和蛋白。IL-1β促进人肾小球系膜细胞LOX-1 mRNA和蛋白表达，5 μg/L IL-1β刺激细胞0~24 h，LOX-1 mRNA表达于6 h达高峰，为对照的6.87倍；LOX-1蛋白24 h达高峰，为对照的1.88倍。IL-1β降低脂质负荷的人肾小球系膜细胞 ABCA1 mRNA和蛋白表达。5 μg/L IL-1β刺激细胞0~48 h，48 h时ABCA1 mRNA和蛋白下降最明显，分别为对照的19.0％和50.62％。 结论 IL-1β促进人肾小球系膜细胞LOX-1表达，抑制ABCA1的表达，导致细胞内胆固醇的失衡，促使其变成泡沫细胞，可能加重肾小球硬化和肾病的进展。     

PI-3K和p38MAPK通路在EGF诱导PC-3细胞环氧化酶-2表达上调中的作用

目的:研究p38丝裂原激活蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)和磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(PI/3K)通路在表皮生长因子(EGF)诱导的激素非依赖性前列腺癌(hormone-refractory prostate cancer,HRPC)PC-3细胞环氧化酶2(cyclooxygen-ase-2,COX-2)表达上调中的作用。方法:MTT法检测EGF(0μg/L)、EGF(10μg/L)、EGF(10μg/L)+PI-3K阻断剂(LY294002,20μmol/L)、EGF(10μg/L)+p38MAPK阻断剂(SC203580,20μmol/L)处理后的细胞增殖情况。RT-PCR和Western印迹测定上述处理24h后PC-3细胞COX-2的表达变化,ELISA测定细胞培养液中前列腺素E2(PGE2)的变化。结果:LY294002和SC203580明显抑制EGF刺激后的PC-3细胞增殖(P<0.05)及EGF诱导的COX-2上调和PGE2生成(P<0.05)。结论:PI-3K通路和p38MAPK通路可能参与了EGF诱导的PC-3细胞COX-2的表达上调。     

Slow channel calcium inhibition blocks proinflammatory gene signaling and reduces macrophage responsiveness

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the possible intracellular mechanisms responsible for calcium antagonist protection in tissue-fixed macrophages, a central modulator of the proinflammatory phenotype. METHODS: Rabbit alveolar macrophages were exposed to lipopolysaccharide in the presence of different specific calcium antagonists. Cellular and nuclear protein were extracted and analyzed by Western blot for the phosphorylated forms of PYK2, ERK 1/2, and p38, and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and AP-1. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression was measured by an L929 bioassay on cellular supernatants. Statistical analysis was performed by unpaired Student's t tests. RESULTS: Cells pretreated with 100 to 500 micromol/L of diltiazem or 50 to 100 micromol/L of verapamil, both slow channel calcium blockers, led to dose-dependent reductions in lipopolysaccharide-induced PYK2 and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation of AP-1 when compared with controls (p < 0.05). Neither inhibitor had any significant effect on p38 or NF-kappaB translocation. EGTA an extracellular calcium chelator, had no significant effect on any intracellular process studied. A dose-dependent reduction in TNF-alpha production was demonstrated with diltiazem and verapamil (p < 0.05), with no effect induced by EGTA. CONCLUSION: Slow channel calcium influx is essential for optimal intracellular signaling through PYK2 and ERK 1/2. This reduced intracellular signaling correlated with reduced AP-1 translocation and TNF-alpha production. Extracellular calcium chelation had no significant effect on intracellular signaling or TNF-alpha production. This study further elucidates the protective mechanism of action of calcium channel blockade by diltiazem and verapamil by reducing intracellular calcium release and down-regulating the excessive proinflammatory phenotype.     

The effect of beta-adrenergic blockade on the cardiovascular response to diltiazem or verapamil in dogs

Diltiazem or verapamil were each given at two different infusion rates to pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs with or without a concurrent infusion of propranolol. Changes in cardiovascular function, in reflex activation as reflected by circulating catecholamine levels, and in the chronotropic response to an exogenous beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, were measured. When administered alone, diltiazem or verapamil, at plasma concentrations of 160 and 370 ng/ml, or 230 and 500 ng/ml, respectively, prolonged atrioventricular conduction and caused systemic vasodilation with a decrease in mean arterial pressure. Cardiac index increased, associated with an increase in arterial norepinephrine level. Heart rate increased with the lower level of verapamil; left ventricular dP/dt increased with both levels of verapamil and at the higher level of diltiazem. Plasma propranolol levels of approximately 35 ng/ml were well tolerated in the absence of diltiazem or verapamil. When added to diltiazem or verapamil, propranolol resulted in an increase in systemic vascular resistance to near control values; a decrease in cardiac index, left ventricular dP/dt, and heart rate; and worsened atrioventricular conduction. Three of nine animals in the high verapamil-propranolol group were unable to maintain a mean arterial pressure greater than 50 mm Hg, and developed a low cardiac index with an elevated systemic vascular resistance, despite very high levels of circulating catecholamines. Compared to the anesthetized state, greater amounts of isoproterenol were needed to effect the same increase in heart rate with the addition of diltiazem, verapamil, or propranolol alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

