Increase In White Adipose Tissue Research Articles

Metabolic dysfunctions following chronic oral corticosterone are modified by adolescence and sex in mice

Adolescence is a period of development in which shifts in responses to glucocorticoids is well-documented. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are substantial health issues whose rates continue to rise in both adult and adolescent populations. Though many interacting factors contribute to these dysfunctions, how these shifts in glucocorticoid responses may be related remain unknown. Using a model of oral corticosterone (CORT) exposure in male and female mice, we demonstrate differential responses during adolescence (30–58 days of age) or adulthood (70–98 day of age) in endpoints relevant to metabolic function. Our data indicate that CORT resulted in significant weight gain in adult- and adolescent-exposed females and adult-exposed males, but not adolescent-exposed males. Despite this difference, all animals treated with high levels of CORT showed significant increases in white adipose tissue, indicating a dissociation between weight gain and adiposity in adolescent-treated males. Similarly, all experimental groups showed significant increases in plasma insulin, leptin, and triglyceride levels, further suggesting potential disconnects between overt weight gain, and underlying metabolic dysregulation. Finally, we found age- and dose-dependent changes in the expression of hepatic genes important in glucocorticoid receptor and lipid regulation, which showed different patterns in males and females. Thus, altered transcriptional pathways in the liver might be contributing differentially to the similar metabolic phenotype observed among these experimental groups. We also show that despite little CORT-induced changes in the hypothalamic levels of orexin-A and NPY, we found that food and fluid intake were elevated in adolescent-treated males and females. These data indicate chronic exposure to elevated glucocorticoid levels results in metabolic dysfunction in both males and females, which can be further modulated by developmental stage.

Three-dimensional visualization of electroacupuncture-induced activation of brown adipose tissue via sympathetic innervation in PCOS rats

BackgroundLow-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to ameliorate obesity and reproductive dysfunctions in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and further explorations in PCOS-like rats showed that EA could affect white adipose tissue. However, the function and neuromodulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in PCOS and after EA treatment have remained unknown. The present study focused on the role of BAT in PCOS-like rats and its relationship with EA and characterized the three-dimensional (3D) innervation of BAT associated with activation molecules.MethodsFemale rats (21 days old) were implanted with dihydrotestosterone or fed with a high fat diet to establish PCOS-like and obesity models, respectively, and then EA treatment at “Guilai” (ST 29) and “Sanyinjiao” (SP 6) was carried out for 4 weeks. In the present study, morphological analysis, 3D imaging, molecular biology, and other experimental techniques were used to study the sympathetic nerves and activity of BAT.ResultsPCOS-like rats showed both obvious weight gain and reproductive dysfunction, similar to what was seen in obese rats except for the absence of reproductive dysfunction. The body weight gain was mainly caused by an increase in white adipose tissue, and there was an abnormal decrease in BAT. Because both the lipid metabolism and reproductive disorders could be improved with bilateral EA at “Guilai” (ST 29) and “Sanyinjiao” (SP 6), especially the restoration of BAT, we further investigated the neuromodulation and inflammation in BAT and identified the sympathetic marker tyrosine hydroxylase as one of the key factors of sympathetic nerves. Modified adipo-clearing technology and 3D high-resolution imaging showed that crooked or dispersed sympathetic nerves, but not the twisted vasculature, were reconstructed and associated with the activation of BAT and are likely to be the functional target for EA treatment.ConclusionOur study highlights the significant role of BAT and its sympathetic innervations in PCOS and in EA therapy.

Effects of Different Concentrations of Ganpu Tea on Fecal Microbiota and Short Chain Fatty Acids in Mice.

