PubMed

Metabolomics and Type 2 Diabetes: Translating Basic Research into Clinical Application. J Diabetes Res. 2016;2016:3898502 Authors: Klein MS, Shearer J Abstract Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its comorbidities have reached epidemic proportions, with more than half a billion cases expected by 2030. Metabolomics is a fairly new approach for studying metabolic changes connected to disease development and progression and for finding predictive biomarkers to enable early interventions, which are most effective against T2D and its comorbidities. In metabolomics, the abundance of a comprehensive set of small biomolecules (metabolites) is measured, thus giving insight into disease-related metabolic alterations. This review shall give an overview of basic metabolomics methods and will highlight current metabolomics research successes in the prediction and diagnosis of T2D. We summarized key metabolites changing in response to T2D. Despite large variations in predictive biomarkers, many studies have replicated elevated plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids and their derivatives, aromatic amino acids and α-hydroxybutyrate ahead of T2D manifestation. In contrast, glycine levels and lysophosphatidylcholine C18:2 are depressed in both predictive studies and with overt disease. The use of metabolomics for predicting T2D comorbidities is gaining momentum, as are our approaches for translating basic metabolomics research into clinical applications. As a result, metabolomics has the potential to enable informed decision-making in the realm of personalized medicine. PMID: 26636104 [PubMed - in process]

Challenges of Inversely Estimating Jacobian from Metabolomics Data. Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2015;3:188 Authors: Sun X, Länger B, Weckwerth W Abstract Inferring dynamics of metabolic networks directly from metabolomics data provides a promising way to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of biological systems, as reported in our previous studies (Weckwerth, 2011; Sun and Weckwerth, 2012; Nägele et al., 2014) by a differential Jacobian approach. The Jacobian is solved from an overdetermined system of equations as JC + CJ(T)  = -2D, called Lyapunov Equation in its generic form, where J is the Jacobian, C is the covariance matrix of metabolomics data, and D is the fluctuation matrix. Lyapunov Equation can be further simplified as the linear form Ax = b. Frequently, this linear equation system is ill-conditioned, i.e., a small variation in the right side b results in a big change in the solution x, thus making the solution unstable and error-prone. At the same time, inaccurate estimation of covariance matrix and uncertainties in the fluctuation matrix bring biases to the solution x. Here, we first reviewed common approaches to circumvent the ill-conditioned problems, including total least squares, Tikhonov regularization, and truncated singular value decomposition. Then, we benchmarked these methods on several in silico kinetic models with small to large perturbations on the covariance and fluctuation matrices. The results identified that the accuracy of the reverse Jacobian is mainly dependent on the condition number of A, the perturbation amplitude of C, and the stiffness of the kinetic models. Our research contributes a systematical comparison of methods to inversely solve Jacobian from metabolomics data. PMID: 26636075 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

From Genetics to Functional Genomics: Improvement in Drought Signaling and Tolerance in Wheat. Front Plant Sci. 2015;6:1012 Authors: Budak H, Hussain B, Khan Z, Ozturk NZ, Ullah N Abstract Drought being a yield limiting factor has become a major threat to international food security. It is a complex trait and drought tolerance response is carried out by various genes, transcription factors (TFs), microRNAs (miRNAs), hormones, proteins, co-factors, ions, and metabolites. This complexity has limited the development of wheat cultivars for drought tolerance by classical breeding. However, attempts have been made to fill the lost genetic diversity by crossing wheat with wild wheat relatives. In recent years, several molecular markers including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with genes for drought signaling pathways have been reported. Screening of large wheat collections by marker assisted selection (MAS) and transformation of wheat with different genes/TFs has improved drought signaling pathways and tolerance. Several miRNAs also provide drought tolerance to wheat by regulating various TFs/genes. Emergence of OMICS techniques including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and ionomics has helped to identify and characterize the genes, proteins, metabolites, and ions involved in drought signaling pathways. Together, all these efforts helped in understanding the complex drought tolerance mechanism. Here, we have reviewed the advances in wide hybridization, MAS, QTL mapping, miRNAs, transgenic technique, genome editing system, and above mentioned functional genomics tools for identification and utility of signaling molecules for improvement in wheat drought tolerance. PMID: 26635838 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Molecular and Translational Classifications of DAMPs in Immunogenic Cell Death. Front Immunol. 