Anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training in adipose tissue do not require FGF21
In this study, FGF21-knockout (KO) mice were used to directly assess the role of FGF21 in mediating the metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of exercise on white AT (WAT) and brown AT (BAT). Male FGF21KO and wild-type mice were provided running wheels or remained sedentary for 8 weeks (n = 9–15/group) and compared for adiposity, insulin sensitivity (i.e., HOMA-IR, Adipo-IR) and AT inflammation and metabolic function (e.g., mitochondrial enzyme activity, subunit content). Adiposity and Adipo-IR were increased in FGF21KO mice and decreased by EX. The BAT of FGF21KO animals had reduced mitochondrial content and decre...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 31, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Porter, J. W., Rowles, J. L., Fletcher, J. A., Zidon, T. M., Winn, N. C., McCabe, L. T., Park, Y.-M., Perfield, J. W., Thyfault, J. P., Rector, R. S., Padilla, J., Vieira-Potter, V. J. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Lack of NOD2 attenuates ovariectomy-induced bone loss via inhibition of osteoclasts
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-2 (NOD2) is a pattern recognition receptor of the innate immune system. It interacts with serine–threonine kinases to induce activation of nuclear factor B (NF-B), which is important for receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) signaling. We tested the idea that NOD2 modulates bone metabolism via an action on osteoclasts (OCs). The absence of NOD2 reduced ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice, and lowered the area and the activity of OCs, by impairing RANKL signaling. It also reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as of NF-B-DNA binding...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 24, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Ke, K., Sul, O.-J., Chung, S.-W., Suh, J.-H., Choi, H.-S. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Key signaling pathways in thyroid cancer
Whole genome sequencing approaches have provided unprecedented insights into the genetic lesions responsible for the onset, progression and dedifferentiation of various types of thyroid carcinomas. Through these efforts, the MAPK and PI3K signaling cascades have emerged as the main activation pathways implicated in thyroid tumorigenesis. The nature of these essential pathways is highly complex, with hundreds of components, multiple points of crosstalk, different subcellular localizations and with the ability to potentially regulate many cellular processes. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting key kinases of these pathways h...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 24, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Zaballos, M. A., Santisteban, P. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Is myometrial inflammation a cause or a consequence of term human labour?
Myometrial inflammation is thought to have a pivotal role in the onset of term and some forms of preterm labour. This is based on the comparison of samples taken from women undergoing term elective CS prior to the onset of labour with those taken from women in established labour. Consequently, it is not clear whether myometrial inflammation is a cause or a consequence of labour. Our objective is to test the hypothesis that myometrial inflammation is a consequence of the onset of labour. To test this hypothesis, we have obtained myometrial samples from women at various stages of pregnancy and spontaneous labour and studied ...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 23, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Singh, N., Herbert, B., Sooranna, G. R., Orsi, N. M., Edey, L., Dasgupta, T., Sooranna, S. R., Yellon, S. M., Johnson, M. R. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Amyloid precursor protein in pancreatic islets
In this study, we have examined the expression and processing of pancreatic APP to test the hypothesis that APP may play a role in pancreatic function and the pathophysiology of diabetes. Our data demonstrate the presence of APP within the pancreas, including pancreatic islets in both mouse and human samples. Additionally, we report that the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD overexpresses APP within pancreatic islets, although this did not result in detectable levels of Aβ. We compared whole pancreas and islet culture lysates by Western blot from C57BL/6 (WT), APP–/– and APP/PS1 mice and observed APP-dependent dif...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 17, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Kulas, J. A., Puig, K. L., Combs, C. K. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Cysteamine prevents vascular leakage through inhibiting transglutaminase in diabetic retina
Cysteamine (an aminothiol), which is derived from coenzyme A degradation and metabolized into taurine, has beneficial effects against cystinosis and neurodegenerative diseases; however, its role in diabetic complications is unknown. Thus, we sought to determine the preventive effect of cysteamine against hyperglycemia-induced vascular leakage in the retinas of diabetic mice. Cysteamine and ethanolamine, the sulfhydryl group-free cysteamine analogue, inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced stress fiber formation and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin disruption in endothelial cells, which play a critical...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 17, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Lee, Y.-J., Jung, S.-H., Hwang, J., Jeon, S., Han, E.-T., Park, W. S., Hong, S.-H., Kim, Y.-M., Ha, K.-S. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Stress-responsive HILPDA is necessary for thermoregulation during fasting
Hypoxia-inducible lipid droplet-associated protein (HILPDA) has been shown to localize to lipid droplets in nutrient-responsive cell types such as hepatocytes and adipocytes. However, its role in the control of whole-body homeostasis is not known. We sought to measure cell-intrinsic and systemic stress responses in a mouse strain harboring whole-body Hilpda deficiency. We generated a genetically engineered mouse model of whole-body HILPDA deficiency by replacing the coding Hilpda exon with luciferase. We subjected the knockout animals to environmental stresses and measured whole-animal metabolic and behavioral parameters. ...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 17, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: VandeKopple, M. J., Wu, J., Baer, L. A., Bal, N. C., Maurya, S. K., Kalyanasundaram, A., Periasamy, M., Stanford, K. I., Giaccia, A. J., Denko, N. C., Papandreou, I. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Influences of manganese on pubertal development
