Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javier Casas, Clara Meana, Jose Ramon Lopez-Lopez, Jesus Balsinde, Maria A. Balboa
Summary: This study reveals the activation of the TRPC3 channel during macrophage exposure to LPS, which is essential for intracellular Ca2+ release. TRPC3 participates in cytosolic Ca2+ elevations, NF-kappa B activation, and cytokine upregulation. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPC3 reduces LPS-induced systemic inflammation in mice.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haoyang Yuan, Yichuan You, Yangyang He, Yungeng Wei, Yuting Zhang, Hui Min, Chao Li, Jie Chen
Summary: This study investigates the effects of crystalline silica (CS) particles on macrophage subsets in the lung. It identifies interstitial macrophages (IMs) as critical mediators in response to CS and highlights the role of Notch3 in IMs recruitment and activation, providing new insights into the toxicological effects of CS in the lung.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Qixin Wu, Dandan Shi, Ting Dong, Zhuolin Zhang, Qingjian Ou, Yujing Fang, Caixia Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the association between circulating saturated fatty acids (SFAs) including very long-chain SFAs (VLCSFAs) and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The results showed that higher levels of total SFAs were associated with an increased risk of CRC, while higher levels of VLCSFAs were associated with a decreased risk of CRC. Specifically, certain types of SFAs like lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, and arachidic acid were positively associated with CRC risk.
Article
Immunology
Andrew R. Reeves, Brian E. Sansbury, Meixia Pan, Xianlin Han, Matthew Spite, Andrew S. Greenberg
Summary: This study demonstrated that deficiency of Acsl4 in mouse rpMACs led to a reduction in the incorporation of arachidonic acid (AA) into phospholipids, resulting in reduced lipid mediator synthesis and inflammation.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Permal Deo, Varinderpal S. Dhillon, Philip Thomas, Michael Fenech
Summary: The study found a negative association between saturated fatty acids and a blood biomarker of AGE, while unsaturated fatty acids showed a positive association with it. However, these associations weakened after adjusting for age, BMI, and gender.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Yan Liu, Han Xu, Naima Dahir, Ashley Calder, Fangjun Lin, Timothy A. Gilbertson
Summary: Recent studies have identified a new receptor, GPR84, in the gustatory system that responds to medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs) in male mice. Activation of GPR84 by MCFAs leads to depolarization and an increase in intracellular free calcium in taste cells. Knockout mouse models lacking GPR84 show specific deficits in neural and behavioral responses to oral MCFAs compared to wild-type mice.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fangfang Xu, Jun Wang, Pan Wang, Tao Hou, Han Zhou, Yaopeng Zhao, Jixia Wang, Yanfang Liu, Xinmiao Liang
Summary: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a safe and effective bile acid for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study identified that UDCA acts as an agonist of the free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4), which plays a protective role in NAFLD treatment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Balestrieri, David Di Costanzo, Daniel F. Dwyer
Summary: This article reviews the diverse functions of macrophages in inflammatory processes and introduces the fatty acids and oxylipins generated by macrophages and their role in immune responses. Moreover, the review discusses the impact of lipidomic studies on macrophage polarization.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ling-Jun Li, Ruochen Du, Marion Ouidir, Ruijin Lu, Zhen Chen, Natalie L. Weir, Michael Y. Tsai, Paul S. Albert, Cuilin Zhang
Summary: Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) during pregnancy have an impact on metabolic programming and fetal growth. In this study, plasma phospholipid SFAs were measured in early pregnancy and fetal growth was monitored. It was found that even-chain and very long even-chain SFAs were negatively associated, while odd-chain SFAs were positively associated with fetal weight and size. Pentadecanoic acid (15:0) in the highest tertile showed a greater fetal weight and size compared to the lowest tertile. These findings suggest the potential use of an alternative high-fat diet rich in odd-chain SFAs for optimal fetal growth.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Brohee, Julie Cremer, Alain Colige, Christophe Deroanne
Summary: The rewiring of lipid metabolism in cancer cells is associated with their increased aggressiveness, making the targeting of lipid metabolism an appealing therapeutic strategy. Lipin-1, a central regulator of lipid homeostasis, has been highlighted for its potential role in cancer progression, both in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. Inhibiting Lipin-1 may serve as an adjuvant therapy to enhance the effects of anti-cancer treatments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jae-Su Moon, Flavia Franco da Cunha, Jin Young Huh, Alexander Yu Andreyev, Jihyung Lee, Sushil K. Mahata, Felipe Cg Reis, Chanond A. Nasamran, Yun Sok Lee
Summary: This study demonstrates that the mitochondrial inner membrane protein ANT2 mediates proinflammatory activation of adipose tissue macrophages in obesity through a mechanism involving mitochondrial permeability transition and reactive oxygen species production. This leads to increased expression of HIF-1 alpha and NF-KB, promoting low-grade chronic inflammation in obesity.