2015;6:588 Authors: Garg AD, Galluzzi L, Apetoh L, Baert T, Birge RB, Bravo-San Pedro JM, Breckpot K, Brough D, Chaurio R, Cirone M, Coosemans A, Coulie PG, De Ruysscher D, Dini L, de Witte P, Dudek-Peric AM, Faggioni A, Fucikova J, Gaipl US, Golab J, Gougeon ML, Hamblin MR, Hemminki A, Herrmann M, Hodge JW, Kepp O, Kroemer G, Krysko DV, Land WG, Madeo F, Manfredi AA, Mattarollo SR, Maueroder C, Merendino N, Multhoff G, Pabst T, Ricci JE, Riganti C, Romano E, Rufo N, Smyth MJ, Sonnemann J, Spisek R, Stagg J, Vacchelli E, Vandenabeele P, Vandenberk L, Van den Eynde BJ, Van Gool S, Velotti F, Zitvogel L, Agostinis P Abstract The immunogenicity of malignant cells has recently been acknowledged as a critical determinant of efficacy in cancer therapy. Thus, besides developing direct immunostimulatory regimens, including dendritic cell-based vaccines, checkpoint-blocking therapies, and adoptive T-cell transfer, researchers have started to focus on the overall immunobiology of neoplastic cells. It is now clear that cancer cells can succumb to some anticancer therapies by undergoing a peculiar form of cell death that is characterized by an increased immunogenic potential, owing to the emission of the so-called "damage-associated molecular patterns" (DAMPs). The emission of DAMPs and other immunostimulatory factors by cells succumbing to immunogenic cell death (ICD) favors the establishment of a productive interface with the immune system. This results in the elicitation of tumor-targeting immune responses associated with the elimination of residual, treatment-resistant cancer cells, as well as with the establishment of immunological memory. Although ICD has been characterized with increased precision since its discovery, several questions remain to be addressed. Here, we summarize and tabulate the main molecular, immunological, preclinical, and clinical aspects of ICD, in an attempt to capture the essence of this phenomenon, and identify future challenges for this rapidly expanding field of investigation. PMID: 26635802 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Integrated 'Omics', Targeted Metabolite and Single-cell Analyses of Arctic Snow Algae Functionality and Adaptability. Front Microbiol. 2015;6:1323 Authors: Lutz S, Anesio AM, Field K, Benning LG Abstract Snow algae are poly-extremophilic microalgae and important primary colonizers and producers on glaciers and snow fields. Depending on their pigmentation they cause green or red mass blooms during the melt season. This decreases surface albedo and thus further enhances snow and ice melting. Although the phenomenon of snow algal blooms has been known for a long time, large aspects of their physiology and ecology sill remain cryptic. This study provides the first in-depth and multi-omics investigation of two very striking adjacent green and red snow fields on a glacier in Svalbard. We have assessed the algal community composition of green and red snow including their associated microbiota, i.e., bacteria and archaea, their metabolic profiles (targeted and non-targeted metabolites) on the bulk and single-cell level, and assessed the feedbacks between the algae and their physico-chemical environment including liquid water content, pH, albedo, and nutrient availability. We demonstrate that green and red snow clearly vary in their physico-chemical environment, their microbial community composition and their metabolic profiles. For the algae this likely reflects both different stages of their life cycles and their adaptation strategies. Green snow represents a wet, carbon and nutrient rich environment and is dominated by the algae Microglena sp. with a metabolic profile that is characterized by key metabolites involved in growth and proliferation. In contrast, the dry and nutrient poor red snow habitat is colonized by various Chloromonas species with a high abundance of storage and reserve metabolites likely to face upcoming severe conditions. Combining a multitude of techniques we demonstrate the power of such complementary approaches in elucidating the function and ecology of extremophiles such as green and red snow algal blooms, which play crucial roles in glacial ecosystems. PMID: 26635781 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Metabolome-Wide Analysis of Stable Isotope Labeling-Is It Worth the Effort? Front Physiol. 