Estudos recentes têm demonstrado uma participação importante do receptor toll-like 4 (TLR4) na evolução de doenças envolvendo desordens metabólicas, como a doença do fígado gorduroso não-alcoólico (NAFLD). No entanto, as alterações do metabolismo lipídico que poderiam ser influenciadas pela ativação do TLR4 são desconhecidas. Neste estudo propomos caracterizar o papel do receptor TLR4 no metabolismo de lipídios no fígado de camundongos deficientes para o receptor de LDL, um modelo que desenvolve NAFLD quando submetido a uma dieta rica em gordura saturada e colesterol. Camundongos controle (C57 black6), deficientes para o receptor de LDL (LDLrKO), deficientes para o receptor TLR4 (TLR4KO) ou deficientes para ambos (duplo KO) receberam dieta controle ou hiperlipídica por quatro, oito ou doze semanas. Após o tratamento e sacrifício dos animais, avaliamos o perfil de lipídios plasmáticos, o conteúdo de lipídios do fígado e a expressão gênica de enzimas relacionadas à síntese e degradação de triglicerídeos (TG) e colesterol no fígado. O perfil inflamatório no fígado também foi avaliado. A dieta hiperlipídica induziu uma hipertrigliceridemia e hipercolesterolemia nos animais LDLr KO e duplo KO, sendo que o grupo duplo KO apresentou níveis séricos inferiores de triglicérides (TG) e ácidos graxos livres a partir de oito semanas de tratamento em comparação aos animais LDLrKO. A dieta hiperlipídica também induziu um aumento significativo no conteúdo de TG e de colesterol no fígado de todos os grupos. Na análise da expressão gênica não foram encontradas diferenças na expressão de proteínas relacionadas à síntese de triglicérides e colesterol (ApoB100, MTTP, GPAT1 e GPAT4) entre os grupos. Porém houve aumento significativo na expressão de proteínas relacionadas à oxidação de ácidos graxos (CPT1, MTP, ACOX, PBE, tiolase) e à síntese de ácidos biliares (CYP7a1) no grupo duplo KO em comparação ao grupo LDLr KO. No perfil inflamatório, a expressão de F4/80 demonstrou infiltração de macrófagos significativamente elevada no grupo LDLrKO tratado com a dieta hiperlipídica comparada a todos os outros grupos. No entanto, houve maior expressão de IL-6, IL-1beta e TNF-alfa no grupo duplo KO em comparação ao grupo LDLr KO. Nossos dados sugerem que a ativação do TLR4 no fígado de animais alimentados com uma dieta hiperlipídica pode contribuir para o acúmulo de lipídios e início da esteatose hepática. Estratégias para a inativação hepática do TLR4 podem diminuir a NAFLD não somente devido a diminuição da inflamação, mas por aumentar a oxidação de ácidos graxos no fígado / Recent studies have shown an important role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the evolution of diseases involving metabolic disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, changes in lipid metabolism regulated by TLR4 activation are still unknown. In this study, we characterized the role of TLR4 receptor in hepatic lipid metabolism of mice deficient for the LDL receptor, a model that develops NAFLD when exposed to a diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol. We investigated the role of TLR4 activation in the pathogenesis of diet-induced NAFLD by crossing LDLr KO mice with the TLR4 knockout mice (double KO). Animals were fed for 4, 8 or 12 weeks with high-fat diet (HFD) containing 18% saturated fat and 1.25% cholesterol. We evaluated plasma lipid profile, hepatic lipid content and gene expression of enzymes related to the synthesis and degradation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver. Liver inflammatory status was also investigated. We observed that HFD induced hypertriglyceri-demia and hypercholesterolemia in LDLr KO and double KO mice, but double KO animals presented lower serum levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids after eight weeks of treatment. HFD also induced a significant increase in liver contents of triglycerides (TG) and of cholesterol in all groups. We did not find differences in the expression of proteins related to triglycerides and cholesterol synthesis (ApoB100, MTTP, GPAT1, GPAT4) between the groups. However, we observed a significant increase in the expression of proteins related to fatty acid oxidation (CPT1, MTP, ACOX, PBE, tiolase ) and bile acid synthesis (CYP7a1) in double KO group in comparison to LDLr KO. Regarding the inflammatory process, F4/80 expression was elevated in LDLr KO mice fed HFD when compared to all groups. On the other hand, IL-6, IL-1beta e TNF-alfa expression was induced by HFD only in double KO mice. Taken together, our results show that TLR4 activation in liver from mice fed on a high-fat diet may contribute to lipid accumulation and steatosis onset. Strategies regarding localized TLR4 inactivation may increase the oxidation of fatty acids and improve NAFLD not only due to decreased inflammation

