脂肪细胞在肝细胞胰岛素耐受过程中的作用

目的研究脂肪细胞在不同分化阶段对肝细胞胰岛素抵抗的影响。方法体外诱导3T3-L1脂肪前体细胞分化,细胞内脂滴增加,逐步分化成脂肪细胞。采用不同分化阶段脂肪细胞（未分化0 d、中期分化4d、接近完全分化8d）与原代肝细胞共培养。Western印迹法检测共培养后肝细胞内胰岛素信号通路的反应性;葡萄糖同位素标记方法检测肝细胞糖原合成能力。结果以未共培养的肝细胞为对照组,共培养后肝细胞内胰岛素受体底物-2酪氨酸磷酸化（Tyr^612）（pIRS-2）水平及Akt磷酸化（Ser^473）（pAkt）水平均显著下调;肝糖原合成能力明显降低;与较成熟脂肪细胞共培养后,肝细胞pIRS-2及pAkt水平与其他分化阶段组共培养比较下调明显,肝糖原合成能力随着脂肪细胞的成熟而明显降低。结论脂肪细胞可能诱导肝细胞发生胰岛素抵抗,肝细胞胰岛素信号通路的阻滞程度与脂肪细胞的分化程度呈正相关。     

胰岛素抵抗大鼠的肝脏中丝氨酸/酪氨酸磷酸化异常与血清TNF-α相关

目的探讨胰岛素抵抗大鼠胰岛素受体底物-1丝氨酸/酪氨酸磷酸化与肿瘤坏死因子α（TNF-α）的关系。方法雄性Wistar大鼠30只（体质量80-120 g）,随机分为普通饮食组（NC）及高脂饮食组（FH）2组,每组15只。喂养10周,以高胰岛素-正常血糖钳夹技术评估胰岛素抵抗大鼠模型。应用ELISA法检测大鼠血清TNF-α含量,Western Blot法检测肝脏组织中胰岛素受体底物-1丝氨酸磷酸化（IRS-1Ser636）及酪氨酸磷酸化（IRS-1Tyr465）表达。结果FH组葡萄糖输注率（GIR）60-120水平明显低于NC组[（1.56±0.43 vs.5.15±0.66）mg/（kg.min）,P〈0.01];FH组大鼠TNF-αI、RS-1Ser636均高于NC组[（15.43±2.16 vs.5.4±2.16）pg/mL,P〈0.01;（109.45±13.75 vs.94.23±15.05）,P〈0.05],IRS-1Tyr456水平低于NC组[（111.08±14.28 vs.125.77±14.51）,P〈0.05]。TNF-α水平与IRS-1Ser636呈正相关（r=0.503,P=0.024）,与IRS-1Tyr465呈负相关（r=-0.521,P=0.019）。结论胰岛素抵抗大鼠TNF-α水平与IRS-1Tyr465负相关,与IRS-1Ser636正相关,提示TNF-α引起胰岛素抵抗机制可能与IRS-1磷酸化异常有关。     

胰岛素受体底物PH结构域相互作用蛋白结构和功能研究进展

PHIP是一种与胰腺β细胞中胰岛素受体底物（IRS）的PH结构域相互作用的蛋白。根据小鼠PHIP（mPHIP）mRNA翻译的不同起始位点,除全长的PHIP1外,mPHIP基因还编码其他3种不同变异体。在胰岛素诱导的信号途径中,主要分布于细胞核的PHIP1和IRS-1的PH结构域相互作用,介导IRS蛋白酪氨酸的磷酸化。IRS-2和PHIP1的共表达能诱导IRS在细胞膜上的定位,促进葡萄糖转运蛋白4（GLUT4）向细胞质膜的转移。PHIP1的表达能提高β-细胞内细胞周期蛋白D2的表达,促进β细胞的生长。PHIP1的表达活化蛋白激酶B（PKB）,活化的PKB能明显抑制β细胞的凋亡。PHIP与胰岛素信号传导途径中其他信号分子的相互作用机制尚不明确。     

