NUCB2/nesfatin-1对小鼠摄食行为的调控及机制

目的:探讨NUCB2/nesfatin-1对小鼠摄食行为的调控及机制。方法:利用侧脑室埋管,免疫组化染色等方法,探讨侧脑室和外周注射nesfatin-1对小鼠摄食行为的影响。结果:侧脑室注射不同剂量nesfatin-1(0.3μg,1μg,3μg),注药后4 h夜间进食量明显减少,且呈显著剂量依赖关系(t=2.61~4.78,P0.05~0.01),侧脑室注射3μg nesfatin-1,小鼠前3小时累积摄食量明显降低(t=8.69~10.73,P0.01),且持续降低12小时(t=2.64,P0.05),同时餐间间隔时间明显延长(t=2.66,P0.05),每分钟/1-4 h进食量明显降低(t=2.63,P0.05),且进食每克食物所用时间明显增加(t=3.02,P0.05)。在下丘脑弓状核,外侧区和背内侧核均有NUCB2/nesfatin-1免疫阳性神经元表达。皮下或腹腔注射nesfatin-1,小鼠进食量和进食行为均无显著改变(P0.05)。结论:中枢nesfatin-1可抑制小鼠摄食行为。     

室旁核注射GLP-1 及拮抗剂对大鼠胃组织nesfatin-1 表达的影响

目的:探讨下丘脑室旁核(pareventricular,PVN)注射胰高血糖素样肽-1(GLP-1)及其受体拮抗剂Exendin(9-39)后胃组织核组蛋白2(NUCB2)/nesfatin-1表达的影响。方法:选取48只雄性Wistar大鼠,随机分为6组,生理盐水组,四种不同剂量GLP-1组(0.003 nmol/10μL,0.03 nmol/10μL,0.3 nmol/10μL,3 nmol/10μL),30 nmol Exendin(9-39)+3 nmol GLP-1(E+G)组,每组8只。PVN区埋置套管并按每组要求分别经套管给予GLP-1及Exendin(9-39)等药物。给药2小时后处死大鼠并取胃组织,实时荧光定量RT-PCR法检测各组胃组织NUCB2 m RNA表达。另外生理盐水组,3 nmo L GLP-1组及E+G组每组分别随机取6只大鼠的部分胃组织,用免疫组织化学法测胃粘膜NUCB2/nesfatin-1蛋白的表达情况。结果:实时荧光定量RT-PCR法发现3 nmo L GLP-1组大鼠胃组织NUCB2 m RNA表达量高于生理盐水组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),而其余各组大鼠胃组织NUCB2 m RNA表达与生理盐水组比较无统计学差异(P0.05)。免疫组化结果显示3 nmo L GLP-1组胃粘膜NUCB2/nesfatin-1蛋白表达与生理盐水组、E+G组比较有统计学差异(P0.05),生理盐水组大鼠胃粘膜NUCB2/nesfatin-1蛋白表达与E+G组比较无明显差异(P0.05)。结论:PVN注射GLP-1能够促进胃组织NUCB2/nesfatin-1的表达,这一作用可能是通过激活GLP-1受体来完成的。     

下丘脑腹内侧核损毁对大鼠nesfatin-1/NUCB2表达的影响

目的:观察下丘脑腹内侧核(VMH)损毁对大鼠脂肪组织nesfatin-1/NUCB2表达的影响及其机制。方法:电损毁VMH,观察大鼠体重和脂肪组织变化,采用Western blot检测脂肪组织中nesfatin-1/NUCB2表达改变。腹腔注射6-羟多巴胺(50 mg/kg)以阻断交感神经;持续外周注射卡巴胆碱(180μg/kg)用以模拟VMH损毁,观察其对大鼠皮下脂肪nesfatin-1/NUCB2表达的影响。结果:与对照组和假手术组比较,VMH损毁后大鼠体重明显增加(P0.05),皮下脂肪(P0.05)和肠系膜脂肪(P0.05)也显著增多;Western blot分析结果显示,nesfatin-1/NUCB2在胰腺和肝脏中表达较多,但皮下、肠系膜脂肪和肩胛间棕色脂肪组织(i BAT)中表达较少,骨骼肌(腓肠肌)中鲜有表达;与对照组和假手术组比较,VMH损毁组大鼠nesfatin-1/NUCB2在肝脏、胰腺、骨骼肌和i BAT中表达无显著差异(P0.05),皮下脂肪(P0.05)和肠系膜脂肪(P0.05)nesfatin-1/NUCB2表达显著增多与对照组相比,6-羟多巴胺组nesfatin-1/NUCB2表达显著升高(t=3.43,P0.05),而卡巴胆碱组nesfatin-1/NUCB2表达无显著差异(t=0.37,P=0.72)。结论:VMH损毁后大鼠脂肪组织nesfatin-1/NUCB2表达改变可能通过抑制交感神经活动介导。     

