s-adenosylhomocysteine and Disease-Models--Animal

Mouse models that perturb homocysteine metabolism, including genetic mouse models that result in deficiencies of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, methionine synthase, methionine synthase reductase, and cystathionine beta-synthase, and a pharmaceutically induced mouse model with a transient deficiency in betainehomocysteine methyl transferase, have now been characterized and can be compared. Although each of these enzyme deficiencies is associated with moderate to severe hyperhomocyst(e)inemia, the broader metabolic profiles are profoundly different. In particular, the various models differ in the degree to which tissue ratios of S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine are reduced in the face of elevated plasma homocyst(e)ine, and in the distribution of the tissue folate pools. These different metabolic profiles illustrate the potential complexities of hyperhomocyst(e)inemia in humans and suggest that comparison of the disease phenotypes of the various mouse models may be extremely useful in dissecting the underlying risk factors associated with human hyperhomocyst(e)inemia.

Topics: 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-Homocysteine S-Methyltransferase; Animals; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Disease Models, Animal; Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Models, Biological; Molecular Structure; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine

When Zika virus emerged as a public health emergency there were no drugs or vaccines approved for its prevention or treatment. We used a high-throughput screen for Zika virus protease inhibitors to identify several inhibitors of Zika virus infection. We expressed the NS2B-NS3 Zika virus protease and conducted a biochemical screen for small-molecule inhibitors. A quantitative structure-activity relationship model was employed to virtually screen ∼138,000 compounds, which increased the identification of active compounds, while decreasing screening time and resources. Candidate inhibitors were validated in several viral infection assays. Small molecules with favorable clinical profiles, especially the five-lipoxygenase-activating protein inhibitor, MK-591, inhibited the Zika virus protease and infection in neural stem cells. Members of the tetracycline family of antibiotics were more potent inhibitors of Zika virus infection than the protease, suggesting they may have multiple mechanisms of action. The most potent tetracycline, methacycline, reduced the amount of Zika virus present in the brain and the severity of Zika virus-induced motor deficits in an immunocompetent mouse model. As Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, the tetracyclines could be quickly translated to the clinic. The compounds identified through our screening paradigm have the potential to be used as prophylactics for patients traveling to endemic regions or for the treatment of the neurological complications of Zika virus infection.

Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Artificial Intelligence; Chlorocebus aethiops; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Immunocompetence; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Methacycline; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Protease Inhibitors; Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship; Small Molecule Libraries; Vero Cells; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection

Qian Yang Yu Yin Granule (QYYY) is a Chinese herbal formulation. It is used to treat hypertensive nephropathy for decades in China, but it is unknown that the exact mechanism of QYYY on hypertensive nephropathy.. The present study was to elucidate its epigenetic mechanism of QYYY on hypertensive nephropathy.. In the current study, HEK293T cells' proliferation induced by Ang II was chosen to observe epigenetic mechanisms of QYYY on renal damage. The cell proliferation was examined by MTT assays and ethynyldeoxyuridine analysis. Cell cycle analysis was performed. After treatment with QYYY, expression of Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), sirtuin1(SIRT1), S-adenosylhomocysteine(SAH), histone H3K4 methylation, and cortactin acetylation(acetyl-cortactin,ac-cortactin) were further investigated by western-blotting and real time PCR. DNA methylation was detected by ELISA. The study also observed the changes of SIRT1, SAH, H3K4 methylation, acetyl-cortactin when NNMT over-expressed by lentivirus transfection. Angiotensin II(Ang II) induced renal damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR). After eight weeks treatment of QYYY, blood pressure, serum and urine creatinine, and urinary microalbumin(mAlb) were assessed. The concentration of N1 -methylnicotinamide were detected by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The protein of NNMT, ac-cortactin, H3K3me3 were also assessed in vivo.. QYYY inhibited HEK293T cells' proliferation, down-regulated the expression of NNMT, SAH, acetyl-cortactin and DNA methylation, up-regulated the expression of SIRT1, histone H3K4 trimethylation(H3K4me3). Over-expression of NNMT increased the expression of SAH and acetyl-cortactin, and reduced the expression of SIRT1 and H3K4me3. The study also demonstrated that QYYY promoted urinary creatinine excretion and reduced serum creatinine and urinary mAlb in SHR. QYYY decreased the concentration of N1 -methylnicotinamide in Ang II group. QYYY decreased the protein of NNMT, ac-cortactin and increased H3K4me3 in vivo.. The results showed that QYYY alleviated renal impairment of SHR and inhibited HEK293T cells' proliferation induced by Ang II through the pathway of epigenetic mechanism linked to Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase (NNMT) expression, including histone methylation, DNA methylation and acetyl-cortactin. This study unveiled a novel molecular mechanism by which QYYY controlled the progression of hypertensive nephropathy.

Topics: Acetylation; Angiotensin II; Animals; Cell Proliferation; Cortactin; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Methylation; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epithelial Cells; HEK293 Cells; Histones; Humans; Hypertension; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Male; Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; Sirtuin 1

Elevated levels of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), the precursor of homocysteine, are positively associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease and with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. However, the role of SAH in endothelial dysfunction is unclear.. Apolipoprotein E-deficient ( apoE. Plasma SAH levels were increased in SAHH. Our findings indicate that inhibition of SAHH results in elevated plasma SAH levels and induces endothelial dysfunction via epigenetic upregulation of the p66shc-mediated oxidative stress pathway. Our study provides novel molecular insight into mechanisms of SAH-associated endothelial injury that may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03345927.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosylhomocysteinase; Aged; Animals; Atherosclerosis; Coronary Artery Disease; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Methylation; Endothelium, Vascular; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Humans; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout, ApoE; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; RNA, Small Interfering; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; Signal Transduction; Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing, Transforming Protein 1

