Hepatocyte damage induced by carbon tetrachloride: inhibited lipoprotein secretion and changed lipoprotein composition

Changes of lipoprotein secretion and composition in response to CCl4 treatment were studied in monolayer cultures of rat primary hepatocytes. (1) CCl4 decreased secretion of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) by about 85%, while high density lipoprotein (HDL) secretion was less affected (about 40%). The effect was concentration-dependent. (2) CCl4 significantly inhibited secretion of VLDL- and HDL-associated triglycerides and cholesterol esters. VLDL- and HDL-associated cholesterol was not affected, while secretion of phospholipids was increased. (3) Hepatocytes secreted the apolipoproteins B48, B100, E, C, and A-I. CCl4 reduced secretion of apoproteins associated with VLDL by almost 20%, and by about 75% when associated with HDL. The de novo synthesis of apolipoproteins was attenuated by CCl4. (4) CCl4 caused variations in the apolipoprotein composition in VLDL and HDL. CCl4 intoxication of the liver affected the morphology and/or function of the lipoproteins, which drastically impaired their ability to act as transport vehicles for lipids from the liver to the circulation.     

Effect of chylomicron remnants on cholesterol metabolism in cultured rabbit hepatocytes: production of very low density lipoproteins and bile acids

Primary cultures of rabbit hepatocytes were used to investigate the effect of purified (B-100 free) chylomicron remnants (CR) on lipid and bile acid metabolism. ApoB-100-containing lipoproteins were removed from the CR-enriched plasma fraction by affinity column chromatography on Sepharose 4B conjugated with anti-apoB-100 monoclonal antibodies. CR were shown to stimulate the accumulation of neutral lipids in hepatocytes in a dose-response manner. After 24-hour preincubation of rabbit hepatocytes with 50 micrograms protein/ml CR the cellular neutral lipid content increased: 1.9-4-fold for triglycerides, 1.5-3.7-fold for free cholesterol and 1.5-2.5-fold for esterified cholesterol. This accumulation was accompanied by a decreasing incorporation of [14C] acetate into cholesterol (80-90%) and triglycerides (70-80%). At the same time the incorporation of [14]oleate into triglycerides increased by 50-65%. The inhibited biosynthesis of fatty acids might account for this effect. No effect of CR on cholesterol esterification by [14C]oleate was observed. CR increased the amount of triglycerides and free cholesterol secreted in very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). The secretion of taurocholic acid was decreased. These data confirm our hypothesis that dietary cholesterol is preferentially secreted by hepatocytes within VLDL but is not accumulated as cholesterol esters or oxidized to bile acids.     

L-tryptophan administration promotes the reversion of pre-established chronic liver injury in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride

We examined the effect of L-tryptophan (Trp) administration on the reversion of CCl(4)-induced chronic liver injury after hepatotoxicant withdrawal in rats. When rats treated with CCl(4) twice a week for 6 weeks were released from CCl(4) treatment for 2 weeks, there was an incomplete reversion of liver injury. The reversion was enhanced by 2 weeks of daily intraperitoneal administration of Trp (50 mg/kg body weight), starting just after CCl(4) withdrawal. There were increases in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, an index of lipid peroxidation, Ca(2+), triglycerides, and Trp, and decreases in tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase activity and serum triglyceride concentrations in the liver of rats treated with CCl(4) for 6 weeks. Serum albumin concentrations and in vitro hepatic protein synthesis activity did not change in the CCl(4)-treated rats. The changes in the CCl(4)-treated rats were partially attenuated 2 weeks after CCl(4) withdrawal. The attenuation was enhanced by 2 weeks of daily Trp administration. The increases in hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and triglycerides and the decreases in hepatic tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase activity and serum triglyceride concentrations observed 2 weeks after CCl(4) withdrawal were almost completely attenuated by Trp administration. In vitro hepatic protein synthesis in CCl(4)-treated and untreated rats was increased by 2 weeks of daily Trp administration. These results indicate that Trp administration promotes the reversion of pre-established chronic liver injury in rats treated with CCl(4,) and suggest that Trp exerts this effect by enhancing the improvement of several parameters of liver dysfunction associated with chronic liver injury and by stimulating hepatic protein synthesis.     

