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Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (11 March 2022) | Viewed by 36544

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Dr. Beatriz Merino

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Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
Interests: diabetes; endocrine pancreas; insulin resistance; high-fat diet; obesity; pancreatic beta-cells; pancreatic alpha cells; metabolic adaptations; sugar intake; sugar derivative intake; intake of sugar substitutes
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Dear Colleagues,

The consumption of high-fat diets and the resulting obesity is one of the great health problems of this century. The chronic consumption of fats in the diet leads to an increase in obesity in the population, which is a main risk factor for the development of metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes.

The goal of this Special Issue, “Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases”, is to focus on the importance of the impact of fat diets and diet supplementation in the development of metabolic adaptations and diseases specially in diabetes, insulin resistance and liver disorders.

Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases Special Issue welcomes the submission of manuscripts either describing original research or reviewing the scientific literature, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The manuscripts should focus on the study of the metabolic adaptations derived from the consumption of high-fat diets or dietary supplements and that lead to the development of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, fatty liver, other liver diseases and/or diabetes.

Dr. Beatriz Merino
Guest Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

Fat diet
Obesity
Diabetes
Insulin resistance
Endocrine pancreas
Metabolic adaptations
Diet supplementation
Fatty liver
Liver diseases

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 Reduces Obesogenic Diet Induced Inflammation in Mice Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue

by Seley Gharanei, Manjunath Ramanjaneya, Aaran Hitesh Patel, Vanlata Patel, Kiran Shabir, Callum Auld, Emmanouil Karteris, Ioannis Kyrou and Harpal Singh Randeva

Nutrients 2022, 14(7), 1409; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14071409 - 28 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2602

Abstract

Background: Excess adipose tissue accumulation and obesity are characterised by chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation. Nestfatin-1 is a neuropeptide derived from the precursor protein nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2), which was initially reported to exert anorexigenic effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of an obesogenic diet (OD; high-fat, high-sugar) in NUCB2 knockout (KO) mice and of nesfatin-1 treatment in LPS-stimulated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Methods: Subcutaneous white adipose tissue (Sc-WAT) samples from wild type (WT) and NUCB2 KO mice that were fed a normal diet (ND), or the OD for 12 weeks were used for RNA and protein extraction, as well as immunohistochemistry. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with 100 nM nesfatin-1 during differentiation and stimulated with 1 µg/mL LPS for measuring the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators by qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, Bioplex, and ELISA. Results: Following the OD, the mRNA, protein and cellular expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (Tnfα, Il-6, Il-1β, Adgre1, Mcp1, TLR4, Hmbgb1 and NF-kB) significantly increased in the ScWAT of NUCB2 KO mice compared to ND controls. Adiponectin and Nrf2 expression significantly decreased in the ScWAT of OD-fed NUCB2 KO, without changes in the OD-fed WT mice. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 treatment in LPS-stimulated 3T3-L1 cells significantly reduced the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tnfα, Il-6, Il-1β, Mcp1) and hmgb1. Conclusion: An obesogenic diet can induce significant inflammation in the ScWAT of NUCB2 KO mice, involving the HMGB1, NRF2 and NF-kB pathways, while nesfatin-1 reduces the pro-inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated 3T3-L1 cells. These findings provide a novel insight into the metabolic regulation of inflammation in WAT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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10 pages, 1318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inverse Regulation of Serum Osteoprotegerin and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations by Free Fatty Acids Elevation in Young Healthy Humans

by Marta Dobrzycka, Adrian Kołakowski, Magdalena Stefanowicz, Natalia Matulewicz, Agnieszka Nikołajuk and Monika Karczewska-Kupczewska

Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 837; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu14040837 - 17 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1480

