Free fatty acids receptors 2 and 3 control cell proliferation by regulating cellular glucose uptake

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a worldwide problem,which has been associated with changes in diet and lifestyle pattern.As a result of colonic fermentation of dietary fibres,short chain free fatty acids are generated which activate free fatty acid receptors(FFAR)2 and 3.FFAR2 and FFAR3 genes are abundantly expressed in colonic epithelium and play an important role in the metabolic homeostasis of colonic epithelial cells.Earlier studies point to the involvement of FFAR2 in colorectal carcinogenesis.AIM To understand the role of short chain FFARs in CRC.METHODS Transcriptome analysis console software was used to analyse microarray data from CRC patients and cell lines.We employed short-hairpin RNA mediated down regulation of FFAR2 and FFAR3 genes,which was validated using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction.Assays for glucose uptake and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)generation was done along with immunofluorescence studies to study the effects of FFAR2/FFAR3 knockdown.For measuring cell proliferation,we employed real time electrical impedancebased assay available from xCELLigence.RESULTS Microarray data analysis of CRC patient samples showed a significant down regulation of FFAR2 gene expression.This prompted us to study the FFAR2 in CRC.Since,FFAR3 shares significant structural and functional homology with FFAR2,we knocked down both these receptors in CRC cell line HCT 116.These modified cell lines exhibited higher proliferation rate and were found to have increased glucose uptake as well as increased level of glucose transporter 1.Since,FFAR2 and FFAR3 signal through G protein subunit(Gαi),knockdown of these receptors was associated with increased cAMP.Inhibition of protein kinase A(PKA)did not alter the growth and proliferation of these cells indicating a mechanism independent of cAMP/PKA pathway.CONCLUSION Our results suggest role of FFAR2/FFAR3 genes in increased proliferation of colon cancer cells via enhanced glucose uptake and exclude the role of PKA mediated cAMP signalling.Alternate pathways could be involved that would ultimately result in increased cell proliferation as a result of down regulated FFAR2/FFAR3 genes.This study paves the way to understand the mechanism of action of short chain FFARs in CRC.

Decarboxylated osteocalcin,a possible drug for type 2 diabetes,triggers glucose uptake in MG63 cells

BACKGROUND Uncarboxylated osteocalcin(GluOC)has been reported to improve glucose metabolism,prevent type 2 diabetes,and decrease the severity of obesity in mice with type 2 diabetes.GluOC can increase glucose uptake in a variety of cells.Glucose metabolism is the main source of energy for osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.We hypothesized that decarboxylated osteocalcin(dcOC),a kind of GluOC,can increase glucose uptake in MG63 cells(osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells)and influence their proliferation and differentiation.AIM To investigate the effects of dcOC on glucose uptake in human osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells and the possible signaling pathways involved.METHODS MG63 cells(human osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells)were treated with dcOC(0,0.3,3,10,or 30 ng/mL)for 1 and 72 h,and glucose uptake was measured by flow cytometry.The effect of dcOC on cell proliferation was measured with a CCK-8 assay,and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)enzyme activity was measured.PI3K was inhibited with LY294002,and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha(HIF-1α)was silenced with siRNA.Then,GPRC6A(G protein-coupled receptor family C group 6 subtype A),total Akt,phosphorylated Akt,HIF-1α,and glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)levels were measured by Western blot to elucidate the possible pathways by which dcOC modulates glucose uptake.RESULTS The glucose uptake of MG63 cells was significantly increased compared with that of the paired control cells after short-term(1 h)treatment with dcOC at different concentrations(0.3,3,and 10 ng/mL groups,P<0.01;30 ng/mL group,P<0.05).Glucose uptake of MG63 cells was significantly increased compared with that of the paired control cells after long-term(72 h)treatment with dcOC at different concentrations(0.3,3,and 10 ng/mL groups,P<0.01;30 ng/mL group,P<0.05).DcOC triggered Akt phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner,and the most effective stimulatory concentration of dcOC for short-term(1 h)was 3 ng/mL(P<0.01).LY294002 abolished the dcOC-mediated(1 h)promotion of Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake without affecting GLUT1 protein expression.Long-term dcOC stimulation triggered Akt phosphorylation and increased the protein levels of HIF-1α,GLUT1,and Runx2 in a dose-dependent manner.Inhibition of HIF-1αwith siRNA abolished the dcOC-mediated glucose uptake and substantially decreased GLUT1 protein expression.DcOC interven-tion promoted cell proliferation in a time-and dose-dependent manner as determined by the CCK-8 assay.Treatment with both 3 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL dcOC affected the ALP activity in MG63 cells after 72 h(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Short-and long-term dcOC treatment can increase glucose uptake and affect proliferation and ALP activity in MG63 cells.This effect may occur through the PI3K/Akt,HIF-1α,and GLUT1 signaling factors.