2015;6:344 Authors: Weindl D, Wegner A, Hiller K PMID: 26635630 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Metabolomic profiles delineate mycolactone signature in Buruli ulcer disease. Sci Rep. 2015;5:17693 Authors: Niang F, Sarfo FS, Frimpong M, Guenin-Macé L, Wansbrough-Jones M, Stinear T, Phillips RO, Demangel C Abstract Infection of human skin with Mycobacterium ulcerans, the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, is associated with the systemic diffusion of a bacterial macrolide named mycolactone. Patients with progressive disease show alterations in their serum proteome, likely reflecting the inhibition of secreted protein production by mycolactone at the cellular level. Here, we used semi-quantitative metabolomics to characterize metabolic perturbations in serum samples of infected individuals, and human cells exposed to mycolactone. Among the 430 metabolites profiled across 20 patients and 20 healthy endemic controls, there were significant differences in the serum levels of hexoses, steroid hormones, acylcarnitines, purine, heme, bile acids, riboflavin and lysolipids. In parallel, analysis of 292 metabolites in human T cells treated or not with mycolactone showed alterations in hexoses, lysolipids and purine catabolites. Together, these data demonstrate that M. ulcerans infection causes systemic perturbations in the serum metabolome that can be ascribed to mycolactone. Of particular importance to Buruli ulcer pathogenesis is that changes in blood sugar homeostasis in infected patients are mirrored by alterations in hexose metabolism in mycolactone-exposed cells. PMID: 26634444 [PubMed - in process]

Metabolic markers in blood can separate prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Cancer. 2015 Dec 3; Authors: Giskeødegård GF, Hansen AF, Bertilsson H, Gonzalez SV, Kristiansen KA, Bruheim P, Mjøs SA, Angelsen A, Bathen TF, Tessem MB Abstract BACKGROUND: An individualised risk-stratified screening for prostate cancer (PCa) would select the patients who will benefit from further investigations as well as therapy. Current detection methods suffer from low sensitivity and specificity, especially for separating PCa from benign prostatic conditions. We have investigated the use of metabolomics analyses of blood samples for separating PCa patients and controls with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Blood plasma and serum samples from 29 PCa patient and 21 controls with BPH were analysed by metabolomics analysis using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and gas chromatography. Differences in blood metabolic patterns were examined by multivariate and univariate statistics. RESULTS: By combining results from different methodological platforms, PCa patients and controls were separated with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.5% and 75.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combined analysis of serum and plasma samples by different metabolomics measurement techniques gave successful discrimination of PCa and controls, and provided metabolic markers and insight into the processes characteristic of PCa. Our results suggest changes in fatty acid (acylcarnitines), choline (glycerophospholipids) and amino acid metabolism (arginine) as markers for PCa compared with BPH.British Journal of Cancer advance online publication 3 December 2015. doi:10.1038/bjc.2015.411 www.bjcancer.com. PMID: 26633561 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

A mass spectrometric insight into the origins of benign gynecological disorders. Mass Spectrom Rev. 2015 Dec 3; Authors: Yang H, Lau WB, Lau B, Xuan Y, Zhou S, Zhao L, Luo Z, Lin Q, Ren N, Zhao X, Wei Y Abstract Applications of mass spectrometry (MS) are rapidly expanding and encompass molecular and cellular biology. MS aids in the analysis of in vivo global molecular alterations, identifying potential biomarkers which may improve diagnosis and treatment of various pathologies. MS has added new dimensionality to medical research. Pioneering gynecologists now study molecular mechanisms underlying female reproductive pathology with MS-based tools. Although benign gynecologic disorders including endometriosis, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) carry low mortality rates, they cause significant physical, mental, and social detriments. Additionally, some benign disorders are unfortunately associated with malignancies. MS-based technology can detect malignant changes in formerly benign proteomes and metabolomes with distinct advantages of speed, sensitivity, and specificity. We present the use of MS in proteomics and metabolomics, and summarize the current understanding of the molecular pathways concerning female reproductive anatomy. Highlight discoveries of novel protein and metabolite biomarkers via MS-based technology, we underscore the clinical application of these techniques in the diagnosis and management of benign gynecological disorders. