Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Promotes the Expression of TNF-α in THP-1 Cells by Mechanisms Involving ROS/CHOP/HIF-1α and MAPK/NF-κB Pathways

Obesity and metabolic syndrome involve chronic low-grade inflammation called metabolic inflammation as well as metabolic derangements from increased endotoxin and free fatty acids. It is debated whether the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in monocytic cells can contribute to amplify metabolic inflammation; if so, by which mechanism(s). To test this, metabolic stress was induced in THP-1 cells and primary human monocytes by treatments with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), palmitic acid (PA), or oleic acid (OA), in the presence or absence of the ER stressor thapsigargin (TG). Gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and markers of ER/oxidative stress were determined by qRT-PCR, TNF-alpha protein by ELISA, reactive oxygen species (ROS) by DCFH-DA assay, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1 alpha), p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1,2, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) phosphorylation by immunoblotting, and insulin sensitivity by glucose-uptake assay. Regarding clinical analyses, adipose TNF-alpha was assessed using qRT-PCR/IHC and plasma TNF-alpha, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) via ELISA. We found that the cooperative interaction between metabolic and ER stresses promoted TNF-alpha, ROS, CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression (p <= 0.0183),. However, glucose uptake was not impaired. TNF-alpha amplification was dependent on HIF-1 alpha stabilization and p38 MAPK/p65 NF-kappa B phosphorylation, while the MAPK/NF-kappa B pathway inhibitors and antioxidants/ROS scavengers such as curcumin, allopurinol, and apocynin attenuated the TNF-alpha production (p <= 0.05). Individuals with obesity displayed increased adipose TNF-alpha gene/protein expression as well as elevated plasma levels of TNF-alpha, CRP, MDA, and OX-LDL (p <= 0.05). Our findings support a metabolic-ER stress cooperativity model, favoring inflammation by triggering TNF-alpha production via the ROS/CHOP/HIF-1 alpha and MAPK/NF-kappa B dependent mechanisms. This study also highlights the therapeutic potential of antioxidants in inflammatory conditions involving metabolic/ER stresses.

Automated summary

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with metabolic inflammation, endotoxin, and free fatty acids. The study found that the interaction between metabolic stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress promotes inflammation and triggers TNF-alpha production through the ROS/CHOP/HIF-1 alpha and MAPK/NF-kappa B pathways. Antioxidants show therapeutic potential in inflammatory conditions involving metabolic/ER stresses.