Differential Effects of Exposure to Maternal Obesity or Maternal Weight Loss during the Periconceptional Period in the Sheep on Insulin Signalling Molecules in Skeletal Muscle of the Offspring at 4 Months of Age

Exposure to maternal obesity before and/or throughout pregnancy may increase the risk of obesity and insulin resistance in the offspring in childhood and adult life, therefore, resulting in its transmission into subsequent generations. We have previously shown that exposure to maternal obesity around the time of conception alone resulted in increased adiposity in female lambs. Changes in the abundance of insulin signalling molecules in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue precede the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It is not clear, however, whether exposure to maternal obesity results in insulin resistance in her offspring as a consequence of the impact of increased adiposity on skeletal muscle or as a consequence of the programming of specific changes in the abundance of insulin signalling molecules in this tissue. We have used an embryo transfer model in the sheep to investigate the effects of exposure to either maternal obesity or to weight loss in normal and obese mothers preceding and for one week after conception on the expression and abundance of insulin signalling molecules in muscle in the offspring. We found that exposure to maternal obesity resulted in lower muscle GLUT-4 and Ser 9 phospho-GSK3α and higher muscle GSK3α abundance in lambs when compared to lambs conceived in normally nourished ewes. Exposure to maternal weight loss in normal or obese mothers, however, resulted in lower muscle IRS1, PI3K, p110β, aPKCζ, Thr 642 phospho-AS160 and GLUT-4 abundance in the offspring. In conclusion, maternal obesity or weight loss around conception have each programmed specific changes on subsets of molecules in the insulin signalling, glucose transport and glycogen synthesis pathways in offspring. There is a need for a stronger evidence base to ensure that weight loss regimes in obese women seeking to become pregnant minimize the metabolic costs for the next generation.     

Translational Signalling,Atrogenic and Myogenic Gene Expression during Unloading and Reloading of Skeletal Muscle in Myostatin-Deficient Mice

Skeletal muscles of myostatin null (Mstn(−/−)) mice are more susceptible to atrophy during hind limb suspension (HS) than are muscles of wild-type mice. Here we sought to elucidate the mechanism for this susceptibility and to determine if Mstn(−/−) mice can regain muscle mass after HS. Male Mstn(−/−) and wild-type mice were subjected to 0, 2 or 7 days of HS or 7 days of HS followed by 1, 3 or 7 days of reloading (n = 6 per group). Mstn(−/−) mice lost more mass from muscles expressing the fast type IIb myofibres during HS and muscle mass was recovered in both genotypes after reloading for 7 days. Concentrations of MAFbx and MuRF1 mRNA, crucial ligases regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome system, but not MUSA1, a BMP-regulated ubiquitin ligase, were increased more in muscles of Mstn(−/−) mice, compared with wild-type mice, during HS and concentrations decreased in both genotypes during reloading. Similarly, concentrations of LC3b, Gabarapl1 and Atg4b, key effectors of the autophagy-lysosomal system, were increased further in muscles of Mstn(−/−) mice, compared with wild-type mice, during HS and decreased in both genotypes during reloading. There was a greater abundance of 4E-BP1 and more bound to eIF4E in muscles of Mstn(−/−) compared with wild-type mice (P<0.001). The ratio of phosphorylated to total eIF2α increased during HS and decreased during reloading, while the opposite pattern was observed for rpS6. Concentrations of myogenic regulatory factors (MyoD, Myf5 and myogenin) mRNA were increased during HS in muscles of Mstn(−/−) mice compared with controls (P<0.001). We attribute the susceptibility of skeletal muscles of Mstn(−/−) mice to atrophy during HS to an up- and downregulation, respectively, of the mechanisms regulating atrophy of myofibres and translation of mRNA. These processes are reversed during reloading to aid a faster rate of recovery of muscle mass in Mstn(−/−) mice.     

