Molecular dynamics simulation of PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism reveals reduced substrate access to the catalytic cavity

A missense mutation I148M in PNPLA3 (patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 protein) is significantly correlated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To glean insights into mutation's effect on enzymatic activity, we performed molecular dynamics simulation and flexible docking studies. Our data show that the size of the substrate‐access entry site is significantly reduced in mutants, which limits the access of palmitic acid to the catalytic dyad. Besides, the binding free energy calculations suggest low affinity for substrate to mutant enzyme. The substrate‐bound system simulations reveal that the spatial arrangement of palmitic acid is distinct in wild‐type from that in mutant. The substrate recognition specificity is lost due to the loop where the I148M mutation was located. Our results provide strong evidence for the mechanism by which I148M affects the enzyme activity and suggest that mediating the dynamics may offer a potential avenue for NAFLD. Proteins 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The PNPLA3 Ile148Met interacts with overweight and dietary intakes on fasting triglyceride levels

The Ile148Met (rs738409, G-allele) in the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 gene (PNPLA3) associates with liver fat content and may lead to loss-of-function (hydrolysis) or gain-of-function (CoA-dependent lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase) defects. PNPLA3 is up-regulated by dietary carbohydrates, and interactions between rs738409 and carbohydrates, and sugar and ω6:ω3-polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio on hepatic fat accumulation have been reported. We examined interaction between rs738409 and overweight, and between rs738409 and dietary intakes (carbohydrates, sucrose and ω6:ω3-PUFA ratio), on fasting triglyceride levels. From the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study-Cardiovascular Cohort, 4,827 individuals without diabetes aged 58 ± 6 years, 2,346 with BMI ≤ 25 kg/m² and 2,478 with BMI > 25 kg/m², were included in cross-sectional analyses. Dietary data were collected by a modified diet history method. Overweight modified the association between rs738409 and fasting triglyceride levels (P_interaction = 0.003). G-allele associated with lower triglycerides only among overweight individuals (P = 0.01). Nominally, significant interaction on triglyceride levels was observed between rs738409 and sucrose among normal-weight individuals (P_interaction = 0.03). G-allele associated with lower triglycerides among overweight individuals in the lowest tertiles of carbohydrate and ω6:ω3-PUFA ratio (P = 0.04 and P = 0.001) and with higher triglycerides among normal-weight individuals in the highest tertile of sucrose (P = 0.001). We conclude that overweight and dietary sucrose may modify the association between rs738409 and fasting triglyceride levels.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12263-014-0388-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

PNPLA3 I148M Polymorphism,Clinical Presentation,and Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background & Aims

Aim of this study was to evaluate whether the PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism, previously associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, influences the clinical presentation of HCC and survival.

Methods

we considered 460 consecutive HCC patients referred to tertiary care centers in Northern Italy, 353 with follow-up data.

Results

Homozygosity for PNPLA3 148M at risk allele was enriched in HCC patients with alcoholic liver disease or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (ALD&NAFLD: relative risk 5.9, 95% c.i. 3.5–9.9; other liver diseases: relative risk 1.9, 95% c.i. 1.1–3.4). In ALD&NAFLD patients, the PNPLA3 148M allele was associated with younger age, shorter history of cirrhosis, less advanced (Child A) cirrhosis at HCC diagnosis, and lower HCC differentiation grade (p<0.05). Homozygosity for PNPLA3 148M was associated with reduced survival in the overall series (p = 0.009), and with a higher number of HCC lesions at presentation (p = 0.007) and reduced survival in ALD&NAFLD patients (p = 0.003; median survival 30, 95% c.i. 20–39 vs. 45, 95% c.i. 38–52 months), but not in those with HCC related to other etiologies (p = 0.86; 48, 95% c.i. 32–64 vs. 55, 95% c.i. 43–67 months). At multivariate Cox regression analysis, homozygosity for PNPLA3 148M was the only negative predictor of survival in ALD&NAFLD patients (HR of death 1.57, 95% c.i. 1.12–2.78).

Conclusions

PNPLA3 148M is over-represented in ALD&NAFLD HCC patients, and is associated with occurrence at a less advanced stage of liver disease in ALD&NAFLD. In ALD&NAFLD, PNPLA3 148M is associated with more diffuse HCC at presentation, and with reduced survival.     