Effect of carbon tetrachloride administration on the synthesis of triglycerides and phospholipids in rat liver

In vivo incorporation of choline-methyl-(14)C into liver lecithin and its biosynthetic precursors was studied in CCl(4)-treated rats. Radioactivity in cytidine diphosphoryl (CDP-)choline and lecithin was reduced to one-third of control levels, whereas that of phosphorylcholine was increased to 4.7 times control levels. Incorporation of phosphorylcholine-(32)P into lecithin by homogenates prepared from livers of CCl(4)-treated animals was reduced, but conversion of CDP-choline-(32)P to lecithin by the isolated microsomal fraction did not show any significant depression. A block in the synthesis of CDP-choline is indicated. The in vivo utilization of methionine for lecithin synthesis was not affected. After intravenous injection of palmitic acid-1-(14)C, radioactivity of triglycerides from microsomal and mitochondrial fractions was markedly lower than the controls, whereas radioactivity of triglycerides in the soluble fraction was greatly increased. Radioactivity of diglycerides changed from 0.5% of total lipids in the control to 10% of total lipids in CCl(4)-treated animals. Incorporation of palmitic acid into phospholipids was also suppressed. The results demonstrate that synthesis of both phospholipids and triglycerides is inhibited in rats 4-5 hr after CCl(4) administration.     

Suppression of ABCA1 by unsaturated fatty acids leads to lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells

Abnormal lipid metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediates the transport of cholesterol and phospholipids from cells to HDL apolipoproteins. We previously reported that unsaturated fatty acids destabilise ABCA1 in murine macrophages and ABCA1-transfected baby hamster kidney cells by increasing its protein degradation. Here, we examined the correlation between ABCA1 and hepatic lipids. In HepG2 cells, unsaturated but not saturated fatty acids suppressed ABCA1 protein levels by promoting its protein degradation. Over-expression of ABCA1 resulted in a decrease of cellular fatty acids and triglycerides, while repression by ABCA1 siRNA increased both cellular fatty acids and triglycerides. Rats with NASH also showed lower ABCA1 protein levels in liver cells, compared with that of the normal rats. These data indicate that steatosis is associated with a decrease in ABCA1 protein expression leading to an increase in lipid storage in hepatocytes. And it further suggests that this effect could be due to an excess of unsaturated fatty acids.     

Regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis as a possible mechanism for the mitoinhibitory effect of fumonisin B1 in primary rat hepatocytes

The mitoinhibitory effect of fumonisin B1 (FB1) on the mitogenic response of epidermal growth factor (EGF) was investigated in primary hepatocyte cultures with respect to the alterations in the omega6 fatty acid metabolic pathway. Fatty acid analyses of hepatocytes showed that EGF treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the relative levels of 20:4omega6 (arachidonic acid) and an increase in 18:2omega6 (linoleic acid). Supplementation of the hepatocyte cultures with 20:4omega6 in the absence of EGF resulted in an increase in the total omega6 and omega6/omega3 fatty acid ratio. Addition of 20:5omega3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) resulted in an increase of the relative levels of the long chain omega3 fatty acids at the expense of the omega6 fatty acids. When 20:4omega6 and 20:5omega3 was added in the presence of EGF, the mitogenic response of EGF was increased and decreased respectively. When compared to the fatty acid profiles in the absence of EGF, the decreased mitogenic response coincided with a decrease of total omega6 fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In addition, the saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids increased and the polyunsaturated/saturated (P/S) fatty acid ratio decreased which implied a more rigid membrane structure. Addition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) stimulated and inhibited the mitogenic response respectively. Ibuprofen, a known cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and FB1 inhibited the EGF-induced mitogenic response in a dose-dependent manner. The mitoinhibitory effect of FB1 on the EGF response was counteracted by the addition of PGE2. FB1 also disrupts the omega6 fatty acid metabolic pathway in primary hepatocytes, resulting in the accumulation of C18:2omega6 in phospatidylcholine and triacylglicerol. The disruption of the omega6 fatty acid metabolic pathway and/or prostaglandin synthesis is likely to be an important event in the mitoinhibitory effect of FB1 on growth factor responses.     