Estudos recentes têm demonstrado uma participação importante do receptor toll-like 4 (TLR4) na evolução de doenças envolvendo desordens metabólicas, como a doença do fígado gorduroso não-alcoólico (NAFLD). No entanto, as alterações do metabolismo lipídico que poderiam ser influenciadas pela ativação do TLR4 são desconhecidas. Neste estudo propomos caracterizar o papel do receptor TLR4 no metabolismo de lipídios no fígado de camundongos deficientes para o receptor de LDL, um modelo que desenvolve NAFLD quando submetido a uma dieta rica em gordura saturada e colesterol. Camundongos controle (C57 black6), deficientes para o receptor de LDL (LDLrKO), deficientes para o receptor TLR4 (TLR4KO) ou deficientes para ambos (duplo KO) receberam dieta controle ou hiperlipídica por quatro, oito ou doze semanas. Após o tratamento e sacrifício dos animais, avaliamos o perfil de lipídios plasmáticos, o conteúdo de lipídios do fígado e a expressão gênica de enzimas relacionadas à síntese e degradação de triglicerídeos (TG) e colesterol no fígado. O perfil inflamatório no fígado também foi avaliado. A dieta hiperlipídica induziu uma hipertrigliceridemia e hipercolesterolemia nos animais LDLr KO e duplo KO, sendo que o grupo duplo KO apresentou níveis séricos inferiores de triglicérides (TG) e ácidos graxos livres a partir de oito semanas de tratamento em comparação aos animais LDLrKO. A dieta hiperlipídica também induziu um aumento significativo no conteúdo de TG e de colesterol no fígado de todos os grupos. Na análise da expressão gênica não foram encontradas diferenças na expressão de proteínas relacionadas à síntese de triglicérides e colesterol (ApoB100, MTTP, GPAT1 e GPAT4) entre os grupos. Porém houve aumento significativo na expressão de proteínas relacionadas à oxidação de ácidos graxos (CPT1, MTP, ACOX, PBE, tiolase) e à síntese de ácidos biliares (CYP7a1) no grupo duplo KO em comparação ao grupo LDLr KO. No perfil inflamatório, a expressão de F4/80 demonstrou infiltração de macrófagos significativamente elevada no grupo LDLrKO tratado com a dieta hiperlipídica comparada a todos os outros grupos. No entanto, houve maior expressão de IL-6, IL-1beta e TNF-alfa no grupo duplo KO em comparação ao grupo LDLr KO. Nossos dados sugerem que a ativação do TLR4 no fígado de animais alimentados com uma dieta hiperlipídica pode contribuir para o acúmulo de lipídios e início da esteatose hepática. Estratégias para a inativação hepática do TLR4 podem diminuir a NAFLD não somente devido a diminuição da inflamação, mas por aumentar a oxidação de ácidos graxos no fígado / Recent studies have shown an important role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the evolution of diseases involving metabolic disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, changes in lipid metabolism regulated by TLR4 activation are still unknown. In this study, we characterized the role of TLR4 receptor in hepatic lipid metabolism of mice deficient for the LDL receptor, a model that develops NAFLD when exposed to a diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol. We investigated the role of TLR4 activation in the pathogenesis of diet-induced NAFLD by crossing LDLr KO mice with the TLR4 knockout mice (double KO). Animals were fed for 4, 8 or 12 weeks with high-fat diet (HFD) containing 18% saturated fat and 1.25% cholesterol. We evaluated plasma lipid profile, hepatic lipid content and gene expression of enzymes related to the synthesis and degradation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver. Liver inflammatory status was also investigated. We observed that HFD induced hypertriglyceri-demia and hypercholesterolemia in LDLr KO and double KO mice, but double KO animals presented lower serum levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids after eight weeks of treatment. HFD also induced a significant increase in liver contents of triglycerides (TG) and of cholesterol in all