水杨酸钠对胰岛素抵抗大鼠胰岛素受体底物-1的影响

目的探讨抗炎药水杨酸钠对胰岛素抵抗大鼠胰岛素敏感性的影响及其作用机制。方法分别给大鼠静脉输注脂肪乳+肝素,脂肪乳+肝素+水杨酸钠和生理盐水7 h,并在输注的最后2 h,行清醒状态高胰岛素-正血糖钳夹试验,测定血浆葡萄糖、游离脂肪酸(FFA)、胰岛素和C-肽水平,检测肝脏、肌肉中胰岛素受体底物-1(IRS-1)及307位丝氨酸磷酸化的IRS-1表达。结果输注脂肪乳大鼠葡萄糖输注率(GIR)是输注生理盐水大鼠的45%,水杨酸钠可使GIR提高1.3倍(P0.01)。脂肪乳输注组大鼠肝脏及肌肉中307位丝氨酸磷酸化的IRS-1分别为生理盐水输注组大鼠的3倍和3.8倍(P0.001),输注水杨酸钠,肝脏、肌肉307位丝氨酸磷酸化的IRS-1下降45%、20%(P0.05)。结论 FFA增高引起肝脏及肌肉中307位丝氨酸磷酸化的IRS-1水平增高,可能是导致胰岛素抵抗发生的机制之一,应用水杨酸钠,大鼠肝脏及肌肉组织中IRS-1丝氨酸磷酸化水平下降,胰岛素抵抗改善。抗炎药物水杨酸钠可能通过抑制FFA引起的IRS-1丝氨酸磷酸化,而发挥改善胰岛素抵抗的作用。     

替米沙坦调控miR-495-3p/心肌细胞增强因子2A通路减轻缺氧诱导的神经细胞PC12损伤

目的探讨替米沙坦（TM）调控miR-495-3p/心肌细胞增强因子2A （MEF2A）通路对缺氧诱导PC12细胞损伤的影响和机制。 方法将PC12细胞进行正常培养（对照）,缺氧（缺氧24 h）,缺氧+ 0.1、1、10 μg/mL TM、缺氧+ miR-NC （转染miR-NC）,缺氧+miR-495-3p （转染miR-495-3p模拟物）,缺氧+TM+anti-miR-NC （转染anti-miR-NC,10 μg/mL TM）和缺氧+ TM+anti-miR-495-3p （转染anti-miR-495-3p,10 μg/mL TM）处理。酶联免疫吸附实验（ELISA）检测乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）漏出量和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）的活性,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,实时荧光定量PCR （RT-qPCR）和Western blot检测miR-495-3p、心肌细胞增强因子2A （MEF2A）表达水平。两组间比较采用t检验,多组间比较采用单因素方差分析,组间两两比较采用LSD-t检验。 结果与对照比较,缺氧处理的PC12细胞LDH漏出率[（9.46±0.97）﹪比（45.69±4.31）﹪]、细胞凋亡率[（5.36±0.54）﹪比（28.36±2.41）﹪]、MEF2A mRNA（1.00±0.08比2.74±0.26）和MEF2A蛋白表达水平（0.39±0.03比0.87±0.06）均升高;SOD活性[（12.24 ±1.13）比（5.13±0.52 ）U/mL）]和miR-495-3p表达水平（1.00±0.08比0.35±0.03）均降低,差异有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。与缺氧处理比较,缺氧+0.1、1、10 μg/mL TM干预的PC12细胞LDH漏出率[（45.69±4.31）﹪比（32.14±3.84）﹪、（23.54±3.17）﹪、（16.87±1.46）﹪]、细胞凋亡率[（28.36±2.41）﹪比（22.46±2.31）﹪、（17.14±1.65）﹪、（10.23±1.12）﹪]、MEF2A mRNA（2.74±0.26比2.26±0.23、1.87±0.19、1.34±0.18）和MEF2A蛋白表达水平（0.87±0.06比0.75±0.05、0.63±0.04、0.46±0.03）均降低;SOD活性[（5.13±0.52）比（6.87±0.69 ）、（8.01±0.81）、（10.12±1.02）U/mL]、miR-495-3p表达水平（0.35±0.03比0.49±0.04、0.61±0.06、0.83±0.07）均升高,差异有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。与缺氧+ miR-NC比较,缺氧+ miR-495-3p的PC12细胞LDH漏出率[（46.87±4.28）﹪比（19.65±1.87）﹪]和细胞凋亡率[（28.38±2.44）﹪比（12.36±1.25）﹪]均降低,SOD活性[（5.15±0.51）比（9.67±0.97）U/mL]升高,差异有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。与缺氧+TM+anti-miR-NC比较,缺氧+TM+anti-miR-495-3p的PC12细胞LDH漏出率[（17.64±1.79）﹪比（32.69±3.57）﹪]和细胞凋亡率[（10.98±1.75）﹪比（22.64±2.13）﹪]均升高,SOD活性[（12.63±1.27）比（7.32±0.71）U/mL]降低,差异有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。 结论TM通过上调miR-495-3p/MEF2A通路对缺氧诱导的PC12细胞损伤具有保护作用。     