The effects of alkylthioacetic acids (3-thia fatty acids) on fatty acid metabolism in isolated hepatocytes

Long-chain alkylthioacetic acids (3-thia fatty acids) inhibit fatty acid synthesis from [1-14C]acetate in isolated hepatocytes, while fatty acid oxidation is nearly unaffected or even stimulated. Desaturation of [1-14C]stearate (delta 9-desaturase) is also unaffected. [1-14C]Dodecylthioacetic acid (a 3-thia fatty acid) is incorporated in triacylglycerol and in phospholipids more efficiently than [1-14C]palmitate in isolated hepatocytes. The metabolism of [1-14C]dodecylthioacetic acid to acid-soluble products (by omega-oxidation) is slow compared to the oxidation of [1-14C]palmitate. In hepatocytes from adapted rats (rats fed tetradecylthioacetic acid for 4 days) the rate of [1-14C]palmitate oxidation is increased and its rate of esterification is decreased. Stearate desaturation is also decreased. The rate of cyanide-insensitive peroxisomal fatty acid beta-oxidation is several-fold increased. The metabolic effects of long-chain 3-thia fatty acids are discussed and it is concluded that they behave essentially like normal fatty acids except for their slow breakdown due to the sulfur atom in the 3 position, which blocks normal beta-oxidation.     

The mechanism of stimulation of respiration by fatty acids in isolated hepatocytes

Addition of fatty acids to isolated hepatocytes raised respiration rate by 92% and raised mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi m) in situ from 155 to 162 mV suggesting that the increased fuel supply had a greater effect on respiration rate than any increases in processes that consumed mitochondrial protonmotive force (delta p). The relationship between delta psi m and respiration rate was changed by addition of fatty acids or lactate, showing that there was also stimulation of delta p-consuming reactions. In the presence of oligomycin the relationship between delta psi m and respiration rate was unaffected by substrate addition, showing that the kinetics of delta p consumption by the H+ leak across the mitochondrial inner membrane were unchanged. The stimulation of delta p consumers by fatty acids therefore must be in the pathways of ATP synthesis and turnover. Inhibition of several candidate ATP-consuming reactions had little effect on basal or fatty acid-stimulated respiration, and the nature of the ATP turnover reactions in hepatocytes remains speculative. We conclude that fatty acids (and other substrates) stimulate respiration in hepatocytes in two distinct ways. They provide substrate for the electron transport chain, raising delta p and increasing the non-ohmic proton leak across the mitochondrial inner membrane and the rate of oxygen consumption. They also directly stimulate an unidentified delta p-consuming reaction in the cytoplasm. They do not work by uncoupling or by stimulation of intramitochondrial ATP-turnover reactions.     

Diurnal variations in the effects of an unsaturated-fat-containing diet on fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis in rat hepatocytes.

Rats were fed ad libitum on either a standard high-carbohydrate diet, or a standard diet supplemented with 15% corn oil. Hepatocytes were prepared either during the light phase (L2-hepatocytes) or during the dark phase (D6-hepatocytes) of the diurnal cycle. In hepatocytes from rats fed on the fat-containing diet, fatty acid synthesis (lipogenesis) was suppressed to a much greater extent at D6 than at L2. The magnitude of the increase in plasma-free fatty acid concentration was similar at the two times of day. The rate of cholesterol synthesis was also significantly suppressed in the D6- but not in the L2-hepatocytes. This differential inhibition resulted in the abolition of the normal diurnal rhythm of cholesterogenesis. The initial activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase in hepatocytes was also suppressed by corn-oil feeding at D6 but not at L2. In D6-hepatocytes, the inhibitory effect of the high-fat diet on the conversion of lactate into cholesterol and fatty acids was greater than that on total carbon flux into these substances for all endogenous sources. Despite this, under these conditions a high concentration of lactate and pyruvate resulted in a several-fold stimulation of total carbon flux into fatty acids. In hepatocytes prepared at L2, fat-feeding had little effect on the degree of stimulation of lipogenesis by insulin or inhibition by glucagon. However, at D6, fat-feeding blunted the response of lipogenesis to both these hormones.     