The sex-specific effects of blood lead,mercury, and cadmium levels on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis: Korean nationwide cross-sectional study

AimThe potential effects of heavy metals on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain unknown. We investigated the sex-specific relationships of blood lead (BPb), mercury (BHg), and cadmium (BCd) levels with hepatic steatosis (HS) and fibrosis (HF).MethodWe included 4420 participants from the 2016–2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. High-risk alcoholics and patients with chronic hepatitis B or C infections or liver cirrhosis were excluded. We calculated the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) and fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) values; we defined the presence of HS and HF as an HSI ≥ 36 and FIB-4 score >2.67, respectively. We adjusted for age, smoking and alcohol consumption statuses, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and BPb, BHg, and BCd levels.ResultIn males (n = 1860), the HSI was correlated negatively with the BPb level and positively with the BHg level (both p < 0.01). The FIB-4 score was correlated positively with the BPb and BCd levels (both p < 0.01). In females (n = 2560), the HSI and FIB-4 score were correlated positively with the BPb, BHg, and BCd levels (all p < 0.01). After adjustments, the BHg level increased the risk of HS in both males (OR = 1.065, p = 0.003) and females (OR = 1.061, p = 0.048), and the BCd level increased the risk of HF in females (OR = 1.668, p = 0.012).ConclusionBlood heavy metal levels were generally correlated positively with the HSI and FIB4 score, more so in females than males. The BHg level was associated with HS in males and females, and the BCd level was associated with HF in females. Further studies on NAFLD progression according to heavy metal status and sex are warranted.     

Recombinant PNPLA3 protein shows triglyceride hydrolase activity and its I148M mutation results in loss of function

The patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3, also called adiponutrin, ADPN) is a membrane-bound protein highly expressed in the liver. The genetic variant I148M (rs738409) was found to be associated with progression of chronic liver disease. We aimed to establish a protein purification protocol in a yeast system (Pichia pastoris) and to examine the human PNPLA3 enzymatic activity, substrate specificity and the I148M mutation effect. hPNPLA3 148I wild type and 148M mutant cDNA were cloned into P. pastoris expression vectors. Yeast cells were grown in 3 L fermentors. PNPLA3 protein was purified from membrane fractions by Ni-affinity chromatography. Enzymatic activity was assessed using radiolabeled substrates. Both 148I wild type and 148M mutant proteins are localized to the membrane. The wild type protein shows a predominant lipase activity with mild lysophosphatidic acid acyl transferase activity (LPAAT) and the I148M mutation results in a loss of function of both these activities. Our data show that PNPLA3 has a predominant lipase activity and I148M mutation results in a loss of function.     

Regulatory effect of diosgenin on lipogenic genes expression in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice

Obesity is one of the most serious health problems in the world, increasing the risk of other chronic diseases. Alterations in fatty acid synthesis related genes are crucially involved in obesity progression. Diosgenin (DG) was one of the phytosterols compounds with vital activity against lipid disorders. Therefore, this study was intended to evaluate the protective effect of DG on lipogenesis in the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice, via investigating the expression of two of the fatty acid synthesis–involved genes; sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes. Thirty adult male mice were divided into 3 groups. Control group, fed with normal diet; HFD group, mice fed with a high-fat diet and HFD + DG group, mice fed with a high-fat diet and supplemented in parallel with DG for 6 consecutive weeks. The effect of DG on Body weights, liver enzymes, lipid profile, were evaluated. Histopathological fatty changes as well as SREBP-1c and FASN gene expression were also investigated. DG significantly alleviated body weight gain, adjusted liver enzymes, and improved lipid profile. Additionally, DG ameliorated the histopathological changes by reducing the lipid vacuoles and hence the hepatosteatosis. Accordingly, DG significantly downregulated the two-fold increase in the SREBP-1c and FASN gene expression observed in the HFD group. In conclusion, DG possesses a beneficial impact against diet-induced obesity in mice, which makes it a good candidate for NAFLD and obesity prevention.     

Identification of isotschimgine as a novel farnesoid X receptor agonist with potency for the treatment of obesity in mice

Obesity and its associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have become epidemic medical problems worldwide; however, the current available therapeutic options are limited. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has recently emerged as an attractive target for obesity treatment. Here we demonstrate that isotschimgine (ITG), a constituent in genus Ferula, as a novel FXR agonist with anti-obesity and anti-hepatic steatosis effects. The results showed that ITG activated the FXR transactivity and bound with the ligand binding dormain (LBD) of FXR with gene reporter assays and AlphaScreen assays. In high-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, ITG lowered body weight and fat mass, improved insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Mechanistic studies showed that ITG altered the expression levels of FXR downstream genes, lipid synthesis and energy metabolism genes in the liver of mice. Our findings suggest that ITG is a novel FXR agonist and may be a potential therapeutic choice for obesity associated with NAFLD.     