低强度超声对HeLa肿瘤细胞凋亡的诱导作用及其机制

目的探讨低强度超声在诱导HeLa肿瘤细胞凋亡中的作用及其机制。 方法将体外培养的HeLa肿瘤细胞根据超声干预强度分为阴性对照组（切断电源后给予假的超声干预）和0.5、1.3、2.0 W/cm²超声干预组,分别通过MTT实验测定细胞活力、存活率,HE染色检测细胞形态,细胞凋亡实验检测细胞凋亡率,流式细胞术测定ROS含量及Western blot实验检测caspase-12、survivin和内参蛋白β-actin的表达情况。多组间比较采用单因素方差分析,各个实验组与对照组比较采用Dunnet-t检验。 结果与阴性对照组比较,0.5、1.3、2.0 W/ cm²超声干预组的HeLa肿瘤细胞活力[（99.23±1.56）﹪比（80.52±1.72）﹪、（54.31±1.69）﹪（27.75±1.26）﹪]、细胞存活率[（99.91±1.51）﹪比（76.69±1.92）﹪、（52.57±1.63）﹪、（29.81±1.22）﹪]、survivin蛋白表达（51.19±0.21比43.46±0.34、25.28±0.29、18.32±0.3）均降低,ROS含量（11.21±0.45比24.34±1.23、38.26±2.47、52.18±1.56）,细胞凋亡率[（4.23±1.21）﹪比（24.16±1.91）﹪、（48.34±1.66）﹪、（70.27±0.98）﹪]、caspase-12蛋白表达（13.05±0.21比20.23±0.19、33.17±0.32、41.52±0.21）均升高,差异具有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。 结论低强度超声可能通过诱导HeLa肿瘤细胞中caspase-12蛋白表达增加和survivin蛋白表达的减少而使HeLa肿瘤细胞发生凋亡。     