15—Mt—PGF2α对CCL4所致大鼠离体肝细胞损伤的保护作用

采用大鼠离体肝细胞原代培养２４ｈ,并利用四氯化碳ＣＣｌ４造成急性肝细胞损伤模型,检定１５－甲基－前列腺素Ｆ２α（１５－Ｍｔ－ＰＧＦ２α）对肝细胞损伤的影响。结果表明：（１）１５－Ｍｔ－ＰＧＦ２α可显著降低中毒肝细胞脂质过氧化物水平,抑制肝细胞脂质过氧化,并降低谷丙转氨酶（ＧＰＴ）和谷草转氨酶（ＧＯＴ）水平,稳定脂质膜。（２）显著促进中毒肝细胞ＲＮＡ和ＤＮＡ的合成。（３）超微结构证实１５－Ｍｔ－ＰＧＦ２α能减轻ＣＣｌ４对肝细胞脂质膜,染色质,线粒体,内质网和核蛋白体的损害。     

Hepatocyte cytotoxicity induced by various hepatotoxins mediated by cytochrome P-450IIE1: protection with diethyldithiocarbamate administration.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the thiol drug, diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDC) and its two metabolites, disulfiram (DS) and carbon disulfide (CS2) could be used as inhibitors of cytochrome P-450IIE1 to protect hepatocytes from cytotoxic xenobiotics. (1) Hepatocytes isolated from rats following pyrazole administration to induce cytochrome P-450IIE1 were much more susceptible to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) than hepatocytes from untreated rats. Microsomes isolated from P-450IIE1-induced liver were also much more effective at catalysing a NADPH-dependent metabolism of CCl4 and DMN. The activities of aniline hydroxylase and p-nitroanisole-O-demethylase increased whereas ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity was much less induced and pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity was decreased. The P-450IIE1 antibody markedly inhibited the NADPH-dependent metabolism of these compounds indicating that IIE1 is a major catalyst of the microsomal metabolism of CCl4 and DMN. (2) Hepatocytes isolated from rats treated with DEDC or its metabolites, DS and CS2, on the other hand, were resistant to CCl4 and DMN. Microsomes isolated from the liver of animals treated with DEDC or DS or CS2 were also much less effective at catalysing the NADPH-dependent metabolism of the above compounds. DEDC markedly decreased the activities of aniline hydroxylase, p-nitroanisole-O-demethylase and pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase but had no effect on ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase activity. (3) Hepatocytes isolated from pyrazole-treated rats were also more susceptible to bromobenzene (BB) and naphthalene-induced cytotoxicity than hepatocytes from untreated rats. Furthermore, DEDC or CS2 administration beforehand significantly protected hepatocytes against both xenobiotics. (4) By contrast, hepatocytes isolated from P-450IIE1 induced rats were not more susceptible to lactonitrile or cyclophosphamide. Instead, cyclophosphamide was activated by phenobarbital-induced P-450 isozymes whereas lactonitrile was activated by alcohol dehydrogenase. Hepatocytes isolated from DEDC-treated rats were also resistant to cyclophosphamide but not lactonitrile. (5) The above results suggest that P-450IIE1 catalyses the cytotoxic activation of CCl4, DMN, BB and naphthalene but not of lactonitrile or cyclophosphamide. Furthermore, the administration of DEDC and its metabolites, disulfiram or CS2, inactivates P-450IIE1 so that the hepatocytes become resistant to these hepatotoxins.     