TLR4 对人骨骼肌细胞炎症因子表达及胰岛素抵抗的影响

目的:研究TLR4对脂多糖(LPS)及Polymymin B(PMB)作用下的人骨骼肌细胞的炎症因子表达的影响及其在细胞胰岛素抵抗中的作用。方法:通过脂多糖(LPS)及Polymymin B(PMB)干预骨骼肌细胞24h,再用胰岛素刺激1h后,Real-time PCR检测检测骨骼肌细胞TLR4、MyD88、TNF-αmRNA的表达;Western blot检测TLR4,Myd88和CRP的表达;葡萄糖氧化酶法(GOD-POD法)检测细胞培养液中葡萄糖浓度。结果:TLR4高表达可以使炎症因子的表达增高,细胞培养液中的葡萄糖浓度增高;TLR4低表达可使炎症因子的表达降低,细胞培养液中的葡萄糖浓度没有明显变化。结论:TLR4调控了炎症因子的表达,继而可以引起胰岛素敏感性的改变,影响了胰岛素抵抗的发生。     

TM-25659-Induced Activation of FGF21 Level Decreases Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Skeletal Muscle via GCN2 Pathways

The TAZ activator 2-butyl-5-methyl-6-(pyridine-3-yl)-3-[2′-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine] (TM-25659) inhibits adipocyte differentiation by interacting with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. TM-25659 was previously shown to decrease weight gain in a high fat (HF) diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying the effects of TM-25659 remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of TM-25659 on skeletal muscle functions in C2 myotubes and C57BL/6J mice. We studied the molecular mechanisms underlying the contribution of TM-25659 to palmitate (PA)-induced insulin resistance in C2 myotubes. TM-25659 improved PA-induced insulin resistance and inflammation in C2 myotubes. In addition, TM-25659 increased FGF21 mRNA expression, protein levels, and FGF21 secretion in C2 myotubes via activation of GCN2 pathways (GCN2-phosphoeIF2α-ATF4 and FGF21). This beneficial effect of TM-25659 was diminished by FGF21 siRNA. C57BL/6J mice were fed a HF diet for 30 weeks. The HF-diet group was randomly divided into two groups for the next 14 days: the HF-diet and HF-diet + TM-25659 groups. The HF diet + TM-25659-treated mice showed improvements in their fasting blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, and inflammation, but neither body weight nor food intake was affected. The HF diet + TM-25659-treated mice also exhibited increased expression of both FGF21 mRNA and protein. These data indicate that TM-25659 may be beneficial for treating insulin resistance by inducing FGF21 in models of PA-induced insulin resistance and HF diet-induced insulin resistance.     

Independent Influences of Central Fat and Skeletal Muscle Lipids on Insulin Sensitivity

Objective: Insulin resistance is closely associated with two disparate aspects of lipid storage: the intracellular lipid content of skeletal muscle and the magnitude of central adipose beds. Our aim was to determine their relative contribution to impaired insulin action. Research Methods and Procedures: Eighteen older (56 to 75 years of age) men were studied before elective knee surgery. Insulin sensitivity (M/ΔI) was determined by hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp. Central abdominal fat (CF) was assessed by DXA. Skeletal muscle was excised at surgery and assayed for content of metabolically active long‐chain acyl‐CoA esters (LCAC). Results: Significant inverse relationships were observed between LCAC and M/ΔI (R² = 0.34, p = 0.01) and between CF and M/ΔI (R² = 0.38, p = 0.006), but not between CF and LCAC (R² = 0.0005, p = 0.93). In a multiple regression model (R² = 0.71, p < 0.0001), both CF (p = 0.0006) and LCAC (p = 0.0009) were independent statistical predictors of M/ΔI. Leptin levels correlated inversely with M/ΔI (R² = 0.60, p = 0.0002) and positively with central (R² = 0.41, p = 0.006) and total body fat (R² = 0.63, p = 0.0001). Discussion: The mechanisms by which altered lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle influences insulin action may not be related directly to those linking central fat and insulin sensitivity. In particular, it is unlikely that muscle accumulation of lipids directly derived from labile central fat depots is a principal contributor to peripheral insulin resistance. Instead, our results imply that circulating factors, other than nonesterified fatty acids or triglyceride, mediate between central fat depots and skeletal muscle tissue. Leptin was not exclusively associated with central fat, but other factors, secreted specifically from central fat cells, could modulate muscle insulin sensitivity.     

