Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Open Access

Steatosis; Adipose tissue; Adipokines; Enzyme replacement therapy; Iron Homeostasis; Infiltrating macrophages; Inflammation

Introduction

Extracellular multi-copper ferroxidase ceruloplasmin (Cp) is responsible for both the promotion of oxidized iron incorporation onto transferrin (Tf) and the membrane stabilization of the iron exporter ferroportin (Fpn). In addition to this significant physiological function, Cp has been linked to a number of other less well-defined functions. Copper transport, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, nitric oxide and amine oxidase, and anti-inflammatory and antiinflammatory properties are among the functions that Cp performs. In contrast, CpKO mice and humans lack Cp ferroxidase activity, which outcomes in decreased Tf saturation [1-3], iron-restricted erythropoiesis, and iron accumulation in the liver, pancreas, retina, and brain. A wide range of tissues contain both the membrane-bound and secreted forms of Cp. As the secreted form enters the bloodstream, the majority of the systemic expression of Cp is controlled by the liver, which is the primary regulator of iron metabolism. A number of different kinds of cells, including adipocytes, express and release Cp as an adipokine. Adipokines, iron homeostasis-related proteins, and feedback mechanisms regulate the interaction between hepatocytes and adipocytes [4-7]. Hepcidin is made by the liver. Hepcidin is controlled by adipokines like adiponectin and leptin, which are made by adipose tissue and can be affected by iron levels. Although Cp is secreted by both the liver and adipose tissue and counteracts the function of hepcidin in the regulation of Fpn, little research has been done on its role in the interaction between hepatocytes and adipocytes and in the pathogenic mechanisms of Acp. Iron metabolism's dysfunctional interaction with lipid metabolism [8,9].

Discussion

This work demonstrates that lack of Cp fosters lipid dysmetabolism in adipose tissue and liver that underline the cross-talk between iron and lipid homeostasis. Lipid dysmetabolism in the CpKO model was evidenced by overweight mice (but not overt obesity) due to adipose tissue accumulation and by slight adipocyte hypertrophy at 10 months of age. Noteworthy was the observation that in these animals, the adipose tissue showed features of inflammation, inferred by macrophage infiltration and by altered profiles of the adipokines, namely a decrease in adiponectin and increased leptin levels as compared to WT mice. Conversely, the lack of Cp expression seems to be less critical for iron homeostasis in adipose tissue. Indeed, CpKO adipocytes did not show iron accumulation or alteration of iron homeostasis-related proteins, which is in line with a previous report [10]. Moreover, the adipose tissue of CpKO mice responds to iron homeostasis imbalance induced by Cp administration by modulating the expression of iron-related proteins as WT mice. This further confirms the activity/functionality of the purified Cp delivered intraperitoneally. Thus, a compensatory mechanism for Cp ferroxidase activity in the CpKO mice might occur in adipocytes due to hephaestin ferroxidase activity indeed, iron accumulation in adipocytes was reported only when both molecules were absent.

Our observations and the Cp expression level in the pgAT of WT mice, which is much higher than in the liver, suggest an important role for Cp in the metabolism of adipose tissue in addition to or alternative to cellular iron homeostasis. Cp itself has been defined as adipokine secreted by the adipocytes thus, it is conceivable that it might contribute to the control of the network of other adipokines released, for example, a metal ions-regulated mechanism. Indeed, Cp is one of the Cu and Zn plasma carriers, and the level of these ions affect lipid metabolism, for example, via zinc-related Our outcomes show that Cp is important in pgAT to maintain the physiological levels of adiponectin and leptin, which are essential for the maintenance of energy homeostasis, favoring adipogenesis and lipolysis, respectively, in the adipocytes.

Conclusion

In addition to iron homeostasis, the lack of Cp also dysregulates lipid metabolism, likely due to its potential anti-inflammatory role. This work underlines the cross-talk between liver and adipose tissue in Acp, which in turn suggests that adipocytes may also contribute to the pathology. Moreover, the Cp replacement was efficacious at the systemic level in ameliorating iron and lipid dysmetabolism in the liver and adipose tissue.

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