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 9999: XX-XX, 2015. PMID: 26633258 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Targeted Metabolomics Approach to Detect the Misuse of Steroidal Aromatase Inhibitors in Equine Sports by Biomarkers Profiling. Anal Chem. 2015 Dec 3; Authors: Chan GH, Ho EN, Leung DK, Wong KS, Wan TS Abstract The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is prohibited in both human and equine sports. Conventional approach in doping control testing for AAS (as well as other prohibited substances) is accomplished by the direct detection of target AAS or their characteristic metabolites in biological samples using hyphenated techniques such as gas-chromatography or liquid-chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry. Such approach, however, falls short when dealing with unknown designer steroids where reference materials and their pharmacokinetics are not available. In addition, AASs with fast elimination times renders the direct detection approach ineffective as the detection window is short. Targeted metabolomics approach is a plausible alternative to the conventional direct detection approach for controlling the misuse of AAS in sports. Since the administration of AAS of the same class may trigger similar physiological responses or effects in the body, it may be possible to detect such administrations by monitoring changes in the endogenous steroidal expression profile. This study attempts to evaluate the viability of using the targeted metabolomic approach to detect the administration of steroidal aromatase inhibitors, namely androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione (6-OXO) and androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione (ATD), in horses. Total (free and conjugated) urinary concentrations of 31 endogenous steroids were determined by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for a group of 2 resting and 2 in-training thoroughbred geldings having been treated with either 6-OXO or ATD. Similar data were also obtained from a control (untreated) group of in-training thoroughbred geldings (n = 28). Statistical processing and chemometric procedures using principle component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection of latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) have highlighted 7 potential biomarkers that could be used to differentiate urine samples obtained from the control and the treated groups. Based on this targeted metabolomic approach, the administration of 6-OXO and ATD could be detected much longer as compared with the conventional direct detection approach. PMID: 26632865 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Effect of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription Quzhuotongbi decoction on hyperuricemia model rats studied by using serum metabolomics based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2015 Nov 21; Authors: Chen J, Zhou J, Wei S, Xie Z, Wen C, Xu G Abstract Morbidity of hyperuricemia has constantly increased in population in decades, and hyperuricemia has proved to be an important risk factor for gout, cardiovascular diseases and others. Many urate-lowering drugs have unfavorable side effects and drug interactions. Quzhuotongbi decoction (QZTBD) is an empirical traditional Chinese medicine prescription for clinical therapy of hyperuricemia without serious adverse effects. In the study, we investigated the effects of QZTBD on urate and other metabolites in the sera of hyperuricemia model rats. Hyperuricemia model was established by orally administering yeast extract paste, and allopurinol served as a positive control drug. Serum metabolomics was performed by using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Student's t-test and the principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to find the metabolic perturbations in hyperuricemia model rats. The levels of urate, lactate, pyruvate and ornithine were significantly increased, and xanthine, glyconic acids (ribonate, galactonate), amino acids (aspartate, proline, glutamine, serine, pyroglutamate, glutamate) and glucose were down-regulated greatly in the model rats. It demonstrated that nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism and glycolytic pathway were disturbed by yeast administration. An orthogonal signal correction-partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OSC-PLS DA) was performed to assess the effects of yeast administering and drug treatment. 