原代培养骨骼肌细胞胰岛素抵抗模型的建立

目的:观察高脂负荷在胰岛素抵抗形成中的意义.方法:用不同浓度椋榈酸、胰岛素分别培养骨骼肌细胞2h、6h、12h、24h,对棕榈酸诱导组的一部分细胞给予1× 10-7M胰岛素刺激2h,用血糖检测试剂盒(GOD-POD)检测各组培养液中的葡萄糖含量,研究不同浓度棕榈酸、胰岛素对骨骼肌细胞摄取葡萄糖的影响,观察胰岛素的生理功效的变化.结果:0.6mM棕榈酸诱导12h以上或者5×101-M胰岛素诱导24h后,培养液中的葡萄糖浓度比正常组高且有显著性差异,表明细胞的糖代谢能力降低.经1×10-7M胰岛素刺激2h后的棕榈酸诱导组,培养液中葡萄糖的浓度与未经胰岛素刺激的棕榈酸诱导组相比无显著差异,胰岛素的生理功效降低,证实棕榈酸诱导组细胞已对胰岛素产生耐受.结论:高脂或高胰岛素条件均可诱导原代骨骼肌细胞胰岛素抵抗模型.     

明日叶查尔酮对2型糖尿病大鼠骨骼肌细胞胰岛素抵抗的干预作用

目的:研究明日叶查尔酮对2型糖尿病大鼠骨骼肌胰岛素抵抗的干预作用.方法:将2型糖尿病大鼠随机分成四组,高、中、低剂量组分别每日经口灌胃给予明日叶查尔酮30、10和5mg/(kg·bw),糖尿病对照组给予等量生理盐水.各组均以高脂饲料喂养.四周后采用葡萄糖氧化酶法检测空腹血糖;放射免疫法检测血清胰岛素含量;免疫组化法检测葡萄糖转运体1和葡萄糖转运体4蛋白表达水平.结果:经图像分析,高剂量组骨骼肌细胞中葡萄糖转运体1和葡萄糖转运体4蛋白表达平均光密度值分别为0.054± 0.0064和0.063±0.0139,均较糖尿病对照组显著性升高(P＜0.05).高剂量组空腹血糖和胰岛素水平分别为(12.3± 1.64)mmol/L和(25.65±3.34) (μIU/mL),均较糖尿病对照病显著性降低(P＜0.05).结论:明日叶查尔酮可增加2型糖尿病大鼠骨骼肌葡萄糖转运体l和葡萄糖转运体4蛋白表达水平,降低空腹血糖和胰岛素水平,改善胰岛素抵抗状况.     

妊娠期母体甲状腺功能减退对胎鼠骨骼肌胰岛素抵抗和线粒体功能的影响

摘要 目的：研究妊娠期母体甲状腺功能减退对胎鼠骨骼肌胰岛素抵抗和线粒体功能的影响。方法：构建妊娠期母体甲状腺功能减退小鼠模型,制备胎鼠骨骼肌线粒体,同时选取健康正常胎鼠做本次实验的对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附法和放射免疫分析法测定两组小鼠甲状腺功能;通过全自动生化分析仪检测两组胎鼠胰岛素抵抗结果;利用Clark氧电极测定密闭反应体系评价两组胎鼠线粒体功能结果,并分析母体甲状腺功能减退与胎鼠骨骼肌胰岛素抵抗和线粒体功能的相关性。结果：两组小鼠甲状腺功能结果、两组胎鼠骨骼肌胰岛素抵抗和线粒体结果对比分析之间均有显著差异（P<0.05）。甲减组小鼠血清中促甲状腺激素（Thyroid Stimulating Hormone,TSH）、丙氨酸转氨酶（alanine aminotransferase,ALT）和门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（aspartate aminotransferase,AST）均较对照组低,胎鼠的空腹血糖（fasting blood-glucose,FBG）、动态3（state3,ST3）、动态4（state4,ST4）呼吸速率和呼吸控制比（respiratory control,RCR）也均较对照组低;而甲减组小鼠游离甲状腺素（free thyroxine,FT4）却较对照组高,胎鼠的胰岛素（insulin,INS）和胰岛素抵抗结果（homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance,HOMA-IR）也较对照组高（P<0.05）。且母体甲状腺功能减退指标中FT4和RCR、ALT和FBG以及RCR之间有负相关关系,母体甲状腺功能减退的其他指标则与胎鼠骨骼肌胰岛素抵抗和线粒体功能的其他相关指标之间呈正相关关系（P<0.05）。结论：妊娠期母体甲状腺功能减退会降低胎鼠骨骼肌胰岛素抵抗和线粒体功能,影响胎鼠的正常发育。     