Abstract

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are cardiovascular risk factors, interrelated with each other, with possible associations with insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. The aim of this study was to assess association between OPG and BNP concentrations in a young healthy population, their relation to insulin sensitivity and obesity and their regulation by hyperinsulinemia and serum free fatty acids (FFA) elevation. The study group consisted of 59 male volunteers, 30 of whom were of a normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²), and 29 were overweight/obese (BMI > 25 kg/m²). Insulin sensitivity was assessed with the 2-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC). In the subgroup of 20 subjects, the clamp was prolonged to 6 h. After one week, another 6-h clamp, with concurrent Intralipid/heparin infusion, was performed. Serum OPG was positively associated with insulin sensitivity (p = 0.002) and negatively with BMI (p = 0.019) and serum BNP (p = 0.025). In response to 6-h hyperinsulinemia, circulating BNP decreased (p < 0.001). In response to HEC with Intralipid/heparin infusion, OPG decreased (p < 0.001) and BNP increased (p < 0.001). Our data show that OPG and BNP are differentially regulated by FFA, which suggests their association with lipid-induced insulin resistance. The assessment of these cardiovascular risk factors should take into account both long-term and short-term effects associated with insulin resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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15 pages, 3264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FXR, a Key Regulator of Lipid Metabolism, Is Inhibited by ER Stress-Mediated Activation of JNK and p38 MAPK in Large Yellow Croakers (Larimichthys crocea) Fed High Fat Diets

by Jianlong Du, Xiaojun Xiang, Dan Xu, Junzhi Zhang, Wei Fang, Wei Xu, Kangsen Mai and Qinghui Ai

Nutrients 2021, 13(12), 4343; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13124343 - 01 Dec 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3342

Abstract

High-fat diets induced abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver of cultured fish that caused body damage and diseases. The purpose of this research was to investigate the role and mechanism of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in regulating lipid metabolism and to determine how high-fat diets affect FXR expression in large yellow croakers. The results showed that ligand-meditated FXR-activation could prevent abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver and hepatocytes of large yellow croakers. FXR activation increased the expression of lipid catabolism-related genes while decreasing the expression of lipogenesis-related genes. Further investigation found that the promoter activity of proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) could be increased by croaker FXR. Through the influence of SHP on LXR, FXR indirectly decreased the promoter activity of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) in large yellow croakers. Furthermore, the findings revealed that endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-induced-activation of JNK and P38 MAPK participated in the reduction of FXR induced by high-fat diets. Then, hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1α) was confirmed to be an FXR regulator in large yellow croaker, and it was reduced by high-fat diets and ER stress. In addition, co-expression of c-Jun with HNF1α inhibited the effect of HNF1α on FXR promoter, and suppression of P38 MAPK could relieve the HNF1α expression reduction caused by ER stress activation. In summary, the present study showed that FXR mediated lipid metabolism can prevent abnormal lipid accumulation through regulating PPARα and SREBP1 in large yellow croakers, while high-fat diets can suppress FXR expression by ER stress mediated-activation of JNK and P38 MAPK pathways. This research could benefit the study of FXR functions in vertebrate evolution and the development of therapy or preventative methods for nutrition-related disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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16 pages, 5287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Role for Peripheral Anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Short-Term Food Intake and Orexigenic Hypothalamic Responses in a Species with Continuous Nutrient Delivery

by Isabel van Ackern, Angela Kuhla and Björn Kuhla

Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3587; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13103587 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2581

Abstract

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a pivotal role in the complex control and regulation of food intake. Pharmacological ECS activation could improve health in energy-deficient stages by increasing food intake, at least in intermittent feeders. However, knowledge of the mechanism regulating appetite in species with continued nutrient delivery is incomplete. The objectives of this pilot study were to investigate the effect of the intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the endocannabinoids (ECs) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) on food intake, plasma EC concentrations and hypothalamic orexigenic signaling, and to study how the circulatory EC tone changes in response to short-term food deprivation in dairy cows, a species with continuous nutrient delivery. The administration of EC resulted in higher food intake during the first hour after treatment. Plasma AEA concentrations were significantly increased 2.5 h after AEA injection, whereas plasma 2-AG concentrations remained unchanged 2.5 h after 2-AG injection. The hypothalamic immunoreactivity of cannabinoid receptor 1, agouti-related protein, and orexin-A was not affected by either treatment; however, neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein mRNA abundances were downregulated in the arcuate nucleus of AEA-treated animals. Short-term food deprivation increased plasma 2-AG, while plasma AEA remained unchanged. In conclusion, i.p.-administered 2-AG and AEA increase food intake in the short term, but only AEA accumulates in the circulation. However, plasma 2-AG concentrations are more responsive to food deprivation than AEA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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14 pages, 1098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal High-Fat Diet Modulates Cnr1 Gene Expression in Male Rat Offspring

by Dawid Gawliński, Kinga Gawlińska and Irena Smaga

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2885; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13082885 - 22 Aug 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3491

