Rohit A. Sinha

Caffeine stimulates hepatic lipid metabolism by the autophagy-lysosomal pathway in mice

Caffeine is one of the worlds most consumed drugs. Recently, several studies showed that its consumption is associated with lower risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), an obesity‐related condition that recently has become the major cause of liver disease worldwide. Although caffeine is known to stimulate hepatic fat oxidation, its mechanism of action on lipid metabolism is still not clear. Here, we show that caffeine surprisingly is a potent stimulator of hepatic autophagic flux. Using genetic, pharmacological, and metabolomic approaches, we demonstrate that caffeine reduces intrahepatic lipid content and stimulates β‐oxidation in hepatic cells and liver by an autophagy‐lysosomal pathway. Furthermore, caffeine‐induced autophagy involved down‐regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and alteration in hepatic amino acids and sphingolipid levels. In mice fed a high‐fat diet, caffeine markedly reduces hepatosteatosis and concomitantly increases autophagy and lipid uptake in lysosomes. Conclusion: These results provide novel insight into caffeines lipolytic actions through autophagy in mammalian liver and its potential beneficial effects in NAFLD. (Hepatology 2014;59:1366‐1380)

Molecular iodine induces caspase-independent apoptosis in human breast carcinoma cells involving the mitochondria-mediated pathway.

Molecular iodine (I2) is known to inhibit the induction and promotion of N-methyl-n-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinogenesis, to regress 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced breast tumors in rat, and has also been shown to have beneficial effects in fibrocystic human breast disease. Cytotoxicity of iodine on cultured human breast cancer cell lines, namely MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-453, ZR-75-1, and T-47D, is reported in this communication. Iodine induced apoptosis in all of the cell lines tested, except MDA-MB-231, shown by sub-G1 peak analysis using flow cytometry. Iodine inhibited proliferation of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells; however, it did not induce apoptosis in these cells. The iodine-induced apoptotic mechanism was studied in MCF-7 cells. DNA fragmentation analysis confirmed internucleosomal DNA degradation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling established that iodine induced apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner in MCF-7 cells. Iodine-induced apoptosis was independent of caspases. Iodine dissipated mitochondrial membrane potential, exhibited antioxidant activity, and caused depletion in total cellular thiol content. Western blot results showed a decrease in Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax. Immunofluorescence studies confirmed the activation and mitochondrial membrane localization of Bax. Ectopic Bcl-2 overexpression did not rescue iodine-induced cell death. Iodine treatment induces the translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria to the nucleus, and treatment of N-acetyl-l-cysteine prior to iodine exposure restored basal thiol content, ROS levels, and completely inhibited nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor and subsequently cell death, indicating that thiol depletion may play an important role in iodine-induced cell death. These results demonstrate that iodine treatment activates a caspase-independent and mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway.

Thyroid hormone stimulates hepatic lipid catabolism via activation of autophagy

For more than a century, thyroid hormones (THs) have been known to exert powerful catabolic effects, leading to weight loss. Although much has been learned about the molecular mechanisms used by TH receptors (TRs) to regulate gene expression, little is known about the mechanisms by which THs increase oxidative metabolism. Here, we report that TH stimulation of fatty acid β-oxidation is coupled with induction of hepatic autophagy to deliver fatty acids to mitochondria in cell culture and in vivo. Furthermore, blockade of autophagy by autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) siRNA markedly decreased TH-mediated fatty acid β-oxidation in cell culture and in vivo. Consistent with this model, autophagy was altered in livers of mice expressing a mutant TR that causes resistance to the actions of TH as well as in mice with mutant nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR). These results demonstrate that THs can regulate lipid homeostasis via autophagy and help to explain how THs increase oxidative metabolism.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), a Green Tea Polyphenol, Stimulates Hepatic Autophagy and Lipid Clearance

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenol in green tea that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-steatotic effects on the liver. Autophagy also mediates similar effects; however, it is not currently known whether EGCG can regulate hepatic autophagy. Here, we show that EGCG increases hepatic autophagy by promoting the formation of autophagosomes, increasing lysosomal acidification, and stimulating autophagic flux in hepatic cells and in vivo. EGCG also increases phosphorylation of AMPK, one of the major regulators of autophagy. Importantly, siRNA knockdown of AMPK abrogated autophagy induced by EGCG. Interestingly, we observed lipid droplet within autophagosomes and autolysosomes and increased lipid clearance by EGCG, suggesting it promotes lipid metabolism by increasing autophagy. In mice fed with high-fat/western style diet (HFW; 60% energy as fat, reduced levels of calcium, vitamin D3, choline, folate, and fiber), EGCG treatment reduces hepatosteatosis and concomitantly increases autophagy. In summary, we have used genetic and pharmacological approaches to demonstrate EGCG induction of hepatic autophagy, and this may contribute to its beneficial effects in reducing hepatosteatosis and potentially some other pathological liver conditions.