下丘脑弓状核PYY对大鼠摄食、胃运动和能量代谢的影响及机制

目的:探究YY肽(PYY)对雄性Wistar大鼠的摄食、胃运动和能量代谢的影响及潜在机制。方法:采用免疫组织化学实验方法观察大鼠下丘脑弓状核(ARC)中Y2受体的表达;通过ARC微量注射PYY,观察其对下丘脑中编码摄食相关代谢激素的m RNA表达以及ARC中PYY反应性神经元的放电频率、食物摄入量及水摄入量、氧气消耗(VO_2)、CO_2产生(VCO_2)及能量代谢的影响。结果:免疫组化结果显示大鼠ARC内存在Y2受体;大鼠ARC注射PYY能够兴奋PYY反应性神经元,上调可卡因-苯丙胺调节转录肽(CART)及促肾上腺皮质释放激素(CRH)等抑食肽m RNA的表达,下调神经肽Y(NPY)及下丘脑泌素(HCRT)等促食肽m RNA的表达;且抑制大鼠食物摄入量,并参与调控大鼠呼吸、能量代谢及胃运动的改变。结论:ARC微量注射PYY可减少食物摄入并调节全身能量平衡,PYY可能是一种新型代谢肽。     

糖尿病大鼠ghrelin和nesfatin-1表达动力学及其调控

目的:探讨STZ诱导糖尿病大鼠ghrelin和nesfatin-1动力学及分泌调节变化。方法:STZ诱导糖尿病大鼠模型;采用葡糖糖脱氢酶分析法测量血浆葡萄糖水平;免疫放射分析检测血浆ghrelin、nesfatin-1、胰岛素、胰岛素样生长因子1(IGF-1)、生长激素(GH)含量;采用real-time PCR检测ghrelin m RNA水平变化;免疫组化观察ghrelin和nesfatin-1免疫活性细胞数量。结果:糖尿病大鼠体重显著降低(t=23.16,P<0.01),血糖水平显著升高(t=22.55,P<0.01),血浆胰岛素和IGF-1水平显著降低(t=6.50,t=24.13,P<0.01),但GH水平显著升高(t=3.30,P<0.05)。糖尿病大鼠血浆总ghrelin(t=7.03,P<0.01)和活性ghrelin(t=3.33,P<0.05)水平均显著升高,血浆nesfatin-1水平则显著降低(t=6.24,P<0.01);糖尿病大鼠血浆总ghrelin与GH(r=0.81,P<0.01)和IGF-1水平(r=-0.58,P<0.01)呈显著相关性;与对照组大鼠相比,糖尿病大鼠胃总ghrelin(t=16.86,P<0.01)和活性ghrelin(t=3.30,P<0.05)水平均显著降低;而胃nesfatin-1(t=7.93,P<0.01)水平则显著升高。胃总ghrelin水平与血浆IGF-1水平呈明显相关性(r=0.65,P<0.01);与对照组大鼠相比,糖尿病大鼠胃ghrelin m RNA表达水平显著升高(t=16.8,P<0.01),胃底ghrelin免疫活性细胞数量显著减少(t=3.98,P<0.01);实验中给予大鼠自由饮食,糖尿病大鼠血浆总ghrelin水平显著增加(t=7.53,P<0.01),nesfatin-1水平显著降低(t=5.46,P<0.01)。糖尿病大鼠注射胰岛素后,可使增加的ghrelin水平(t=1.76,P=0.11)和降低的nesfatin-1水平接近正常(t=1.96,P=0.06);且胰岛素可显著反转糖尿病大鼠胃总ghrelin(t=8.54,P<0.01)和nesfatin-1水平(t=2.42,P<0.05);以及注射胰岛素后,糖尿病大鼠胃底ghrelin细胞显著增加,nesfatin-1细胞明显减少(t=3.21,t=2.59,P<0.05)。结论:Ghrelin或nesfatin-1参与糖尿病大鼠能量平衡调控。     