Antidiabetic effect of Chrysophyllum albidum is mediated by enzyme inhibition and enhancement of glucose uptake via 3T3-L1 adipocytes and C2C12 myotubes

Objective:To investigate the in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Chrysophyllum albidum.Methods:The effects of oral treatment with hydro-ethanolic extract(125,250 and 500 mg/kg)of the stem bark of Chrysophyllum albidum and glibenclamide for 21 d on glucose level,serum enzyme markers for liver function,lipid profile,total protein,serum urea,serum creatinine,and body weight were evaluated in experimental diabetic rats administered with 45 mg/kg of streptozotocin.In vitro assays including glucose uptake in C2 C12 cells and 3 T3-L1 adipose tissues,α-glucosidase andα-amylase inhibition were employed to evaluate the possible mechanism of hypoglycemic action of the extract.DPPH and nitric oxide radical antioxidant activity of the extract was also measured.Results:The increased levels of blood glucose,triglycerides,lowdensity lipoprotein,total cholesterol,serum aspartate,and alanine transaminases,creatinine,and urea in the diabetic animals were reduced significantly(P<0.01)after treatment with Chrysophyllum albidum extract.The decreased total protein and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were normalized after treatment.In addition,the extract significantly(P<0.01)increased the transport of glucose in 3 T3-L1 cells and C2 C12 myotubes and exhibited considerable potential to inhibitα-amylase andα-glucosidase.It also demonstrated potent antioxidant action by scavenging considerably DPPH and nitric oxide radicals.Conclusions:Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark extract exhibits considerable antidiabetic effect by stimulating glucose uptake and utilization in C2 C12 myotubes and 3 T3-L1 adipocytes as well as inhibiting the activities ofα-amylase andα-glucosidase.

A Triterpene Glycoside Fraction, TG from <i>Gymnema sylvestre</i>Ameliorates Insulin Resistance by Stimulating Glucose Uptake in 3T3L1 Adipocytes and C2C12 Skeletal Muscle Cells

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) which is characterized by insulin resistance in muscle and adipose tissues is a major problem worldwide. Plant based medications are well known from ancient times for possessing antidiabetic properties. Amongst them, Gymnema sylvestre (GS) is one such antidiabetic medicinal plant which has been used traditionally over the years for the treatment of T2DM. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of triterpene glycoside (TG), an active fraction isolated from ethanolic extract of Gymnema sylvestre (EEGS) on a battery of targets;glucose transporter (GLUT- 4), peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), adiponectin and leptin involved in glucose transport and metabolism. No cytotoxic effects were observed in treated cells up to 600 μg/ml of TG as measured by MTT and ROS assays. Elevation of GLUT-4 and PPAR-γ by TG in association with glucose transport supported the upregulation of glucose uptake at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/ml respectively. Additionally, TG showed higher expression of adiponectin and leptin, confirming the favorable pharmacological effect of TG on insulin resistance. The results were comparable to the known antidiabetic drug pioglitazone and commercial standard DAG. Thus TG could be considered as a safe nutraceutical candidate/functional phytoingredient in amelioration of insulin resistance.

An atlas of glucose uptake across the entire human body as measured by the total-body PET/CT scanner:a pilot study

Glucose uptake differs in organs and tissues across the human body.To date,however,there has been no single atlas providing detailed glucose uptake profiles across the entire human body.Therefore,we aimed to generate a detailed profile of glucose uptake across the entire human body using the uEXPLORER positron emission tomography/computed tomography scanner,which offers the opportunity to collect glucose metabolic imaging quickly and simultaneously in all sites of the body.The standardized uptake value normalized by lean body mass(SUL)of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose was used as a measure of glucose uptake.We developed a fingerprint of glucose uptake reflecting the mean SULs of major organs and parts across the entire human body in 15 healthy-weight and 18 overweight subjects.Using the segmentation of organs and body parts from the atlas,we uncovered the significant impacts of age,sex,and obesity on glucose uptake in organs and parts across the entire body.A difference was recognized between the right and left side of the body.Overall,we generated a total-body glucose uptake atlas that could be used as the reference for the diagnosis and evaluation of disordered states involving dysregulated glucose metabolism.