BACKGROUND Maternal folate deficiency-mediated metabolic disruption is considered to be associated with the risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The retrotransposon long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1), which can induce birth defects via RNA intermediates, plays crucial roles during embryonic development. We investigated potential relationships between maternal folate and DNA methylation, and possible roles of LINE-1 in IUGR. MATERIAL AND METHODS The IUGR model was established by feeding female mice 1 of 3 diets - control diet (CD), folate-deficient diet for 2 weeks (FD2w), and folate-deficient diet for 4 weeks (FD4w) - prior to mating. Maternal serum folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MeTHF), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) concentrations and global DNA methylation were assessed by LC/MS/MS method. LINE-1 methylation levels in fetuses were examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. LINE-1 expression levels were validated by real-time PCR. RESULTS Maternal folate deficiency caused plasma folate and 5-MeTHF levels to decrease and SAH level to increase in the FD4w group. Compared with the CD group, methylation levels of genomic DNA and LINE-1 decreased significantly in placenta and fetal tissues from the FD4w group. Expression of LINE-1 open reading frame 1 (ORF1) protein was elevated in fetal liver tissues. Furthermore, a strong correlation was found between methylation and disrupted one-carbon metabolism, implying that dietary folate plays important roles during embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Maternal dietary folate deficiency impaired one-carbon metabolism, leading to global DNA and LINE-1 hypomethylation, and then increased retrotransposition in fetuses, which can lead to IUGR.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Methylation; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Fetus; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Long Interspersed Nucleotide Elements; Male; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Placenta; Pregnancy; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Tetrahydrofolates

Suboptimal folate intake, a risk factor for birth defects, is common even in areas with folate fortification. A polymorphism in methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1), R653Q (MTHFD1 c.1958 G > A), has also been associated with increased birth defect risk, likely through reduced purine synthesis.. We aimed to determine if the interaction of MTHFD1 synthetase deficiency and low folate intake increases developmental abnormalities in a mouse model for MTHFD1 R653Q.. Female Mthfd1S+/+ and Mthfd1S+/- mice were fed control or low-folate diets (2 and 0.3 mg folic acid/kg diet, respectively) before mating and during pregnancy. Embryos and placentas were examined for anomalies at embryonic day 10.5. Maternal 1-carbon metabolites were measured in plasma and liver.. Delays and defects doubled in litters of Mthfd1S+/- females fed low-folate diets compared to wild-type females fed either diet, or Mthfd1S+/- females fed control diets [P values (defects): diet 0.003, maternal genotype 0.012, diet × maternal genotype 0.014]. These adverse outcomes were associated with placental dysmorphology. Intrauterine growth restriction was increased by embryonic Mthfd1S+/- genotype, folate deficiency, and interaction of maternal Mthfd1S+/- genotype with folate deficiency (P values: embryonic genotype 0.045, diet 0.0081, diet × maternal genotype 0.0019). Despite a 50% increase in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase expression in low-folate maternal liver (P diet = 0.0007), methyltetrahydrofolate concentration decreased 70% (P diet <0.0001) and homocysteine concentration doubled in plasma (P diet = 0.0001); S-adenosylmethionine decreased 40% and S-adenosylhomocysteine increased 20% in low-folate maternal liver (P diet = 0.002 and 0.0002, respectively).. MTHFD1 synthetase-deficient mice are more sensitive to low folate intake than wild-type mice during pregnancy. Reduced purine synthesis due to synthetase deficiency and altered methylation potential due to low folate may increase pregnancy complications. Further studies and individualized intake recommendations may be required for women homozygous for the MTHFD1 R653Q variant.

Topics: Animals; Congenital Abnormalities; Diet; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Methylation; Female; Fetal Development; Fetal Growth Retardation; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Formate-Tetrahydrofolate Ligase; Genotype; Ligases; Liver; Methenyltetrahydrofolate Cyclohydrolase; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP); Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2); Mice; Multifunctional Enzymes; Placenta; Polymorphism, Genetic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy, Animal; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Tetrahydrofolates

Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency is a recessive inborn error of metabolism in which patients have extremely elevated plasma total homocysteine and have clinical manifestations in the vascular, visual, skeletal, and nervous systems. Homocysteine is an intermediary metabolite produced from the hydrolysis of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), which is a by-product of methylation reactions involving the methyl-donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Here, we have measured SAM, SAH, DNA and histone methylation status in an inducible mouse model of CBS deficiency to test the hypothesis that homocysteine-related phenotypes are caused by inhibition of methylation due to elevated SAH and reduced SAM/SAH ratio. We found that mice lacking CBS have elevated cellular SAH and reduced SAM/SAH ratios in both liver and kidney, but this was not associated with alterations in the level of 5-methylcytosine or various histone modifications. Using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation in combination with microarray, we found that of the 241 most differentially methylated promoter probes, 89 % were actually hypermethylated in CBS deficient mice. In addition, we did not find that changes in DNA methylation correlated well with changes in RNA expression in the livers of induced and uninduced CBS mice. Our data indicates that reduction in the SAM/SAH ratio, due to loss of CBS activity, does not result in overall hypomethylation of either DNA or histones.