Differential effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and oleic acid on lipid synthesis and secretion by HepG2 cells

The effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and oleic acid on lipid synthesis and secretion by HepG2 cells were examined to identify fatty acid specific changes in lipid metabolism that might indicate a basis for the hypolipidemic effect attributed to eicosapentaenoic acid and related n-3 fatty acids. Cellular glycerolipid synthesis, as determined by [3H]glycerol incorporation, increased in a concentration-dependent manner in cells incubated 4 h with either eicosapentaenoic acid or oleic acid at concentrations between 10 and 300 microM. [3H]Glycerol-labeled triglyceride was the principal lipid formed and increased approximately fourfold with the addition of 300 microM oleic acid or eicosapentaenoic acid. Both fatty acids also produced a 20-40% increase in the total cellular triglyceride mass. Although both fatty acids increased triglyceride synthesis to similar extents, eicosapentaenoic acid-treated cells secreted 40% less [3H]glycerol-labeled triglyceride than cells fed oleic acid. Cellular synthesis of [3H]glycerol-labeled phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine was also reduced by 40% and 30%, respectively, in cells given eicosapentaenoic acid versus cells given oleic acid. Similar results were obtained in determinations of radiolabeled oleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid incorporation. At a fatty acid concentration of 300 microM, incorporation of radiolabeled eicosapentaenoic acid into cellular triglycerides was greater than the incorporation obtained with radiolabeled oleic acid, while the reverse relationship was observed for the formation of phosphatidylcholine from the same fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid is as potent as oleic acid in inducing triglyceride synthesis but eicosapentaenoic acid is a poorer substrate than oleic acid for phospholipid synthesis. The intracellular rise in de novo-synthesized triglyceride in eicosapentaenoic acid-treated cells without corresponding increases in triglyceride secretion suggests that eicosapentaenoic acid is less effective than oleic acid in promoting the transfer of de novo-synthesized triglyceride to nascent very low density lipoproteins.     

Dependence with nutritional status of the ethanol effects on fatty acid metabolism in rat hepatocytes

1. The effects of ethanol on fatty acid synthesis, esterification and oxidation were studied in hepatocytes isolated from fed and 24 hr fasted rats. 2. [3H]H2O was preferentially incorporated into the glycerol backbone of triglycerides and phospholipids. Addition of ethanol markedly increased the incorporation of this label in both classes of glycerolipids; the increase was higher in fasted rat hepatocytes, both in the glycerol backbone and acyl groups of glycerolipids. 3. Ethanol increased [U-14C]palmitate incorporation into triglycerides only in hepatocytes from fasted rats. 4. [14C]CO2 and total acid soluble product formation from [1-14C]palmitate resulted inhibited by ethanol both in the fed and the fasted state.     

Utilization of exogenous free fatty acids for the production of very low density lipoprotein triglyceride by livers of carbohydrate-fed rats

High carbohydrate diets enhance the hepatic output of very low density lipoprotein triglycerides. The fatty acids of these triglycerides could come from exogenous sources (i.e., diet or adipose tissue) or from de novo fatty acid synthesis in the liver. The role of exogenous free fatty acids was evaluated in rats fed Purina Chow or diets containing 10% fructose for up to 14 wk. In carbohydrate-fed rats, serum triglycerides were twice normal, and VLDL accounted for about 60% of the increases. Pre-beta-lipoprotein was increased and alpha- and beta-lipoprotein were decreased. Phospholipid and cholesterol levels were unchanged. Livers were perfused with glucose and free fatty acids. Perfusate free fatty acids rose from 180 to 1800 micro eq/liter as the infused acids increased from 0 to 992 micro eq/3 hr; simultaneously, net free fatty acid uptake rose from < 1 to 18 micro eq/g/hr and triglyceride output by the liver doubled. However, rates of secretion of triglyceride became constant, and triglyceride accumulated in liver at uptakes of free fatty acids > 13 micro eq/g/hr. More lauric and myristic acid appeared in the perfusate than was infused, suggesting the hepatic discharge of free fatty acids. Livers of fructose-fed rats secreted twice as much oleate-(14)C-labeled triglyceride as controls at all levels of free fatty acid uptake. The ratios of the specific activities of perfusate triglyceride to free oleate-(14)C were unaffected by diet and were about 0.6 and 1.0 at low and high triglyceride secretion rates, respectively. Thus, carbohydrate feeding did not result in altered uptakes of free fatty acids or preferential secretion of triglycerides containing endogenously synthesized fatty acid. Instead, the increased secretion of triglyceride was accomplished by enhanced formation of VLDL triglyceride from exogenous free fatty acids.     

