4-Hydroxynonenal induces Nrf2-mediated UCP3 upregulation in mouse cardiomyocytes.

4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is a highly cytotoxic product of lipid peroxidation. Nevertheless, at low concentrations, it is able to mediate cell signaling and to activate protective pathways, including that of the transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). In addition, HNE activates uncoupling proteins (UCPs), mitochondrial inner membrane proteins that mediate uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and have been proposed to protect against oxidative stress.

TSH effects on thermogenesis in rat brown adipocytes.

TSH receptor (TSHR) is present in the thyroid and other tissues, as adipose tissue. In brown adipose tissue (BAT) TSH increases UCP1 expression and lipolysis. We have studied the regulation of Tshr mRNA expression and the effect of TSH on Ucp1 and Dio2 mRNA, on D2 activity and O2 consumption in rat brown adipocytes and the TSH signaling pathways.

The transcription factor Nrf2 promotes survival by enhancing the expression of uncoupling protein 3 under conditions of oxidative stress.

Uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) is a member of the mitochondrial inner membrane carrier superfamily that modulates energy efficiency by catalyzing proton conductance and thus decreasing the production of superoxide anion. However, its role during oxidative stress and the underlying regulatory and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We sought to investigate how UCP3 expression is regulated by oxidative stress and to evaluate the putative antioxidant role of this protein.

Fatty acids revert the inhibition of respiration caused by the antidiabetic drug metformin to facilitate their mitochondrial β-oxidation.

While metformin has been widely used to treat type 2 diabetes for the last fifty years, its mode of action remains unclear. Hence, we investigated the short-term alterations in energy metabolism caused by metformin administration in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We found that metformin inhibited mitochondrial respiration, although ATP levels remained constant as the decrease in mitochondrial production was compensated by an increase in glycolysis.

Mutations in UCP2 in congenital hyperinsulinism reveal a role for regulation of insulin secretion.

Although the most common mechanism underlying congenital hyperinsulinism is dysfunction of the pancreatic ATP-sensitive potassium channel, the pathogenesis and genetic origins of this disease remains largely unexplained in more than half of all patients. UCP2 knockout mice exhibit an hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, suggesting an involvement of UCP2 in insulin secretion. However, a possible pathogenic role for UCP2 protein in the development of human congenital hyperinsulinism or of any human disease has not yet been investigated.

Metformin induces oxidative stress in white adipocytes and raises uncoupling protein 2 levels.

Metformin is a drug widely used to treat type 2 diabetes. It enhances insulin sensitivity by improving glucose utilization in tissues like liver or muscle. Metformin inhibits respiration, and the decrease in cellular energy activates the AMP-activated protein kinase that in turn switches on catabolic pathways.