Altered O-GlcNAcylation and mitochondrial dysfunction,a molecular link between brain glucose dysregulation and sporadic Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affected over 6.5 million people in the United States in 2021,with this number expected to double in the next 40 years without any sort of treatment.Due to its heterogeneity and complexity,the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease,especially sporadic Alzheimer’s disease,remains largely unclear.Compelling evidence suggests that brain glucose hypometabolism,preceding Alzheimer’s disease hallmarks,is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.Herein,we discuss the potential causes of reduced glucose uptake and the mechanisms underlying glucose hypometabolism and Alzheimer’s disease pathology.Specifically,decreased O-Glc NAcylation levels by glucose deficiency alter mitochondrial functions and together contribute to Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis.One major problem with Alzheimer’s disease research is that the disease progresses for several years before the onset of any symptoms,suggesting the critical need for appropriate models to study the molecular changes in the early phase of Alzheimer’s disease progression.Therefore,this review also discusses current available sporadic Alzheimer’s disease models induced by metabolic abnormalities and provides novel directions for establishing a human neuronal sporadic Alzheimer’s disease model that better represents human sporadic Alzheimer’s disease as a metabolic disease.

Icariin ameliorates memory deficits through regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters in 3×Tg-AD mice

Icariin,a major prenylated flavonoid found in Epimedium spp.,is a bioactive constituent of Herba Epimedii and has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease.In this study,we investigated the neuroprotective mechanism of icariin in an APP/PS1/Tau triple-transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease.We performed behavioral tests,pathological examination,and western blot assay,and found that memory deficits of the model mice were obviously improved,neuronal and synaptic damage in the cerebral cortex was substantially mitigated,and amyloid-βaccumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation were considerably reduced after 5 months of intragastric administration of icariin at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight per day.Furthermore,deficits of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway and their phosphorylation levels were significantly reversed,including the insulin receptor,insulin receptor substrate 1,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,protein kinase B,and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and the levels of glucose transporter 1 and 3 were markedly increased.These findings suggest that icariin can improve learning and memory impairments in the mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease by regulating brain insulin signaling and glucose transporters,which lays the foundation for potential clinical application of icariin in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Influence and related mechanism of Retn gene expression on glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells

The aim of this article was to investigate the influence and the related mechanism of the Retn gene on glucose uptake and insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 cells.Radioimmunoassay was used to determine glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells with different Retn gene expression levels,whether cells were stimulated by insulin or not.RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR analysis were used to determine the mRNA levels of several glucose transport proteins in 3T3-L1 cells with different Retn gene expression levels,including insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI-3K),AKT-2,glucose transporter-4(GLUT-4),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38MAPK)and glycogen synthase kinase-3b(GSK-3b).The glucose uptake decreased with the increase in Retn gene expression in 3T3-L1 cells,which was independent of whether the cells were stimulated by insulin or not.The mRNA expression of two signal proteins PI-3K and AKT-2 decreased and the other two signal proteins,GSK-3b and p38MAPK,increased with Retn overexpression in 3T3-L1 cells.Resistin could induce insulin resistance in adipocytes,which might be related to the changes of some proteins in PI-3K and Ras pathways.

Adenovirus-mediated transfection with glucose transporter 3 suppresses PC12 cell apoptosis following ischemic injury

In this study, we investigated the effects of adenovirus-mediated transfection of PC12 cells with glucose transporter 3 after ischemic injury. The results of flow cytometry and TUNEL showed that exogenous glucose transporter 3 significantly suppressed PC12 cell apoptosis induced by ischemic injury. The results of isotopic scintiscan and western blot assays showed that, the glucose uptake rate was significantly increased and nuclear factor kappaB expression was significantly decreased after adenovirus-mediated transfection of ischemic PC12 cells with glucose transporter 3. These results suggest that adenovirus-mediated transfection of cells with glucose transporter 3 elevates the energy metabolism of PC12 cells with ischemic injury, and inhibits cell apoptosis.