The onset of puberty is the result of complex neuroendocrine interactions within hypothalamic region of the brain, as well as from genetic and environmental influences. These interactions ultimately result in the increased synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Manganese (Mn) is an essential environmental element known for years to be involved in numerous mammalian physiological processes, including growth and reproductive function. Studies in recent years have shown the ability of Mn to cross the blood–brain barrier and act within the hypothalamus to influence the timing of puberty. T...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 16, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Dees, W. L., Hiney, J. K., Srivastava, V. K. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Dexamethasone increases production of C-type natriuretic peptide in the sheep brain
Although C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) has high abundance in brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the source and possible factors regulating its secretion within the central nervous system (CNS) are unknown. Here we report the dynamic effects of a single IV bolus of dexamethasone or saline solution on plasma, CSF, CNS and pituitary tissue content of CNP products in adult sheep, along with changes in CNP gene expression in selected tissues. Both CNP and NTproCNP (the amino-terminal product of proCNP) in plasma and CSF showed dose-responsive increases lasting 12–16 h after dexamethasone, whereas other natriu...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 16, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Wilson, M. O., McNeill, B. A., Barrell, G. K., Prickett, T. C. R., Espiner, E. A. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Effects of nicotine on homeostatic and hedonic components of food intake
Chronic tobacco use leads to nicotine addiction that is characterized by exaggerated urges to use the drug despite the accompanying negative health and socioeconomic burdens. Interestingly, nicotine users are found to be leaner than the general population. Review of the existing literature revealed that nicotine affects energy homeostasis and food consumption via altering the activity of neurons containing orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides in the brain. Hypothalamus is one of the critical brain areas that regulates energy balance via the action of these neuropeptides. The equilibrium between these two groups of peptides...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 16, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Stojakovic, A., Espinosa, E. P., Farhad, O. T., Lutfy, K. Tags: Review Source Type: research
Maternal modifiers of the infant gut microbiota: metabolic consequences
Transmission of metabolic diseases from mother to child is multifactorial and includes genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences. Evidence in rodents, humans and non-human primates support the scientific premise that exposure to maternal obesity or high-fat diet during pregnancy creates a long-lasting metabolic signature on the infant innate immune system and the juvenile microbiota, which predisposes the offspring to obesity and metabolic diseases. In neonates, gastrointestinal microbes introduced through the mother are noted for their ability to serve as direct inducers/regulators of the infant immune system. Neon...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 16, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Mulligan, C. M., Friedman, J. E. Tags: Review Source Type: research
MicroRNA-9 regulates fetal alcohol-induced changes in D2 receptor to promote prolactin production
In this study, we determined whether microRNAs (miRs) are involved in FAE-induced alteration in PRL release. We employed a rat animal model of FAE involving feeding pregnant Fisher 344 rats with a liquid diet containing 6.7% alcohol between gestational days 7–21 (AF). Both cyclic and estradiol-implanted FAE females showed increased levels of plasma PRL and pituitary Prl mRNA but reduced levels of pituitary dopamine D2 receptor (D2r) and its short spliced form (D2s). FAE increased the expression levels of miR-9 and miR-326 and did not produce any significant changes in miR-153 or miR-200a levels in the pituitary. Effe...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 16, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Gangisetty, O., Jabbar, S., Wynne, O., Sarkar, D. K. Tags: Research Source Type: research
In utero vitamin D deficiency predisposes offspring to long-term adverse adipose tissue effects
The fetal period represents an important window of susceptibility for later obesity and metabolic disease. Maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) during pregnancy is a global concern that may have long-lasting consequences on offspring metabolic health. We sought to determine whether a VDD in utero environment affects fetal adipose tissue development and offspring metabolic disease predisposition in adulthood. Furthermore, we sought to explore the extent to which the VDD intrauterine environment interacts with genetic background or postnatal environment to influence metabolic health. Eight-week-old P0 female C57BL/6J mice wer...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 8, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Belenchia, A. M., Johnson, S. A., Ellersieck, M. R., Rosenfeld, C. S., Peterson, C. A. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Macrophage 11{beta}-HSD-1 deficiency promotes inflammatory angiogenesis
11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (11β-HSD1) predominantly converts inert glucocorticoids into active forms, thereby contributing to intracellular glucocorticoid levels. 11β-HSD1 is dynamically regulated during inflammation, including in macrophages where it regulates phagocytic capacity. The resolution of inflammation in some disease models including inflammatory arthritis is impaired by 11β-HSD1 deficiency or inhibition. However, 11β-HSD1 deficiency/inhibition also promotes angiogenesis, which is beneficial in mouse models of surgical wound healing, myocardial infarction or obesity. The cell typ...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 8, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Zhang, Z., Coutinho, A. E., Man, T. Y., Kipari, T. M. J., Hadoke, P. W. F., Salter, D. M., Seckl, J. R., Chapman, K. E. Tags: Research Source Type: research
Metabolic phenotype in the mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta
The objective of this study was to determine changes in OCN and to elucidate the metabolic phenotype in the Col1a1Jrt/+ mouse, a model of dominant OI caused by a Col1a1 mutation. Circulating levels of undercarboxylated OCN were higher in 4-week-old OI mice and normal by 8 weeks of age. Young OI animals exhibited a sex-dependent metabolic phenotype, including increased insulin levels in males, improved glucose tolerance in females, lower levels of random glucose and low adiposity in both sexes. The rates of O2 consumption and CO2 production, as well as energy expenditure assessed using indirect calorimetry were significantl...
Source: Journal of Endocrinology - August 8, 2017 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Boraschi-Diaz, I., Tauer, J. T., El-Rifai, O., Guillemette, D., Lefebvre, G., Rauch, F., Ferron, M., Komarova, S. V. Tags: Research Source Type: research
