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Fatty Acid, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 September 2024) | Viewed by 13861

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Endocrinology and Metabolism Laboratory, West Division, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
Interests: metabolism; fatty acid; obesity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fatty acids (FA) are central in various physiological processes and are acquired from dietary sources or generated by de novo lipogenesis in the hepatic and adipose cells and stored as triglycerides that act as fuel reservoirs. Among the FA classes, the long-chain polyunsaturated FA (LCPUFA) are especially relevant because they are an integral part of cell membranes and participate in synthesizing bioactive molecules that regulate multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, the importance of FA in conditions of health or diseases is indisputable. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a conjunction of several disorders, including abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. It is well documented that abnormal FA metabolism, such as excessive intake of saturated and trans-fatty acid, leads to a pro-inflammatory state that finally originates the components of MS. On the other hand, n-3 PUFA and short-chain fatty acids generated through colonic fermentation of dietary fibers have anti-inflammatory properties with beneficial effects on MS. Albeit to the increase of knowledge, there are still important issues that must be addressed together with the special attention to discoveries about properties of FA and its derivatives.

The importance of fatty acids (FA) in multiple biological processes is widely recognized; however, alterations in its metabolism and the excessive consumption of saturated and trans-FA are involved in the origin of obesity and its related disorders, resulting in metabolic syndrome (MS). On the other hand, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated FA (LCPUFA) and short-chain fatty acids have demonstrated beneficial effects in the control of components of MS; however, important issues must be addressed to understand the molecular basis behind the healthy or unhealthy effects of different types of FA. Moreover, more research must be done to elucidate the achievements of dietary strategies involving FA supplementation. The role of FA in the early stages of development, and maternal–fetal FA transfer, is of particular interest because of its implications in the development of MS in the offspring. Similarly, the increase in pediatric obesity requires deepening into the mechanism pathophysiology that conditions the development of MS, among them the role of FA. We are pleased to invite you to submit articles in relation to these topics and others that contribute to increase the knowledge about the of fatty acids on obesity and MS. We are certain that this Special Issue will be a great contribution to basic and clinical researchers interested in avoiding and treating the deleterious consequences of MS.

Dr. Manuel A. Maliqueo
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • fatty acid
  • polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)
  • obesity
  • dyslipidemia
  • hypertension
  • diabetes
  • non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD)
  • maternal obesity
  • fetal development
  • pediatric obesity
  • n-3 PUFA supplementation
  • n-6 PUFA
  • short-chain fatty acids
  • microbiome

