Rifampicin impairs adipogenesis by suppressing NRF2-ARE activity in mice fed a high-fat diet

Tianchang Gao1, Miao Lai2, Xihe Zhu2

  • 1Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China; The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 4 Chongshan East Road, Huanggu Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110032, PR China.

Insights

Rifampicin (RFP) treatment impairs adipose function by disrupting the NRF2-ARE pathway, leading to insulin resistance and reduced fat accumulation. This study reveals a mechanism for RFP-induced metabolic disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic disorders
  • Cellular adaptive responses
  • Adipogenesis

Background:

  • Prolonged rifampicin (RFP) treatment, used for tuberculosis, can cause metabolic side effects.
  • Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) regulates cellular stress responses via the antioxidant response element (ARE).
  • NRF2 influences adipogenesis by regulating CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β (Cebpb) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism by which prolonged RFP treatment affects adipose tissue function and metabolism.
  • To determine the role of the NRF2-ARE pathway in RFP-induced metabolic changes.
  • To elucidate how RFP interferes with adipogenic differentiation.

Main Methods:

  • Adult male mice on a high-fat diet were treated with RFP.
  • 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were induced to differentiate into adipocytes with RFP treatment.
  • NRF2-ARE luciferase reporter assays and gene/protein expression analysis were performed.

Main Results:

  • RFP treatment in mice led to insulin resistance, reduced fat accumulation, and decreased adipogenic gene expression.
  • RFP inhibited Cebpb, Pparg, and Cebpa induction during adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells.
  • RFP suppressed NRF2-ARE activity and downstream gene expression in preadipocytes.

Conclusions:

  • RFP impairs adipose tissue function and promotes insulin resistance.
  • RFP interferes with adipogenic differentiation by inhibiting the NRF2-ARE pathway.
  • This disruption of the NRF2-ARE pathway and downstream adipogenic network is a potential mechanism for RFP-induced metabolic disorders.

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