miR-652-3p靶向同源异型核基因1对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的心肌细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨miR-652-3p靶向同源异型核基因1（PRRX1）对血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）诱导的心肌细胞凋亡的影响。 方法大鼠心肌细胞H9c2细胞采用正常培养基培养为对照组细胞，用含1 μmol/L AngⅡ的培养基培养为AngⅡ组细胞；分别转染miR-652-3p阳性对照序列（NC）和转染miR-652-3p mimics后用含1 μmol/L AngⅡ的培养基培养为AngⅡ+NC组和AngⅡ+miR-652-3p组细胞；将miR-652-3p mimics分别与PRRX1阳性对照质粒和PRRX1过表达质粒转染至H9c2细胞中用含1 μmol/L AngⅡ的培养基培养，分别为AngⅡ+miR-652-3p+ Vctor组和AngⅡ+miR-652-3p+PRRX1组细胞。实时荧光定量PCR （RT-qPCR）检测H9c2细胞中miR-652-3p表达水平，流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡，用Western blot检测细胞中PRRX1、Bax和Bcl-2蛋白表达水平。双荧光素酶报告基因实验验证H9c2细胞中miR-652-3p与PRRX1调控关系。两组间比较采用独立样本t检验，多组间比较采用单因素方差分析，组间两两比较采用SNK-q检验。 结果与对照组比较，AngⅡ组H9c2细胞中miR-652-3p水平（1.00±0.08比0.21±0.05）、Bcl-2蛋白水平（0.83±0.08比0.40±0.04）均较低，而PRRX1蛋白水平（0.06±0.01比0.41±0.04）、凋亡率（5.02﹪±1.41﹪比25.33﹪±3.75﹪）、Bax蛋白水平（0.46±0.05比0.96±0.10）均较高，差异具有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。与AngⅡ+NC组比较，AngⅡ+miR-652-3p组H9c2细胞中miR-652-3p的表达水平（0.24±0.06比0.98±0.07）、Bcl-2蛋白水平（0.38±0.04比0.72±0.07）均较高，而PRRX1蛋白水平（0.39±0.04比0.13±0.01）、凋亡率（27.02﹪±4.11﹪比12.19﹪±1.63﹪）、Bax蛋白水平（0.95±0.09比0.53±0.05）均较低，差异具有统计学意义（P均< 0.05）。与AngⅡ+miR-652-3p+Vctor组比较，AngⅡ+miR-652-3p+PRRX1组H9c2细胞凋亡率（12.88﹪±1.84﹪比25.45﹪±3.58﹪）、PRRX1蛋白水平（0.13±0.01比0.35±0.04）和Bax蛋白水平（0.54±0.05比0.82±0.08）均较高，差异具有统计学意义（P均< 0.05），而Bcl-2蛋白表达水平（0.72±0.07比0.46±0.05）降低，差异具有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。 结论AngⅡ能够下调心肌细胞中miR-652-3p的表达，上调miR-652-3p可通过靶向抑制PRRX1的表达减少AngⅡ诱导的H9c2细胞凋亡。     

胰岛素对3T3-L1脂肪细胞中极低密度脂蛋白受体基因表达的影响

体外培养3T3-L1细胞分化模型,研究不同浓度胰岛素及慢性胰岛素刺激对3T3-L1脂肪细胞中极低密度脂蛋白受体（VLDLR）基因表达的影响.在不同浓度胰岛素及胰岛素慢性刺激的干预下,用半定量RT-PCR检测细胞VLDLR mRNA水平的变化.微量化GOD-PAP法检测培养基中残存的葡萄糖.在细胞诱导分化过程中,胰岛素浓度的增高促进VLDLR的表达;胰岛素慢性刺激下,VLDLR表达因浓度差异呈现不同变化.研究结果表明,胰岛素的浓度及慢性刺激对3T3-L1脂肪细胞的成熟和VLDLR基因的表达有显著作用,而胰岛素抵抗明显减低成熟脂肪细胞VLDLR的表达.     

槟榔碱对3T3-L1脂肪细胞脂代谢的影响

目的：观察槟榔碱对3T3-L1脂肪细胞脂代谢的影响并探讨其可能机制。方法：采用经典的"鸡尾酒"法诱导3T3-L1前脂肪细胞分化成熟,随后用不同浓度的槟榔碱（0、25、50、100 μmol/L）处理成熟脂肪细胞72 h。72 h后,四甲基偶氮唑盐（MTT）法检测细胞的活性;油红O染色观察胞浆内脂滴情况;Western blot检测脂肪酸合成酶（FAS）、甘油三酯脂肪酶（ATGL）、激素敏感性脂肪酶（HSL）蛋白表达。结果：诱导分化成熟的脂肪细胞胞浆内可见大量脂滴;MTT显示：0~100 μmol/L槟榔碱对脂肪细胞活力无显著影响;油红O染色后脂质含量测定结果表明槟榔碱能减少成熟脂肪细胞中脂质含量;Western blot结果显示：与0 μmol/L组（对照组）相比,槟榔碱可显著降低脂肪细胞内FAS的蛋白表达,增加ATGL和HSL的蛋白表达;其中以50 μmol/L组最为显著。结论：槟榔碱使脂肪细胞脂解增强,可能与降低脂质合成关键酶FAS的表达,增加脂质分解代谢关键酶ATGL和HSL的表达有关。     

