Intestinal epithelial N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D links dietary fat to metabolic adaptations in obesity and steatosis

Nat Commun. 2019 Jan 28;10(1):457. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-08051-7.

Abstract

Variations in N-acylethanolamines (NAE) levels are associated with obesity and metabolic comorbidities. Their role in the gut remains unclear. Therefore, we generated a mouse model of inducible intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific deletion of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), a key enzyme involved in NAE biosynthesis (Napepld∆IEC). We discovered that Napepld∆IEC mice are hyperphagic upon first high-fat diet (HFD) exposure, and develop exacerbated obesity and steatosis. These mice display hypothalamic Pomc neurons dysfunctions and alterations in intestinal and plasma NAE and 2-acylglycerols. After long-term HFD, Napepld∆IEC mice present reduced energy expenditure. The increased steatosis is associated with higher gut and liver lipid absorption. Napepld∆IEC mice display altered gut microbiota. Akkermansia muciniphila administration partly counteracts the IEC NAPE-PLD deletion effects. In conclusion, intestinal NAPE-PLD is a key sensor in nutritional adaptation to fat intake, gut-to-brain axis and energy homeostasis and thereby constitutes a novel target to tackle obesity and related disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Animals
  • Diet, High-Fat / adverse effects
  • Dietary Fats / metabolism*
  • Fatty Liver / etiology
  • Fatty Liver / metabolism*
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome / physiology
  • Homeostasis
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines / metabolism*
  • Phospholipase D / metabolism*

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines
  • Phospholipase D