邻苯二甲酸单乙基己基酯对原代培养大鼠睾丸Leydig细胞睾酮合成的影响

目的:探讨邻苯二甲酸二乙基己基酯(DEHP)的代谢产物邻苯二甲酸单乙基己基酯(MEHP)对SD大鼠体外培养睾丸间质细胞(Leydigcells)睾酮合成的影响。方法:建立SD大鼠睾丸Leydig细胞体外原代培养模型,MEHP染毒剂量组分为对照(0μmol/L)、62.5、125、250、500、1000μmol/L,通过噻唑蓝(MTT)法观察线粒体活性,放射免疫法测定睾酮浓度,RTPCR法测定Leydig细胞类固醇合成急性调节蛋白(StAR)mRNA表达。结果:MEHP染毒24h后,Leydig细胞线粒体活性在250μmol/L时显著上升,1000μmol/L时显著下降,与对照组比较,差异均有显著性(P<0.01)。基础状态及人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)刺激状态下,Leydig细胞睾酮合成水平均呈上升趋势,与对照组相比,250、500μmol/L剂量组差异均有显著性(P<0.01)。Leydig细胞StARmRNA的表达在62.5、125、250μmol/L时与对照组相比均未见有显著性改变,在500、1000μmol/L时显著下降(P<0.01)。结论:MEHP直接影响原代培养Leydig细胞线粒体活性及睾酮合成,胆固醇跨膜转运的调节因子StAR与MEHP引起睾酮合成上升的原因可能无关。     

Preferential binding of oxidized LDL to rat glomeruli in vivo and cultured mesangial cells in vitro

Hyperlipidemia may contribute to the pathogenesis of glomerular sclerosis. We therefore compared binding and uptake of native LDL and oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) to cultured mesangial cells (MC) and the resulting effects on prostaglandin generation and cell proliferation. Ox-LDL, prepared from native LDL by incubation with copper, was bound to MC in a concentration dependent manner with a four- to fivefold increase in binding over LDL. In competition binding experiments Ox-LDL competed to 90% with LDL for binding sites, but LDL only displaced Ox-LDL to 15%. Furthermore polyinosinic acid, which blocks binding of Ox-LDL to macrophages, inhibited binding of Ox-LDL but not that of LDL to MC. Mesangial cells also preferentially took up Ox-LDL over LDL, and Ox-LDL resulted in higher [14C] oleate incorporation into cholesteryl esters than LDL, findings consistent with different handling of Ox-LDL and LDL by MC. LDL slightly stimulated mesangial cell proliferation at low concentration (10 to 50 micrograms/ml of LDL) returning to control levels at 100 and 250 micrograms/ml. In contrast Ox-LDL inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, starting at concentrations as low as 10 to 25 micrograms/ml of Ox-LDL. Direct observations of mesangial cells by phase contrast microscopy confirmed the cytotoxic effects of Ox-LDL. Addition of Ox-LDL to mesangial cells resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in PGE2 synthesis within one hour, while at this time point LDL had no significant effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The cardiovascular and adrenergic actions of verapamil or diltiazem in combination with propranolol during halothane anesthesia in the dog

Continuous infusions of verapamil and diltiazem were established in halothane-anesthetized dogs (1.15-1.35% end tidal concentration) with or without a concomitant propranolol infusion to investigate changes: in cardiovascular function, in reflex activation as reflected in circulating catecholamine levels, and in the chronotropic response to the exogenously administered beta agonist, isoproterenol. Verapamil plasma levels of approximately 100 and 250 ng X ml-1, diltiazem plasma levels of approximately 140 and 325 ng X ml-1, and propranolol levels of approximately 70 ng X ml-1 were tolerated individually in the presence of halothane, although atrioventricular conduction was prolonged in the verapamil and diltiazem groups. Catecholamine levels were increased in the high verapamil group. However, when propranolol was combined with the lower levels of verapamil or diltiazem, the result was decreased heart rate, blood pressure, left ventricular maximum rate of tension development (dP/dt), and cardiac index with increased systemic vascular resistance. When the attempt was made to proceed to the increased plasma levels of verapamil or diltiazem in the presence of propranolol, 6/6 animals in the verapamil-propranolol group and 4/6 animals in the diltiazem-propranolol group were unable to maintain a mean arterial blood pressure of greater than 50 mmHg, and many developed 2 degrees or higher heart block.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Parathyroid hormone induces RGS-2 expression by a cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-mediated pathway in primary neonatal murine osteoblasts