High fat diet induced downregulation of microRNA-467b increased lipoprotein lipase in hepatic steatosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation and is presently the most common chronic liver disease. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of steatosis remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that modulate a variety of biological functions. We have investigated the role of miRNA in the development of steatosis. We found that miR-467b expression is significantly downregulated in liver tissues of high-fat diet fed mice and in steatosis-induced hepatocytes. The downregulation of miR-467b resulted in the upregulation of hepatic lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the direct target of miR-467b. Moreover, the interaction between miR-467b and LPL was associated with insulin resistance, a major cause of NAFLD. These results suggest that downregulation of miR-467b is involved in the development of hepatic steatosis by modulating the expression of its target, LPL.     

The rs738409 (I148M) variant of the PNPLA3 gene and cirrhosis: a meta-analysis

The human patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing-3 (PNPLA3) gene rs738409 C>G polymorphism is associated with several types of liver disease. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the risk of cirrhosis on the basis of rs738409 allele frequency and genotype. Medline, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for prospective and retrospective studies assessing the effect of the rs738409 polymorphism on liver cirrhosis. Seven studies, involving 2,023 patients with cirrhosis, were included. The G allele was associated with a significantly increased risk of cirrhosis versus the C allele [pooled odds ratio (OR) = 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.64–2.12, Z = 9.55, P < 0.001]. Both the GC and GG genotypes were associated with a significantly increased risk of cirrhosis versus the CC genotype (GC vs. CC: pooled OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.51–1.98, Z = 7.86, P < 0.001; GG vs. CC: pooled OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 2.77–4.18, Z = 11.65, P < 0.001). There was no evidence of publication bias. Our findings suggest that patients at risk for liver cirrhosis may benefit from PNPLA3 genotyping and thus more intensive monitoring if the rs738409 C>G polymorphism is identified.     

肠道菌群与非酒精性脂肪肝病相关性研究进展

近年来关于肠道菌群与非酒精性脂肪肝疾病关系的研究越来越多。非酒精性脂肪肝是一种无过量饮酒史,肝内脂肪过量堆积的慢性疾病。生理解剖结构上的“肠-肝轴”表明肠道和肝脏有着密不可分的关系。肠道菌群一般情况下处于动态平衡,可以维持肠道正常生理功能。肠道菌群可通过改善肠道通透性、干预脂质代谢、产生内源性乙醇和产生短链脂肪酸等来影响非酒精性脂肪肝疾病的发生与发展。临床上对于治疗非酒精性脂肪肝没有确切的药物,增加有益肠道菌群的因素,如益生元、益生菌等能够调节肠道的微环境,这为非酒精性脂肪肝疾病的治疗开辟了新的方向。     

Expression and characterization of a PNPLA3 protein isoform (I148M) associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

A genetic variant of PNPLA3 (patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3; PNPLA3-I148M), a serine protease of unknown function, is associated with accumulation of triacylglycerol (TAG) in the liver. To determine the biological substrates of PNPLA3 and the effect of the I148M substitution on enzymatic activity and substrate specificity, we purified and characterized recombinant human PNPLA3 and PNPLA3-I148M. Maximal hydrolytic activity of PNPLA3 was observed against the three major glycerolipids, TAG, diacylglycerol, and monoacylglycerol, with a strong preference for oleic acid as the acyl moiety. Substitution of methionine for isoleucine at position 148 markedly decreased the V(max) of the enzyme for glycerolipids but had only a modest effect on the K(m). Purified PNPLA3 also catalyzed the hydrolysis of oleoyl-CoA, but the V(max) was 100-fold lower for oleoyl-CoA than for triolein. The thioesterase activity required the catalytic serine but was only modestly decreased by the I148M substitution. The enzyme had little or no hydrolytic activity against the other lipid substrates tested, including phospholipids, cholesteryl ester, and retinyl esters. Neither the wild-type nor mutant enzyme catalyzed transfer of oleic acid from oleoyl-CoA to glycerophosphate, lysophosphatidic acid, or diacylglycerol, suggesting that the enzyme does not promote de novo TAG synthesis. Taken together, our results are consistent with the notion that PNPLA3 plays a role in the hydrolysis of glycerolipids and that the I148M substitution causes a loss of function, although we cannot exclude the possibility that the enzyme has additional substrates or activities.     