Ganpu tea is composed of tangerine peel and Pu-erh tea. Current research suggests that both products can interact with gut microbes and thus affect health. However, as a kind of compound health food, little information is available about the effect of Ganpu tea on intestinal microorganisms. In this study, the basic physiological parameters (body weight, white adipose tissue and serum fat), the regulation of intestinal microorganisms and content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces of healthy mice were studied. The Ganpu tea can reduce the weight gain of mice and the increase in white adipose tissue (p < 0.01). After the intake of Ganpu tea, the abundance of Bacteroidetes increased (p < 0.05), whereas that of Firmicutes decreased (p < 0.01), indicating the latent capacity of Ganpu tea in adjusting the gut microbiota. Moreover, Ganpu tea differentially affected the content of different types of SCFAs in feces. Ganpu tea at the lowest concentrations showed positive effects on the concentrations of SCFAs such as acetic acid and propionic acid, whereas the concentration of butyric acid was decreased. For branched short-chain fatty acids (BSCFAs) such as isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, etc., Ganpu tea reduced their concentrations. Our results indicated that Ganpu tea may have positive effects on preventing obesity in humans, but further research is needed before introducing such dietary therapy.

Rosiglitazone Requires Hepatocyte PPARγ Expression to Promote Steatosis in Male Mice With Diet-Induced Obesity.

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists that may reduce hepatic steatosis through their effects in adipose tissue and therefore have been assessed as potential therapies to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans. However, some studies suggest that expression and activation of hepatocyte PPARγ promotes steatosis and that would limit the benefits of TZD as a NAFLD therapy. To further explore this possibility, we examined the impact of short-term rosiglitazone maleate treatment after the development of moderate or severe diet-induced obesity, in both control and adult-onset hepatocyte-specific PPARγ knockout (PpargΔHep) mice. Independent of the level of obesity and hepatic PPARγ expression, the TZD treatment enhanced insulin sensitivity, associated with an increase in white adipose tissue (WAT) fat accumulation, consistent with clinical observations. However, TZD treatment increased hepatic triglyceride content only in control mice with severe obesity. Under these conditions, PpargΔHep reduced diet-induced steatosis and prevented the steatogenic effects of short-term TZD treatment. In these mice, subcutaneous WAT was enlarged and associated with increased levels of adiponectin, while hepatic levels of phosphorylated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase were also increased. In addition, in mice with severe obesity, the expression of hepatic Cd36, Cidea, Cidec, Fabp4, Fasn, and Scd-1 was increased by TZD in a PPARγ-dependent manner. Taken together, these results demonstrate that hepatocyte PPARγ expression offsets the antisteatogenic actions of TZD in mice with severe obesity. Therefore, in obese and insulin resistant humans, TZD-mediated activation of hepatocyte PPARγ may limit the therapeutic potential of TZD to treat NAFLD.

Chronic Intake of Energy Drinks and Their Sugar Free Substitution Similarly Promotes Metabolic Syndrome.

Energy drinks containing significant quantities of caffeine, taurine and sugar are increasingly consumed, particularly by adolescents and young adults. The putative effects of chronic ingestion of either standard energy drink, MotherTM (ED), or its sugar-free formulation (sfED) on metabolic syndrome were determined in wild-type C57BL/6J mice, in comparison to a soft drink, Coca-Cola (SD), a Western-styled diet enriched in saturated fatty acids (SFA), and a combination of SFA + ED. Following 13 weeks of intervention, mice treated with ED were hyperglycaemic and hypertriglyceridaemic, indicating higher triglyceride glucose index, which was similar to the mice maintained on SD. Surprisingly, the mice maintained on sfED also showed signs of insulin resistance with hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, and greater triglyceride glucose index, comparable to the ED group mice. In addition, the ED mice had greater adiposity primarily due to the increase in white adipose tissue, although the body weight was comparable to the control mice receiving only water. The mice maintained on SFA diet exhibited significantly greater weight gain, body fat, cholesterol and insulin, whilst blood glucose and triglyceride concentrations remained comparable to the control mice. Collectively, these data suggest that the consumption of both standard and sugar-free forms of energy drinks induces metabolic syndrome, particularly insulin resistance.

Epigenetics, 1-Carbon Metabolism, and Homocysteine During Dysbiosis.