3T3-L1前体脂肪细胞分化过程中G蛋白偶联受体48的表达研究

目的 观察G蛋白偶联受体48（GPR48）、过氧化物酶体增殖体激活受体g2（PPARγ2）和CCAAT增强子结合蛋白α（C/EBPα）基因在小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞（3T3-L1）前体脂肪细胞诱导分化过程中不同时段表达水平的变化,探讨GPR48在脂肪细胞分化过程的作用。方法 体外培养3T3-L1前体脂肪细胞诱导分化为成熟脂肪细胞,在分化不同时段（第0~14天）,采用Real-timePCR技术检测脂肪细胞中GPR48、PPARγ2和C/EBPα基因信使核糖核酸（mRNA）的表达水平。结果 GPR48基因在3T3-L1前体脂肪细胞诱导分化第2天和第3天表达显著上调,差异均有统计学意义（t=4.12,P=0.015;t=6.21,P=0.003）,分化第6~14天与分化前表达无差异。PPARγ2表达在诱导分化后明显上调,分化第6天达高峰,第10~14天持续处于较高水平并趋于稳定,与诱导前期相比各时段间表达水平差异均有统计学意义（t在4.17~22.65间,P均〈0.01）。C/EBPα表达在诱导分化后明显上调,分化后第3天达高峰,第6~10天持续保持在较高水平,与诱导前期相比各时段表达水平差异均有统计学意义（t在4.38~13.87间,P均〈0.01）,第14天趋于下调,与分化前比较无差异。GPR48基因表达高峰早于PPARγ2和C/EBPα。结论 在3T3-L1脂肪细胞分化过程中PPARγ2和C/EBPα表达变化与脂肪细胞分化、脂质积聚过程相一致。GPR48基因表达高峰早于PPARγ2和C/EBPα,可能参与了脂肪细胞分化的早期过程。     

Interleukin-1alpha inhibits insulin signaling with phosphorylating insulin receptor substrate-1 on serine residues in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Proinflammatory cytokines are recently reported to inhibit insulin signaling causing insulin resistance. IL-1alpha is also one of the proinflammatory cytokines; however, it has not been clarified whether IL-1alpha may also cause insulin resistance. Here, we investigated the effects of IL-1alpha treatment on insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. IL-1alpha treatment up to 4 h did not alter insulin-stimulated insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and the association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were partially inhibited with the maximal inhibition in around 15 min. IRS-1 was transiently phosphorylated on some serine residues around 15 min after IL-1alpha stimulation, when several serine kinases, IkappaB kinase, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, ERK, and p70S6K were activated. Chemical inhibitors for these kinases inhibited IL-1alpha-induced serine phosphorylation of IRS-1. Tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 was recovered only by the IKK inhibitor or JNK inhibitor, suggesting specific involvement of these two kinases. Insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and 2-deoxyglucose uptake were not inhibited only by IL-1alpha. Interestingly, Akt phosphorylation was synergistically inhibited by IL-1alpha in the presence of IL-6. Taken together, short-term IL-1alpha treatment transiently causes insulin resistance at IRS-1 level with its serine phosphorylation. IL-1alpha may suppress insulin signaling downstream of IRS-1 in the presence of other cytokines, such as IL-6.     

Both type I and II IFN induce insulin resistance by inducing different isoforms of SOCS expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Although elevation of the blood glucose level is a causal adverse effect of treatment with interferon (IFN), the precise underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. We examined the effects of type I and type II IFN (IFN-β and IFN-γ) on insulin-induced metabolic signaling leading to glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. IFN-β suppressed insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 without affecting its expression, whereas IFN-γ reduced both the protein level and tyrosine phosphorylation. Although both IFNs stimulated phosphorylation of STAT1 (at Tyr(701)) and STAT3 (at Tyr(705)) after treatment for 30 min, subsequent properties of induction of the SOCS isoform were different. IFN-β preferentially induced SOCS1 rather than SOCS3, whereas IFN-γ strongly induced SOCS3 expression alone. In addition, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of either SOCS1 or SOCS3 inhibited insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, whereas the reduction of IRS-1 protein was observed only in SOCS3-expressed cells. Notably, IFN-β-induced SOCS1 expression and suppression of insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 were attenuated by siRNA-mediated knockdown of STAT1. In contrast, adenovirus-mediated expression of a dominant-negative STAT3 (F-STAT3) attenuated IFN-γ-induced SOCS3 expression, reduction of IRS-1 protein, and suppression of insulin-induced glucose uptake but did not have any effect on the IFN-β-mediated SOCS1 expression and inhibition of insulin-induced glucose uptake. Interestingly, pretreatment of IFN-γ with IL-6 synergistically suppressed insulin signaling, even when IL-6 alone had no significant effect. These results indicate that type I and type II IFN induce insulin resistance by inducing distinct SOCS isoforms, and IL-6 synergistically augments IFN-γ-induced insulin resistance by potentiating STAT3-mediated SOCS3 induction in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.     