Interactions of insulin, corticosterone and prolactin in promoting milk-fat synthesis by mammary explants from pregnant rabbits

1. The rate of fatty acid synthesis by mammary explants from rabbits pregnant for 16 days or from rabbits pseudopregnant for 11 days was stimulated up to 15-fold by culturing for 2-4 days with prolactin. This treatment initiated the predominant synthesis of C(8:0) and C(10:0) fatty acids, which are characteristic of rabbit milk. 2. Inclusion of insulin in the culture medium increased the rate of synthesis of these medium-chain fatty acids. By contrast the inclusion of corticosterone led to the predominant synthesis of long-chain fatty acids. When explants were cultured for 2-4 days with insulin, corticosterone and prolactin, the rate of fatty acid synthesis increased up to 42-fold, but both medium- and long-chain fatty acids were synthesized. 3. These results show that the stimulus to mammary-gland lipogenesis and the initiation of synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids observed between days 16 and 23 of pregnancy in the rabbit can be simulated in vitro by prolactin alone. 4. When mammary explants from rabbits pregnant for 23 days were cultured for 2 days with insulin, corticosterone and prolactin, the rate of fatty acid synthesis increased fivefold, but there was a preferential synthesis of long-chain fatty acids. Culture with prolactin alone had little effect on the rate or pattern of fatty acids synthesized. 5. The results are compared with findings in vivo on the control of lipogenesis in the rabbit mammary gland, and are contrasted with the known effects of hormones in vitro on the mammary gland of the mid-pregnant mouse.     

Uncoupling protein-2 induction in rat hepatocytes after acute carbon tetrachloride liver injury

This study is focused on the role of UCP-2 in hepatic oxidative metabolism following acute CCl(4) administration to rats. UCP-2 mRNA, almost undetectable in the liver of controls, was significantly increased 24 h after CCl(4) administration, peaked at 72 h and then tended to disappear. UCP-2 protein, undetectable in controls, increased 48-72 h after CCl(4) treatment. Experiments with isolated liver cells indicated that in control rats UCP-2 was expressed in non-parenchymal cells and not in hepatocytes, whereas in CCl(4)-treated rats UCP-2 expression was induced in hepatocytes and was not affected in non-parenchymal cells. Addition of CCl(4) to the culture medium of hepatocytes from control rats failed to induce UCP-2 expression. Liver mitochondria from CCl(4)-treated rats showed an increase of H(2)O(2) release at 12-24 h, followed by a rise of TBARS. Vitamin E protected liver from CCl(4) injury and reduced the expression of UCP-2. Treatment with GdCl(3) prior to CCl(4), in order to inhibit Kupffer cells, reduced TBARS and UCP-2 mRNA increase in hepatic mitochondria. Our data indicate that CCl(4) induces the expression of UCP-2 in hepatocytes with a redox-dependent mechanism involving Kupffer cells. A role of UCP-2 in moderating CCl(4)-induced oxidative stress during tissue regeneration after injury is suggested.     

Augmentation of unesterified arachidonic acid in the renal inner medulla of dexamethasone-treated rats. Relationship to altered triglyceride metabolism

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of dexamethasone treatment for 2 weeks (2.5 mg/kg/week, subcutaneously) on the level of unesterified fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid, in the renal medulla of rats, and to relate the observed effect to changes in the tissue concentration and the fatty acid composition of renal medulla phospholipids and triglycerides. Dexamethasone treatment caused an increase in the renal inner medulla level of unesterified fatty acids, including arachidonic acid, that was associated with a reduction of triglycerides and of arachidonic acid esterified into triglycerides, and with an increase in the rate of fatty acids esterification into triglycerides. In contrast, dexamethasone treatment did not affect the renal medulla concentration of phospholipids, the arachidonic acid content of renal medulla phospholipids, or the rate of esterification of fatty acids into renal medulla phospholipids. In the face of increased fatty acid esterification into triglycerides, the finding of reduced triglyceride levels in the renal medulla of dexamethasone-treated rats suggests excessive triglyceride breakdown. If so, fatty acids including arachidonic acid liberated from triglycerides may contribute to elevation of unesterified fatty acid levels in the renal medulla during dexamethasone treatment. The increased level of free arachidonic acid in the renal medulla of dexamethasone-treated rats may explain in part the reported effect of this steroid in increasing urinary prostaglandins.     