Glutamine Supplementation Stimulates Protein-Synthetic and Inhibits Protein-Degradative Signaling Pathways in Skeletal Muscle of Diabetic Rats

In this study, we investigated the effect of glutamine (Gln) supplementation on the signaling pathways regulating protein synthesis and protein degradation in the skeletal muscle of rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. The expression levels of key regulatory proteins in the synthetic pathways (Akt, mTOR, GSK3 and 4E-BP1) and the degradation pathways (MuRF-1 and MAFbx) were determined using real-time PCR and Western blotting in four groups of male Wistar rats; 1) control, non-supplemented with glutamine; 2) control, supplemented with glutamine; 3) diabetic, non-supplemented with glutamine; and 4) diabetic, supplemented with glutamine. Diabetes was induced by the intravenous injection of 65 mg/kg bw STZ in citrate buffer (pH 4.2); the non-diabetic controls received only citrate buffer. After 48 hours, diabetes was confirmed in the STZ-treated animals by the determination of blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dL. Starting on that day, a solution of 1 g/kg bw Gln in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was administered daily via gavage for 15 days to groups 2 and 4. Groups 1 and 3 received only PBS for the same duration. The rats were euthanized, and the soleus muscles were removed and homogenized in extraction buffer for the subsequent measurement of protein and mRNA levels. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the muscle Gln content in the diabetic rats, and this level increased toward the control value in the diabetic rats receiving Gln. In addition, the diabetic rats exhibited a reduced mRNA expression of regulatory proteins in the protein synthesis pathway and increased expression of those associated with protein degradation. A reduction in the skeletal muscle mass in the diabetic rats was observed and was alleviated partially with Gln supplementation. The data suggest that glutamine supplementation is potentially useful for slowing the progression of muscle atrophy in patients with diabetes.     

Role of Protein Farnesylation in Burn-Induced Metabolic Derangements and Insulin Resistance in Mouse Skeletal Muscle

Objective

Metabolic derangements, including insulin resistance and hyperlactatemia, are a major complication of major trauma (e.g., burn injury) and affect the prognosis of burn patients. Protein farnesylation, a posttranslational lipid modification of cysteine residues, has been emerging as a potential component of inflammatory response in sepsis. However, farnesylation has not yet been studied in major trauma. To study a role of farnesylation in burn-induced metabolic aberration, we examined the effects of farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitor, FTI-277, on burn-induced insulin resistance and metabolic alterations in mouse skeletal muscle.

Methods

A full thickness burn (30% total body surface area) was produced under anesthesia in male C57BL/6 mice at 8 weeks of age. After the mice were treated with FTI-277 (5 mg/kg/day, IP) or vehicle for 3 days, muscle insulin signaling, metabolic alterations and inflammatory gene expression were evaluated.

Results

Burn increased FTase expression and farnesylated proteins in mouse muscle compared with sham-burn at 3 days after burn. Simultaneously, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, Akt and GSK-3β was decreased. Protein expression of PTP-1B (a negative regulator of IR-IRS-1 signaling), PTEN (a negative regulator of Akt-mediated signaling), protein degradation and lactate release by muscle, and plasma lactate levels were increased by burn. Burn-induced impaired insulin signaling and metabolic dysfunction were associated with increased inflammatory gene expression. These burn-induced alterations were reversed or ameliorated by FTI-277.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that burn increased FTase expression and protein farnesylation along with insulin resistance, metabolic alterations and inflammatory response in mouse skeletal muscle, all of which were prevented by FTI-277 treatment. These results indicate that increased protein farnesylation plays a pivotal role in burn-induced metabolic dysfunction and inflammatory response. Our study identifies FTase as a novel potential molecular target to reverse or ameliorate metabolic derangements in burn patients.     