Topics: Animals; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Disease Models, Animal; DNA; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenomics; Homocysteine; Homocystinuria; Kidney; Liver; Mice; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine

Alterations in brain nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP synthesis contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). An increased asymmetrically dimethylated derivative of L-arginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthases, was observed in plasma of HE patients and animal models. It is not clear whether changes in brain ADMA reflect its increased local synthesis therefore affecting NO/cGMP pathway, or are a consequence of its increased peripheral blood content. We measured extracellular concentration of ADMA and symmetrically dimethylated isoform (SDMA) in the prefrontal cortex of control and thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE rats. A contribution of locally synthesized dimethylarginines (DMAs) in their extracellular level in the brain was studied after direct infusion of the inhibitor of DMAs synthesizing enzymes (PRMTs), S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy, 2 mM), or the methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet, 2 mM), via a microdialysis probe. Next, we analyzed whether locally synthesized ADMA attains physiological significance by determination of extracellular cGMP. The expression of PRMT-1 was also examined. Concentration of ADMA and SDMA, detected by positive mode electrospray LC-DMS-MS/MS, was greatly enhanced in TAA rats and was decreased (by 30 %) after AdoHcy and AdoMet infusion. TAA-induced increase (by 40 %) in cGMP was unaffected after AdoHcy administration. The expression of PRMT-1 in TAA rat brain was unaltered. The results suggest that (i) the TAA-induced increase in extracellular DMAs may result from their effective synthesis in the brain, and (ii) the excess of extracellular ADMA does not translate into changes in the extracellular cGMP concentration and implicate a minor role in brain NO/cGMP pathway control.

Topics: Animals; Arginine; Cyclic GMP; Disease Models, Animal; Extracellular Space; Hepatic Encephalopathy; Liver Failure, Acute; Male; Prefrontal Cortex; Protein-Arginine N-Methyltransferases; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA, Messenger; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Signal Transduction

The present study aimed to confirm whether the ratio of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is a sensitive indicator, and whether it can be used as a biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-/- mice were randomly divided into four groups and fed with a high methionine diet for 15 weeks. Serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy) were measured using an automatic biochemistry analyzer. The concentrations of SAM and SAH were determined using high‑performance liquid chromatography. The methylation levels of B1 repetitive elements, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (FABP4), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC‑SOD) were analyzed using nested touchdown-methylation-specific-polymerase chain reaction analysis. After 15 weeks, compared with the normal control group, serum concentrations of Hcy were significantly increased by 1.15‑, 2.54‑ and 1.17‑fold (P<0.05) in the ApoE‑/‑ control group, Meth group and Meth‑F group, respectively. The sizes of the atherosclerotic lesions were increased in the ApoE‑/‑ control group, Meth group and Meth‑F group, by up to 1.44‑, 2.40‑ and 1.45‑fold, respectively, compared with the normal control group (P<0.05). The concentrations of SAM were significantly increased by 3.02‑, 3.42‑ and 2.46‑fold in the ApoE‑/‑ control group, Meth group and Meth‑F group, respectively (P<0.05). The ratios of SAM/SAH were increased by 1.67‑ and 2.75‑fold in the in ApoE‑/‑ control group and Meth group, respectively, compared with the normal control group. The methylation levels of B1 repetitive elements, FABP4, MCP‑1 and EC‑SOD were decreased and exhibited hypomethylation. The methylation statuses of these genes were correlated with the ratio of the serum levels of SAM and SAH. These findings suggested that the SAM/SAH ratio is a biomarker and may provide a sensitive indicator for the clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Topics: Animals; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Biomarkers; Chemokine CCL2; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Methylation; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Homocysteine; Interspersed Repetitive Sequences; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Superoxide Dismutase

S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is a better predictor of cardiovascular disease than homocysteine is, and it has been implicated in mediating the pathogenicity of hyperhomocysteinemia in atherosclerosis via an epigenetic mechanism. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis whether the effect of SAH on atherosclerosis is involved in epigenetic regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress.. A total of 48 apolipoprotein E-deficient mice at 8 weeks were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12 for each group). The control group was fed a conventional diet, the adenosine dialdehyde group was fed a diet that was supplemented with the SAH hydrolase inhibitor adenosine dialdehyde, and the other 2 groups were intravenously injected with a retrovirus that expressed either SAH hydrolase short hairpin RNA or scrambled short hairpin RNA semiweekly for 16 weeks. Plasma SAH levels and atherosclerotic lesion size were significantly increased in adenosine dialdehyde and SAH hydrolase short hairpin RNA groups when compared with control group. Expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers glucose-regulated protein-78 and CEBP-homologous protein was significantly increased in the mice with elevated plasma SAH levels. Moreover, plasma SAH was negatively associated with a decrease in the expression of trimethylated histone H3 lysine 9 and histone methyltransferases. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed a significant decrease in trimethylated histone H3 lysine 9 occupancy at the glucose-regulated protein-78 and CEBP-homologous protein promoters in mice treated with adenosine dialdehyde and SAH hydrolase short hairpin RNA when compared with control mice.. Our results suggest that elevated plasma SAH levels-accelerated atherosclerosis was associated with the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress via modulation of histone methylation.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosylhomocysteinase; Animals; Aortic Diseases; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Binding Sites; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins; Cell Line; Disease Models, Animal; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epigenesis, Genetic; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Heat-Shock Proteins; Histone Methyltransferases; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase; Histones; Male; Methylation; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Promoter Regions, Genetic; RNA Interference; RNA, Small Interfering; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; Time Factors; Up-Regulation