结节乳头体在小鼠运动和摄食中的作用及机制研究

目的:探讨结节乳头体在小鼠运动和摄食中的作用及机制。方法:选择雄性ddy小鼠,180-200 g,通过单侧植入电极损毁TMN-E2区。采用荧光金逆行追踪方法检测小鼠Me5与TMN之间的神经纤维联系;采用免疫组化方法检测小鼠TMN中组氨酸脱羧酶(HDC)免疫反应阳性细胞数;采用旷场试验箱记录小鼠全天、夜间以及白天的自主活动和摄食摄水;采用PCR检测小鼠穹窿周和下丘脑外侧区的orexin m RNA的表达。结果:荧光金逆行追踪实验显示小鼠Me5可向TMN-E2发出神经纤维投射。单侧TMN损毁,两侧TMN中HDC反应阳性细胞显著减少(P0.05),且损毁侧比未损毁侧HDC免疫反应阳性细胞数减少(P0.05)。TMN损毁对小鼠24 h自主活动和摄食摄水无明显影响。单侧TMN损毁,小鼠从暗期到光期的自主活动和摄食摄水显著减少(P0.05)。单侧TMN损毁,小鼠正常昼夜活动摄食节律无显著改变。单侧TMN损毁,小鼠穹隆周和下丘脑外侧区白天的orexin m RNA表达显著减少(P0.05)。结论:Me5与TMN之间存在神经通路,该通路可能通过调节穹隆周区或下丘脑外侧区的orexin神经元的激活从而调控摄食及相关行为的昼夜节律。     

中枢nesfatin-1对大鼠夜间摄食和胃排空的影响

目的:观察中枢nesfatin-1对大鼠夜间摄食和胃排空的影响。方法:大鼠经腹腔注射硫酸仲丁巴比妥(100~150 mg/kg)麻醉,侧脑室、第四脑室或小脑延髓池注射nesfatin-1或CRF受体拮抗剂astressin-B或astressin2-B,观察对摄食、胃排空的影响。结果:侧脑室注射nesfatin-1后大鼠第3-6 h夜间进食量(t=3.05~3.58,P0.01)和3 h和6 h的累积进食量(t=5.90~12.1,P0.01)明显减少,nesfatin-1的该抑制效应可被预先侧脑室注射astressin-B或astressin2-B阻断(t=1.06~2.22,P0.05)。第四脑室或小脑延髓池注射nesfatin-1后大鼠夜间摄食量在第1h就明显减少(t=2.59~6.26,P0.05~0.01),持续减少至5-6h(t=1.69~7.42,P0.05~0.01)。侧脑室注射不同剂量nesfatin-1(0.05或0.5μg)20 min后GE率明显降低,且随注射剂量增大,GE率越低(t=3.25~4.67,P0.01)。若预先给予大鼠CRF受体拮抗剂astressin2-B(30μg)再注射nesfatin-1(0.5μg),nesfatin-1抑制大鼠胃排空效应明显减弱(t=2.45~2.85,P0.05)。禁食24 h后再喂食2 h,大鼠下丘脑中nesfatin-1表达明显增加(t=2.87,P0.05),禁食24 h后血浆nesfatin-1水平明显降低(t=1.51,P0.05)。结论:Nesfatin-1抑制摄食作用可能由nesfatin-1和CRF2信号系统共同调节。     