Although a high-fat diet (HFD) induces gut dysbiosis and cardiovascular system remodeling, the precise mechanism is unclear. We hypothesize that HFD instigates dysbiosis and cardiac muscle remodeling by inducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which leads to an increase in white adipose tissue, and treatment with lactobacillus (a ketone body donor from lactate; the substrate for the mitochondria) reverses dysbiosis-induced cardiac injury, in part, by increasing lipolysis (PGC-1α, and UCP1) and adipose tissue browning and decreasing lipogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we used wild type (WT) mice fed with HFD for 16 weeks with/without a probiotic (PB) in water. Cardiac injury was measured by CKMB activity which was found to be robust in HFD-fed mice. Interestingly, CKMB activity was normalized post PB treatment. Levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) and methylation were increased but butyrate was decreased in HFD mice, suggesting an epigenetically governed 1-carbon metabolism along with dysbiosis. Levels of PGC-1α and UCP1 were measured by Western blot analysis, and MMP activity was scored via zymography. Collagen histology was also performed. Contraction of the isolated myocytes was measured employing the ion-optic system, and functions of the heart were estimated by echocardiography. Our results suggest that mice on HFD gained weight and exhibited an increase in blood pressure. These effects were normalized by PB. Levels of fibrosis and MMP-2 activity were robust in HFD mice, and treatment with PB mitigated the fibrosis. Myocyte calcium-dependent contraction was disrupted by HFD, and treatment with PB could restore its function. We conclude that HFD induces dysbiosis, and treatment with PB creates eubiosis and browning of the adipose tissue.

The helminth glycoprotein omega-1 improves metabolic homeostasis in obese mice through type 2 immunity-independent inhibition of food intake.

Type 2 immunity plays an essential role in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis and its disruption during obesity promotes meta‐inflammation and insulin resistance. Infection with the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni and treatment with its soluble egg antigens (SEA) induce a type 2 immune response in metabolic organs and improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in obese mice, yet, a causal relationship remains unproven. Here, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of the T2 ribonuclease omega‐1 (ω1), one of the major S mansoni immunomodulatory glycoproteins, on metabolic homeostasis. We show that treatment of obese mice with plant‐produced recombinant ω1, harboring similar glycan motifs as present on the native molecule, decreased body fat mass, and improved systemic insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. This effect was associated with an increase in white adipose tissue (WAT) type 2 T helper cells, eosinophils, and alternatively activated macrophages, without affecting type 2 innate lymphoid cells. In contrast to SEA, the metabolic effects of ω1 were still observed in obese STAT6‐deficient mice with impaired type 2 immunity, indicating that its metabolic effects are independent of the type 2 immune response. Instead, we found that ω1 inhibited food intake, without affecting locomotor activity, WAT thermogenic capacity or whole‐body energy expenditure, an effect also occurring in leptin receptor‐deficient obese and hyperphagic db/db mice. Altogether, we demonstrate that while the helminth glycoprotein ω1 can induce type 2 immunity, it improves whole‐body metabolic homeostasis in obese mice by inhibiting food intake via a STAT6‐independent mechanism.

Maternal high-fat diet induces long-term obesity with sex-dependent metabolic programming of adipocyte differentiation, hypertrophy and dysfunction in the offspring.

Maternal obesity determines obesity and metabolic diseases in the offspring. The white adipose tissue (WAT) orchestrates metabolic pathways, and its dysfunction contributes to metabolic disorders in a sex-dependent manner. Here, we tested if sex differences influence the molecular mechanisms of metabolic programming of WAT in offspring of obese dams. To this end, maternal obesity was induced with high-fat diet (HFD) and the offspring were studied at an early phase [postnatal day 21 (P21)], a late phase (P70) and finally P120. In the early phase we found a sex-independent increase in WAT in offspring of obese dams using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which was more pronounced in females than males. While the adipocyte size increased in both sexes, the distribution of WAT differed in males and females. As mechanistic hints, we identified an inflammatory response in females and a senescence-associated reduction in the preadipocyte factor DLK in males. In the late phase, the obese body composition persisted in both sexes, with a partial reversal in females. Moreover, female offspring recovered completely from both the adipocyte hypertrophy and the inflammatory response. These findings were linked to a dysregulation of lipolytic, adipogenic and stemness-related markers as well as AMPKα and Akt signaling. Finally, the sex-dependent metabolic programming persisted with sex-specific differences in adipocyte size until P120. In conclusion, we do not only provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of sex-dependent metabolic programming of WAT dysfunction, but also highlight the sex-dependent development of low- and high-grade pathogenic obesity.