groups. We did not find differences in the expression of proteins related to triglycerides and cholesterol synthesis (ApoB100, MTTP, GPAT1, GPAT4) between the groups. However, we observed a significant increase in the expression of proteins related to fatty acid oxidation (CPT1, MTP, ACOX, PBE, tiolase ) and bile acid synthesis (CYP7a1) in double KO group in comparison to LDLr KO. Regarding the inflammatory process, F4/80 expression was elevated in LDLr KO mice fed HFD when compared to all groups. On the other hand, IL-6, IL-1beta e TNF-alfa expression was induced by HFD only in double KO mice. Taken together, our results show that TLR4 activation in liver from mice fed on a high-fat diet may contribute to lipid accumulation and steatosis onset. Strategies regarding localized TLR4 inactivation may increase the oxidation of fatty acids and improve NAFLD not only due to decreased inflammation

Circadiane Uhren sind endogene Oszillatoren, die 24-Stunden Rhythmen erzeugen. Sie erlauben Organismen deren Physiologie und Verhalten an tägliche Änderungen der Umwelt anzupassen. In Säugetieren basieren solche Uhren auf transkriptional-translationalen Rückkopplungsschleifen, aber es ist noch nicht ganz verstanden, welche Schleifen zur Erzeugung von Rhythmen beitragen. Eine der physiologischen Schlüsselfunktionen von cirkadianen Uhren scheint die zeitliche Anordnung von metabolischen Prozessen zu sein. Im ersten Projekt haben wir eine Methode eingeführt, um systematisch Regulationen in einem datengetriebenen mathematischen Modell der Kernuhr zu testen. Überraschenderweise haben wir ein Rückkopplungsmotif entdeckt, das vorher noch nicht im Zusammenhang mit der circadianen Uhr in Säugetieren in Betracht gezogen wurde. Dieser Repressilator ist mit Gen-knockout Studien und weiteren Perturbationsexperimenten konsistent. Im zweiten Projekt haben wir das Modell wiederholt auf gewebespezifische Datensätze gefitted und essentielle Rückkopplungen in allen Modellversionen identifiziert. Interessanterweise fanden wir dabei für alle gewebespezifischen Datensätze Synergien von Rückkopplungen, die zusammen Rhythmen erzeugen. Desweiteren haben wir festgestellt, dass die Synergien sich abhängig vom Gewebe unterscheiden. Im dritten Projekt haben wir die circadianen Aspekte des Metabolismus untersucht. Wir haben circadiane Komponenten in verschiedenen omics Studien identifiziert, integriert und auf ein metabolisches Netzwerk gemapped. Unsere Analyse hat bestätigt, dass viele Stoffwechselwege vermutlich circadianen Rhythmen folgen. Interessanterweise haben wir festgestellt, dass die durchschnittlichen Phasen von rhythmischen Komponenten sich zwischen verschiedenen Stoffwechselwegen unterscheiden. Solche Unterschiede könnten eine zeitliche Anpassung metabolischer Funktionen an Zeiten darstellen zu denen sie gebraucht werden. / Circadian clocks are endogenous oscillators that generate 24-hour rhythms. They allow many organisms to synchronize their physiology and behaviour with daily changes of the environment. In mammals such clocks are based on transcriptional-translational feedback loops, however, it is not fully understood which feedback loops contribute to rhythm generation. Within an organism different clocks are distinguished by their localization in different organs. One of the key physiological functions of circadian clocks in various organs seems to be the temporal alignment of metabolic processes. In the first project we introduced and applied a method to systematically test regulations in a data-driven mathematical model of the core clock. Surprisingly, we discovered a feedback loop that has previously not been considered in the context of the mammalian circadian clock. This repressilator is consistent with knockout studies and further perturbation experiments. It could constitute an explanation for different phases observed between Cryptochromes, which are part of the core clock. In the second project we repeatedly fitted the same mathematical model to tissue-specific data sets and identified essential feedback loops in all model versions. Interestingly, for all tissue-specific data sets we found synergies of loops generating rhythms together. Further, we found that the synergies differ depending on the tissue. In the third project we examined the circadian aspects of metabolism. We identified rhythmic data in different omics studies, integrated and mapped them to a metabolic network. Our analysis confirmed that many metabolic pathways may follow circadian rhythms. Interestingly, we also found that the average peak times of rhythmic components between various pathways differ. Such differences might reflect a temporal alignment of metabolic functions to the time when they are required.