Abstract

The study aimed to investigate whether markers of endocannabinoid signaling differed between men with overweight of South Asian and white Caucasian descent. We included South Asian (n = 10) and white Caucasian (n = 10) men with overweight and prediabetes aged 35 to 50 years. Plasma samples were analyzed for endocannabinoids, their congeners, and lipids. In white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle biopsies, mRNA expression of genes involved in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was assessed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Fasting lipid oxidation and glucose oxidation were determined with indirect calorimetry. Compared to white Caucasians, South Asians had higher levels of plasma 2-linoleoyl glycerol (P < 0.01) and N-linoleoylethanolamine (P < 0.05). Interestingly, in skeletal muscle of South Asians, expression of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 was 10-fold lower (P < 0.001) and that of the endocannabinoid degradation enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase 2 (FAAH2) was 5-fold lower (P < 0.001) compared to white Caucasians. Expression of genes involved in the ECS in WAT were not different between the two ethnicities. After pooling of both ethnicities, plasma 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) positively correlated with plasma triglycerides (R = 0.77, P < 0.001) and lipid oxidation (R = 0.55, P < 0.05). South Asian men with overweight have higher plasma 2-linoleoyl glycerol and N-linoleoylethanolamine levels and lower expression of CB receptors and the endocannabinoid degradation enzyme FAAH2 in skeletal muscle compared to white Caucasians.

Highlights

  • The prevalence of obesity and related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), is rapidly increasing worldwide

  • As little is known about endocannabinoid system (ECS) in South Asian compared with white Caucasian men with overweight and prediabetes, we investigated circulating endocannabinoid levels and gene expression of CB receptors and enzymes involved in endocannabinoid synthesis and degradation in white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle of middle‐aged men of South Asian and white Caucasian descent

  • We report that plasma 2‐linoleoyl glycerol and N‐linoleoylethanolamine were higher in South Asians compared with white Caucasians

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of obesity and related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), is rapidly increasing worldwide. In South Asians, constituting nearly one‐fourth of the world's population [1], an unfavorable metabolic profile consisting of obesity, dyslipidemia, and T2D is highly prevalent [2]. South Asians have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, resulting in high morbidity and mortality [3]. It is generally thought that the increased susceptibility to metabolic disease of South Asians might be due to a disturbed energy metabolism [4]

Methods
Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.