PNPLA3在实验性非酒精性脂肪性肝病中的表达及其CpG岛甲基化状态的研究

目的:探讨PNPLA3在非酒精性脂肪性肝病中的表达水平及其Cp G岛甲基化状态,探讨PNPLA3在NAFLD发生、发展中的作用。方法:1.采用10μg/m L的油酸作用于人正常肝细胞株L02建立脂肪肝细胞模型,72 h后经油红O染色,观察正常组、脂肪肝模型组及给药组细胞内脂滴形成情况,并用荧光定量PCR检测PNPLA3在三组肝细胞中的表达情况。2.采用专用DNA提取试剂盒分别提取正常组、脂肪肝模型组、给药组细胞中DNA,经亚硫酸转化后行PCR扩增目的基因,并用焦磷酸测序方法检测不同组PNPLA3 Cp G岛中甲基化水平,探讨其在非酒精性脂肪肝中的作用。结果:1、脂肪肝模型组肝细胞PNPLA3 m RNA的表达高于正常组,经姜黄素给药后,其表达降低,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。2、在PNPLA3启动子区6个检测位点中,脂肪肝组位点2甲基化水平高于正常组,姜黄素给药后甲基化水平降低,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),在其余各检测位点中甲基化水平无差异。结论:1、油红O染色后,脂肪肝模型组细胞内发现有大量红色脂滴积聚,而正常组基本上未见脂滴,姜黄素给药组脂滴较模型组减少,表明用10μg/m L的油酸诱导能成功建立体外肝细胞模型。2、PNPLA3 m RNA在肝细胞中高表达及其启动子区甲基化状态异常参与非酒精性脂肪肝发病。3、抑制肝脏PNPLA3活性或降低肝细胞PNPLA3 m RNA的表达水平可能是今后治疗非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)的一个新的治疗方法。     

Association between the PNPLA3 I148M Polymorphism and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Uygur and Han Ethnic Groups of Northwestern China

Objective

Multiple common gene variants play a role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) susceptibility. Our goal was to investigate the association between variants polymorphisms and NAFLD in the Uygur and Han from Northwestern China.

Methods

Eight tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) previously reported to be associated with NAFLD were characterized in 396 NAFLD individuals and 399 controls. The association of variants with NAFLD in the Uygur and Han was assessed using the chi-squared (χ²) test in different gene models. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) for risk of NAFLD and their 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for confounding factors. Finally, stratified analysis was used to explore the potential gene-environment interactions on the risk of NAFLD.

Results

In a recessive model, we found a potential association between rs738409 and NAFLD in both ethnic groups: Chinese Han (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.03–3.27, p = 0.036), Uygur (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.23–4.09, p = 0.006). The multiple logistic regression revealed that PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype may increase the risk of NAFLD by adjusting some confounding factors: Han (OR = 5.22, 95% CI: 1.94–14.04, p = 0.001), Uygur (OR = 4.29, 95% CI: 1.60–11.48, p = 0.004). Stratified analysis found that rs738409 polymorphism appeared to have interaction with sex, smoking status in Uygur, and have interaction with sex, age, BMI stage, lifestyle in Han.

Conclusion

Our data suggest the PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism influences susceptibility to NAFLD in the Han and Uygur of Northwestern China.     

Effect of dietary fibre type on physical activity and behaviour in kennelled dogs

Dog diets may differ in their effectiveness of maintaining satiety after a meal. Consequently, sensations of hunger, feeding motivation, physical activity, and sensitivity to environmental stressors may be increased. Dietary fibre may be effective in prolonging postprandial satiety depending on type and inclusion level. This study evaluated the effect of fibre fermentability on behaviour in dogs. Sixteen healthy adult dogs were housed individually and fed a low-fermentable fibre (LFF) diet containing 8.5% cellulose or a high-fermentable fibre (HFF) diet containing 8.5% sugar beet pulp and 2% inulin. Dogs were fed two equal portions at 8:30 and 18:30 according to energy requirements. Behaviour of dogs in their home-cage was recorded and analyzed by instantaneous scan sampling (2 × 24 h with 15 min intervals) and focal sampling continuous recordings (10 min per animal per hour, from 9:00 until 18:00). Dogs were subjected to a behaviour test composed of the subtests open-field, sudden-silence, novel-object, and acoustic-startle. The behavioural responses of each dog were recorded. Scores for the scan and focal samples were expressed per clock hour and DIET × TIME effects were tested statistically using Residual Maximum Likelihood (REML). Data from the tests were examined using principal component analysis resulting in the compilation of two components. Data were tested statistically for DIET and DIET × SUBTEST effects using REML. Variables specific for the open-field and novel-object test were analyzed using analysis of variance. For the scans, a significant DIET × TIME effect was found for resting. At night and in the morning, HFF dogs rested more compared to LFF dogs, but they rested less between 14:00 and 17:00. For the continuous recordings, the main findings were a tendency for DIET × TIME effect for time spent resting with a pattern consistent with that for the scans. The interaction was significant for inactive-alert (lie with head up or sitting) with HFF-fed dogs having lower values around 10:00–11:00 and higher values hereafter. Finally, time spent tail wagging was significantly higher for LFF-fed dogs just before the evening meal that may indicate higher level of arousal. For the behaviour tests, no significant DIET or DIET × SUBTEST effects were detected. It is concluded that compared to the LFF diet, the HFF diet increased inactivity in kennelled beagle dogs likely through the prolongation of postprandial satiety. This effect did not change the reaction to stressful events in kennelled laboratory dogs. Enhanced susceptibility to environmental stressors at times of hunger in sensitive companion dogs may occur but requires further study.     