Inhibition of insulin sensitivity by free fatty acids requires activation of multiple serine kinases in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) has been suggested as a molecular target of free fatty acids (FFAs) for insulin resistance. However, the signaling pathways by which FFAs lead to the inhibition of IRS function remain to be established. In this study, we explored the FFA-signaling pathway that contributes to serine phosphorylation and degradation of IRS-1 in adipocytes and in dietary obese mice. Linoleic acid, an FFA used in this study, resulted in a reduction in insulin-induced glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. This mimics insulin resistance induced by high-fat diet in C57BL/6J mice. The reduction in glucose uptake is associated with a decrease in IRS-1, but not IRS-2 or GLUT4 protein abundance. Decrease in IRS-1 protein was proceeded by IRS-1 (serine 307) phosphorylation that was catalyzed by serine kinases inhibitor kappaB kinase (IKK) and c-JUN NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). IKK and JNK were activated by linoleic acid and inhibition of the two kinases led to prevention of IRS-1 reduction. We demonstrate that protein kinase C (PKC) theta is expressed in adipocytes. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes and fat tissue, PKCtheta was activated by fatty acids as indicated by its phosphorylation status, and by its protein level, respectively. Activation of PKCtheta contributes to IKK and JNK activation as inhibition of PKCtheta by calphostin C blocked activation of the latter kinases. Inhibition of either PKCtheta or IKK plus JNK by chemical inhibitors resulted in protection of IRS-1 function and insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These data suggest that: 1) activation of PKCtheta contributes to IKK and JNK activation by FFAs; 2) IKK and JNK mediate PKCtheta signals for IRS-1 serine phosphorylation and degradation; and 3) this molecular mechanism may be responsible for insulin resistance associated with hyperlipidemia.     

Two triterpeniods from Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal) Iljinsk (Juglandaceae) promote glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes: The relationship to AMPK activation

PurposeThe current study investigated the efficacy of Cyclocarya paliurus chloroform extract (CPEC) and its two specific triterpenoids (cyclocaric acid B and cyclocarioside H) on the regulation of glucose disposal and the underlying mechanisms in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.MethodsMice and adipocytes were stimulated by macrophages-derived conditioned medium (Mac-CM) to induce insulin resistance. CPEC was evaluated in mice for its ability by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). To investigate the hypoglycemic mechanisms of CPEC and its two triterpenoids, glucose uptake, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, inhibitor of NF-κB kinase β (IKKβ) phosphorylation and insulin signaling transduction were detected in 3T3-L1 adipocytes using 2-NBDG uptake assay and Western blot analysis.ResultsMac-CM, an inflammatory stimulus which induced the glucose and insulin intolerance, increased phosphorylation of IKKβ, reduced glucose uptake and impaired insulin sensitivity. CPEC and two triterpenoids improved glucose consumption and increased AMPK phosphorylation under basal and inflammatory conditions. Moreover, CPEC and its two triterpenoids not only enhanced glucose uptake in an insulin-independent manner, but also restored insulin-mediated protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation by reducing the activation of IKKβ and regulating insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) serine/tyrosine phosphorylation. These beneficial effects were attenuated by AMPK inhibitor compound C, implying that the effects may be associated with AMPK activation.ConclusionsCPEC and its two triterpenoids promoted glucose uptake in the absence of insulin, as well as ameliorated IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibiting inflammation. These effects were related to the regulation of AMPK activity.     