Cyp2b-null male mice are susceptible to diet-induced obesity and perturbations in lipid homeostasis

Obesity is an endemic problem in the United States and elsewhere, and data indicate that in addition to overconsumption, exposure to specific chemicals enhances obesity. CYP2B metabolizes multiple endo- and xenobiotics, and recent data suggests that repression of Cyp2b activity increases dyslipidemia and age-onset obesity, especially in males. To investigate the role played by Cyp2b in lipid homeostasis and obesity, we treated wildtype and Cyp2b-null mice with a normal (ND) or 60% high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks and determined metabolic and molecular changes. Male HFD-fed Cyp2b-null mice weigh 15% more than HFD-fed wildtype mice, primarily due to an increase in white adipose tissue (WAT); however, Cyp2b-null female mice did not demonstrate greater body mass or WAT. Serum parameters indicate increased ketosis, leptin and cholesterol in HFD-fed Cyp2b-null male mice compared to HFD-fed wildtype mice. Liver triglycerides and liver:serum triglyceride ratios were higher than their similarly treated wildtype counterparts in Cyp2b-null male mice, indicating a role for Cyp2b in fatty acid metabolism regardless of diet. Furthermore, RNAseq demonstrates that hepatic gene expression in ND-fed Cyp2b-null male mice is similar to HFD-fed WT male mice, suggestive of fatty liver disease progression and a role for Cyp2b in lipid homeostasis. Females did not show as demonstrative changes in liver health, and significantly fewer changes in gene expression, as well as gene expression associated with liver disease. Overall our data indicates that the repression or inhibition of CYP2B may exacerbate metabolic disorders and cause obesity by perturbing fatty acid metabolism, especially in males.

MON-484 Adipocyte-Specific GH Receptor Knockout Mice (AdGHRKO) Have Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity with Reduced Liver Triglycerides and Depot Specific Analyses in These Mice Suggest that GH May Have a More Substantial Effect on Subcutaneous White Adipose Tissue (WAT) Than Other WAT Depots

Global GH receptor “knockout” (GHRKO) mice have enhanced insulin sensitivity despite obesity, with a disproportionate increase in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT). To better understand the direct effects of GH on WAT, we previously generated Fat-specific GHR knockout (FaGHRKO) mice using the aP2 promoter/enhancer driving Cre expression. These mice are obese but show no improvement in insulin sensitivity and have a uniform increase in WAT; therefore, FaGHRKO mice differ from global GHRKO mice with regards to insulin sensitivity and WAT distribution. FaGHRKO mice also have an unexpected increase in IGF-1 and are significantly longer (nasal-anal length). Extensive analysis of the aP2 promotor/enhancer has revealed it to be expressed in non-adipose tissues (such as hypothalamus), confounding interpretation of results when using this promoter to generate adipose-specific mice and may help explain the unexpected increase in IGF-1 and body length observed in FaGHRKO mice. In the current study we used the adiponectin promoter/enhancer to drive Cre expression and generated a new line of adipocyte-specific GHR knockout (AdGHRKO) mice. Body length, GH and IGF-1 levels are unchanged in AdGHRKO mice compared to controls. AdGHRKO mice have an improved metabolic profile with enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced liver triglycerides despite increased adiposity. Depot specific analysis of WAT in AdGHRKO mice shows that the subcutaneous WAT depot is more dramatically influenced by removal of GHR as 1) subcutaneous depot mass and 2) adipocytes within the subcutaneous depot are enlarged to a greater extent than perigonadal fat, and 3) the subcutaneous depot has a significant reduction in fibrosis while perigonadal fat does not. In conclusion, this mouse line should provide a valuable tool for understanding the direct actions of GH on adipose tissue.