Abstract

In recent years, strong evidence has emerged that exposure to a maternal high-fat diet (HFD) provokes changes in the structure, function, and development of the offspring’s brain and may induce several neurodevelopmental and psychiatric illnesses. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of a maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation on depressive-like behavior and Cnr1 gene expression (encoding the CB1 receptor) in brain structures of rat offspring and to investigate the epigenetic mechanism involved in this gene expression. We found that a maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation induced a depressive-like phenotype at postnatal days (PNDs) 28 and 63. We found that a maternal HFD decreased the Cnr1 mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex with the increased levels of miR-212-5p and methylation of CpG islands at the Cnr1 promoter and reduced the level of Cnr1 gene expression in the dorsal striatum with an increased level of miR-154-3p in adolescent male offspring. A contrasting effect of a maternal HFD was observed in the hippocampus, where upregulation of Cnr1 gene expression was accompanied by a decrease of miR-154-3p (at PNDs 28 and 63) and miR-212-5p (at PND 63) expression and methylation of CpG islands at the Cnr1 promoter in male offspring. In summary, we showed that a maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation triggered several epigenetic mechanisms in the brains of rat offspring, which may be related to long-lasting alterations in the next generation and produce behavioral changes in offspring, including a depressive-like phenotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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13 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implications of SCFAs on the Parameters of the Lipid and Hepatic Profile in Pregnant Women

by Maciej Ziętek, Zbigniew Celewicz, Justyna Kikut and Małgorzata Szczuko

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1749; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13061749 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2861

Abstract

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the product of the anaerobic intestinal bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber and resistant starch. An abnormal intestinal microbiota may cause a reduction in the production of SCFAs, which stimulate the development of intestinal epithelial cells, nourish enterocytes, influence their maturation and proper differentiation, reduce the pH, and are an additional source of energy for the host. There have been reports of the special role of SCFAs in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation of SCFAs with lipid and hepatic metabolism during pregnancy in relation to the body weight of pregnant women. Material and methods: This study was conducted in pregnant women divided into two groups: Obese (OW—overweight and obese women; n = 48) and lean (CG—control group; n = 48) individuals. The biochemical plasma parameters of lipid metabolism (TG, CH, LDL, HDL), inflammation (CRP), and liver function (ALT, AST, GGT) were determined in all of the subjects. SCFA analysis was performed in the stool samples to measure acetic acid (C 2:0), propionic acid (C 3:0), isobutyric acid (C 4:0 i), butyric acid (C 4:0 n), isovaleric acid (C 5:0 i) valeric acid (C 5:0 n), isocaproic acid (C 6:0 i), caproic acid (C 6:0 n), and heptanoic acid (C 7:0). Results: Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of C 3:0 and C 6:0 n were found between women in the OW group compared to the CG group. The other SCFAs tested did not differ significantly depending on BMI. The C 2:0, C 3:0, and C 4:0 n ratios showed differences in both OW and CG groups. In the OW group, no relationship was observed between the concentrations of the SCFAs tested and CRP, ALT, AST. A surprising positive relationship between C 5:0 n and all fractions of the tested lipids and branched C 5:0 with CHL, HDL, and LDL was demonstrated. In the OW group, HDL showed a positive correlation with C 3:0. However, lower GGT concentrations were accompanied by higher C 4:0 and C 5:0 values, and this tendency was statistically significant. Conclusions: The results of our research show that some SCFAs are associated with hepatic lipid metabolism and CRP concentrations, which may vary with gestational weight. Obesity in pregnancy reduces the amount of SCFAs in the stool, and a decrease in the level of butyrate reduces liver function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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Review

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50 pages, 1462 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multifactorial Basis and Therapeutic Strategies in Metabolism-Related Diseases

by João V. S. Guerra, Marieli M. G. Dias, Anna J. V. C. Brilhante, Maiara F. Terra, Marta García-Arévalo and Ana Carolina M. Figueira

Nutrients 2021, 13(8), 2830; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13082830 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5422