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1391 KiB  
Article
The PPIase Activity of CypB Is Essential for the Activation of Both AKT/mTOR and XBP1s Signaling Pathways during the Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
by Gyuhui Kim, Kyung-Sik Yoon, Joohun Ha, Insug Kang and Wonchae Choe
Nutrients 2024, 16(15), 2465; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152465 - 29 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1280
Abstract
In this study, we undertook an extensive investigation to determine how CypB PPIase activity affects preadipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism. Our findings revealed that inhibition of CypB’s PPIase activity suppressed the expression of crucial proteins involved in adipocyte differentiation and induced changes in [...] Read more.
In this study, we undertook an extensive investigation to determine how CypB PPIase activity affects preadipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism. Our findings revealed that inhibition of CypB’s PPIase activity suppressed the expression of crucial proteins involved in adipocyte differentiation and induced changes in proteins regulating the cell cycle. Furthermore, we clarified the impact of CypB’s PPIase activity on lipid metabolism via the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Additionally, we demonstrated the involvement of CypB’s PPIase activity in lipid metabolism through the XBP1s pathway. These discoveries offer invaluable insights for devising innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at treating and averting obesity and its related health complications. Targeting CypB’s PPIase activity may emerge as a promising avenue for addressing obesity-related conditions. Furthermore, our research opens up opportunities for creating new therapeutic strategies by enhancing our comprehension of the processes involved in cellular endoplasmic reticulum stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acid, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome)
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15 pages, 11898 KiB  
Article
BMP8B Activates Both SMAD2/3 and NF-κB Signals to Inhibit the Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes into Mature Adipocytes
by Shenjie Zhong, Xueqing Du, Jing Gao, Guangdong Ji and Zhenhui Liu
Nutrients 2024, 16(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010064 - 25 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1986
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 8B (BMP8B) has been found to regulate the thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the browning process of white adipose tissue (WAT). However, there is no available information regarding the role of BMP8B in the process of adipocyte differentiation. [...] Read more.
Bone morphogenetic protein 8B (BMP8B) has been found to regulate the thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the browning process of white adipose tissue (WAT). However, there is no available information regarding the role of BMP8B in the process of adipocyte differentiation. Here, we showed that BMP8B down-regulates transcriptional regulators PPARγ and C/EBPα, thereby impeding the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into fully mature adipocytes. BMP8B increased the phosphorylation levels of SMAD2/3, and TP0427736 HCl (SMAD2/3 inhibitor) significantly reduced the ability of BMP8B to inhibit adipocyte differentiation, suggesting that BMP8B repressed adipocyte differentiation through the SMAD2/3 pathway. Moreover, the knockdown of BMP I receptor ALK4 significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of BMP8B on adipogenesis, indicating that BMP8B triggers SMAD2/3 signaling to suppress adipogenesis via ALK4. In addition, BMP8B activated the NF-κB signal, which has been demonstrated to impede PPARγ expression. Collectively, our data demonstrated that BMP8B activates both SMAD2/3 and NF-κB signals to inhibit adipocyte differentiation. We provide previously unidentified insight into BMP8B-mediated adipogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acid, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome)
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15 pages, 2163 KiB  
Article
Effects of a High-Fat Diet and Docosahexaenoic Acid during Pregnancy on Fatty Acid Composition in the Fetal Livers of Mice
by Daniela Álvarez, Macarena Ortiz, Gabriel Valdebenito, Nicolás Crisosto, Bárbara Echiburú, Rodrigo Valenzuela, Alejandra Espinosa and Manuel Maliqueo
Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4696; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214696 - 6 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2249
Abstract
A high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy promotes fat accumulation and reduces docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the liver of the offspring at postnatal ages, which can depend on fetal sex. However, the prenatal mechanisms behind these associations are still unclear. Thus, we analyzed [...] Read more.
A high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy promotes fat accumulation and reduces docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in the liver of the offspring at postnatal ages, which can depend on fetal sex. However, the prenatal mechanisms behind these associations are still unclear. Thus, we analyzed if an HFD alters DHA content and the expression of molecules related to fatty acid (FA) metabolism in the fetal liver. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet or HFD for 4–6 weeks before pregnancy until the gestational day (GD) 17.5. A subgroup of each diet received DHA (100 mg/Kg) orally from GD 6.5 until 16.5. On GD 17.5, maternal livers, placentas, and livers from male and female fetuses were collected for FA profiling with gas-chromatography and gene expression of molecules related to FA metabolism using qPCR. PPAR-α protein expression was evaluated using Western blot. The gene expression of placental FA transporters was also assessed. An HFD increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decreased DHA levels and protein expression of PPAR-α in the fetal livers of both sexes. DHA increased the gene expression of Ppara, Cpt1, and Acsl1 in the livers of female fetuses. Therefore, an HFD reduces DHA levels and PPAR-α, a master regulator of gene expression, in the fetal liver. In turn, the livers of female fetuses seem to be more sensitive to DHA action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acid, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome)
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Review

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16 pages, 813 KiB  
Review
Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Improving Metabolic Dysfunctions in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
by Laila Albardan, Carine Platat and Nishan Sudheera Kalupahana
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2961; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172961 - 3 Sep 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7702
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that impacts women of reproductive age. In addition to reproductive and psychological complications, women with PCOS are also at a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that impacts women of reproductive age. In addition to reproductive and psychological complications, women with PCOS are also at a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While weight reduction can help manage these complications in overweight or obese women, many weight loss interventions have been ineffective due to weight stigma and its psychological impact on women with PCOS. Therefore, exploring alternative dietary strategies which do not focus on weight loss per se is of importance. In this regard, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of marine origin (n-3 PUFAs), which are known for their hypotriglyceridemic, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, have emerged as a potential therapy for prevention and reversal of metabolic complications in PCOS. Several clinical trials showed that n-3 PUFAs can improve components of metabolic syndrome in women with PCOS. In this review, we first summarize the available clinical evidence for different dietary patterns in improving PCOS complications. Next, we summarize the clinical evidence for n-3 PUFAs for alleviating metabolic complications in PCOS. Finally, we explore the mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs improve the metabolic disorders in PCOS in depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatty Acid, Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome)
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