Adipocyte-Specific GH Receptor-Null (AdGHRKO) Mice Have Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity With Reduced Liver Triglycerides.

Global GH receptor-null or knockout (GHRKO) mice have been extensively studied owing to their unique phenotype (dwarf and obese but remarkably insulin sensitive and long-lived). To better understand the influence of adipose tissue (AT) on the GHRKO phenotype, we previously generated fat-specific GHRKO (FaGHRKO) mice using the adipocyte protein-2 (aP2) promoter driving Cre expression. Unlike global GHRKO mice, FaGHRKO mice are larger than control mice and have an increase in white AT (WAT) mass and adipocyte size as well as an increase in brown AT mass. FaGHRKO mice also have an unexpected increase in IGF-1, decrease in adiponectin, no change in insulin sensitivity or liver triglyceride content, and a decreased lifespan. Extensive analysis of the aP2 promoter/enhancer by multiple laboratories has revealed expression in nonadipose tissues, confounding interpretation of results. In the current study, we used the adiponectin promoter/enhancer to drive Cre expression, which better targets mature adipocytes, and generated a new line of adipocyte-specific GHRKO (AdGHRKO) mice. AdGHRKO mice have an increase in adipocyte size and WAT depot mass in all depots except male perigonadal, a WAT accumulation pattern similar to FaGHRKO mice. Likewise, adiponectin levels and WAT fibrosis are decreased in both tissue-specific mouse lines. However, unlike FaGHRKO mice, AdGHRKO mice have no change in IGF-1 levels, improved glucose homeostasis, and reduced liver triglycerides. Thus, AdGHRKO mice should be valuable for future studies assessing the contribution of adipocyte GHR signaling in long-term health and lifespan.

THE IMPACT OF COMBINED EXERCISE TRAINING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND NEUROIMMUNE COMPLICATIONS INDUCED BY FRUCTOSE OVERLOAD IN HYPERTENSIVE RATS

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of combined exercise training on the development of cardiovascular and neuroimmune complications induced by fructose overload in sedentary hypertensive (SH), SHR + fructose (HF) and SHR + fructose + training (Treadmill + ladder, 60 days, 40–60% of maximal capacity) (HFTC). The groups were divided into subgroups evaluated at 7, 15, 30 and 60 days (n=6/group/time). Fructose was offered in drinking water (10%). Metabolic, hemodynamic, autonomic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. Regarding the metabolic profile, the HF group showed increase in white adipose tissue, reduction in insulin sensitivity (HF: 3.15±0.2 vs. H: 3.96±0,1 and HFTC: 4.32±0.2 %/min) and increased triglycerides (TG) when compared to H group at 60 days of protocol (HF:139±7 vs. H: 106±5 and HFTC:107±8 mg/dL); these changes were not observed in HFTC group. Fructose consumption (HF) induced a further increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 30 and 60 days in SHR (HF‐30 days: 153±4 e HF‐60 days: 184±4 vs. H‐30 days: 141±3 e H‐60 days: 165±3 mmHg). Combined exercise training reduced MAP in 30 and 60 days of fructose overload in relation to the HF group (HFTC: 142±8 and 167±6 mmHg). There was a decrease on heart rate variability (VAR‐PI) in 7 days and 60 days in the HF group (10.5±1.3 and 40.81± 6.12 ms2) in relation to the H group (23±1.5 and 59.7±3.4 ms2). The HF group had a lower alpha index (spontaneous baroreflex) at 7 days compared to the H group (0.23±0.03 vs. 0.35±0.01 ms/mmHg), which was not observed in the HFTC group. There was an increase in IL‐6 and TNFα in cardiac tissue at 15, 30 and 60 days in the HF and HFTC groups compared to the H groups. The HFTC group presented higher IL‐10 values in the heart at 7 days compared to the HF group (28±1 vs. 16±1 pg/mg/prot). The HF group presented increase in cardiac lipoperoxidation at 30 and 60 days in relation to the H group. The HFTC group decreased lipoperoxidation compared to HF group at 60 days (1302±58 vs. 1956±215 cps/mg/prot) and there was also reduction in protein oxidation in this time. In addition, there was an increase in NADPH oxidase in the HF group at 60 days when compared to the H group and reduction in this parameter in the HFTC group in relation to the HF group at the same time (H: 0.18±0.02; HF: 0.46 ±0.04; HFTC 0.35 ±0.03 μm/mg/prot). The HFTC group increase glutathione redox balance in 7, 15, 30 and 60 days in relation to H and HF groups. These findings reinforce the role of the autonomic nervous system in the genesis of cardiometabolic dysfunctions and evidence an important role of combined exercise training in the prevention of these alterations.Support or Funding InformationFAPESP: 2015/11223‐6, CAPES‐PROSUP (1277269), UNINOVEThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Differential response of adipose tissue gene and protein expressions to 4- and 8-week administration of β-guanidinopropionic acid in mice.

