Seung-Lark Hwang

Emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative, suppresses IgE-mediated anaphylactic reaction and mast cell activation

The high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcɛRI)-mediated activation of mast cells plays an important role in allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative in oriental herbal medicines, has several beneficial pharmacologic effects, such as anti-cancer and anti-diabetic activities. However, the anti-allergic effect of emodin has not yet been investigated. To assess the anti-allergic activity of emodin, in vivo passive anaphylaxis animal model and in vitro mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells were used to investigate the mechanism of its action on mast cells. Our results showed that emodin inhibited degranulation, generation of eicosanoids (prostaglandin D(2) and leukotriene C(4)), and secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in a dose-dependent manner in IgE/Ag-stimulated mast cells. Biochemical analysis of the FcɛRI-mediated signaling pathways demonstrated that emodin inhibited the phosphorylation of Syk and multiple downstream signaling processes including mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and NF-κB pathways. When administered orally, emodin attenuated the mast cell-dependent passive anaphylactic reaction in IgE-sensitized mice. Thus, emodin inhibits mast cell activation and thereby the anaphylactic reaction through suppression of the receptor-proximal Syk-dependent signaling pathways. Therefore, emodin might provide a basis for development of a novel anti-allergic drug.

Inhibitory cross-talk between the AMPK and ERK pathways mediates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in the pathogeneses of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) antagonist is an insulin sensitizer that can restore muscle insulin responsiveness in both tunicamycin‐treated muscle cells and type 2 diabetic mice. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the chemical or genetic inhibition ER stress pathway targeting by ERK results in metabolic benefits in muscle cells.

Saucerneol F, a new lignan, inhibits iNOS expression via MAPKs, NF-κB and AP-1 inactivation in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Saucerneol F (SF), a new tetrahydrofuran-type sesquilignan isolated from Saururus chinensis, dose-dependently inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production, with concomitant reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of iNOS expression by SF, we assessed the effects of SF on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA-binding activity, NF-κB-dependent reporter gene activity, inhibitory factor-κB (IκB) phosphorylation and degradation, and p65 nuclear translocation. Treatment with SF decreased the luciferase activities of NF-κB reporter promoters in a dose-dependent manner and translocation of NF-κB p65. In addition, pretreatment of SF reduced LPS-stimulated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAPK, and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK). Furthermore, SF attenuated the luciferase activities of AP-1 reporter promoters and the DNA-binding capacity of AP-1. Taken together, the present results indicate that SF attenuates NO production and iNOS expression by blocking LPS-induced activation of NF-κB, MAPKs, and AP-1, suggesting that SF is potentially applicable as an anti-inflammatory drug.

Low molecular weight fucoidan improves endoplasmic reticulum stress-reduced insulin sensitivity through AMP-activated protein kinase activation in L6 myotubes and restores lipid homeostasis in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.

Low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) is widely used to treat metabolic disorders, but its physiologic effects have not been well determined. In the present study, we investigated the metabolic effects of LMWF in obese diabetic mice (leptin receptor–deficient db/db mice) and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-responsive L6 myotubes. The effect of LMWF-mediated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation on insulin resistance via regulation of the ER stress-dependent pathway was examined in vitro and in vivo. In db/db mice, LMWF markedly reduced serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels, and gradually reduced body weights by reducing lipid parameters. Furthermore, it effectively ameliorated glucose homeostasis by elevating glucose tolerance. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and Akt were markedly reduced by ER stressor, and subsequently, glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation were also reduced. However, these adverse effects of ER stress were significantly ameliorated by LMWF. Finally, in L6 myotubes, LMWF markedly reduced the ER stress-induced upregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin–p70S61 kinase network and subsequently improved the action of insulin via AMPK stimulation. Our findings suggest that AMPK activation by LMWF could prevent metabolic diseases by controlling the ER stress-dependent pathway and that this beneficial effect of LMWF provides a potential therapeutic strategy for ameliorating ER stress-mediated metabolic dysfunctions.