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Seven human alcohol dehydrogenase genes (which encode the primary enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism) are grouped into classes based on function and sequence identity. While the Class I ADH isoenzymes contribute significantly to ethanol metabolism in the liver, Class IV ADH isoenzymes are involved in the first-pass metabolism of ethanol. It has been suggested that the ability to efficiently oxidize ethanol occurred late in primate evolution. Kinetic data obtained from the Class I ADH isoenzymes of marmoset and brown lemur, in addition to data from resurrected ancestral human Class IV ADH isoenzymes, supports this proposal--suggesting that two major events which occurred during primate evolution resulted in major adaptations toward ethanol metabolism. First, while human Class IV ADH first appeared 520 million years ago, a major adaptation to ethanol occurred very recently (approximately 15 million years ago); which was caused by a single amino acid change (A294V). This change increases the catalytic efficiency of the human Class IV enzymes toward ethanol by over 79-fold. Secondly, the Class I ADH form developed 80 million years ago--when angiosperms first began to produce fleshy fruits whose sugars are fermented to ethanol by yeasts. This was followed by the duplication and divergence of distinct Class I ADH isoforms--which occurred during mammalian radiation. This duplication event was followed by a second duplication/divergence event which occurred around or just before the emergence of prosimians (some 40 million years ago). We examined the multiple Class I isoforms from species with distinct dietary preferences (lemur and marmoset) in an effort to correlate diets rich in fermentable fruits with increased catalytic capacity toward ethanol oxidation. Our kinetic data support this hypothesis in that the species with a high content of fermentable fruit in its diet possess greater catalytic capacity toward ethanol.

Introdução: A incidência de obesidade é crescente e alarmante, principalmente no mundo ocidental. De acordo com o National Center for Health Statistics, cerca de 61% da população adulta nos Estados Unidos está acima do peso e 30% é obesa, sendo que 5 a 6% está classificada na faixa de obesidade Grau III. No Brasil, o Ministério da Saúde aponta que 32,9% dos brasileiros estão fora da faixa de peso ideal, e 4,8% dos homens e 11,7% das mulheres encaixam-se na faixa de obesidade Grau III. Devido a alta prevalência da Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica (DHGNA) em pacientes portadores de obesidade grave e os escassos conhecimentos acerca de sua evolução para doença crônica do fígado após cirurgias bariátricas, foram objetivos deste estudo avaliar os efeitos da cirurgia gastrorredutora com derivação intestinal em Y de Roux Cirurgia de Fobi-Capella) sobre DHGNA após 24 meses. Métodos: Dentre 40 pacientes com IMC > 40 kg/m2 submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica (cirurgia de Fobi-Capella) no período de 2001 a 2003, 18 pacientes foram seguidos por aproximadamente 24 meses (700 ± 42 dias) e incluídos no estudo, realizando-se exames laboratoriais, tais como enzimas hepáticas, perfil lipídico e glicêmico; e a biopsia hepática no perioperatório e 24 meses após a cirurgia. O diagnóstico histológico de DHGNA e Esteatohepatite Não Alcoólica (ENA) foi determinado segundo a classificação padronizada por meio da revisão pelo Pathology Committee of the NASH Clinical Research Network Americano, que designou e validou as características histológicas e um sistema de escore de atividade para DHGNA para estudos clínicos. esultados: O IMC médio inicial dos 18 pacientes foi de 51,7 ± 7 kg/m2 e na segunda biopsia, após 24 meses de seguimento foi de 32,3 ± 6 kg/m2, com excesso do índice de massa corpórea perdida de 72,56%. DHGNA foi constatada no exame histológico inicial em 100% dos pacientes, sendo steatohepatite em 67% (10 pacientes com escore de atividade da DHGNA maior ou