A Thiazolidinedione Improves In Vivo Insulin Action on Skeletal Muscle Glycogen Synthase in Insulin-Resistant Monkeys

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) have been shown to have anti-diabetic effects including the ability to decrease fasting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, increase insulin-mediated glucose disposal rate (M) and decrease hepatic glucose production, but the mechanisms of action are not well established. To determine whether a TZD (R-102380, Sankyo Company Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) could improve insulin action on skeletal muscle glycogen synthase (GS), the rate-limiting enzyme in glycogen synthesis, 4 insulin-resistant obese monkeys were given I mg/kg/ day R-102380 p.o. for a 6-week period. Skeletal muscle GS activity and glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) content were compared between pre-dosing and dosing periods before and during the maximal insulin-stimulation of a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp.Compared to pre-dosing, insulin-stimulated GS activity and G6P content were increased by this TZD: GS independent activity (p = 0.02), GS total activity (p = 0.005), GS fractional activity (p = 0.06) and G6P content (p = 0.02). The change in GS activity induced by in vivo insulin (insulin-stimulated minus basal) was also increased by this TZD: GS independent activity (p = 0.03) and GS fractional activity (p = 0.04).We conclude that the TZD R-102380 improves insulin action at the skeletal muscle in part by increasing the activity of glycogen synthase. This improvement in insulin sensitivity may be a key factor in the anti-diabetic effect of the thiazolidinedione class of agents.     

High and Low Protein∶ Carbohydrate Dietary Ratios during Gestation Alter Maternal-Fetal Cortisol Regulation in Pigs

Imbalanced maternal nutrition during gestation can cause alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system in offspring. The present study investigated the effects of maternal low- and high-protein diets during gestation in pigs on the maternal-fetal HPA regulation and expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2) and c-fos mRNAs in the placenta and fetal brain. Twenty-seven German Landrace sows were fed diets with high (HP, 30%), low (LP, 6.5%) or adequate (AP, 12.1%) protein levels made isoenergetic by varying the carbohydrate levels. On gestational day 94, fetuses were recovered under general anesthesia for the collection of blood, brain and placenta samples. The LP diet in sows increased salivary cortisol levels during gestation compared to the HP and AP sows and caused an increase of placental GR and c-fos mRNA expression. However, the diurnal rhythm of plasma cortisol was disturbed in both LP and HP sows. Total plasma cortisol concentrations in the umbilical cord vessels were elevated in fetuses from HP sows, whereas corticosteroid-binding globulin levels were decreased in LP fetuses. In the hypothalamus, LP fetuses displayed an enhanced mRNA expression of 11β-HSD1 and a reduced expression of c-fos. Additionally, the 11β-HSD2 mRNA expression was decreased in both LP and HP fetuses. The present results suggest that both low and high protein∶carbohydrate dietary ratios during gestation may alter the expression of genes encoding key determinants of glucocorticoid hormone action in the fetus with potential long-lasting consequences for stress adaptation and health.     

Effects of Maternal Diet and Exercise during Pregnancy on Glucose Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle and Fat of Weanling Rats

Obesity during pregnancy contributes to the development of metabolic disorders in offspring. Maternal exercise may limit gestational weight gain and ameliorate these programming effects. We previously showed benefits of post-weaning voluntary exercise in offspring from obese dams. Here we examined whether voluntary exercise during pregnancy influences lipid and glucose homeostasis in muscle and fat in offspring of both lean and obese dams. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed chow (C) or high fat (F) diet for 6 weeks before mating. Half underwent voluntary exercise (CE/FE) with a running wheel introduced 10 days prior to mating and available until the dams delivered; others remained sedentary (CS/FS). Male and female pups were killed at postnatal day (PND)19 and retroperitoneal fat and gastrocnemius muscle were collected for gene expression. Lean and obese dams achieved similar modest levels of exercise. At PND1, both male and female pups from exercised lean dams were significantly lighter (CE versus CS), with no effect in those from obese dams. At PND19, maternal obesity significantly increased offspring body weight and adiposity, with no effect of maternal exercise. Exercise significantly reduced insulin concentrations in males (CE/FE versus CS/FS), with reduced glucose in male FE pups. In males, maternal obesity significantly decreased muscle myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD1) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) mRNA expressions (FS vs CS); these were normalized by exercise. Maternal exercise upregulated adipose GLUT4, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α) mRNA expression in offspring of dams consuming chow. Modest voluntary exercise during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight in pups from lean dams. Maternal exercise appeared to decrease the metabolic risk induced by maternal obesity, improving insulin/glucose metabolism, with greater effects in male than female offspring.