Preferential lipolysis of DGAT1 over DGAT2 generated triacylglycerol in Huh7 hepatocytes

Two distinct diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT1 and DGAT2) catalyze the final committed step of triacylglycerol (TG) synthesis in hepatocytes. After its synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) TG is either stored in cytosolic lipid droplets (LDs) or is assembled into very low-density lipoproteins in the ER lumen. TG stored in cytosolic LDs is hydrolyzed by adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and the released fatty acids are converted to energy by oxidation in mitochondria. We hypothesized that targeting/association of ATGL to LDs would differ depending on whether the TG stores were generated through DGAT1 or DGAT2 activities. Individual inhibition of DGAT1 or DGAT2 in Huh7 hepatocytes incubated with oleic acid did not yield differences in TG accretion while combined inhibition of both DGATs completely prevented TG synthesis suggesting that either DGAT can efficiently esterify exogenously supplied fatty acid. DGAT2-made TG was stored in larger LDs, whereas TG formed by DGAT1 accumulated in smaller LDs. Inactivation of DGAT1 or DGAT2 did not alter expression (mRNA or protein) of ATGL, the ATGL activator ABHD5/CGI-58, or LD coat proteins PLIN2 or PLIN5, but inactivation of both DGATs increased PLIN2 abundance despite a dramatic reduction in the number of LDs. ATGL was found to preferentially target to LDs generated by DGAT1 and fatty acids released from TG in these LDs were also preferentially used for fatty acid oxidation. Combined inhibition of DGAT2 and ATGL resulted in larger LDs, suggesting that the smaller size of DGAT1-generated LDs is the result of increased lipolysis of TG in these LDs.     

Influence of chain length and unsaturation on the effects of fatty acids on phosphoglyceride biosynthesis in isolated rat and pig hepatocytes.

Hepatocytes isolated from rat or pig by collagenase perfusion were incubated with [3H]glcyerol and different albumin-bount fatty acids. Among C22 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid stimulated phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis in rat hepatocytes most effectively. Addition of docosahexaenoic acid plus either palmitic or stearic acid resulted almost in the same stimulation whereas combinations of this acid with lauric or myristic acid had no effect. Lauric acid and myristic acid alone inhibited phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis. The chain length specificity for monoenoic fatty acids was similar, the hexadecenoic and octadecenoic acids (both cis and trans) being most stimulatory. The addition of 0.2 mM ethanolamine markedly stimulated phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis, but most effects of fatty acids were similar in its presence or absence.     

Autophagic degradation of peroxisomes in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Degradation of the peroxisomal enzymes fatty acyl-CoA oxidase and catalase was studied in hepatocytes isolated from rats treated with clofibrate and from control rats. Hepatocytes were incubated in the absence of amino acids in order to ensure maximal flux through the autophagic pathway and in the presence of cycloheximide to inhibit protein synthesis. (1) Degradation of the two peroxisomal enzymes in hepatocytes from clofibrate-fed rats, but not in hepatocytes from control rats, was much faster than that of other intracellular enzymes. This increased degradation of the peroxisomal enzymes was almost completely prevented by 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of macroautophagic sequestration. (2) The increased degradation of the peroxisomal enzymes was also inhibited by a long-chain (C16:0) and a very-long-chain (C26:0) fatty acid, but not by C12:0, a medium-chain fatty acid, or by C8:0, a short-chain fatty acid. These results provide direct evidence for the proposal that autophagic sequestration can be highly selective [(1987) Exp. Mol. Pathol. 46, 114-122]. It is concluded that preferential autophagy of peroxisomes is prevented when these organelles are supplied with their fatty acid substrates.