Beneficial effects of β-sitosterol on glucose and lipid metabolism in L6 myotube cells are mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy-sensing enzyme that has been implicated as a key factor for controlling intracellular lipids and glucose metabolism. Beta-sitosterol, a plant sterol known to prevent cardiovascular disease was identified from Schizonepeta tenuifolia to an AMPK activator. In L6 myotube cells, beta-sitosterol significantly increased phosphorylation of the AMPKalpha subunit and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) with stimulating glucose uptake. In contrast, beta-sitosterol treatment reduced intracellular levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in L6 cells. These effects were all reversed by pretreatment with AMPK inhibitor Compound C or LKB1 destabilizer radicicol. Similarly, beta-sitosterol-induced phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC was not increased in HeLa cells lacking LKB1. These results together suggest that beta-sitosterol-mediated enhancement of glucose uptake and reduction of triglycerides and cholesterol in L6 cells is predominantly accomplished by LKB1-mediated AMPK activation. Our findings further reveal a molecular mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of beta-sitosterol on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Isodihydrocapsiate stimulates plasma glucose uptake by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy-sensing enzyme that is implicated as a key factor in controlling whole body homeostasis, including fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake. We report that a synthetic structural isomer of dihydrocapsiate, isodihydrocapsiate (8-methylnonanoic acid 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzyl ester) improves type 2 diabetes by activating AMPK through the LKB1 pathway. In L6 myotube cells, phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and glucose uptake were significantly increased, whereas these effects were attenuated by an AMPK inhibitor, compound C. In addition, increased phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC by isodihydrocapsiate was significantly reduced by radicicol, an LKB1 destabilizer, suggesting that increased glucose uptake in L6 cells with isodihydrocapsiate treatment is predominantly accomplished by a LKB1-mediated AMPK activation pathway. Oral administration of isodihydrocapsiate to diabetic (db/db) mice reduced blood glucose levels by 40% after a 4-week treatment period. Our results support the development of isodihydrocapsiate as a potential therapeutic agent to target AMPK in type 2 diabetes.

Improved insulin sensitivity by rapamycin is associated with reduction of mTOR and S6K1 activities in L6 myotubes.

This study was designed to evaluate the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/p70S61 kinase (S6K1) pathways in ER stress-induced insulin resistance in L6 myotubes. Pretreatment with 5μg/ml of tunicamycin or 600nM thapsigargin for 3h decreased insulin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and glucose uptake, and increased the level of mTOR/S6K1 phosphorylation in L6 myotubes. However, the inhibition of mTOR activity by rapamycin (inhibitor of several intracellular pathways including S6K1 pathways) reversed the ER stress-reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and glucose uptake. Furthermore, pretreatment of cells with rapamycin decreased ER stress-induced phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K1. Interestingly, inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin did not affect ER stress markers such as PERK and JNK activity under the ER stress condition. Similar results were obtained with or without pretreatment with tunicamycin in the absence or presence of S6K1 RNAi. Moreover, S6K1 RNAi-mediated knockdown preserved insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and glucose uptake in ER-stressed L6 myotubes, which was blocked by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. Taken together, these results suggest that rapamycin improved ER stress-induced insulin resistance via inhibition of mTOR/S6K1 hyperphosphorylation in L6 myotubes.

Orphan Nuclear Receptor Small Heterodimer Partner Negatively Regulates Growth Hormone-mediated Induction of Hepatic Gluconeogenesis through Inhibition of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) Transactivation