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a promising anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, PTH is also potently catabolic. To help delineate the molecular mediators of PTH's opposing effects on skeletal metabolism, we have examined PTH-induced regulator of G-protein signaling-2 (RGS-2) expression and function in murine osteoblasts. RGS proteins are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that regulate GTP-binding protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling by enhancing the intrinsic GTPase activity of Galpha subunits. We found that 10 nmol/L PTH maximally induced RGS-2 mRNA in murine MC3T3-E1 cells, rat Py1a and ROS-17/2.8 cells, primary mouse osteoblasts (MOB cells), and mouse calvariae organ culture at 1-2 h posttreatment. PTH signaling through its receptor, PTHR1, is coupled to cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and calcium signaling pathways. We examined the effect of selective signaling agonists and antagonists on RGS-2 expression in MOB cells to determine which pathway(s) mediates PTH-induced RGS-2 expression. Although selective activation of all three pathways led to RGS-2 expression, cAMP-PKA activation with 10 nmol/L PTH and 10 micromol/L forskolin elicited the strongest induction. Similarly, RGS-2 mRNA expression was most strongly inhibited by the PKA inhibitor, H89 (10-30 micromol/L). The phorbol ester, PMA (1 micromol/L), which activates the PKC pathway, and ionomycin (1 micromol/L), which activates the calcium pathway, produced small but detectable elevations in RGS-2 mRNA levels. Overnight treatment with 1 micromol/L PMA to deplete PKC did not affect subsequent RGS-2 induction by PTH, but significantly inhibited PMA-induced RGS-2 expression. Treatment with 1-100 nmol/L PTH(3-34), which does not activate cAMP-PKA signaling, did not induce RGS-2 expression. MOB cells pretreated with 3 microg/mL cycloheximide produced sustained RGS-2 mRNA levels 2 h after 10 nmol/L PTH treatment. Actinomycin D (5 microg/mL) completely blocked 10 nmol/L PTH-induced RGS-2 expression. Finally, we tested the effect of RGS-2 overexpression on PTH- and fluprostenol-induced interleukin (IL)-6 promoter activity in MOB cells. PTH induces IL-6 through PKA activation, whereas fluprostenol induces IL-6 through PKC activation. We found that RGS-2 overexpression significantly inhibited IL-6 promoter activity following fluprostenol treatment, but not following PTH treatment. We conclude that RGS-2 is a PTH-induced primary response gene in murine osteoblasts that is induced mainly through the cAMP-PKA pathway and specifically inhibits Galphaq-coupled receptors.     

Differentiation-inducing factor-1 alters canonical Wnt signaling and suppresses alkaline phosphatase expression in osteoblast-like cell lines.

Because DIF-1 has been shown to affect Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, the effects of DIF-1 on osteoblast-like cell lines, SaOS-2 and MC3T3-E1, were examined. We found that DIF-1 inhibited this pathway, resulting in the suppression of ALP promoter activity through the TCF/LEF binding site. INTRODUCTION: Differentiation-inducing factor-1 (DIF-1), a morphogen of Dictyostelium, inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell differentiation in several mammalian cells. Previous studies showed that DIF-1 activated glycogen synthase kinase-3beta, suggesting that this chemical could affect the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. This pathway has been shown to be involved in bone biology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the effects of DIF-1 on SaOS-2 and MC3T3-E1, osteosarcoma cell lines widely used as a model system for ostoblastic cells and murine osteoblast-like cell line, respectively. Reporter gene assays were also carried out to examine the effect of DIF-1 on the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. RESULTS: DIF-1 inhibited SaOS-2 proliferation and reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in a concentration- and a time-dependent manner. The expression of ALP was markedly suppressed by DIF-1-treatment in protein and mRNA levels. DIF-1 also suppressed the expression of other osteoblast differentiation markers, including core binding factor alpha1, type I collagen, and osteocalcin, in protein and mRNA levels and inhibited osteoblast-mediated mineralization. Subsequently, we examined the effect of DIF-1 on the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. We found that DIF-1 suppressed the expression of beta-catenin protein and the activity of the reporter gene containing T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) consensus binding sites. We examined the effect of DIF-1 on a reporter gene driven by the human ALP promoter and found that DIF-1 significantly reduced the ALP reporter gene activity through the TCF/LEF binding site (-1023/-1017 bp). Furthermore, the effect of DIF-1 on MC3T3-E1, a murine osteoblast-like cell line, was examined, and it was found that DIF-1 suppressed ALP mRNA expression by the reduction of the ALP reporter gene activity through the TCF/LEF binding site. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that DIF-1 inhibits Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, resulting in the suppression of ALP promoter activity. To our knowledge, this is the first report to analyze the role of the TCF/LEF binding site (-1023/-1017 bp) of the ALP gene promoter in osteoblast-like cell lines.     

