Project description:In the present study, we investigated the consequences of trehalose intake on brain metabolism in mice drinking for 0, 1, and 10 days. Microarray analyses were performed to identify the molecular targets involved in the brain metabolism of trehalose intake.
Project description:The melanocortin system is a brain circuit that influences energy balance by regulating energy intake and expenditure. In addition, the brain-melanocortin system controls adipose tissue metabolism to optimize fuel mobilization and storage. Specifically, increased brain-melanocortin signaling or negative energy balance promotes lipid mobilization by increasing Sympathetic Nervous input to adipose tissue. In contrast, calorie-independent mechanisms favoring energy storage are less understood. Here we demonstrate that obesogenic signals, including reduction of brain-melanocortin signaling or high-fat feeding, actively promote fat mass gain independently of caloric intake via efferent nerve fibers conveyed by the common hepatic branch of the vagus nerve. These signals promote adipose tissue expansion by activating lipogenic program and adipocyte and endothelial cell proliferation independently of insulin action or the sympathetic tone to adipose tissue. These data reveal a novel physiological mechanism whereby the brain controls energy stores that may contribute to increased susceptibility to obesity.
Project description:Quantitative mass spectrometry reveals food intake-induced neuropeptide level change in rat brain and functional assessment of selected neuropeptides as feeding regulators
Project description:In the present study, we investigated the consequences of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) depletion on hepatic lipid metabolism in mice fed during three months with a diet presenting a high n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio to induce n-3 PUFA depletion. Microarray analyses were performed to identify the molecular targets involved in the development of hepatic steatosis associated with n-3 PUFA depletion.
Project description:When mice of accelerated senescence prone 10 (SAMP10) were psychosocially stressed using male mouse’s territorial imperative, the mice exhibited higher cerebral atrophy and cognitive dysfunction than same-aged group-housing mice. The brain atrophy was examined using MRI. The volumes of various brain areas were decreased at the time of one month after confrontational housing. However, in SAMP10 mice ingesting theanine, the main amino acid in tea leaves, brain atrophy was suppressed even under confrontational housing. To investigate the function of theanine, the early response against stress was examined at the third day of confrontational housing. The level of transcription factor Npas4 that plays a role in the development of inhibitory synapses for regulating the balance between excitation and suppression was significantly increased by theanine intake. Actually, the levels of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, were balanced in the mice ingested theanine under confrontational housing. These data suggest that theanine suppresses stress-induced damage in the brain via increased expression of Npas4 and regulation of excitement/suppression balance. In addition, SAMP10 is a useful model of stress vulnerability.
Project description:BACKGROUND. Dietary intake of saturated fat is a likely contributor to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance, but the mechanisms that initiate these abnormalities in humans remain unclear. We examined the effects of a single oral saturated fat load on insulin sensitivity, hepatic glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism in humans. Similarly, initiating mechanisms were examined after an equivalent challenge in mice. METHODS. Fourteen lean, healthy individuals randomly received either palm oil (PO) or vehicle (VCL). Hepatic metabolism was analyzed using in vivo 13C/31P/1H and ex vivo 2H magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with isotope dilution. Mice underwent identical clamp procedures and hepatic transcriptome analyses. RESULTS. PO administration decreased whole-body, hepatic, and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity by 25%, 15%, and 34%, respectively. Hepatic triglyceride and ATP content rose by 35% and 16%, respectively. Hepatic gluconeogenesis increased by 70%, and net glycogenolysis declined by 20%. Mouse transcriptomics revealed that PO differentially regulates predicted upstream regulators and pathways, including LPS, members of the TLR and PPAR families, NF-κB, and TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK). CONCLUSION. Saturated fat ingestion rapidly increases hepatic lipid storage, energy metabolism, and insulin resistance. This is accompanied by regulation of hepatic gene expression and signaling that may contribute to development of NAFLD.
Project description:Claudin-5 (CLDN5) is an endothelial tight junction protein essential for blood-brain barrier (BBB) formation. Abnormal CLDN5 expression is common in brain disease, and knockdown of Cldn5 at the BBB has been proposed to facilitate drug delivery to the brain. To study the consequences of CLDN5 loss in the mature brain, we induced mosaic endothelial-specific Cldn5 gene ablation in adult mice (Cldn5iECKO). These mice displayed increased BBB permeability to tracers up to 10 kDa in size from 7 days post induction (dpi) and ensuing lethality from 11 dpi. Single-cell RNA sequencing at 12 dpi revealed profound transcriptomic differences in brain endothelial cells regardless of their Cldn5 status in mosaic mice, suggesting major non-cell-autonomous responses. Reactive microglia and astrocytes suggested rapid cellular responses to BBB leakage. Our study demonstrates a critical role for CLDN5 in the adult BBB and provides molecular insight into the consequences and risks associated with CLDN5 inhibition.