IκB kinase β (IKKβ) does not mediate feedback inhibition of the insulin signalling cascade

In the present study, we have examined whether IKKβ [IκB (inhibitor of nuclear factor κB) kinase β] plays a role in feedback inhibition of the insulin signalling cascade. Insulin induces the phosphorylation of IKKβ, in vitro and in vivo, and this effect is dependent on intact signalling via PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), but not PKB (protein kinase B). To test the hypothesis that insulin activates IKKβ as a means of negative feedback, we employed a variety of experimental approaches. First, pharmacological inhibition of IKKβ via BMS-345541 did not potentiate insulin-induced IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate 1) tyrosine phosphorylation, PKB phosphorylation or 2-deoxyglucose uptake in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. BMS-345541 did not prevent insulin-induced IRS1 serine phosphorylation on known IKKβ target sites. Secondly, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of wild-type IKKβ in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes did not suppress insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake, IRS1 tyrosine phosphorylation, IRS1 association with the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K or PKB phosphorylation. Thirdly, insulin signalling was not potentiated in mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking IKKβ. Finally, insulin treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes did not promote the recruitment of IKKβ to IRS1, supporting our findings that IKKβ, although activated by insulin, does not promote direct serine phosphorylation of IRS1 and does not contribute to the feedback inhibition of the insulin signalling cascade.     

Tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated insulin resistance, but not dedifferentiation, is abrogated by MEK1/2 inhibitors in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) has been implicated as a contributing mediator of insulin resistance observed in pathophysiological conditions such as obesity, cancer-induced cachexia, and bacterial infections. Previous studies have demonstrated that TNFalpha confers insulin resistance by promoting phosphorylation of serine residues on insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), thereby diminishing subsequent insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1. However, little is known about which signaling molecules are involved in this process in adipocytes and about the temporal sequence of events that ultimately leads to TNFalpha-stimulated IRS-1 serine phosphorylation. In this study, we demonstrate that specific inhibitors of the MAP kinase kinase (MEK)1/2-p42/44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway restore insulin signaling to normal levels despite the presence of TNFalpha. Additional experiments show that MEK1/2 activity is required for TNFalpha-induced IRS-1 serine phosphorylation, thereby suggesting a mechanism by which these inhibitors restore insulin signaling. We observe that TNFalpha requires 2.5-4 h to markedly reduce insulin-triggered tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Although TNFalpha activates p42/44 MAP kinase, maximal stimulation is observed within 10-30 min. To our surprise, p42/44 activity returns to basal levels well before IRS-1 serine phosphorylation and insulin resistance are observed. These activation kinetics suggest a mechanism of p42/44 action more complicated than a direct phosphorylation of IRS-1 triggered by the early spike of TNFalpha-induced p42/44 activity. Chronic TNFalpha treatment (> 72 h) causes adipocyte dedifferentiation, as evidenced by the loss of triglycerides and down-regulation of adipocyte-specific markers. We observe that this longer term TNFalpha-mediated dedifferentiation effect utilizes alternative, p42/44 MAP kinase-independent intracellular pathways. This study suggests that TNFalpha-mediated insulin resistance, but not adipocyte dedifferentiation, is mediated by the MEK1/2-p42/44 MAP kinase pathway.     

Serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 by inhibitor kappa B kinase complex

Insulin resistance contributes importantly to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. One mechanism mediating insulin resistance may involve the phosphorylation of serine residues in insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), leading to impairment in the ability of IRS-1 to activate downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent pathways. Insulin-resistant states and serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 are associated with the activation of the inhibitor kappaB kinase (IKK) complex. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which IKK may contribute to the development of insulin resistance are not well understood. In this study, using phosphospecific antibodies against rat IRS-1 phosphorylated at Ser(307) (equivalent to Ser(312) in human IRS-1), we observed serine phosphorylation of IRS-1 in response to TNF-alpha or calyculin A treatment that paralleled surrogate markers for IKK activation. The phosphorylation of human IRS-1 at Ser(312) in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha was significantly reduced in cells pretreated with the IKK inhibitor 15 deoxy-prostaglandin J(2) as well as in cells derived from IKK knock-out mice. We observed interactions between endogenous IRS-1 and IKK in intact cells using a co-immunoprecipitation approach. Moreover, this interaction between IRS-1 and IKK in the basal state was reduced upon IKK activation and increased serine phosphorylation of IRS-1. Data from in vitro kinase assays using recombinant IRS-1 as a substrate were consistent with the ability of IRS-1 to function as a direct substrate for IKK with multiple serine phosphorylation sites in addition to Ser(312). Taken together, our data suggest that IRS-1 is a novel direct substrate for IKK and that phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser(312) (and other sites) by IKK may contribute to the insulin resistance mediated by activation of inflammatory pathways.     