下丘脑Nesfatin-1抑食效应及机制研究

目的:探讨下丘脑nesfatin-1与组胺信号通路间的相互作用及对摄食的影响。方法:采用第三脑室置管、药物注射、免疫组化、ELISA等方法,观察氟甲基组氨酸(FMH)、α螺旋促肾上腺皮质激素释放激素(CRH)和促甲状腺激素释放激素(TRH)对Nesfatin-1诱导的抑制摄食的影响,以及Nesfatin-1与组胺信号通路相互影响调控摄食机制。结果:第三脑室注射nesfatin-1可显著减少大鼠摄食量,而第三脑室内预先注射FMH,nesfatin-1抑制摄食效应明显减弱,但FMH本身并不影响大鼠夜间摄食量。第三脑室注射nesfatin-1,可显著增加优降宁诱发的PVN、腹内侧核(VMH)、结节乳头核(TMN)内t-MH的积累;但腹腔注射nesfatin-1没有引起大鼠摄食改变,t-MH蓄积也无显著变化。第三脑室注射α螺旋CRH或抗TRH血清均可显著减弱nesfatin-1的抑食效应,而α螺旋CRH、抗TRH血清本身并不显著影响大鼠摄食量。第三脑室注射nesfatin-1可显著增加下丘脑PVN内CRH和TRH水平,且nesfatin-1可显著增加优降宁诱导的PVN、VMH和TMN内t-MH的表达,而α螺旋CRH或抗TRH血清可显著抑制nesfatin-1诱导的PVN、VMH和TMH内t-MH的蓄积。第三脑室注射组胺可显著增加大鼠下丘脑PVN内nesfatin-1含量,但LH、VMH、TMN以及血浆内nesfatin-1水平无显著改变。免疫组化研究显示,PVN内有nesfatin-1和H1-R免疫反应阳性神经元,且部分神经元共存。结论:Nesfatin-1的抑食效应可能与下丘脑组胺信号通路介导。     

饥饿对幼年斑马鱼下丘脑摄食相关性神经肽表达的影响

脊椎动物下丘脑中的神经肽Y(Neuropeptide Y, NPY)、GALANIN和GMAP蛋白前体(GALANIN and GMAP prepropeptide, GAL)、Agouti相关蛋白(Agouti related neuropeptide, AGRP)和阿片促黑色素原(Proopiomelanocortin, POMC)与摄食密切相关,但在斑马鱼中对这些神经肽与摄食之间关系的研究较少。本文通过原位杂交技术和实时定量PCR方法,观察饥饿1 d、饥饿2 d和饥饿2 d喂食2 d后斑马鱼下丘脑中npy、galanin、agrp和pomca的表达情况。结果显示,饥饿处理之后,agrp和galanin在斑马鱼下丘脑中的表达量显著上升(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,饥饿2 d后斑马鱼下丘脑中pomca表达量显著下降(P<0.05)。饥饿2 d喂食2 d后斑马鱼下丘脑中pomca、agrp和galanin的表达量与对照组相比没有显著性差异。所有实验中npy在斑马鱼下丘脑中的表达没有显著性差异。这表明饥饿处理促使斑马鱼下丘脑中agrp和galanin表达上调,pomca表达下调;及时摄食可以恢复agrp、galanin和pomca在下丘脑中的表达水平。     