Inhibition of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide-induced autophagy at a lower dose enhances cell death in malignant glioma cells

The question whether chemotherapy-induced autophagy is causative to the demise of the cells or a part of the survival mechanism activated during cellular distress is unclear. Others and we have previously demonstrated apoptosis-inducing capacity of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR) in malignant glioma cells. We provide evidences of 4-HPR-induced autophagy at a lower concentration (5 microM). Suboptimal dose of 4-HPR treatment of malignant glioma cell lines increased G(2)/M arrest, whereas cell accumulated in S phase at a higher concentration. 4-HPR-induced autophagy was associated with acidic vacuole [acidic vesicular organelle (AVO)] formation and recruitment of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3). At a higher concentration of 10 microM of 4-HPR, glioma cells undergoing apoptosis manifested autophagic features indicated by autophagosome formation, AVO development and LC3 localization. Autophagy inhibition at an early stage by 3-methyl adenine inhibited the AVO formation and LC3 localization with an enhancement in cell death. Bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of vacuolar type Hthorn-ATPase also prevented AVO formation without effecting LC-3 localization pattern and also enhanced the extent of 4-HPR-induced cell death. 4-HPR activated c-jun and P38(MAPK) at both 5 and 10 microM concentrations, whereas increased activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and NF-kappaB was seen only at lower dose. Inhibiting phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways modulated 4-HPR-induced cell death. This is the first report that provides evidences that besides apoptosis induction 4-HPR can also induce autophagy. These results indicate that 4-HPR-induced autophagy in glioma cell may provide survival advantage and inhibition of autophagy may enhance the cytotoxicity to 4-HPR.

Thyroid hormone regulation of hepatic lipid and carbohydrate metabolism

Thyroid hormone (TH) has important roles in regulating hepatic lipid, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. Recent findings suggest that clinical conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are associated with dysregulated hepatic metabolism, may involve altered intracellular TH action. In addition, TH has key roles in lipophagy in lipid metabolism, mitochondrial quality control, and the regulation of metabolic genes. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding the functions of TH in hepatic metabolism, the relationship between TH and metabolic disorders, and the potential therapeutic use of thyromimetics to treat metabolic dysfunction in the liver.

Maternal Thyroid Hormone before the Onset of Fetal Thyroid Function Regulates Reelin and Downstream Signaling Cascade Affecting Neocortical Neuronal Migration

Though aberrant neuronal migration in response to maternal thyroid hormone (TH) deficiency before the onset of fetal thyroid function (embryonic day [E] 17.5) in rat cerebral cortex has been described, molecular events mediating morphogenic actions have remained elusive. To investigate the effect of maternal TH deficiency on neocortical development, rat dams were maintained on methimazole from gestational day 6 until sacrifice. Decreased number and length of radial glia, loss of neuronal bipolarity, and impaired neuronal migration were correctible with early (E13-15) TH replacement. Reelin downregulation under hypothyroidism is neither due to enhanced apoptosis in Cajal-Retzius cells nor mediated through brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tyrosine receptor kinase B alterations. Results based on gel shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show the transcriptional control of reelin by TH through the presence of intronic TH response element. Furthermore, hypothyroidism significantly increased TH receptor α1 with decreased reelin, apolipoprotein E receptor 2, very low-density lipoprotein receptor expression, and activation of cytosolic adapter protein disabled 1 that compromised the reelin signaling. Integrins (α(v) and β₁) are significantly decreased without alteration of α₃ indicating intact neuroglial recognition but disrupted adhesion and glial end-feet attachment. Results provide mechanistic basis of essentiality of adequate maternal TH levels to ensue proper fetal neocortical cytoarchitecture and importance of early thyroxine replacement.

Maternal thyroid hormone deficiency affects the fetal neocorticogenesis by reducing the proliferating pool, rate of neurogenesis and indirect neurogenesis.