Diltiazem during reperfusion preserves high energy phosphates by protection of mitochondrial integrity.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effects of diltiazem administered during reperfusion on hemodynamic, metabolic, and ultrastructural postischemic outcome. METHODS: Hearts of 38 adult White New Zealand rabbits underwent 60 min of global cold ischemia followed by 40 min of reperfusion in an erythrocyte perfused isolated working heart model. Hearts were randomly assigned to four groups and received diltiazem (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 micromol/l) during reperfusion only, or served as control. RESULTS: The postischemic time courses of heart rate, aortic flow, and external stroke work clearly reflected the dose-dependent negative chronotropic and inotropic efficacy of diltiazem in the two higher concentrations. High energy phosphates (HEP) determined from myocardial biopsies taken after 40 min of reperfusion were significantly better preserved in all treatment groups compared to control hearts. Similarly ultrastructural grading of mitochondria and myofilaments revealed a significant reduction of reperfusion injury in hearts that received diltiazem compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Diltiazem protects mitochondrial integrity and function, thereby preserving myocardial HEP levels. Only low dose diltiazem (0.1 micromol/l) during reperfusion combines both, optimal mitochondrial preservation with minimal changes in hemodynamics.     

Nitric oxide increases adrenomedullin receptor function in rat mesangial cells

BACKGROUND: Adrenomedullin (ADM) exerts antiproliferative effects on rat mesangial cells in vitro and, therefore is a possible renoprotective agent. In contrast, nitric oxide (NO) is capable of exerting both cytoprotective and cytotoxic actions. It was the objective of the present study to examine whether NO stimulates the ADM system. METHODS: Rat mesangial cells were incubated with the NO donors GSNO and SNAP, the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ, and the cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP. ADM radioligand binding, ADM-induced intracellular cAMP-accumulation (radioimmunoassay) and ADM receptor gene expression (TaqMan real time PCR) were measured. RESULTS: Twenty-four hour treatment of mesangial cells with GSNO and SNAP (100 micromol/L each) increased the maximal binding of ADM to its receptor from 52%+/- 4% to 101%+/- 4% (P < 0.001) and 81%+/- 2% (P < 0.001), respectively. GSNO, SNAP (both 100 micromol/L) and 8-bromo-cGMP (50 micromol/L) increased EC50 from 9.9 x 10-8 to 7.0 x 10-10, 4.8 x 10-10, 1.1 x 10-9, respectively. In contrast, combined pretreatment with GSNO (100 micromol/L) and ODQ (100 micromol/L) reduced EC50 to values similar to the control cells (2.4 x 10-8). In contrast, ADM receptor gene expression was reduced significantly by different concentrations of GSNO, SNAP, and by 50 micromol/L 8-bromo-cGMP, but not by 8-bromo-cAMP. CONCLUSIONS: NO increases ADM signal transduction via a cGMP dependent pathway. This effect is caused, at least in part, by an increase in ADM receptor availability and is counteracted in a feedback manner on the mRNA level. This mechanism might direct the impact of NO on mesangial cell function toward cytoprotection.     

Inhibition of net HepG2 cell apolipoprotein B secretion by the citrus flavonoid naringenin involves activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, independent of insulin receptor substrate-1 phosphorylation

The flavonoid naringenin improves hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-treated rats. In HepG2 human hepatoma cells, naringenin inhibits apolipoprotein B (apoB) secretion primarily by inhibiting microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and enhances LDL receptor (LDLr)-mediated apoB-containing lipoprotein uptake. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activation by insulin increases sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1 and LDLr expression and inhibits apoB secretion in hepatocytes. Thus, we determined whether naringenin activates this pathway. Insulin and naringenin induced PI3K-dependent increases in cytosolic and nuclear SREBP-1 and LDLr expression. Similar PI3K-mediated increases in SREBP-1 were observed in McA-RH7777 rat hepatoma cells, which express predominantly SREBP-1c. Reductions in HepG2 cell media apoB with naringenin were partially attenuated by wortmannin, whereas the effect of insulin was completely blocked. Both treatments reduced apoB100 secretion in wild-type and LDLr(-/-) mouse hepatocytes to the same extent. Insulin and naringenin increased HepG2 cell PI3K activity and decreased insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2 levels. In sharp contrast to insulin, naringenin did not induce tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1. We conclude that naringenin increases LDLr expression in HepG2 cells via PI3K-mediated upregulation of SREBP-1, independent of IRS-1 phosphorylation. Although this pathway may not regulate apoB secretion in primary hepatocytes, PI3K activation by this novel mechanism may explain the insulin-like effects of naringenin in vivo.