igual a 5 e dois pacientes com escore 4 com algum grau de fibrose) e 33% com esteatose isolada. Dos pacientes com ENA, 8,3% apresentavam cirrose. Após cerca de 24 meses houve desaparecimento da esteatose em 89% e manutenção da esteatose Grau I em 11% (p < 0,001). Em relação à fibrose, observada inicialmente em 10 (55%) dos pacientes, somente 4 (22,22%) dos pacientes mantiveram algum grau de fibrose (p = 0,020). No que se refere ao infiltrado inflamatório, 78% mantiveram discreto infiltrado lobular (Grau I) não relacionado à degeneração gordurosa. A balonização hepatocelular desapareceu em 50% dos pacientes e manteve-se discreta (Grau I) em 50% (p < 0,001). Não houve diferença estatística no que se refere às aminotranferases no pré e pós-operatório tardio. Houve redução significativa dos lípides e glicemia em quase a totalidade dos pacientes. Conclusão: A correção da síndrome metabólica obtida pela acentuada perda de peso após cirurgia de Fobi-Capella promoveu melhora da esteatose, fibrose, e os escores de atividade da DHGNA menores que 5, respectivamente em 89%, 75% e 100%dos pacientes previamente portadores de DHGNA, não se observando efeito deletério na histologia hepática nesta série. / Background: The incidence of obesity is increasing in western countries at an alarming rate. The National Center for Health Statistics of United Stated estimated in adult population 61% the prevalence of overweight or obesity, and 30% has obesity, and 5 to 6% were classified in severe obesity. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health reported 32.9% the prevalence of overweight or obese in adult brazilian population, and severe obesity 4.8% were men and 11.7% were women. Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been proved very frequent among morbidly obese patients and the effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery in inflammation and fibrosis related NAFLD is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Fobi-Capella surgery in NAFLD in a follow up of 24 months. Methods: Forty patients with body mass index (BMI) IMC > 40 kg/m2 were submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with intraoperatory liver biopsies between 2001 a 2003, and 18 patients were followed and selected to underwent a liver biopsies after 24 months (700 ± 42 days). Blood biochemical tests and liver histology were compared before and after weight loss. The histological diagnosis of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was analyzed using the classification proposed by Pathology Committee of the NASH Clinical Research Network, which designed and validated a histological feature scoring system that address the characteristics of NASH lesions and a NAFLD activity score (NAS) for use in clinical trials. Eighteen patients with body mass index >40 kg/m2 submitted to Roux-n-Y gastric bypass were enrolled, and wedge liver biopsy was obtained at the operation. After 24 months, patients agreed to be submitted to a percutaneous liver biopsy. Results: The initial average BMI of 18 patientes were 51.7 ± 7 kg/m2. After following 24 months, average BMI was 32.3 ± 6 kg/m2. The average of percent excess body mass index loss was 72.56%. NAFLD was present in all 18 patients at the initial biopsy, NASH in 67% (10 patient had score of NAS ? 5 and two patients with score 4 had some degree of fibrosis) and 33% with steatosis only; 8.3% of patients with NASH has cirrhosis. After 24 months steatosis disappeared in 89% (p < 0,001) and fibrosis disappeared in 60% of the patients (p = 0.020). Hepatocellular ballooning disappeared in 50% (p < 0.001). A slight lobular inflammatory infiltrate remained in 78%, apparently unrelated to fatty degeneration. Since liver biochemical variables AST and ALT had been found within normal limits in 88% and 89%, respectively of patients at initial biopsy, no difference was found 24 months later (p = 1.000). Lipid profile and blood sugar plasma concentration were closer to normal in all patients after 24 months of follow up (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The improvement of metabolic syndrome related a severe obesity after sustained weight loss surgery promoted significant improvement in liver histology. The steatosis, fibrosis and NAS ? 5 were decreased in 89%, 75% and 100% of patients, respectively. None patient had progression of hepatic fibrosis in this series.