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with malnutrition, altered one-carbon metabolism and increased hippocampal amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) accumulation. Aberrant DNA methylation may be an epigenetic mechanism that underlies AD pathogenesis. We hypothesized that folic acid acts through an epigenetic gene silencing mechanism to lower Aβ levels in the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of AD. APP/PS1 mice were fed either folate-deficient or control diets and gavaged daily with 120 μg/kg folic acid, 13.3mg/kg S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) or both. Examination of the mice after 60 days of treatment showed that serum folate concentration increased with intake of folic acid but not SAM. Folate deficiency lowered endogenous SAM concentration, whereas neither intervention altered S-adenosylhomocysteine concentration. DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity increased with intake of folic acid raised DNMT activity in folate-deficient mice. DNA methylation rate was stimulated by folic acid in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) promoter and in the presenilin 1 (PS1) promoter. Folate deficiency elevated hippocampal APP, PS1 and Aβ protein levels, and these rises were prevented by folic acid. In conclusion, these findings are consistent with a mechanism in which folic acid increases methylation potential and DNMT activity, modifies DNA methylation and ultimately decreases APP, PS1 and Aβ protein levels.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Folic Acid; Folic Acid Deficiency; Gene Silencing; Hippocampus; Male; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Molecular Sequence Data; Presenilin-1; Promoter Regions, Genetic; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Accumulation of the homocysteine (Hcy) precursor S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) may cause cellular hypomethylation in the setting of hyperhomocysteinemia because of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency, an inborn error of metabolism. To test this hypothesis, DNA and protein arginine methylation status were assessed in liver, brain, heart, and kidney obtained from a previously described mouse model of CBS deficiency. Metabolite levels in tissues and serum were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography or liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Global DNA and protein arginine methylation status were evaluated as the contents of 5-methyldeoxycytidine in DNA and of methylarginines in proteins, respectively. In addition, histone arginine methylation was assessed by Western blotting. CBS-deficient mice exhibited increased (>6-fold) Hcy and AdoHcy levels in all tissues examined compared with control levels. In addition, global DNA methylation status was not affected, but global protein arginine methylation status was decreased (10-35%) in liver and brain. Moreover, asymmetric dimethylation of arginine 3 on histone H4 (H4R3me2a) content was markedly decreased in liver, and no differences were observed for the other histone arginine methylation marks examined. Our results show that CBS-deficient mice present severe accumulation of tissue Hcy and AdoHcy, protein arginine hypomethylation in liver and brain, and decreased H4R3me2a content in liver. Therefore, protein arginine hypomethylation arises as a potential player in the pathophysiology of CBS deficiency.

Topics: Animals; Arginine; Brain; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Disease Models, Animal; DNA Methylation; Histones; Homocysteine; Homocystinuria; Liver; Methylation; Mice; S-Adenosylhomocysteine

The Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rat shows age-dependent hepatic manifestations that are similar to those of Wilson's disease (WD). The pathogenic process in the brain has, however, not been evaluated in detail due to the rarity of the neurological symptoms. However, copper accumulation is noted in LEC rat brain tissue from 24 weeks of age, which results in oxidative injuries. The current study investigated the gene expression profiles of LEC rat brains at 24 weeks of age in order to identify the important early molecular changes that underlie the development of neurological symptoms in WD. Biological ontology-based analysis revealed diverse altered expressions of the genes related to copper accumulation. Of particular interest, we found altered expression of genes connected to mitochondrial respiration (Sdhaf2 and Ndufb7), calcineurin-mediated cellular processes (Ppp3ca, Ppp3cb, and Camk2a), amyloid precursor protein (Anks1b and A2m) and alpha-synuclein (Snca). In addition to copper-related changes, compensatory upregulations of Cp and Hamp reflect iron-mediated neurotoxicity. Of note, reciprocal expression of Asmt and Bhmt is an important clue that altered S-adenosylhomocysteine metabolism underlies brain injury in WD, which is directly correlated to the decreased expression of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase in hepatic tissue in LEC rats. In conclusion, our study indicates that diverse molecular changes, both variable and complex, underlie the development of neurological manifestations in WD. Copper-related injuries were found to be the principal pathogenic process, but Fe- or adenosylhomocysteine-related injuries were also implicated. Investigations using other animal models or accessible human samples will be required to confirm our observations.

Topics: alpha-Synuclein; Animals; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Brain; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Cluster Analysis; Copper; Disease Models, Animal; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation; Hepatolenticular Degeneration; Hepcidins; Humans; Iron; Liver; Mitochondria; Neurons; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Rats; Rats, Inbred LEC; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reproducibility of Results; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; Time Factors; Visual Pathways

Hepatic methionine metabolism may play an essential role in regulating methylation status and liver injury in Wilson's disease (WD) through the inhibition of S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) by copper (Cu) and the consequent accumulation of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). We studied the transcript levels of selected genes related to liver injury, levels of SAHH, SAH, DNA methyltransferases genes (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b), and global DNA methylation in the tx-j mouse (tx-j), an animal model of WD. Findings were compared to those in control C3H mice, and in response to Cu chelation by penicillamine (PCA) and dietary supplementation of the methyl donor betaine to modulate inflammatory and methylation status. Transcript levels of selected genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, lipid synthesis, and fatty acid oxidation were down-regulated at baseline in tx-j mice, further down-regulated in response to PCA, and showed little to no response to betaine. Hepatic Sahh transcript and protein levels were reduced in tx-j mice with consequent increase of SAH levels. Hepatic Cu accumulation was associated with inflammation, as indicated by histopathology and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and liver tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnf-α) levels. Dnmt3b was down-regulated in tx-j mice together with global DNA hypomethylation. PCA treatment of tx-j mice reduced Tnf-α and ALT levels, betaine treatment increased S-adenosylmethionine and up-regulated Dnmt3b levels, and both treatments restored global DNA methylation levels.. Reduced hepatic Sahh expression was associated with increased liver SAH levels in the tx-j model of WD, with consequent global DNA hypomethylation. Increased global DNA methylation was achieved by reducing inflammation by Cu chelation or by providing methyl groups. We propose that increased SAH levels and inflammation affect widespread epigenetic regulation of gene expression in WD.