Glucose regulates LXRα subcellular localization and function in rat pancreatic β-cells

Liver X receptors(LXRs)are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily,which have been implicated in lipid ho-meostasis and more recently in glucose metabolism.Here,we show that glucose does not change LXRα protein level,but affects its localization in pancreatic β-cells.LXRα is found in the nucleus at 8 mM glucose and in the cytoplasm at4.2 mM.Addition of glucose translocates LXRα from the cytoplasm into the nucleus.Moreover,after the activation ofLXR by its synthetic non-steroidal agonist(T0901317),insulin secretion and glucose uptake are increased at 8 mM anddecreased at 4.2 mM glucose in a dose-dependent manner.Furthermore,at low glucose condition,okadaic acid reversedLXRα effect on insulin secretion,suggesting the involvement of glucose signaling through a phosphorylation-dependentmechanism.

Glucose Metabolic Alteration of Cerebral Cortical Subareas in Rats with Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Based on Small-Animal Positron Emission Tomography

Objective:To investigate glucose metabolic alterations in cerebral cortical subareas using ^(18)F-labeled glucose derivative fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)micro-positron emission tomography(PET)scanning in a rat renal ischemia/reperfusion(RIR)model.Methods:Small-animal PET imaging in vivo was performed with ^(18)F-labeled FDG as a PET tracer to identify glucose metabolic alterations in cerebral cortical subregions using a rat model of RIR.Results:We found that the average standardized uptake value(SUV_(average))of the cerebral cortical subareas in the RIR group was significantly increased compared to the sham group(P<0.05).We also found that glucose uptake in different cortical subregions including the left auditory cortex,right medial prefrontal cortex,right para cortex,left retrosplenial cortex,right retrosplenial cortex,and right visual cortex was significantly increased in the RIR group(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference in the SUV_(avcrage) of right auditory cortex,left medial prefrontal cortex,left para cortex,and left visual cortex between the two groups.Conclusion:The ^(18)F-FDG PET data suggests that RIR causes a profound shift in the metabolic machinery of cerebral cortex subregions.

CAV3 mediates IMGU and NIMGU in skeletal muscle and cardiac myocytes

Objective:To observe whether CAV3 is involved in the physiological process of IMGU and NIMGU.Down-regulation of caveolin-3(CAV3)protein expression by small interference RNAs(iRNA)has been studied.Insulin-mediated glucose uptake(IMGU)is critical in skeletal muscle and cardiac myocytes,but non-insulin-mediated glucose uptake(NIMGU)should not be neglected.Methods:CAV3 siRNAs were designed and transfected in C2C12 cells and H9c2 cells in skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle,respectively,and C2C12 and H9c2 cells were cultured in DMEM medium with and without insulin,respectively.Glucose transporter 4(GLUT4)protein expression was detected by Western blot,and the glucose uptake rate of cells was measured by biochemical kit.Results:Transfection with CAV3 siRNA successfully down-regulated CAV3 protein expression in C2C12 and H9c2 cells.In the absence of insulin stimulation,GLUT4 expression was decreased(P<0.01)and glucose uptake was reduced(P<0.05)after 48 h of transfection in C2C12 cells,and GLUT4 expression was decreased(P<0.05)and glucose uptake was reduced(P<0.01)after 48 h of transfection in H9c2 cells.In the presence of insulin stimulation,GLUT4 expression was decreased(P<0.01)and glucose uptake was reduced(P<0.01)after 48 h of transfection in C2C12 cells,and the downregulation of GLUT4 was not statistically significant and glucose uptake was reduced(P<0.01)after 48 hours of transfection in H9c2 cells.Conclusion:Two different states,IMGU and NIMGU,exist in C2C12 cells and H9c2 cells.Both in the quiet state stimulated by insulin as well as in the absence of insulin stimulation,the cellular uptake of glucose is affected by GLUT4 changes regulated by CAV3.