Article
Immunology
Samuel L. Collins, Min-Hee Oh, Im-Hong Sun, Yee Chan-Li, Liang Zhao, Jonathan D. Powell, Maureen R. Horton
Summary: Metabolic programming is closely linked to immune cell function, with mTOR signaling as a key regulator. While mTORC2 signaling is crucial for M2 macrophage generation, the role of mTORC1 signaling remains controversial. Inhibiting mTORC1 signaling enhances M1 macrophage function, despite defects in glycolytic metabolism, by inhibiting sirtuins and enhancing histone acetylation.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Varinderpal S. Dhillon, Permal Deo, Ann Chua, Phil Thomas, Michael Fenech
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between red blood cell fatty acid status and lymphocyte telomere length (LTL) in 174 healthy older South Australians. Results showed that saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were negatively associated with LTL, while polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6), were positively correlated with LTL. Further research is warranted into the significant association of fatty acids, especially C20:4n-6, with telomere length.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Donghao Tian, Wenyao Xu, Weikang Pan, Baijun Zheng, Weili Yang, Wanying Jia, Yong Liu, Malgorzata A. Garstka, Ya Gao, Hui Yu
Summary: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can improve cell therapy for hypoganglionosis by enhancing short-chain fatty acid metabolism-induced MEK1/2 signaling.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sai Zhang, Xiaohong Chen, Biswarup Sen, Mohan Bai, Yaodong He, Guangyi Wang
Summary: Species of Schizochytrium are well known for their ability to produce lipids intracellularly. In this study, seven different natural antioxidants were evaluated for their effects on lipid accumulation in Schizochytrium sp. PKU#Mn4. Mannitol showed the best increment in total fatty acids concentration, with interactions between mannitol and ascorbic acid resulting in increased saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrations. This study provides insights into strategies for improving lipid accumulation in thraustochytrids using exogenous antioxidants and the underlying mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javier Casas, Jesus Balsinde, Maria A. Balboa
Summary: Phosphorylation of IVA cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha is crucial for its translocation to membranes rich in phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate. This phosphorylation process regulates the mobilization of arachidonic acid and the synthesis of prostaglandins.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Barahona, Patricia Rada, Silvia Calero-Perez, Ruben Grillo-Risco, Laura Pereira, M. Carmen Soler-Vazquez, Laura Maria Lalglesia, Maria J. Moreno-Aliaga, Laura Herrero, Dolors Serra, Carmelo Garcia-Monzon, Agueda Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Jesus Balsinde, Francisco Garcia-Garcia, M. Pilar Valdecantos, Angela M. Valverde
Summary: The study demonstrates that PTP1B deficiency protects OCs against lipotoxicity by promoting antioxidant defenses and cellular processes, resulting in the formation and dynamics of LDs.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Miguel A. Bermudez, Laura Pereira, Cristina Fraile, Laura Valerio, Maria A. Balboa, Jesus Balsinde
Summary: In this review, the effects of monounsaturated hexadecenoic fatty acids, particularly palmitoleic acid, on metabolic diseases are discussed. Palmitoleic acid has been described as a lipokine that regulates various metabolic processes. The biological effects of sapienic acid and hypogeic acid are still poorly understood, but accumulating evidence suggests their importance in metabolic regulation.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
David Aguilar-Recarte, Emma Barroso, Meijian Zhang, Patricia Rada, Javier Pizarro -Delgado, Lucia Pena, Xavier Palomer, Angela M. Valverde, Walter Wahli, Manuel Vazquez-Carrera
Summary: This study reveals a novel mechanism by which the activation of AMPK by metformin is dependent on the upregulation of GDF15, independent of the central nervous system. This finding provides insights into the therapeutic effects of metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alma M. Astudillo, Maria A. Balboa, Jesus Balsinde
Summary: Lipid homeostasis perturbations and conditions favoring oxidative stress are important in the inflammatory response. Recent research has focused on lipid signaling in oxidative stress-mediated responses and inflammation, including phagocytosis and ferroptosis. The synthesis of oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids is a common event in these responses. Advances in this area highlight the importance of compartmentalization of enzymes and lipid substrates in shaping the appropriate response. Understanding the role of specific enzymes, such as iPLA213, in oxidative stress and inflammation may lead to new therapeutic interventions.