Topics: Adenosylhomocysteinase; Animals; Betaine; Copper; Disease Models, Animal; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases; DNA Methylation; DNA Methyltransferase 3B; Down-Regulation; Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress; Epigenesis, Genetic; Hepatolenticular Degeneration; Inflammation; Liver; Methionine; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Penicillamine; S-Adenosylhomocysteine

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in the world. Low dietary folate, elevated homocysteine, and high circulating cholesterol are risk factors.. We investigated whether folate and/or B vitamin deficiency would change lipoprotein and fatty acid metabolism and lipid accumulation in the aorta adventitia of ApoE null mice. Mice (n = 10 per group) were fed a control (C; 4%) or high saturated fat (HF; 21%), and high cholesterol (0.15%) diet for 16 weeks. Folate (F-) or folate, B6 and B12 deficiency (F-B-) were imposed on these diets. Feeding a HF diet increased plasma and liver total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol (two- to threefold; p < 0.05). Total cholesterol increased (twofold; p < 0.05) in aorta adventitial lipid in response to HF. Feeding a diet depleted of folate and B vitamins (F-B-) significantly increased cholesterol accumulation in both liver and aorta adventitial lipid (approximately 50-70%; p < 0.05). Moreover, the proportions of fatty acids in hepatic and adventitial lipid was significantly changed by B vitamin depletion, measured as an increase in saturated fatty acids (approximately 15%) and a decrease (approximately 11%) in monounsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05).. B vitamin deficiency perturbs lipid metabolism in ApoE null mice, causing accumulation of proatherogenic cholesterol and fatty acids in the aorta adventitia.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Cholesterol; Connective Tissue; Diet, Atherogenic; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Lipid Metabolism; Lipoproteins; Liver; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Severity of Illness Index; Vitamin B Deficiency

The causal metabolic pathways underlying associations between folate and risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) have yet to be established. Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism is required for the de novo synthesis of purines, thymidylate and methionine. Methionine is converted to S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), the major one-carbon donor for cellular methylation reactions. Impairments in folate metabolism can modify DNA synthesis, genomic stability and gene expression, characteristics associated with tumorigenesis. The Mthfd1 gene product, C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase, is a trifunctional enzyme that generates one-carbon substituted tetrahydrofolate cofactors for one-carbon metabolism. In this study, we use Mthfd1(gt/+) mice, which demonstrate a 50% reduction in C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase, to determine its influence on tumor development in two mouse models of intestinal cancer, crosses between Mthfd1(gt/+) and Apc(min)(/+) mice and azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in Mthfd1(gt/+) mice. Mthfd1 hemizygosity did not affect colon tumor incidence, number or load in Apc(min/+) mice. However, Mthfd1 deficiency increased tumor incidence 2.5-fold, tumor number 3.5-fold and tumor load 2-fold in AOM-treated mice. DNA uracil content in the colon was lower in Mthfd1(gt/+) mice, indicating that thymidylate biosynthesis capacity does not play a significant role in AOM-induced colon tumorigenesis. Mthfd1 deficiency-modified cellular methylation potential, as indicated by the AdoMet: S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio and gene expression profiles, suggesting that changes in the transcriptome and/or decreased de novo purine biosynthesis and associated mutability cause cellular transformation in the AOM CRC model. This study emphasizes the impact and complexity of gene-nutrient interactions with respect to the relationships among folate metabolism and colon cancer initiation and progression.

Topics: Aminohydrolases; Animals; Apoptosis; Azoxymethane; Biomarkers, Tumor; Blotting, Western; Carcinogens; Cell Proliferation; Colonic Neoplasms; Disease Models, Animal; DNA, Neoplasm; Female; Formate-Tetrahydrofolate Ligase; Gene Expression Profiling; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Male; Methenyltetrahydrofolate Cyclohydrolase; Methylenetetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase (NADP); Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Multienzyme Complexes; Multifunctional Enzymes; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Uracil

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) has been linked to fragility fractures and osteoporosis. Folate and vitamin B(12) deficiencies are among the main causes of HHCY. However, the impact of these vitamins on bone health has been poorly studied. This study analyzed the effect of folate and vitamin B(12) deficiency on bone in rats. We used two groups of rats: a control group (Co, n = 10) and a vitamin-deficient group (VitDef, n = 10). VitDef animals were fed for 12 wk with a folate- and vitamin B(12)-free diet. Co animals received an equicaloric control diet. Tissue and plasma concentrations of homocysteine (HCY), S-adenosyl-homocysteine (SAH), and S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) were measured. Bone quality was assessed by biomechanical testing (maximum force of an axial compression test; F(max)), histomorphometry (bone area/total area; B.Ar./T.Ar.], and the measurement of biochemical bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, collagen I C-terminal cross-laps [CTX]). VitDef animals developed significant HHCY (Co versus VitDef: 6.8 +/- 2.7 versus 61.1 +/- 12.8 microM, p < 0.001) that was accompanied by a high plasma concentration of SAH (Co versus VitDef: 24.1 +/- 5.9 versus 86.4 +/- 44.3 nM, p < 0.001). However, bone tissue concentrations of HCY, SAH, and SAM were similar in the two groups. Fmax, B.Ar./T.Ar., OC, and CTX did not differ between VitDef and Co animals, indicating that bone quality was not affected. Folate and vitamin B(12) deficiency induces distinct HHCY but has no effect on bone health in otherwise healthy adult rats. The unchanged HCY metabolism in bone is the most probable explanation for the missing effect of the vitamin-free diet on bone.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Biomechanical Phenomena; Body Weight; Bone and Bones; Bone Remodeling; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Folic Acid Deficiency; Homocysteine; Rats; Rats, Wistar; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Hyperhomocysteinemia and factors of homocysteine metabolism, S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) and S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), may play a role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). With liquid-chromatography-tandem-mass-spectrometry AdoMet and AdoHcy were determined in brains of 8- and 15-month-old APP/PS1 Alzheimer mice, and their possible roles in AD brains investigated. The finding that AdoMet levels do not differ between the genotypes in (young) 8-month-old mice, but are different in (older) 15-month-old APP/PS1 mice compared to their wild-type littermates, suggests that alterations in AdoMet are a consequence of AD pathology rather than a cause. During aging, AdoMet levels decreased in the brains of wild-type mice, whereas AdoHcy levels diminished in both wild type and APP/PS1 mice. The finding that AdoMet levels in APP/PS1 mice are not decreased during aging (in contrast to wild-type mice), is probably related to less demand due to neurodegeneration. No effect of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or cholesterol-enriched diets on AdoMet or AdoHcy levels were found.