Abstract

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, has been increasing worldwide. Changes in dietary and physical activity patterns, along with genetic conditions, are the main factors that modulate the metabolism of individuals, leading to the development of NCDs. Obesity, diabetes, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are classified in this group of chronic diseases. Therefore, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of these diseases leads us to develop more accurate and effective treatments to reduce or mitigate their prevalence in the population. Given the global relevance of NCDs and ongoing research progress, this article reviews the current understanding about NCDs and their related risk factors, with a focus on obesity, diabetes, MAFLD, and CVDs, summarizing the knowledge about their pathophysiology and highlighting the currently available and emerging therapeutic strategies, especially pharmacological interventions. All of these diseases play an important role in the contamination by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as in the progression and severity of the symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, we briefly explore the relationship between NCDs and COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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16 pages, 1021 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Dietary Fatty Acids on MicroRNA Expression Related to Metabolic Disorders and Inflammation in Human and Animal Trials

by Karla MacDonald-Ramos, Alejandra Martínez-Ibarra, Adriana Monroy, Juan Miranda-Ríos and Marco Cerbón

Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1830; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13061830 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3330

Abstract

Dietary fatty acids (DFAs) play key roles in different metabolic processes in humans and other mammals. DFAs have been considered beneficial for health, particularly polyunsaturated (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Additionally, microRNAs (miRNAs) exert their function on DFA metabolism by modulating gene expression, and have drawn great attention for their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review explicitly examined the effects of DFAs on miRNA expression associated with metabolic diseases, such as obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as inflammation, published in the last ten years. DFAs have been shown to induce and repress miRNA expression associated with metabolic disease and inflammation in different cell types and organisms, both in vivo and in vitro, depending on varying combinations of DFAs, doses, and the duration of treatment. However, studies are limited and heterogeneous in methodology. Additionally, recent studies demonstrated that high fat ketogenic diets, many enriched with saturated fats, do not increase serum saturated fat content in humans, and are not associated with increased inflammation. Thus, these findings shed light on the complexity of novel treatment and DFA interventions for metabolic disease and to maintain health. Further studies are needed to advance molecular therapeutic approaches, including miRNA-based strategies in human health and disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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20 pages, 1015 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Short-Chain Fatty Acids, Maternal Microbiota and Metabolism in Pregnancy

by Maciej Ziętek, Zbigniew Celewicz and Małgorzata Szczuko

Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1244; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu13041244 - 09 Apr 2021

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 10139

Abstract

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as products of intestinal bacterial metabolism, are particularly relevant in the diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis. The most common studies of microbiome metabolites include butyric acid, propionic acid and acetic acid, which occur in varying proportions depending on diet, age, coexisting disease and other factors. During pregnancy, metabolic changes related to the protection of energy homeostasis are of fundamental importance for the developing fetus, its future metabolic fate and the mother’s health. SCFAs act as signaling molecules that regulate the body’s energy balance through G-protein receptors. GPR41 receptors affect metabolism through the microflora, while GPR43 receptors are recognized as a molecular link between diet, microflora, gastrointestinal tract, immunity and the inflammatory response. The possible mechanism by which the gut microflora may contribute to fat storage, as well as the occurrence of gestational insulin resistance, is blocking the expression of the fasting-induced adipose factor. SCFAs, in particular propionic acid via GPR, determine the development and metabolic programming of the fetus in pregnant women. The mechanisms regulating lipid metabolism during pregnancy are similar to those found in obese people and those with impaired microbiome and its metabolites. The implications of SCFAs and metabolic disorders during pregnancy are therefore critical to maternal health and neonatal development. In this review paper, we summarize the current knowledge about SCFAs, their potential impact and possible mechanisms of action in relation to maternal metabolism during pregnancy. Therefore, they constitute a contemporary challenge to practical nutritional therapy. Material and methods: The PubMed database were searched for “pregnancy”, “lipids”, “SCFA” in conjunction with “diabetes”, “hypertension”, and “microbiota”, and searches were limited to work published for a period not exceeding 20 years in the past. Out of 2927 publication items, 2778 papers were excluded from the analysis, due to being unrelated to the main topic, conference summaries and/or articles written in a language other than English, while the remaining 126 publications were included in the analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fat Diets and Metabolic Diseases)

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