糖尿病大鼠下丘脑Nesfatin-1对胃运动的影响及机制研究

目的:探讨下丘脑腹内侧核Nesfatin-1对正常大鼠及糖尿病大鼠胃运动的影响及其潜在机制。方法:正常大鼠随机分为0.08μg,0.8μg,8.0μg/0.5μL Nesfatin-1组;30μg/0.5μL astressin-B组;(0.8μg Nesfatin-1+30μg astressin-B)/0.5μL组;0.5μL生理盐水(NS)组;正常羊血清+假刺激(NR+SS)组;正常羊血清+电刺激(NR+ES)组;抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体+假刺激(anti-Nn-Ab+SS)组;抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体+电刺激(anti-Nn-Ab+ES)组。制作糖尿病大鼠模型,将糖尿病大鼠随机分为0.08μg/0.5μL Nesfatin-1组;0.8μg/0.5μLNesfatin-1组;8.0μg/0.5μL Nesfatin-1组;0.5μLNS组;NR+SS组;NR+ES组;anti-Nn-Ab+SS组;anti-Nn-Ab+ES组。大鼠胃部置入感应器后腹内侧核置管,记录清醒大鼠胃运动及电刺激海马CA1区后的胃运动。结果:与生理盐水组相比,下丘脑腹内侧核注射不同浓度Nesfatin-1,大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率显著降低,下丘脑腹内侧核注射0.5μL(0.8μg Nesfatin-1+30μg astressin-B)混合液后,相比单独给予0.8μg Nesfatin-1组,大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率显著升高。大鼠下丘脑腹内侧核注射0.5μL Nesfatin-1(0.8μg),大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率显著降低,下丘脑腹内侧核注射0.5μL(0.8μg Nesfatin-1+30μg astressin-B)混合液后,相比单独给予0.8μg Nesfatin-1组,大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率显著升高。下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再电刺激海马CA1区,与正常羊血清+电刺激组相比,大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率进一步增强,下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再电刺激海马CA1区,与单独注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体+假电刺激组相比,大鼠的胃收缩幅度和频率显著增高。下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再给予电刺激海马CA1区,与正常羊血清+电刺激组相比,正常大鼠和糖尿病大鼠胃运动指数均显著增加,下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再电刺激海马CA1区,与单独注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体+假电刺激组相比,正常和糖尿病大鼠的胃运动指数均显著增高。与正常大鼠相比,电刺激海马CA1区、下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再给予电刺激海马CA1区,或下丘脑腹内侧核微量注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体,糖尿病大鼠胃运动指数均无显著差异。结论:海马-下丘脑Nesfatin-1信号通路参与胃传入信息和胃运动调控,该作用可能与CRF系统活动有关。     

Molecular characterization,tissue distribution and feeding related changes of NUCB2A/nesfatin-1 in Ya-fish (Schizothorax prenanti)

The protein nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) was identified over a decade ago and recently raised great interest as its derived peptide nesfatin-1 was shown to reduce food intake and body weight in rodents. However, the involvement of NUCB2 in feeding behavior has not well been studied in fish. In the present study, we characterized the structure, distribution, and meal responsive of NUCB2A/nesfatin-1 in Ya-fish (Schizothorax prenanti) for the first time. The full length cDNA of Ya-fish was 2140 base pair (bp), which encoded a polypeptide of 487 amino acid residues including a 23 amino acid signal peptide. A high conservation in NUCB2 sequences was found in vertebrates, however the proposed propeptide cleavage site (Arg–Arg) conserved among other species is not present in Ya-fish NUCB2A sequence. Tissue distribution analysis revealed that Ya-fish NUCB2A mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in all test tissues, and abundant expression was detected in several regions including the hypothalamus, hepatopancreas, ovary and intestines. NUCB2A mRNA expression respond to feeding status change may vary and be tissue specific. NUCB2A mRNA levels significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamus and intestines after feeding and substantially decreased (P < 0.01) during a week food deprivation in the hypothalamus. Meanwhile, NUCB2A mRNA in the hepatopancreas was significantly elevated (P < 0.001) during food deprivation, and a similar increase was also found after short-time fasting. This points toward a potential hepatopancreas specific local role for NUCB2A in the regulation of metabolism during food deprivation. Collectively, these results provide the molecular and functional evidence to support potential anorectic and metabolic roles for NUCB2A in Ya-fish.     

Central nesfatin-1 reduces the nocturnal food intake in mice by reducing meal size and increasing inter-meal intervals

Nesfatin-1 is well established to reduce food intake upon brain injection in rats, while in mice its anorexigenic action and brain expression are largely unexplored. We characterized the influence of intracerebroventricular (icv) and peripheral (intraperitoneal, ip, subcutaneous, sc) injection of nesfatin-1 on dark phase ingestive behavior using an automated feeding monitoring system and co-localized NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity in the associated brain areas. Nesfatin-1 (0.3, 1 or 3 μg/mouse, icv) caused a dose-related reduction of 4-h dark phase food intake by 13%, 27%, and 46% respectively. Nesfatin-1 (3 μg/mouse, icv) action had a 2-h delayed onset, 82% peak inhibition occurring at 3-4 h post-injection and was long lasting (30% reduction for 12 h period post-injection). Nesfatin-1 (3 μg/mouse, icv)-treated mice had a 46% lower meal frequency associated with 2-times longer inter-meal intervals and a 35% reduction in meal size compared to vehicle during the 1-4 h post-injection (p < 0.05). NUCB2/nesfatin-1-immunopositive neurons were found in hypothalamic (supraoptic, paraventricular, arcuate, dorsomedial, lateral) and brainstem (dorsal vagal complex) feeding regulatory nuclei. When injected peripherally, neither food intake nor feeding microstructure parameters were altered. These results demonstrate that NUCB2/nesfatin-1 is prominently expressed in mouse hypothalamus and medulla and acts in the brain to curtail the dark phase feeding by inducing satiation and satiety indicated by reduced meal size and prolonged inter-meal intervals respectively. The lack of nesfatin-1 effect when injected peripherally at a 23-times higher dose indicates a primarily central site of the anorexigenic action for nesfatin-1 in mice.     