Neuronal progenitor cell proliferation and their optimum number are indispensable for neurogenesis, which is determined by cell cycle length and cell cycle quitting rate of the dividing progenitors. These processes are tightly orchestrated by transcription factors like Tbr2, Pax6, and E2f-1. Radial glia and intermediate progenitor cells (IPC) through direct and indirect neurogenesis maintain surface area and neocortical thickness during development. Here we show that fetal neurogenesis is maternal thyroid hormone (MTH) dependent with differential effect on direct and indirect neurogenesis. MTH deficiency (MTHD) impairs direct neurogenesis through initial down-regulation of Pax6 and diminished progenitor pool with recovery even before the onset of fetal thyroid function (FTF). However, persistent decrease in Tbr2 positive IPCs, diminished NeuN positivity in layers I-III of neocortex, and reduced cortical thickness indicate a non-compensatory impairment in indirect neurogenesis. TH deficiency causes disrupted cell cycle kinetics and deranged neurogenesis. It specifically affects indirect neurogenesis governed by intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs). TH replacement in hypothyroid dams partially restored the rate of neurogenesis in the fetal neocortex. Taken together we describe a novel role of maternal TH in promoting IPCs derived neuronal differentiation in developing neo-cortex. We have also shown for the first time that ventricular zone progenitors are TH responsive as they express its receptor, TR alpha-1, transporters (MCT8) and deiodinases. This study highlights the importance of maternal thyroid hormone (TH) even before the start of the fetal thyroid function.

Anti-apoptotic role of omega-3-fatty acids in developing brain: perinatal hypothyroid rat cerebellum as apoptotic model.

Inadequate maternal intake of omega‐3‐fatty acids (ω3 FAs) causes adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in the progeny; however, their molecular mechanism of action is obscure. Since ω3 FAs are known to inhibit neuronal apoptosis during neuro‐degeneration, we investigated their possible contribution in regulating neuronal apoptosis during brain development. Using rat model of hypothyroidism‐induced neuronal apoptosis, we provide evidence for anti‐apoptotic role of ω3 FAs during cerebellar development. ω3 FAs were supplemented as a mixture of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to pregnant and lactating rats, and primary hypothyroidism was induced by administering methimazole. The cerebella from postnatal day 16 (d16) pups were isolated, and studies on apoptosis were conducted. We observed that ω3 FA‐supplementation significantly reduced DNA fragmentation and caspase‐3 activation in developing cerebellum of hypothyroid pups. The protection provided by ω3 FAs was associated with their ability to prevent increases in the level of pro‐apoptotic basal cell lymphoma protein‐2 (Bcl‐2)‐associated X protein (Bax) in the cerebellum during thyroid hormone (TH) deficiency. ω3 FAs increased the levels of anti‐apoptotic proteins like Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐extra large (Bcl‐xL), known to be repressed in hypothyroidism. ω3 FAs also restored levels of cerebellar phospho (p)‐AKT, phospho‐extracellular regulated kinase (p‐ERK) and phospho‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (p‐JNK), which were altered by hypothyroid insults, without interfering with the expression of TH responsive gene, myelin basic protein (mbp). Taken together, these results supplement an insight into the molecular mechanism of action of ω3 FAs in developing brain that involves regulation of apoptotic signaling pathways under stress.

Thyroid hormone induction of mitochondrial activity is coupled to mitophagy via ROS-AMPK-ULK1 signaling

Currently, there is limited understanding about hormonal regulation of mitochondrial turnover. Thyroid hormone (T3) increases oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage mitochondria. However, the mechanism for maintenance of mitochondrial activity and quality control by this hormone is not known. Here, we used both in vitro and in vivo hepatic cell models to demonstrate that induction of mitophagy by T3 is coupled to oxidative phosphorylation and ROS production. We show that T3 induction of ROS activates CAMKK2 (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2, β) mediated phosphorylation of PRKAA1/AMPK (5′ AMP-activated protein kinase), which in turn phosphorylates ULK1 (unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1) leading to its mitochondrial recruitment and initiation of mitophagy. Furthermore, loss of ULK1 in T3-treated cells impairs both mitophagy as well as OXPHOS without affecting T3 induced general autophagy/lipophagy. These findings demonstrate a novel ROS-AMPK-ULK1 mechanism that couples T3-induced mitochondrial turnover with activity, wherein mitophagy is necessary not only for removing damaged mitochondria but also for sustaining efficient OXPHOS.