Topics: Age Factors; Aging; Alzheimer Disease; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Brain; Chromatography, Liquid; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Presenilin-1; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Sepsis is a disease with high incidence and lethality and is accompanied by profound metabolic disturbances. In mammalian methionine metabolism, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is produced, which is important in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and glutathione and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The degradation product and antagonist of SAM is S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). In this study, we investigated changes in methionine metabolism in a rodent model of sepsis.. Sepsis was induced in male Wistar rats (n=21) by intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (10 mg/kg). Controls (n=18) received vehicle only. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture 24 h later. Puncture of the suboccipital fossa was performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methionine metabolites were measured using stable isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma total homocysteine and cysteine were measured by HPLC using fluorescence detection. Glutathione was assayed using a modified enzymatic microtiter plate assay.. We observed significantly higher plasma levels of SAM (p<0.001) and SAM/SAH ratio (p=0.004) in septic animals. In CSF, there was also a trend for higher levels of SAM in septic animals (p=0.067). Oxidative stress was reflected by an increase in the ratio of oxidized/reduced glutathione in septic animals (p=0.001).. Sepsis is associated with an increase in SAM/SAH ratio in plasma and CSF in rodents. This indicates an altered methylation potential during sepsis, which may be relevant for sepsis-associated impairment of transmethylation reactions, circulation and defense against oxidative stress. If verified in humans, such findings could lead to novel strategies for supportive treatment of sepsis, as methionine metabolism can easily be manipulated by dietary strategies.

Topics: Animals; Cysteine; Disease Models, Animal; Glutathione; Homocysteine; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Methionine; Oxidation-Reduction; Rats; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Sepsis

Hyperhomocyst(e)inemia is a metabolic derangement that is linked to the distribution of folate pools, which provide one-carbon units for biosynthesis of purines and thymidylate and for remethylation of homocysteine to form methionine. In humans, methionine synthase deficiency results in the accumulation of methyltetrahydrofolate at the expense of folate derivatives required for purine and thymidylate biosynthesis. Complete ablation of methionine synthase activity in mice results in embryonic lethality. Other mouse models for hyperhomocyst(e)inemia have normal or reduced levels of methyltetrahydrofolate and are not embryonic lethal, although they have decreased ratios of AdoMet/AdoHcy and impaired methylation. We have constructed a mouse model with a gene trap insertion in the Mtrr gene specifying methionine synthase reductase, an enzyme essential for the activity of methionine synthase. This model is a hypomorph, with reduced methionine synthase reductase activity, thus avoiding the lethality associated with the absence of methionine synthase activity. Mtrr(gt/gt) mice have increased plasma homocyst(e)ine, decreased plasma methionine, and increased tissue methyltetrahydrofolate. Unexpectedly, Mtrr(gt/gt) mice do not show decreases in the AdoMet/AdoHcy ratio in most tissues. The different metabolite profiles in the various genetic mouse models for hyperhomocyst(e)inemia may be useful in understanding biological effects of elevated homocyst(e)ine.

Topics: Animals; Brain; Disease Models, Animal; Embryo, Mammalian; Female; Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase; Folic Acid; Heart; Homocysteine; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Kidney; Liver; Male; Methionine; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; RNA, Messenger; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine

Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) affects genetic stability by regulating DNA methylation and interacting with environmental carcinogens. To establish a Gnmt knockout mouse model, 2 lambda phage clones containing a mouse Gnmt genome were isolated. At 11 weeks of age, the Gnmt-/- mice had hepatomegaly, hypermethioninemia, and significantly higher levels of both serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic S-adenosylmethionine. Such phenotypes mimic patients with congenital GNMT deficiencies. A real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of 10 genes in the one-carbon metabolism pathway revealed that 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (Ahcy), and formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (Ftcd) were significantly down-regulated in Gnmt-/- mice. This report demonstrates that GNMT regulates the expression of both Ftcd and Ahcy genes. Results from pathological examinations indicated that 57.1% (8 of 14) of the Gnmt-/- mice had glycogen storage disease (GSD) in their livers. Focal necrosis was observed in male Gnmt-/- livers, whereas degenerative changes were found in the intermediate zones of female Gnmt-/- livers. In addition, hypoglycemia, increased serum cholesterol, and significantly lower numbers of white blood cells, neutrophils, and monocytes were observed in the Gnmt-/- mice. A real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of genes involved in the gluconeogenesis pathways revealed that the following genes were significantly down-regulated in Gnmt-/- mice: fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose-6-phosphate transporter.. Because Gnmt-/- mice phenotypes mimic those of patients with GNMT deficiencies and share several characteristics with GSD Ib patients, we suggest that they are useful for studies of the pathogenesis of congenital GNMT deficiencies and the role of GNMT in GSD and liver tumorigenesis.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities; Chromosome Mapping; Disease Models, Animal; Down-Regulation; Embryo, Mammalian; Female; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Profiling; Glycine N-Methyltransferase; Glycogen; Glycogen Storage Disease; Hepatitis, Chronic; Homocysteine; Liver; Methionine; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Proteins; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine

The administration of a methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet to mice serves as an animal model of NASH. The multidrug resistant 2 (Mdr2) P-glycoprotein encodes for the canalicular phospholipid transporter, and Mdr2 (+/-) mice secrete 40% less phosphatidylcholine than wild-type mice. We have hypothesized that phosphatidylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase (PEMT) up-regulation is a consequence of MCD diet administration, and is important for the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis in this model. However, the effect of decreased phosphatidylcholine secretion and modulation of PEMT on the development of diet-induced steatohepatitis in Mdr2 (+/-) mice has not been explored. Thus, the purpose of the study is to examine the effects of the MCD diet on Mdr2 (+/-) mice.. Mdr2 (+/-) and Mdr2 (+/+) mice were treated with an MCD or control diet for up to 30 days, and the severity of steatohepatitis, PEMT activity and hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) levels were measured.. Serum ALT levels, hepatic inflammation, and PEMT activity were significantly lower, and hepatic SAM:SAH ratios were significantly higher in Mdr2 (+/-) mice at 7 and 30 days on the MCD diet.. Mdr2 (+/-) mice have diminished susceptibility to MCD diet-induced NASH, which is associated with a relative decrease in PEMT activity and increased SAM:SAH ratios.

Topics: Animals; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B; ATP-Binding Cassette Sub-Family B Member 4; Biomarkers; Choline; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Liver; Female; Hepatitis; Heterozygote; Methionine; Mice; Phosphatidylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Severity of Illness Index; Up-Regulation

Nitric oxide is known to modulate intracellular glutathione levels, but the relationship between nitric oxide synthesis and glutathione metabolism during endotoxemia is unknown. The present study was designed to examine the effects of increased nitric oxide formation on hepatic glutathione synthesis and antioxidant defense in endotoxemic mice. Our results demonstrate that hepatic glutathione synthesis is decreased for 24 h following injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Administration of the cysteine precursor, L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTZ), failed to normalize hepatic glutathione concentration, and suggests that decreased gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase activity is primarily responsible for the decrease in hepatic glutathione levels during endotoxemia. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis prevented the endotoxin-induced changes in hepatic and plasma glutathione status and up-regulated liver glutathione and cysteine synthesis pathways at the level of gene expression. Furthermore, whereas the activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase decreased during endotoxemia, both of these changes were prevented by inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis. In conclusion, increased nitric oxide synthesis during endotoxemia causes marked changes in glutathione flux and defenses against oxidative stress in the liver.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Catalase; Cysteine; Disease Models, Animal; Eating; Endotoxemia; Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase; Glutathione; Injections; Lipopolysaccharides; Liver; Male; Mice; Nitrates; Nitric Oxide; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitrites; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Superoxide Dismutase

Uteroplacental insufficiency leads to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and increases the risk of insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia in both humans and rats. Postnatal changes in hepatic gene expression characterize the postnatal IUGR rat, despite the transient nature of the initial in utero insult. Phenomena such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation can induce a relatively static reprogramming of gene transcription by altering chromatin infrastructure. We therefore hypothesized that uteroplacental insufficiency persistently affects DNA methylation and histone acetylation in the IUGR rat liver. IUGR rat pups were created by inducing uteroplacental insufficiency through bilateral uterine artery ligation of the pregnant dam on day 19 of gestation. The SssI methyltransferase assay and two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography demonstrated genome-wide DNA hypomethylation in postnatal IUGR liver. To investigate a possible mechanism for this hypomethylation, levels of hepatic metabolites and enzyme mRNAs involved in one-carbon metabolism were measured using HPLC with coulometric electrochemical detection and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Uteroplacental insufficiency increased IUGR levels of S-adenosylhomocysteine, homocysteine, and methionine in association with decreased mRNA levels of methionine adenosyltransferase and cystathionine-beta-synthase. Western blotting further demonstrated that increased quantities of acetylated histone H3 also characterized the IUGR liver. Increased hepatic levels of S-adenosylhomocysteine can promote DNA hypomethylation, which is often associated with histone hyperacetylation. We speculate that the altered intrauterine milieu associated with uteroplacental insufficiency affects hepatic one-carbon metabolism and subsequent DNA methylation, which thereby alters chromatin dynamics and leads to persistent changes in hepatic gene expression.

Topics: Acetylation; Animals; Carbon; Chromatin; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Susceptibility; DNA Methylation; Enzyme Induction; Female; Fetal Growth Retardation; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Gestational Age; Histones; Liver; Methionine; Methionine Adenosyltransferase; Placental Circulation; Placental Insufficiency; Pregnancy; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Rats; S-Adenosylhomocysteine

Most S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-dependent methyltransferases are regulated in vivo by the AdoMet/S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) ratio, also termed as "methylation potential." Since adenosine inhibits in vitro AdoHcy hydrolysis and since adenosine tissue levels increase during hypoxia, it can be predicted that AdoHcy levels may increase in the rat kidney in parallel of those of adenosine. Therefore, the present investigation was performed to assess changes of renal AdoHcy and AdoMet tissue contents during ischemia and after administration of adenosine and homocysteine or both in the ischemic rat kidney. In anesthetized rats ischemia of the kidney was induced by renal artery occlusion for various time intervals. Adenosine and homocysteine were infused into the renal artery of the ischemic kidney. To induce a hyperhomocysteinemia homocysteine was continuously infused. The kidneys were removed and immediately snap-frozen. Tissue contents of AdoHcy, AdoMet, adenosine and adenine nucleotides were analyzed by means of HPLC. Under normoxic condition the tissue contents of AdoHcy, AdoMet and adenosine were 0.7+/-0.05, 44.1+/-1.0 and 3.8+/-0.1nmol/g wet weight, respectively. Renal ischemia for 30min resulted in an increase of AdoHcy levels from 0.7+/-0.05 to 9.1+/-0.6nmol/g wet weight and in a dramatic decrease of the AdoMet/AdoHcy ratio and energy charge from 65.1+/-5.6 to 2.8+/-0.2 and from 0.87+/-0.01 to 0.25+/-0.01, respectively. Application of exogenous adenosine into the ischemic kidney did not result in further AdoHcy accumulation. However, when homocysteine was infused into the ischemic kidney, AdoHcy increased five-fold above control levels, during 5min ischemia. Systemic infusion of homocysteine leads to a reduction of the methylation potential also in the normoxic kidney. We conclude that (i) the methylation potential in the kidney is markedly reduced during ischemia, mainly due to accumulation of AdoHcy; (ii) elevation of AdoHcy tissue content during ischemia is the result of the inhibition of AdoHcy hydrolysis; (iii) homocysteine is rate limiting for AdoHcy synthesis in the ischemic kidney; (iv) under normoxic conditions hyperhomocysteinemia can affect the methylation potential in the renal tissue.