PROGRESS IN LIPID RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel A. Bermudez, Julio M. Rubio, Maria A. Balboa, Jesus Balsinde
Summary: This study investigates the metabolic fate of arachidonic acid (AA) pools in macrophages during cellular activation. The membrane phospholipid AA pool is shown to be the major, and possibly the only, source of releasable AA during acute stimulation. However, the AA pool in triacylglycerol is used at a later stage to replenish the phospholipid pools.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nagore de Pablo, Clara Meana, Javier Martinez-Garcia, Pablo Martinez-Vicente, Manuel Albert, Susana Guerra, Ana Angulo, Jesus Balsinde, Maria A. Balboa
Summary: This study reveals that interferons regulate the expression of lipin-2, which can inhibit viral replication and regulate inflammation. Furthermore, LPIN2 expression levels are negatively correlated with the severity of COVID-19.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Irma Garcia-Martinez, Rosa Alen, Laura Pereira, Adrian Povo-Retana, Alma M. Astudillo, Ana B. Hitos, Isabel Gomez-Hurtado, Eduardo Lopez-Collazo, Lisardo Bosca, Ruben Frances, Ignacio Lizasoain, Maria Angeles Moro, Jesus Balsinde, Manuel Izquierdo, Angela M. Valverde
Summary: This study reveals that small extracellular vesicles (sEV) released by hepatocytes under NAFLD conditions induce liver inflammation and insulin resistance in hepatocytes through paracrine hepatocyte-macrophage-hepatocyte crosstalk. These sEV act as transporters of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and potent inducers of liver inflammation. Liver inflammation mediated by sEV can be attenuated by inhibiting Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4). Evidence of macrophage-hepatocyte interactome was also found in patients with NAFLD, highlighting the relevance of sEV in SFAs-mediated lipotoxicity in NAFLD.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Monge, Alma M. Astudillo, Laura Pereira, Maria A. Balboa, Jesus Balsinde
Summary: This study investigates the incorporation and redistribution of DHA in mouse macrophages. DHA is initially taken up by choline glycerophospholipids and transferred to ethanolamine glycerophospholipids through prolonged incubation. Mass spectrometry analysis reveals a high abundance of DHA in ether phospholipids. Stimulation of macrophages leads to decreases in DHA-containing PC and PI species, while an unusual DHA-containing species, PI(20:4/22:6), markedly increases.
Article
Cell Biology
Emma Barroso, Marta Diaz, Ana Cristina Reguera, Mona Peyman, Jesus Balsinde, Javier Jurado-Aguilar, Meijian Zhang, Adel Rostami, Xavier Palomer, Lourdes Ibanez, Manuel Vazquez-Carrera
Summary: Placentas from newborns that are SGA display multiple pathological characteristics, and placental amino acid transport regulated by mTOR plays a key role in fetal growth. The effects of ER stress on the mTOR pathway and amino acid transporters are not well understood.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Rosa Alen Alonso, Irma Garcia-Martinez, Laura Pereira, Adrian Povo-Retana, Isabel Gomez-Hurtado, Eduardo Lopez-Collazo, Lisardo Bosca, Ruben Frances, Jesus Balsinde, Manuel Izquierdo, Angela M. Valverde
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pilar Valdecantos, Ines Barahona, Silvia Calero, Ruben Grillo-Risco, Laura Pereira, Carmen Soler, Lara LaIglesia, M. Jesus Moreno-Aliaga, Laura Herrero, Dolors Serra, Carmelo Garcia-Monzon, Agueda Gonzalez, Jesus Balsinde, Francisco Garcia-Garcia, Angela Martinez Valverde
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)