Background: Growth hormone (GH) is involved in hepatic glucose metabolism. Results: GH increased hepatic gluconeogenesis through STAT5 transactivation, which was abolished by the metformin-ATM-AMPK-SHP pathway. Conclusion: The metformin-ATM-AMPK-SHP network prevents the increase of hepatic gluconeogenesis by the GH-dependent pathway. Significance: The ATM-AMPK-SHP pathway may provide a novel mechanism for regulating hepatic glucose homeostasis via a GH-dependent pathway. Growth hormone (GH) is a key metabolic regulator mediating glucose and lipid metabolism. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase superfamily and regulates cell cycle progression. The orphan nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (SHP: NR0B2) plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolic processes. Here, we studied the role of ATM on GH-dependent regulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis in the liver. GH induced phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose 6-phosphatase gene expression in primary hepatocytes. GH treatment and adenovirus-mediated STAT5 overexpression in hepatocytes increased glucose production, which was blocked by a JAK2 inhibitor, AG490, dominant negative STAT5, and STAT5 knockdown. We identified a STAT5 binding site on the PEPCK gene promoter using reporter assays and point mutation analysis. Up-regulation of SHP by metformin-mediated activation of the ATM-AMP-activated protein kinase pathway led to inhibition of GH-mediated induction of hepatic gluconeogenesis, which was abolished by an ATM inhibitor, KU-55933. Immunoprecipitation studies showed that SHP physically interacted with STAT5 and inhibited STAT5 recruitment on the PEPCK gene promoter. GH-induced hepatic gluconeogenesis was decreased by either metformin or Ad-SHP, whereas the inhibition by metformin was abolished by SHP knockdown. Finally, the increase of hepatic gluconeogenesis following GH treatment was significantly higher in the liver of SHP null mice compared with that of wild-type mice. Overall, our results suggest that the ATM-AMP-activated protein kinase-SHP network, as a novel mechanism for regulating hepatic glucose homeostasis via a GH-dependent pathway, may be a potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance.

AMP-activated protein kinase negatively regulates FcεRI-mediated mast cell signaling and anaphylaxis in mice.

BACKGROUND Aggregation of FcεRI activates a cascade of signaling events leading to mast cell activation, followed by inhibitory signals that turn off the activating signals. However, the overall view of negative signals in mast cells is still incomplete. Although AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is generally known as a regulator of energy metabolism, is also associated with anti-inflammation, little is known about the role of AMPK in mast cells. OBJECTIVES We investigated the role of AMPK and its regulatory mechanism in mast cells. METHOD The roles of AMPK in FcεRI-dependent activation of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were evaluated by using chemical agents, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), or adenovirus that modulated the activity or expression of AMPK signaling components. In addition, AMPKα2(-/-) mice were used to verify the role of AMPK in anaphylactic models. RESULTS FcεRI signaling and associated effector functions in BMMCs were suppressed by the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR) and were conversely augmented by siRNA knockdown of AMPKα2 or liver kinase B1 (LKB1), an upstream kinase of AMPK. Furthermore, AMPKα2 deficiency led to increased FcεRI-mediated BMMC activation and anaphylaxis that were insensitive to AICAR, whereas enforced expression of AMPKα2 in AMPKα2(-/-) BMMCs reversed the hypersensitive FcεRI signaling to normal levels. Pharmacologic inhibition or siRNA knockdown of Fyn mimicked AMPK activation, suggesting that Fyn counterregulates the LKB1-AMPK axis. Mechanistically, Fyn controlled AMPK activity by regulating LKB1 localization. CONCLUSIONS The Fyn-regulated LKB1-AMPK axis acts as a novel inhibitory module for mast cell activation, which points to AMPK activators as therapeutic drugs for allergic diseases.

Citreorosein, a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative isolated from Polygoni cuspidati radix, attenuates cyclooxygenase-2-dependent prostaglandin D2 generation by blocking Akt and JNK pathways in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells.

In this study, we examined the effects of citreorosein (CIT), an anthraquinone component of Polygoni cuspidati radix (P. cuspidati, Polygonaceae), on cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 dependent prostaglandin (PG)D2 generation in mast cells, central effector cells of allergy and other inflammatory diseases. CIT strongly inhibited COX-2-dependent PGD2 generation in a concentration-dependent manner in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) stimulated with stem cell factor (SCF)/IL-10/LPS. In an effort to identify the mechanisms underlying the inhibition of COX-2-dependent PGD2 generation by CIT, we examined the effects of this compound on MAP kinases, Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways, which are essential for COX-2 induction. CIT inhibited nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 subunit and its cognate DNA-binding activity, which correlated with its inhibitory effects on the phosphorylation of Akt and IKK and subsequent phosphorylation and degradation of IκB. Furthermore, CIT significantly attenuated the DNA binding of activator protein (AP)-1 that regulates COX-2 expression through the reduction of the phosphorylation of c-Jun. Moreover, inhibition of PGD2 generation by CIT was accompanied by a decrease in phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2α. Taken together, the present study suggests that CIT represents a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.