Topics: Adenosine; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Homocysteine; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Ischemia; Kidney Diseases; Male; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine

Neonatal hepatic steatosis (OMIM 228100) is a fatal condition of unknown etiology characterized by a pale and yellow liver and early postnatal mortality. In the present study, a deficit in adenosine-dependent metabolism is proposed as a causative factor. Physiologically, adenosine is efficiently metabolized to AMP by adenosine kinase (ADK), an enzyme highly expressed in liver. ADK not only ensures normal adenine nucleotide levels but also is essential for maintaining S-adenosylmethionine-dependent transmethylation processes, where adenosine, an obligatory product, has to be constantly removed. Homozygous Adk(-/-) mutants developed normally during embryogenesis. However, within 4 days after birth they displayed microvesicular hepatic steatosis and died within 14 days with fatty liver. Adenine nucleotides were decreased and S-adenosylhomocysteine, a potent inhibitor of transmethylation reactions, was increased in the mutant liver. Thus, a deficiency in adenosine metabolism is identified as a powerful contributor to the development of neonatal hepatic steatosis, providing a model for the rapid development of postnatally lethal fatty liver.

Topics: Adenine Nucleotides; Adenosine Kinase; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Apnea; Body Temperature; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Liver; Female; Gene Targeting; Liver; Longevity; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; S-Adenosylhomocysteine

Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events, but it is not certain whether it is a mediator of vascular dysfunction or a marker for another risk factor. Homocysteine levels are regulated by folate bioavailability and also by the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and its metabolite S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). We tested the hypotheses that endothelial dysfunction occurs in hyperhomocysteinemic mice in the absence of folate deficiency and that levels of SAM and SAH are altered in mice with dysfunction. Heterozygous cystathionine beta-synthase-deficient (CBS(+/-)) and wild-type (CBS(+/+)) mice were fed a folate-replete, methionine-enriched diet. Plasma levels of total homocysteine were elevated in CBS(+/-) mice compared with CBS(+/+) mice after 7 weeks (27.1+/-5.2 versus 8.8+/-1.1 micromol/L; P<0.001) and 15 weeks (23.9+/-3.0 versus 13.0+/-2.3 micromol/L; P<0.01). After 15 weeks, but not 7 weeks, relaxation of aortic rings to acetylcholine was selectively impaired by 35% (P<0.05) and thrombomodulin anticoagulant activity was decreased by 20% (P<0.05) in CBS(+/-) mice. Plasma levels of folate did not differ between groups. Levels of SAH were elevated approximately 2-fold in liver and brain of CBS(+/-) mice, and correlations were observed between plasma total homocysteine and SAH in liver (r=0.54; P<0.001) and brain (r=0.67; P<0.001). These results indicate that endothelial dysfunction occurs in hyperhomocysteinemic mice even in the absence of folate deficiency. Endothelial dysfunction in CBS(+/-) mice was associated with increased tissue levels of SAH, which suggests that altered SAM-dependent methylation may contribute to vascular dysfunction in hyperhomocysteinemia.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Brain; Chronic Disease; Cystathionine beta-Synthase; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular; Folic Acid; Food, Fortified; Heterozygote; Homocysteine; Hyperhomocysteinemia; In Vitro Techniques; Liver; Methionine; Methylation; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; S-Adenosylmethionine; Thrombomodulin; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Vasodilator Agents; Vasomotor System

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency results in a combined immunodeficiency brought about by the immunotoxic properties of elevated ADA substrates. Additional non-lymphoid abnormalities are associated with ADA deficiency, however, little is known about how these relate to the metabolic consequences of ADA deficiency. ADA-deficient mice develop a combined immunodeficiency as well as severe pulmonary insufficiency. ADA enzyme therapy was used to examine the relative impact of ADA substrate elevations on these phenotypes. A "low-dose" enzyme therapy protocol prevented the pulmonary phenotype seen in ADA-deficient mice, but did little to improve their immune status. This treatment protocol reduced metabolic disturbances in the circulation and lung, but not in the thymus and spleen. A "high-dose" enzyme therapy protocol resulted in decreased metabolic disturbances in the thymus and spleen and was associated with improvement in immune status. These findings suggest that the pulmonary and immune phenotypes are separable and are related to the severity of metabolic disturbances in these tissues. This model will be useful in examining the efficacy of ADA enzyme therapy and studying the mechanisms underlying the immunodeficiency and pulmonary phenotypes associated with ADA deficiency.

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine Deaminase; Adenosylhomocysteinase; Animals; Deoxyadenine Nucleotides; Deoxyadenosines; Disease Models, Animal; Genotype; Histocytochemistry; Hydrolases; Killer Cells, Natural; Lung; Lymphocyte Count; Lymphocytes; Lymphopenia; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Phenotype; S-Adenosylhomocysteine; Severe Combined Immunodeficiency; Spleen; Thymus Gland