Mechanisms of Acetate in Alleviating SETDB1-Linked Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in a Mouse Model of OSA
Zhan Zhao1, Li Xiang1, Jau-Shyong Hong2
1Respiratory Department, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is crucial for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-induced cognitive impairment. We aimed to investigate roles of acetate (ACE) and SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) in neuroinflammation of OSA.
Methods:
After C57BL/6J mice were exposed to OSA-associated intermittent hypoxia (IH) or normoxia for four weeks, the composition of the gut microbiota (GM) and the levels of serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were measured by 16S rRNA and GC-MS methods, respectively. To assess the effect of ACE on IH mice, glyceryl triacetate (GTA) was gavaged in IH-exposed mice and the cognitive function, microglial activation, and hippocampal neuronal death were examined. Moreover, ACE-treated BV2 microglia cells were also utilized for further mechanistic studies.
Results:
IH disrupts the gut microbiome, reduces microbiota-SCFAs, and impairs cognitive function. Gavage with GTA significantly mitigated these cognitive deficits. Following IH exposure, we observed substantial increases in SETDB1 both in vivo and in vitro, along with elevated levels of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3). Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SETDB1 in microglia led to decreased induction of proinflammatory factors, as well as reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Mechanistically, SETDB1 was found to upregulate the transcription factors p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) and p-NF-κB. In vitro, ACE supplementation effectively repressed high SETDB1 and H3K9me3 levels, thereby inhibiting microglial pro-inflammatory responses induced by IH. In vivo, ACE supplementation significantly reduced hippocampal levels of p-STAT3, p-NF-κB, and pro-inflammatory cytokines while also protecting neuronal integrity.
Conclusion:
This study provides the first evidence that H3K9 methyltransferase SETDB1 promotes microglial pro-inflammatory response distinct from its previously shown role in macrophages. Our findings also identify ACE supplementation as a promising dietary intervention for OSA-related cognitive impairment with SETDB1 serving as both a mechanistic biomarker and potential therapeutic target.
Insights
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) impairs cognition by increasing neuroinflammation. Acetate (ACE) supplementation reduced cognitive deficits by inhibiting SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) in microglia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microglia-driven neuroinflammation is a key factor in cognitive impairment associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Investigating the roles of acetate (ACE) and SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) in OSA-related neuroinflammation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the involvement of acetate (ACE) and SETDB1 in the neuroinflammatory processes underlying OSA-induced cognitive deficits.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of ACE supplementation in mitigating OSA-related cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to intermittent hypoxia (IH) simulating OSA or normoxia.
- Gut microbiota composition and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed.
- Cognitive function, microglial activation, and neuronal death were assessed in mice gavaged with glyceryl triacetate (GTA).
- Mechanistic studies were conducted using ACE-treated BV2 microglia cells and SETDB1 inhibition (genetic/pharmacological).
Main Results:
- IH exposure altered gut microbiota, reduced SCFAs, and impaired cognitive function.
- GTA gavage significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits in IH-exposed mice.
- SETDB1 and histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) levels were elevated following IH.
- SETDB1 inhibition reduced microglial pro-inflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- SETDB1 was found to upregulate p-STAT3 and p-NF-κB.
- ACE supplementation repressed SETDB1/H3K9me3, reduced microglial inflammation, and protected hippocampal neurons.
Conclusions:
- SETDB1 promotes microglial pro-inflammatory responses in OSA, distinct from its role in macrophages.
- ACE supplementation emerges as a promising dietary intervention for OSA-related cognitive impairment.
- SETDB1 serves as a potential mechanistic biomarker and therapeutic target for OSA-induced cognitive dysfunction.