Role of IRS-3 in the insulin signaling of IRS-1-deficient brown adipocytes

Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) plays an essential role in mediating the insulin signals that trigger mitogenesis, lipid synthesis, and uncoupling protein-1 gene expression in mouse brown adipocytes. Expression of IRS-3 is restricted mainly to white adipose tissue; expression of this IRS protein is virtually absent in brown adipocytes. We have tested the capacity of IRS-3 to mediate insulin actions in IRS-1-deficient brown adipocytes. Thus, we expressed exogenous IRS-3 in immortalized IRS-1-/- brown adipocytes at a level comparable with that of endogenous IRS-3 in white adipose tissue. Under these conditions, IRS-3 signaling in response to insulin was observed, as revealed by tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-3, and the activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase associated with this recombinant protein. However, although insulin promoted the association of Grb-2 with recombinant IRS-3 in IRS-1-/- cells, the exogenous expression of this IRS family member failed to activate p42/44 MAPK and mitogenesis in brown adipocytes lacking IRS-1. Downstream of PI 3-kinase, IRS-3 expression restored insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, which is impaired by the lack of IRS-1 signaling. Whereas the generation of IRS-3 signals enhanced adipocyte determination and differentiation-dependent factor 1/sterol regulatory element-binding protein (ADD-1/SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase mRNA and protein expression, activation of this pathway was unable to reconstitute CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha and uncoupling protein-1 transactivation and gene expression in response to insulin. Similar results were obtained following insulin-like growth factor-I stimulation. In brown adipocytes expressing the IRS-3F4 mutant, the association of the p85alpha regulatory subunit via Src homology 2 binding was lost, but insulin nevertheless induced PI 3-kinase activity and Akt phosphorylation in a wortmannin-dependent manner. In contrast, activation of IRS-3F4 signaling failed to restore the induction of ADD-1/SREBP-1c and fatty acid synthase gene expression in IRS-1-deficient brown adipocytes. These studies demonstrate that recombinant IRS-3 may reconstitute some, but not all, of the signals required for insulin action in brown adipocytes. Thus, our data further implicate a unique role for IRS-1 in triggering insulin action in brown adipocytes.     

NOD1 activation induces proinflammatory gene expression and insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Chronic inflammation is associated with obesity and insulin resistance; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Pattern recognition receptors Toll-like receptors and nucleotide-oligomerization domain-containing proteins play critical roles in innate immune response. Here, we report that activation of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-containing protein-1 (NOD1) in adipocytes induces proinflammatory response and impairs insulin signaling and insulin-induced glucose uptake. NOD1 and NOD2 mRNA are markedly increased in differentiated murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes and human primary adipocyte culture upon adipocyte conversion. Moreover, NOD1 mRNA is markedly increased only in the fat tissues in diet-induced obese mice, but not in genetically obese ob/ob mice. Stimulation of NOD1 with a synthetic ligand Tri-DAP induces proinflammatory chemokine MCP-1, RANTES, and cytokine TNF-α and MIP-2 (human IL-8 homolog) and IL-6 mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Similar proinflammatory profiles are observed in human primary adipocyte culture stimulated with Tri-DAP. Furthermore, NOD1 activation suppresses insulin signaling, as revealed by attenuated tyrosine phosphorylation and increased inhibitory serine phosphorylation, of IRS-1 and attenuated phosphorylation of Akt and downstream target GSK3α/3β, resulting in decreased insulin-induced glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Together, our results suggest that NOD1 may play an important role in adipose inflammation and insulin resistance in diet-induced obesity.