Berberine Relieves Insulin Resistance via the Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway in HepG2 Cells

Berberine（BBR） is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Rhizoma coptidis and has been used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM） in China. The development of T2 DM is often associated with insulin resistance and impaired glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. In this study, we examined whether BBR attenuated glucose uptake dysfunction through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in Hep G2 cells. Cellular glucose uptake, quantified by the 2-[N-（7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl）-amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose（2-NBDG）, was inhibited by 21% after Hep G2 cells were incubated with insulin（10-6 mol/L） for 36 h. Meanwhile, the expression of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor（α7n ACh R） protein was reduced without the change of acetylcholinesterase（ACh E） activity. The level of interleukin-6（IL-6） in the culture supernatant, the ratio of phosphorylated I-kappa-B kinase-β（IKKβ） Ser181/IKKβ and the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B（NF-κB） p65 protein were also increased. However, the treatment with BBR enhanced the glucose uptake, increased the expression of α7n ACh R protein and inhibited ACh E activity. These changes were also accompanied with the decrease of the ratio of p IKKβ Ser181/IKKβ, NF-κB p65 expression and IL-6 level. Taken together, these results suggest that BBR could enhance glucose uptake, and relieve insulin resistance and inflammation in Hep G2 cells. The mechanism may be related to the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and the inhibition of ACh E activity.

Increased monoamine oxidase activity and imidazoline binding sites in insulin-resistant adipocytes from obese Zucker rats

BACKGROUND Despite overt insulin resistance,adipocytes of genetically obese Zucker rats accumulate the excess of calorie intake in the form of lipids.AIM To investigate whether factors can replace or reinforce insulin lipogenic action by exploring glucose uptake activation by hydrogen peroxide,since it is produced by monoamine oxidase(MAO)and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase(SSAO)in adipocytes.METHODS 3H-2-deoxyglucose uptake(2-DG)was determined in adipocytes from obese and lean rats in response to insulin or MAO and SSAO substrates such as tyramine and benzylamine.14C-tyramine oxidation and binding of imidazolinic radioligands[3H-Idazoxan,3H-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline]were studied in adipocytes,the liver,and muscle.The influence of in vivo administration of tyramine+vanadium on glucose handling was assessed in lean and obese rats.RESULTS 2-DG uptake and lipogenesis stimulation by insulin were dampened in adipocytes from obese rats,when compared to their lean littermates.Tyramine and benzylamine activation of hexose uptake was vanadate-dependent and was also limited,while MAO was increased and SSAO decreased.These changes were adipocyte-specific and accompanied by a greater number of imidazoline I2 binding sites in the obese rat,when compared to the lean.In vitro,tyramine precluded the binding to I2 sites,while in vivo,its administration together with vanadium lowered fasting plasma levels of glucose and triacylglycerols in obese CONCLUSION The adipocytes from obese Zucker rats exhibit increased MAO activity and imidazoline binding site number.However,probably as a consequence of SSAO down-regulation,the glucose transport stimulation by tyramine is decreased as much as that of insulin in these insulin-resistant adipocytes.The adipocyte amine oxidases deserve more studies with respect to their putative contribution to the management of glucose and lipid handling.

Culprits or consequences:Understanding the metabolic dysregulation of muscle in diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes(T2D)continues to rise despite the amount of research dedicated to finding the culprits of this debilitating disease.Skeletal muscle is arguably the most important contributor to glucose disposal making it a clear target in insulin resistance and T2D research.Within skeletal muscle there is a clear link to metabolic dysregulation during the progression of T2D but the determination of culprits vs consequences of the disease has been elusive.Emerging evidence in skeletal muscle implicates influential cross talk between a key anabolic regulatory protein,the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)and its associated complexes(mTORC1 and mTORC2),and the well-described canonical signaling for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.This new understanding of cellular signaling crosstalk has blurred the lines of what is a culprit and what is a consequence with regard to insulin resistance.Here,we briefly review the most recent understanding of insulin signaling in skeletal muscle,and how anabolic responses favoring anabolism directly impact cellular glucose disposal.This review highlights key cross-over interactions between protein and glucose regulatory pathways and the implications this may have for the design of new therapeutic targets for the control of glucoregulatory function in skeletal muscle.