Introdução: A incidência de obesidade é crescente e alarmante, principalmente no mundo ocidental. De acordo com o National Center for Health Statistics, cerca de 61% da população adulta nos Estados Unidos está acima do peso e 30% é obesa, sendo que 5 a 6% está classificada na faixa de obesidade Grau III. No Brasil, o Ministério da Saúde aponta que 32,9% dos brasileiros estão fora da faixa de peso ideal, e 4,8% dos homens e 11,7% das mulheres encaixam-se na faixa de obesidade Grau III. Devido a alta prevalência da Doença Hepática Gordurosa Não Alcoólica (DHGNA) em pacientes portadores de obesidade grave e os escassos conhecimentos acerca de sua evolução para doença crônica do fígado após cirurgias bariátricas, foram objetivos deste estudo avaliar os efeitos da cirurgia gastrorredutora com derivação intestinal em Y de Roux Cirurgia de Fobi-Capella) sobre DHGNA após 24 meses. Métodos: Dentre 40 pacientes com IMC > 40 kg/m2 submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica (cirurgia de Fobi-Capella) no período de 2001 a 2003, 18 pacientes foram seguidos por aproximadamente 24 meses (700 ± 42 dias) e incluídos no estudo, realizando-se exames laboratoriais, tais como enzimas hepáticas, perfil lipídico e glicêmico; e a biopsia hepática no perioperatório e 24 meses após a cirurgia. O diagnóstico histológico de DHGNA e Esteatohepatite Não Alcoólica (ENA) foi determinado segundo a classificação padronizada por meio da revisão pelo Pathology Committee of the NASH Clinical Research Network Americano, que designou e validou as características histológicas e um sistema de escore de atividade para DHGNA para estudos clínicos. esultados: O IMC médio inicial dos 18 pacientes foi de 51,7 ± 7 kg/m2 e na segunda biopsia, após 24 meses de seguimento foi de 32,3 ± 6 kg/m2, com excesso do índice de massa corpórea perdida de 72,56%. DHGNA foi constatada no exame histológico inicial em 100% dos pacientes, sendo steatohepatite em 67% (10 pacientes com escore de atividade da DHGNA maior ou igual a 5 e dois pacientes com escore 4 com algum grau de fibrose) e 33% com esteatose isolada. Dos pacientes com ENA, 8,3% apresentavam cirrose. Após cerca de 24 meses houve desaparecimento da esteatose em 89% e manutenção da esteatose Grau I em 11% (p < 0,001). Em relação à fibrose, observada inicialmente em 10 (55%) dos pacientes, somente 4 (22,22%) dos pacientes mantiveram algum grau de fibrose (p = 0,020). No que se refere ao infiltrado inflamatório, 78% mantiveram discreto infiltrado lobular (Grau I) não relacionado à degeneração gordurosa. A balonização hepatocelular desapareceu em 50% dos pacientes e manteve-se discreta (Grau I) em 50% (p < 0,001). Não houve diferença estatística no que se refere às aminotranferases no pré e pós-operatório tardio. Houve redução significativa dos lípides e glicemia em quase a totalidade dos pacientes. Conclusão: A correção da síndrome metabólica obtida pela acentuada perda de peso após cirurgia de Fobi-Capella promoveu melhora da esteatose, fibrose, e os escores de atividade da DHGNA menores que 5, respectivamente em 89%, 75% e 100%dos pacientes previamente portadores de DHGNA, não se observando efeito deletério na histologia hepática nesta série. / Background: The incidence of obesity is increasing in western countries at an alarming rate. The National Center for Health Statistics of United Stated estimated in adult population 61% the prevalence of overweight or obesity, and 30% has obesity, and 5 to 6% were classified in severe obesity. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health reported 32.9% the prevalence of overweight or obese in adult brazilian population, and severe obesity 4.8% were men and 11.7% were women. Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been proved very frequent among morbidly obese patients and the effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery in inflammation and fibrosis related NAFLD is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Fobi-Capella surgery in NAFLD in a follow up of 24 months. Methods: Forty patients with body mass index (BMI) IMC > 40 kg/m2 were submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with intraoperatory liver biopsies between 2001 a 2003, and 18 patients were followed and selected to underwent a liver biopsies after 24 months (700 ± 42 days). Blood biochemical tests and liver histology were compared before and after weight loss. The histological diagnosis of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was analyzed using the classification proposed by Pathology