Nutrients Differentially Regulate Nucleobindin-2/Nesfatin-1 In Vitro in Cultured Stomach Ghrelinoma (MGN3-1) Cells and In Vivo in Male Mice

Nesfatin-1 is secreted, meal-responsive anorexigenic peptide encoded in the precursor nucleobindin-2 [NUCB2]. Circulating nesfatin-1 increases post-prandially, but the dietary components that modulate NUCB2/nesfatin-1 remain unknown. We hypothesized that carbohydrate, fat and protein differentially regulate tissue specific expression of nesfatin-1. NUCB2, prohormone convertases and nesfatin-1 were detected in mouse stomach ghrelinoma [MGN3-1] cells. NUCB2 mRNA and protein were also detected in mouse liver, and small and large intestines. MGN3-1 cells were treated with glucose, fatty acids or amino acids. Male C57BL/6 mice were chronically fed high fat, high carbohydrate and high protein diets for 17 weeks. Quantitative PCR and nesfatin-1 assays were used to determine nesfatin-1 at mRNA and protein levels. Glucose stimulated NUCB2 mRNA expression in MGN3-1 cells. L-Tryptophan also increased NUCB2 mRNA expression and ghrelin mRNA expression, and nesfatin-1 secretion. Oleic acid inhibited NUCB2 mRNA expression, while ghrelin mRNA expression and secretion was enhanced. NUCB2 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the liver of mice fed a high protein diet compared to mice fed other diets. Chronic intake of high fat diet caused a significant reduction in NUCB2 mRNA in the stomach, while high protein and high fat diet caused similar suppression of NUCB2 mRNA in the large intestine. No differences in serum nesfatin-1 levels were found in mice at 7 a.m, at the commencement of the light phase. High carbohydrate diet fed mice showed significantly elevated nesfatin-1 levels at 1 p.m. Serum nesfatin-1 was significantly lower in mice fed high fat, protein or carbohydrate compared to the controls at 7 p.m, just prior to the dark phase. Mice that received a bolus of high fat had significantly elevated nesfatin-1/NUCB2 at all time points tested post-gavage, compared to control mice and mice fed other diets. Our results for the first time indicate that nesfatin-1 is modulated by nutrients.     

Molecular, cellular and physiological evidences for the anorexigenic actions of nesfatin-1 in goldfish

Background

Nesfatin-1 is a recently discovered anorexigen encoded in the precursor peptide, nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) in mammals. To date, nesfatin-1 has not been described in any non-mammalian species, although some information is available in the sequenced genomes of several species. Our objective was to characterize nesfatin-1 in fish.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In the present study, we employed molecular, immunohistochemical, and physiological studies to characterize the structure, distribution, and appetite regulatory effects of nesfatin-1 in a non-mammalian vertebrate. A very high conservation in NUCB2 sequences, especially in the nesfatin-1 region was found in lower vertebrates. Abundant expression of NUCB2 mRNA was detected in several tissues including the brain and liver of goldfish. Nesfatin-1-like immunoreactive cells are present in the feeding regulatory nucleus of the hypothalamus and in the gastrointestinal tract of goldfish. Approximately 6-fold increase in NUCB2 mRNA levels was found in the liver after 7-day food-deprivation, and a similar increase was also found after short-term fasting. This points toward a possible liver specific role for NUCB2 in the control of metabolism during food-deprivation. Meanwhile, ∼2-fold increase at 1 and 3 h post-feeding and an ∼3-fold reduction after a 7-day food-deprivation was observed in NUCB2 mRNA in the goldfish hypothalamus. In vivo, a single intraperitoneal injection of the full-length native (goldfish; gf) nesfatin-1 at a dose of 50 ng/g body weight induced a 23% reduction of food intake one hour post-injection in goldfish. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular injection of gfnesfatin-1 at a dose of 5 ng/g body weight resulted in ∼50% reduction in food intake.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results provide molecular, anatomical and functional evidences to support potential anorectic and metabolic roles for endogenous nesfatin-1 in goldfish. Collectively, we provide novel information on NUCB2 in non-mammals and an anorexigenic role for nesfatin-1 in goldfish.     