Role of melatonin receptor 1B gene polymorphism and its effect on the regulation of glucose transport in gestational diabetes mellitus

Melatonin receptor 1B(MT2,encoded by the MTNR1B gene),a high-affinity receptor for melatonin,is associated with glucose homeostasis including glucose uptake and transport.The rs10830963 variant in the MTNR1B gene is linked to glucose metabolism disorders including gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM);however,the relationship between MT2-mediated melatonin signaling and a high birth weight of GDM infants from maternal glucose abnormality remains poorly understood.This article aims to investigate the relationship between rs10830963 variants and GDM development,as well as the effects of MT2 receptor on glucose uptake and transport in trophoblasts.TaqMan-MGB(minor groove binder)probe quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)assays were used for rs10930963 genotyping.MT2 expression in the placenta of GDM and normal pregnant women was detected by immunofluorescence,western blot,and qPCR.The relationship between MT2 and glucose transporters(GLUTs)or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ)was established by western blot,and glucose consumption of trophoblasts was measured by a glucose assay kit.The results showed that the genotype and allele frequencies of rs10830963 were significantly different between GDM and normal pregnant women(P<0.05).The fasting,1-h and 2-h plasma glucose levels of G-allele carriers were significantly higher than those of C-allele carriers(P<0.05).Besides,the protein and messenger RNA(mRNA)expression of MT2 in the placenta of GDM was significantly higher than that of normal pregnant women(P<0.05).Melatonin could stimulate glucose uptake and GLUT4 and PPARγprotein expression in trophoblasts,which could be attenuated by MT2 receptor knockdown.In conclusion,the rs10830963 variant was associated with an increased risk of GDM.The MT2 receptor is essential for melatonin to raise glucose uptake and transport,which may be mediated by PPARγ.

Cell multiplication, apoptosis and p-Akt protein expression of bone mesenchymal stem cells of rat under hypoxia environment

Objective ：To elucidate whether cell multiplication, apoptosis, glucose intake and p-Akt protein expression of bone Mesenchyreal Stem Cells（MSCs） of rats is influenced by a hypoxic environment ex vivo. Methods ：Passage 3 of bone marrow MSCs taken from Wistar rats,were cultured in a culturing chamber with 94%N2,1%O2,5%CO2 at 37℃. At different hypoxia time points ,0,0.5, 1,4 and 8 h, glucose uptake was assayed by using radiation isotope ^3H-G, Apoptotic Rate（AR） and dead rate（DR） were analyzed by flow cytometry（FCM） after Annexin V/PI staining, cell multiplication（by MTr methods） and p-Akt protein by immunocytochemistry and western blot. Results ：Assay for CD29^± ,CD44^± ,CD71^± ,CD34^-, Tn T^±（after 5-azacytidine agent inducing） and ALP^±（after bone differentiation agent inducing） suggested these bone-derived cells were MSCs. The ^3H-G intaking ratio （CPM/ flask value：157 ± 11,110 ± 11,107 ± 13,103 ± 10,100 ± 9 and 98 ± 10） of MSCs at different hypoxia time points, significantly decreased compared to that of normoxia（P 〈 0.01） and tended to descend slowly with hypoxia time duration, for which there was no statistical significance（P 〉 0.05）. The AR（0.09 ± 2.03%,12.9 ± 1.72%,13.7 ± 2.26%,13.8 ± 3.01%,14.1 ± 2.78% and 14.7 ± 4.01% at 0,0.5,1,4 and 8 h,respectively,P 〈 0.01） and DR （0.04, ± 1.79% ,0.93 ± 1.85% ,3.11 ± 2.14% ,4.09 ± 2.36% ,4.72 ± 2.05% and 4.91 ± 3.72% at 0,0.5,1,4 and 8 h, respectively, P 〈 0.05） at different hypoxia time points significantly increased compared to those time in normoxia; The AR further went up with time （P 〈 0.05）, however there was no statistical significance （P 〉 0.05） for the DR. Optical absorption value of MTr methods at different hypoxia time points significantly decreased compared to those with a corresponding normoxia time （P 〈 0.01） and degraded with time （in an hypoxic environment -P 〈 0.01）. IOD of p-Akt protein of MSCs at different hypoxia time points significantly increased （0.367 ± 0.031,0.556 ± 0.023,0.579 ± 0.013, 0.660 ± 0.024, 0.685 ± 0.039 and 0.685 ± 0.011, respectively） compared to their equivalents in normoxia （P〈0.05）, however, there was no statistical significance （P 〉 0.05） for different hypoxia time points. Hypoxia may result in ultramicrostructure changes, such as defluvium of Microvilli, apoptotic body, ＂margination＂ and so on and are further aggravated with hypoxia time stretching. Conclusion： Hypoxia may lead to a depression of MSCs intaldng glucose, creep of cell multiplication, upregulation of p-Akt protein and apoptosis of MSCs ex vivo.