11 significantly distinctive metabolites among four groups were defined according to the variable importance for project values (VIP>1) and univariate ANOVA (p value<0.05). As compared to the model rats, the serum uric acid levels were lowered markedly under the treatment of allopurinol or QZTBD. Aspartate and glutamine involved in purine metabolism, were raised to normal level as well. The different influences on xanthine, glutamate pyroglutamate and galactonate suggested there were different mechanisms of two drugs in urate-lowering therapy. Our finding proved that QZTBD can efficiently lower the level of serum uric acid in a different way from allopurinol, which suggested that QZTBD based on the theory of TCM could be an effective therapeutic option for hyperuricemia. PMID: 26632444 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Characterization of the multiple components of Acanthopanax Senticosus stem by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci. 2015 Dec 3; Authors: Sun H, Liu J, Zhang A, Zhang Y, Meng X, Han Y, Zhang Y, Wang X Abstract Acanthopanax Senticosus Harms. has been used widely in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of chronic bronchitis, neurasthenia, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. However, the in vivo constituents of the stem of Acanthopanax Senticosus remain unknown. In this paper, ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the MarkerLynx(TM) software combined with multiple data processing approach were used to study the constituents in vitro and in vivo. The aqueous extract from the Acanthopanax Senticosus stem and the compositions in rat serum after intragastric administration were completely analyzed. Consequently, 115 compounds in the aqueous extract from Acanthopanax Senticosus stem and 41 compounds absorbed into blood were characterized. Of the 115 compounds in vitro, 54 were reported for first time, including sinapyl alcohol, sinapyl alcohol diglucoside, 1-O-sinapoyl-β-d-glucose, etc. In the 41 compounds in vivo, 7 were prototype components and 34 were metabolites which were from 21 components of aqueous extract from Acanthopanax Senticosus stem as well as the metabolic pathways of the metabolites were also elucidated for first time. The results narrowed the range of screening the active components and provided a basis for the study of action mechanism and pharmacology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 26632031 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles Di-(2-Ethylhexyl)-Phthalate (DEHP) Causes Impaired Adipocyte Function and Alters Serum Metabolites. PLoS One. 2015;10(12):e0143190 Authors: Klöting N, Hesselbarth N, Gericke M, Kunath A, Biemann R, Chakaroun R, Kosacka J, Kovacs P, Kern M, Stumvoll M, Fischer B, Rolle-Kampczyk U, Feltens R, Otto W, Wissenbach DK, von Bergen M, Blüher M Abstract Di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), an ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has been shown to cause adverse effects on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in epidemiological studies, but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. We therefore tested the hypothesis that chronic DEHP exposure causes impaired insulin sensitivity, affects body weight, adipose tissue (AT) function and circulating metabolic parameters of obesity resistant 129S6 mice in vivo. An obesity-resistant mouse model was chosen to reduce a potential obesity bias of DEHP effects on metabolic parameters and AT function. The metabolic effects of 10-weeks exposure to DEHP were tested by insulin tolerance tests and quantitative assessment of 183 metabolites in mice. Furthermore, 3T3-L1 cells were cultured with DEHP for two days, differentiated into mature adipocytes in which the effects on insulin stimulated glucose and palmitate uptake, lipid content as well as on mRNA/protein expression of key adipocyte genes were investigated. We observed in female mice that DEHP treatment causes enhanced weight gain, fat mass, impaired insulin tolerance, changes in circulating adiponectin and adipose tissue Pparg, adiponectin and estrogen expression. Serum metabolomics indicated a general increase in phospholipid and carnitine concentrations. In vitro, DEHP treatment increases the proliferation rate and alters glucose uptake in adipocytes. Taken together, DEHP has significant effects on adipose tissue (AT) function and alters specific serum metabolites. Although, DEHP treatment led to significantly impaired insulin tolerance, it did not affect glucose tolerance, HOMA-IR, fasting glucose, insulin or triglyceride serum concentrations. This may suggest that DEHP treatment does not cause impaired glucose metabolism at the whole body level. PMID: 26630026 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles Circulating Unsaturated Fatty Acids Delineate the Metabolic Status of Obese Individuals. EBioMedicine. 