Nesfatin-1 stimulates glucagon and insulin secretion and beta cell NUCB2 is reduced in human type 2 diabetic subjects

Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorexigenic regulatory peptide. The peptide is the N-terminal part of nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) and is expressed in brain areas regulating feeding. Outside the brain, nesfatin-1 expression has been reported in adipocytes, gastric endocrine cells and islet cells. We studied NUCB2 expression in human and rodent islets using immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization and western blot. Furthermore, we investigated the potential influence of nesfatin-1 on secretion of insulin and glucagon in vitro and in vivo in mice and in INS-1 (832/13) cells. The impact of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and glucolipotoxicity on NUCB2 gene expression in human islets and its relationship to insulin secretory capacity and islet gene expression was studied using microarray. Nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity (IR) was abundant in human and rodent beta cells but absent in alpha, delta, PP and ghrelin cells. Importantly, in situ hybridization showed that NUCB2 mRNA is expressed in human and rat islets. Western blot analysis showed that nesfatin-1 IR represented full length NUCB2 in rodent islets. Human islet NUCB2 mRNA was reduced in T2D subjects but upregulated after culture in glucolipotoxic conditions. Furthermore, a positive correlation between NUCB2 and glucagon and insulin gene expression, as well as insulin secretory capacity, was evident. Nesfatin-1 enhanced glucagon secretion but had no effect on insulin secretion from mouse islets or INS-1 (832/13) cells. On the other hand, nesfatin-1 caused a small increase in insulin secretion and reduced glucose during IVGTT in mice. We conclude that nesfatin-1 is a novel glucagon-stimulatory peptide expressed in the beta cell and that its expression is decreased in T2D islets.     

Serotonin systems upregulate the expression of hypothalamic NUCB2 via 5-HT2C receptors and induce anorexia via a leptin-independent pathway in mice

NEFA/nucleobindin2 (NUCB2), a novel satiety molecule, is associated with leptin-independent melanocortin signaling in the central nervous system. Here, we show that systemic administration of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), a serotonin 5-HT1B/2C receptor agonist, significantly increased the expression of hypothalamic NUCB2 in wild-type mice. The increases in hypothalamic NUCB2 expression induced by mCPP were attenuated in 5-HT2C receptor mutant mice. Systemic administration of mCPP suppressed food intake in db/db mice with leptin receptor mutation as well as lean control mice. On the other hand, the expression of hypothalamic NUCB2 and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) was significantly decreased in hyperphagic and non-obese 5-HT2C receptor mutants compared with age-matched wild-type mice. Interestingly, despite increased expression of hypothalamic POMC, hypothalamic NUCB2 expression was decreased in 5-HT2C receptor mutant mice with heterozygous mutation of β-endorphin gene. These findings suggest that 5-HT systems upregulate the expression of hypothalamic NUCB2 via 5-HT2C receptors, and induce anorexia via a leptin-independent pathway in mice.     