PXR activation impairs hepatic glucose metabolism partly via inhibiting the HNF4α-GLUT2 pathway

Drug-induced hyperglycemia/diabetes is a global issue. Some drugs induce hyperglycemia by activating the pregnane X receptor(PXR), but the mechanism is unclear. Here, we report that PXR activation induces hyperglycemia by impairing hepatic glucose metabolism due to inhibition of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha(HNF4 a)-glucose transporter 2(GLUT2) pathway. The PXR agonists atorvastatin and rifampicin significantly downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4 a expression, and impaired glucose uptake and utilization in HepG2 cells. Overexpression of PXR downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4 a expression, while silencing PXR upregulated HNF4 a and GLUT2 expression.Silencing HNF4 a decreased GLUT2 expression, while overexpressing HNF4 a increased GLUT2 expression and glucose uptake. Silencing PXR or overexpressing HNF4 a reversed the atorvastatininduced decrease in GLUT2 expression and glucose uptake. In human primary hepatocytes, atorvastatin downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4 a mRNA expression, which could be attenuated by silencing PXR. Silencing HNF4 a downregulated GLUT2 mRNA expression. These findings were reproduced with mouse primary hepatocytes. Hnf4 a plasmid increased Slc2 a2 promoter activity. Hnf4 a silencing or pregnenolone-16 a-carbonitrile(PCN) suppressed the Slc2 a2 promoter activity by decreasing HNF4 a recruitment to the Slc2 a2 promoter. Liver-specific Hnf4 a deletion and PCN impaired glucose tolerance and hepatic glucose uptake, and decreased the expression of hepatic HNF4 a and GLUT2. In conclusion, PXR activation impaired hepatic glucose metabolism partly by inhibiting the HNF4 aGLUT2 pathway. These results highlight the molecular mechanisms by which PXR activators induce hyperglycemia/diabetes.

Cell mechanics and energetic costs of collective cell migration under confined microchannels

Mechanical force between cells relates to many biological processes of cell development.The cellular collective migration comes from cell-cell cooperation,and studying the intercellular mechanical properties helps elucidate collective cell migration.Herein,we studied cell-cell junctions,intercellular tensile force and the related cellular energetic costs in confined microchannels.Using the intercellular force sensor,we found that cells adapt to different confinement environments by regulating intercellular force,and thereby the relationship between collective cell migration and cell-cell junction were verified.Through the observation of cell orientation,actomyosin contractility,energetic costs,and glucose uptake,we can make a reasonable explanation of cell-force driven migration in different confined environments.Under highly confined conditions,the intercellular force and energetic costs are greater,and the cell orientation is more orderly.The collective migration behavior in confined spaces is closely related to the intercellular force and energetic costs,which is helpful to understand the collective migration behaviors in various confined spaces.

Effect of high exposure of chlorogenic acid on lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells

Objective：To evaluate the effect of high concentration of chlorogenic acid（CGA）on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD）in normal and oleic acid（OA）treated Hep G2 cells,as well as the underlying mechanism involved in the fat accumulation,oxidative stress and insulin resistance（IR）induced by CGA treatment.Methods：OA（0.5 mmol/L）induced hepatic steatosis was established in Hep G2 cells as an in vitro model of NAFLD.The normal and OA-treated Hep G2 cells were treated by CGA（0,0.5,1,and 2 mmol/L）for24 h,then cellular lipid droplets,reactive oxygen species（ROS）,and glucose uptake were evaluated by Oil Red O staining and cellular biochemical assays,respectively.Signaling pathways involved in adipogenesis including SREBP-1c and PNPLA3,oxidative stress,and IR including CYP2E1 and CYP4A,were investigated by Western blot and RT-q PCR.Results：CGA（0.5,1,and 2 mmol/L）treatment increased the cellular lipid droplets and the expression of SREBP-1c and PNPLA3 in the tested cells.Additionally,2-NBDG uptake was significantly increased,whereas the cellular ROS and protein levels of CYP2E1 and CYP4A were significantly decreased in OA-treated cells.Conclusion：Our results suggest that high concentrations of CGA ameliorated OA-induced oxidative damage and IR likely by inhibiting the expression of CYP2E1 and CYP4A,and promoted lipid accumulation by inducing the expression of SREBP-1c and PNPLA3 in the tested cells.