2015 Oct;2(10):1513-22 Authors: Ni Y, Zhao L, Yu H, Ma X, Bao Y, Rajani C, Loo LW, Shvetsov YB, Yu H, Chen T, Zhang Y, Wang C, Hu C, Su M, Xie G, Zhao A, Jia W, Jia W Abstract BACKGROUND: Obesity is not a homogeneous condition across individuals since about 25-40% of obese individuals can maintain healthy status with no apparent signs of metabolic complications. The simple anthropometric measure of body mass index does not always reflect the biological effects of excessive body fat on health, thus additional molecular characterizations of obese phenotypes are needed to assess the risk of developing subsequent metabolic conditions at an individual level. METHODS: To better understand the associations of free fatty acids (FFAs) with metabolic phenotypes of obesity, we applied a targeted metabolomics approach to measure 40 serum FFAs from 452 individuals who participated in four independent studies, using an ultra-performance liquid chromatograph coupled to a Xevo G2 quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometer. FINDINGS: FFA levels were significantly elevated in overweight/obese subjects with diabetes compared to their healthy counterparts. We identified a group of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) that are closely correlated with metabolic status in two groups of obese individuals who underwent weight loss intervention and can predict the recurrence of diabetes at two years after metabolic surgery. Two UFAs, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and palmitoleic acid, were also able to predict the future development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in a group of obese subjects. INTERPRETATION: These findings underscore the potential role of UFAs in the MS pathogenesis and also as important markers in predicting the risk of developing diabetes in obese individuals or diabetes remission after a metabolic surgery. PMID: 26629547 [PubMed - in process]

Related Articles Evidence that 2-hydroxyglutarate is not readily metabolized in colorectal carcinoma cells. Cancer Metab. 2015;3:13 Authors: Gelman SJ, Mahieu NG, Cho K, Llufrio EM, Wencewicz TA, Patti GJ Abstract BACKGROUND: Two-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) is present at low concentrations in healthy mammalian cells as both an L and D enantiomer. Both the L and D enantiomers have been implicated in regulating cellular physiology by mechanisms that are only partially characterized. In multiple human cancers, the D enantiomer accumulates due to gain-of-function mutations in the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and has been hypothesized to drive malignancy through mechanisms that remain incompletely understood. While much attention has been dedicated to identifying the route of 2HG synthesis, the metabolic fate of 2HG has not been studied in detail. Yet the metabolism of 2HG may have important mechanistic consequences influencing cell function and cancer pathogenesis, such as modulating redox potential or producing unknown products with unique modes of action. RESULTS: By applying our isotope-based metabolomic platform, we unbiasedly and comprehensively screened for products of L- and D-2HG in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells harboring a mutation in IDH1. After incubating HCT116 cells in uniformly (13)C-labeled 2HG for 24 h, we used liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to track the labeled carbons in small molecules. Strikingly, we did not identify any products of 2HG metabolism from the thousands of metabolomic features that we screened. Consistent with these results, we did not detect any significant changes in the labeling patterns of tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites from wild type or IDH1 mutant cells cultured in (13)C-labeled glucose upon the addition of L, D, or racemic mixtures of 2HG. A more sensitive, targeted analysis revealed trace levels of isotopic enrichment (<1 %) in some central carbon metabolites from (13)C-labeled 2HG. However, we found that cells do not deplete 2HG from the media at levels above our detection limit over a 48 h time period. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, we conclude that 2HG carbon is not readily transformed in the HCT116 cell line. These data indicate that the phenotypic alterations induced by 2HG are not a result of its metabolic products. PMID: 26629338 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles Integrative molecular profiling indicates a central role of transitory starch breakdown in establishing a stable C/N homeostasis during cold acclimation in two natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana. BMC Plant Biol. 2015;15:284 Authors: Nagler M, Nukarinen E, Weckwerth W, Nägele T Abstract BACKGROUND: The variation of growth and cold tolerance of two natural Arabidopsis accessions, Cvi (cold sensitive) and Rschew (cold tolerant), was analysed on a proteomic, phosphoproteomic and metabolomic level to derive characteristic information about genotypically distinct strategies of metabolic reprogramming and growth maintenance during cold acclimation. RESULTS: Growth regulation before and after a cold acclimation period was monitored by recording fresh weight of leaf rosettes. Significant differences in the shoot fresh weight of Cvi and Rschew were detected both before and after acclimation to low temperature. During cold acclimation, starch levels were found to accumulate to a significantly higher level in Cvi compared to Rschew. Concomitantly, statistical analysis revealed a cold-induced decrease of beta-amylase 3 (BAM3; AT4G17090) in Cvi but not in Rschew. Further, only in Rschew we observed an increase of the protein level of the debranching enzyme isoamylase 3 (ISA3; AT4G09020). Additionally, the cold response of both accessions was observed to severely affect ribosomal complexes, but only Rschew showed a pronounced accumulation of carbon and nitrogen compounds. The abundance of the Cold Regulated (COR) protein COR78 (AT5G52310) as well as its phosphorylation was observed to be positively correlated with the acclimation state of both accessions. In addition, transcription factors being involved in growth and developmental regulation were found to characteristically separate the cold sensitive from the cold tolerant accession. Predicted protein-protein interaction networks (PPIN) of significantly changed proteins during cold acclimation allowed for a differentiation between both accessions. The PPIN revealed the central role of carbon/nitrogen allocation and ribosomal complex formation to establish a new cold-induced metabolic homeostasis as also observed on the level of the metabolome and proteome. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence for a comprehensive multi-functional molecular interaction network orchestrating growth regulation and cold acclimation in two natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana. The differential abundance of beta-amylase 3 and isoamylase 3 indicates a central role of transitory starch degradation in the coordination of growth regulation and the development of stress tolerance. Finally, our study indicates naturally occurring differential patterns of C/N balance and protein synthesis during cold acclimation. PMID: 26628055 [PubMed - in process]

Related Articles Anaplerotic Accumulation of Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Intermediates As Well As Changes in Other Key Metabolites During Heterotopic Ossification. J Cell Biochem. 2015 Dec 2; Authors: Davis EL, Salisbury EA, Olmsted-Davis E, Davis AR Abstract Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the de novo formation of bone that occurs in soft tissue, through recruitment, expansion, and differentiation of multiple cells types including transient brown adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, mast cells, and platelets to name a few. Much evidence is accumulating that suggests changes in metabolism may be required to accomplish this bone formation. Recent work using a mouse model of heterotopic bone formation reliant on delivery of adenovirus-transduced cells expressing low levels of BMP2 showed the immediate expansion of a unique brown adipocyte-like cell. These cells are undergoing robust uncoupled oxidative phosphorylation to a level such that oxygen in the microenvironment is dramatically lowered creating areas of hypoxia. It is unclear how these oxygen changes ultimately affect metabolism and bone formation. To identify the processes and changes occurring over the course of bone formation, HO was established in the mice, and tissues isolated at early and late times were subjected to a global metabolomic screen. Results show that there are significant changes in both glucose levels, as well as TCA cycle intermediates. Additionally, metabolites necessary for oxidation of stored lipids were also found to be significantly elevated. The complete results of this screen are presented here, and provide a unique picture of the metabolic changes occurring during heterotopic bone formation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. PMID: 26627193 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles Improved motor and cognitive performance with sodium nitrite supplementation is related to small metabolite signatures: a pilot trial in middle-aged and older adults. Aging (Albany NY). 