非酒精性脂肪性肝合并2型糖尿病患者血清chemerin水平变化及其相关性分析

目的:探讨非酒精性脂肪性肝(NAFLD)合并2型糖尿病患者血清chemerin水平变化及其相关性,为其临床诊治提供参考。方法:选择河北医科大学附属秦皇岛市第一医院收治的NAFLD和2型糖尿病患者作为研究对象,其中NAFLD合并2型糖尿病患者100例(A组),单纯NAFLD患者100例(B组),单纯2型糖尿病患者100例(C组),并选取同期来该院检查的100例健康人作为对照组。比较各组患者的血清chemerin、空腹血糖、胰岛素水平、肝功能、炎症因子、应激反应指标以及胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)差异,分析血清chemerin水平与各项指标的相关性。结果:按照A组、B组、C组以及对照组的顺序,患者血清chemerin、谷氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、丙二醛(MDA)、空腹血糖、胰岛素及HOMA-IR水平逐渐降低,而血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)以及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH)水平逐渐升高,组间比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。经Pearson相关性分析,血清chemerin水平与血清ALT、AST、MDA、CRP、TNF-α、空腹血糖、胰岛素水平及HOMA-IR水平呈现正相关,与SOD、GSH水平呈现负相关(P0.05)。结论:血清chemerin水平可通过对胰岛素抵抗、应激反应以及炎症反应等机制进行调节,参与NAFLD合并2型糖尿病的发生以及发展,并具有较好的相关性,可为NAFLD合并2型糖尿病患者的临床治疗提供新的突破点。     

中国汉族人群PNPLA3 I148M 多态性影响脂联素水平及非酒精性脂肪性 肝病遗传易感性的相关性研究*

目的:探讨在中国人群中PNPLA3 I148M基因型、脂联素与非酒精性脂肪性肝病的遗传易感性的相关性,及PNPLA3基因型与空腹血清脂联素水平的关系。方法:对96例NAFLD患者和76名正常对照,采用多聚酶链反应(PCR)及直接测序法检测PNPLA3基因型。计量资料结果均用均数±标准差(X±S)表示,经方差齐性检验后,行t检验;性别、基因型及等位基因频率的比较行X2检验。结果:中国汉族人群中,存在PNPLA3基因I148M多态性,I148M G等位基因频率分布在NAFLD(64.89%)与正常对照组(34.87%)、NASH组(71.70%)与SS组(56.09%)中比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。病例对照分析显示:148GG基因携带者与148CC基因携带者相比较,前者发生NAFLD的比值比(OR)为3.45(95%CI:2.21~5.41,P<0.05),发生NASH的OR为1.98(95%CI=1.08~3.64,P<0.05)。PNPLA3基因rs738409多态性与血清ALT水平有关(P<0.05),对NASH组分层分析,148GG基因型BMI、ALT、FINS均高于148CC基因型(P<0.05),血清HDL水平低于148CC基因型和148GC基因型(P<0.05),这些结果提示等位基因G与肝脏炎症和肝脏脂肪增加有相关性.Ordinal Logistic回归分析显示PNPLA3 I148M多态性与低浓度血清脂联素水平相关(<6μg/ml)(OR=2.78,95%CI=1.765~4.384,P<0.05)。结论:中国汉族人群中,PNPLA3基因I148M多态性与NAFLD的遗传易感性及脂联素的分泌调节相关,是决定NAFLD个体遗传易感性的重要因素。