Lipopolysaccharide increases gastric and circulating NUCB2/nesfatin-1 concentrations in rats

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an established animal model to study the innate immune response to Gram-negative bacteria mimicking symptoms of infection including reduction of food intake. LPS decreases acyl ghrelin associated with decreased concentrations of circulating ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) likely contributing to the anorexigenic effect. We also recently described the prominent expression of the novel anorexigenic hormone, nucleobindin2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1 in gastric X/A-like cells co-localized with ghrelin in different pools of vesicles. To investigate whether LPS would affect gastric and circulating NUCB2/nesfatin-1 concentration, ad libitum fed rats were equipped with an intravenous (iv) catheter. LPS was injected intraperitoneally (ip, 100 μg/kg) and blood was withdrawn before and at 2, 5, 7 and 24 h post injection and processed for NUCB2/nesfatin-1 radioimmunoassay. Gastric corpus was collected to measure NUCB2 mRNA expression by RT-qPCR and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 protein concentration by Western blot. Injection of LPS increased plasma NUCB2/nesfatin-1 concentrations by 43%, 78% and 62% compared to vehicle at 2 h, 5 h and 7 h post injection respectively (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline at 24 h. The plasma NUCB2/nesfatin-1 increase at 2 h was associated with increased corpus NUCB2 mRNA expression (p < 0.01), whereas NUCB2 mRNA was not detectable in white blood cells. Likewise, gastric NUCB2 protein concentration was increased by 62% after LPS compared to vehicle (p < 0.01). These data show that gastric NUCB2 production and release are increased in response to LPS. These changes are opposite to those of ghrelin in response to LPS supporting a differential gastric regulation of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 and ghrelin expression derived from the same cell by immune challenge.     

Nesfatin-1 inhibits voltage gated K+ channels in pancreatic beta cells

The anorexigenic neuropeptide NEFA/nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2)/nesfatin-1-containing neurons are distributed in the brain regions involved in feeding regulation. In spite of the growing knowledge of its physiological functions through extensive studies, its molecular mechanism of reaction, including its receptor, remains unknown. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 is also involved in various peripheral regulations, including glucose homeostasis. In pancreatic beta-cells, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 is reported to enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) but its exact mechanism remains unknown.To clarify this mechanism, we measured the effect of nesfatin-1 on the electrical activity of pancreatic beta-cells. Using mouse primary beta cells, we measured changes in the ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channel current, the voltage-gated K⁺ (Kv) channel current, and insulin secretion upon application of nesfatin-1.Nesfatin-1 inhibited the Kv channel, but K_ATP channel activity was unaffected. Nesfatin-1 enhanced insulin secretion to a same level as Kv channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA). The effect was not further enhanced when nesfatin-1 and TEA were applied simultaneously. The inhibition binding assay with [¹²⁵I]nesfatin-1 in Kv2.1 channels, major contributor of Kv current in beta cell, expressing HEK239 cells indicated the binding of nesfatin-1 on Kv2.1 channel.Because Kv channel inhibition enhances insulin secretion under high glucose conditions, our present data suggest a possible mechanism of nesfatin-1 on enhancing GSIS through regulation of ion channels rather than its unidentified receptor.     

Ontogenic pattern of nucleobindin-2/nesfatin-1 expression in the gastroenteropancreatic tissues and serum of Sprague Dawley rats

Nesfatin-1 is a novel metabolic hormone that has glucose-responsive insulinotropic actions. Islet β-cells and gastrointestinal tissues have been reported as abundant sources of nesfatin-1 and its precursor hormone nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2). While nesfatin-1 is emerging as a multifunctional hormone, there are no reports on the developmental expression of NUCB2/nesfatin-1. The main objective of this study was to examine the ontogenic expression of NUCB2 mRNA, and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity in the pancreas, stomach and duodenum, and the circulating levels NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in Sprague Dawley rats. In addition, we also determined the co-localization of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 and insulin immunoreactivity during development. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity was found in the rat stomach from postnatal days 13-27. Furthermore, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity was also detected in the enteroendocrine cells of the duodenum at postnatal days 13 and 27. Duodenal NUCB2 mRNA expression at postnatal day 27 was highest. Serum NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels on embryonic day 21 and postnatal day 1 were lower than serum NUCB2/nesfatin-1 levels of adults and neonates at postnatal days 13, 20 and 27, gradually increasing with growth, suggesting an increase in its production and secretion from tissues including the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Our findings indicate that NUCB2/nesfatin-1 colocalizes with insulin in the islet β-cells at all developmental stages, but the percentage of colocalization varies in an age-dependent manner. These findings suggest that NUCB2/nesfatin-1 has potential age- and tissue-specific role in the developmental physiology of rats during growth.