2015 Nov 20; Authors: Justice JN, Johnson LC, DeVan AE, Cruickshank-Quinn C, Reisdorph N, Bassett CJ, Evans TJ, Brooks FA, Bryan NS, Chonchol MB, Giordano T, McQueen MB, Seals DB Abstract Advancing age is associated with reductions in nitric oxide bioavailability and changes in metabolic activity, which are implicated in declines in motor and cognitive function. In preclinical models, sodium nitrite supplementation (SN) increases plasma nitrite and improves motor function, whereas other nitric oxide-boosting agents improve cognitive function. This pilot study was designed to translate these findings to middle-aged and older (MA/O) humans to provide proof-of-concept support for larger trials. SN (10 weeks, 80 to 160 mg/day capsules, TheraVasc, Inc.) acutely and chronically increased plasma nitrite and improved performance on measures of motor and cognitive outcomes (all p<0.05 or better) in healthy MA/O adults (62 ± 7 years). Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that SN significantly altered 33 (160 mg/day) to 45 (80 mg/day) different metabolites, 13 of which were related to changes in functional outcomes; baseline concentrations of 99 different metabolites predicted functional improvements with SN. This pilot study provides the first evidence that SN improves aspects of motor and cognitive function in healthy MA/O adults, and that these improvements are associated with, and predicted by, the plasma metabolome. Our findings provide the necessary support for larger clinical trials on this promising pharmacological strategy for preserving physiological function with aging. PMID: 26626856 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 on glucagon secretion in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol. 2015 Nov 25; Authors: Junker AE, Gluud LL, van Hall G, Holst JJ, Knop FK, Vilsbøll T Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: We evaluated the glucagon-suppressive effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its potential effects on endogenous glucose production and whole body lipolysis in non-diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: On two separate days 10 non-diabetic patients with liver biopsy-verified NAFLD (NAFLD activity score 2.5±1.0) and 10 matched controls underwent a 2-hour intravenous infusions of GLP-1 (0.8 pmol × kg(-1) × min(-1)) and placebo. Since GLP-1-mediated glucagon suppression has been shown to be glucose-dependent, plasma glucose was clamped at fasting level during the first hour, and then raised and clamped at 'postprandial level' (fasting plasma glucose level plus 3 mmol/L) for the remaining hour. We evaluated relative plasma levels of glucagon, endogenous glucose production and whole body lipolysis rates with stable isotopes and respiratory quotient using indirect calorimety. RESULTS: Compared to controls, patients with NAFLD were insulin resistant (homeostasis model assessment (HOMAIR): 3.8±2.2 vs. 1.6±1.5, p=0.003) and had fasting hyperglucagonaemia (7.5±5.3 vs. 5.8±1.5 mmol/L, p=0.045). Similar relative glucagon suppression was seen in both groups during GLP-1 infusion at fasting (-97±75 vs. -93±41 pmol/L × min(-1)p=0.566) and 'postprandial' plasma glucose levels (-108±101 vs. -97±53 pmol/L × min(-1), p=0.196). Increased insulinotropic effects of GLP-1 was observed in NAFLD patients. No effect of GLP-1 on endogenous glucose production was observed in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NAFLD exhibited fasting hyperglucagonaemia, but intact GLP-1-mediated glucagon suppression independently of plasma glucose concentrations. Preserved glucagonostatic effect and increased insulinotropic effects of GLP-1 in NAFLD may be important to maintain normoglycaemia in these patients. PMID: 26626496 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Related Articles A standardized kit for automated quantitative assessment of candidate protein biomarkers in human plasma. Bioanalysis. 2015 Dec 2; Authors: Percy AJ, Mohammed Y, Yang J, Borchers CH Abstract BACKGROUND: An increasingly popular mass spectrometry-based quantitative approach for health-related research in the biomedical field involves the use of stable isotope-labeled standards (SIS) and multiple/selected reaction monitoring (MRM/SRM). To improve inter-laboratory precision and enable more widespread use of this 'absolute' quantitative technique in disease-biomarker assessment studies, methods must be standardized. Results/methodology: Using this MRM-with-SIS-peptide approach, we developed an automated method (encompassing sample preparation, processing and analysis) for quantifying 76 candidate protein markers (spanning >4 orders of magnitude in concentration) in neat human plasma. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The assembled biomarker assessment kit - the 'BAK-76' - contains the essential materials (SIS mixes), methods (for acquisition and analysis), and tools (Qualis-SIS software) for performing biomarker discovery or verification studies in a rapid and standardized manner. PMID: 26626236 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]