Committee of the NASH Clinical Research Network, which designed and validated a histological feature scoring system that address the characteristics of NASH lesions and a NAFLD activity score (NAS) for use in clinical trials. Eighteen patients with body mass index >40 kg/m2 submitted to Roux-n-Y gastric bypass were enrolled, and wedge liver biopsy was obtained at the operation. After 24 months, patients agreed to be submitted to a percutaneous liver biopsy. Results: The initial average BMI of 18 patientes were 51.7 ± 7 kg/m2. After following 24 months, average BMI was 32.3 ± 6 kg/m2. The average of percent excess body mass index loss was 72.56%. NAFLD was present in all 18 patients at the initial biopsy, NASH in 67% (10 patient had score of NAS ? 5 and two patients with score 4 had some degree of fibrosis) and 33% with steatosis only; 8.3% of patients with NASH has cirrhosis. After 24 months steatosis disappeared in 89% (p < 0,001) and fibrosis disappeared in 60% of the patients (p = 0.020). Hepatocellular ballooning disappeared in 50% (p < 0.001). A slight lobular inflammatory infiltrate remained in 78%, apparently unrelated to fatty degeneration. Since liver biochemical variables AST and ALT had been found within normal limits in 88% and 89%, respectively of patients at initial biopsy, no difference was found 24 months later (p = 1.000). Lipid profile and blood sugar plasma concentration were closer to normal in all patients after 24 months of follow up (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The improvement of metabolic syndrome related a severe obesity after sustained weight loss surgery promoted significant improvement in liver histology. The steatosis, fibrosis and NAS ? 5 were decreased in 89%, 75% and 100% of patients, respectively. None patient had progression of hepatic fibrosis in this series.

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is of great interest for its therapeutic relevance in several pathophysiological processes. The CB2 subtype is largely localized to immune effectors, including microglia within the central nervous system, where it promotes anti-inflammation. Recently, a rational drug design toward precise modulation of the CB2 active site revealed the novelty of Pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines tricyclic chemotype with a high conformational similarity in comparison to the existing leads. These compounds are structurally unique, confirming their chemotype novelty. In our continuing search for new chemotypes as selective CB2 regulatory molecules, following SAR approaches, a total of 17 selected (S,E)-11-[2-(arylmethylene)hydrazono]-PBD analogs were synthesized and tested for their ability to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptor orthosteric sites. A competitive [H]CP-55,940 binding screen revealed five compounds that exhibited >60% displacement at 10 μM concentration. Further concentration-response analysis revealed two compounds, and , as potent and selective CB2 ligands with sub-micromolar activities ( = 146 nM and 137 nM, respectively). In order to support the potential efficacy and safety of the analogs, the oral and intravenous pharmacokinetic properties of compound were sought. Compound was orally bioavailable, reaching maximum brain concentrations of 602 ± 162 ng/g (p.o.) with an elimination half-life of 22.9 ± 3.73 h. Whether administered via the oral or intravenous route, the elimination half-lives ranged between 9.3 and 16.7 h in the liver and kidneys. These compounds represent novel chemotypes, which can be further optimized for improved affinity and selectivity toward the CB2 receptor.

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality from hepatic complications. C1q/TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3) is an adiponectin paralog and, in male mice, increased levels of circulating CTRP3 prevents ALD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to replicate the observed hepatoprotective effect of elevated circulating CTRP3 levels in female mice. Twelve-week-old female wildtype and CTRP3 overexpressing transgenic mice were fed the Lieber-DeCarli alcohol-containing liquid diet (5% vol/vol) for 6 weeks. Unlike the previous study with male mice, CTRP3 overexpression provided no attenuation to alcohol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation, cytokine production, or overall mortality. In conclusion, there appears to be a clear sex-specific effect of CTRP3 in response to alcohol consumption that needs to be explored further.