β‐Guanidinopropionic acid (β‐GPA) feeding inhibits growth‐associated gain of body mass. It remains unknown, however, whether and how β‐GPA feeding affects growth‐associated increase in white adipose tissue (WAT) mass. We examined the effects of 4‐ and 8‐week β‐GPA feeding on serum myostatin levels and expression of genes and proteins related to adipogenesis, lipolysis, and liposynthesis in epididymal WAT (eWAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) in 3‐week‐old, juvenile male mice. Body, eWAT, and muscle weights were significantly lower in β‐GPA‐fed mice than in controls after feeding. Four‐ but not 8‐week‐β‐GPA feeding increased the serum myostatin level. Incubation of C2C12 myotubes with β‐GPA (1 mM) significantly promoted myostatin mRNA expression. The protein expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 α (PGC‐1α) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPAR α) was up‐regulated in GPAF eWAT at week 4, but down‐regulated at week 8. There was no significant difference in the protein expression of adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) between groups in eWAT. In BAT, no significant difference was found in the protein expression of PGC‐1α, PPAR α, ATGL, and HSL between β‐GPA‐fed and control mice, whereas that of FAS and ACC was significantly lower in β‐GPA‐fed mice at week 8. Uncoupling protein 1 was expressed higher in β‐GPA‐fed mice both at weeks 4 and 8 than that in controls. Thus, the mechanism by which β‐GPA feeding in early juvenile mice inhibits growth‐associated increase in eWAT mass may differ between early and later periods of growth.

Divergent effects of a designer natriuretic peptide CD-NP in the regulation of adipose tissue and metabolism

ObjectiveObesity is defined as an abnormal increase in white adipose tissue (WAT) and is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy and correlates with leanness. Natriuretic peptides have been shown to be beneficial for brown adipocyte differentiation and browning of WAT. MethodsHere, we investigated the effects of an optimized designer natriuretic peptide (CD-NP) on murine adipose tissues in vitro and in vivo. ResultsIn murine brown and white adipocytes, CD-NP activated cGMP production, promoted adipogenesis, and increased thermogenic markers. Consequently, mice treated for 10 days with CD-NP exhibited increased “browning” of WAT. To study CD-NP effects on diet-induced obesity (DIO), we delivered CD-NP for 12 weeks. Although CD-NP reduced inflammation in WAT, CD-NP treated DIO mice exhibited a significant increase in body mass, worsened glucose tolerance, and hepatic steatosis. Long-term CD-NP treatment resulted in an increased expression of the NP scavenging receptor (NPR-C) and decreased lipolytic activity. ConclusionsNP effects differed depending on the duration of treatment raising questions about the rational of natriuretic peptide treatment in obese patients.

Exercise Training Prevents Cardiovascular Derangements Induced by Fructose Overload in Developing Rats.

The risks of chronic diseases associated with the increasing consumption of fructose-laden foods are amplified by the lack of regular physical activity and have become a serious public health issue worldwide. Moreover, childhood eating habits are strongly related to metabolic syndrome in adults. Thus, we aimed to investigate the preventive role of exercise training undertaken concurrently with a high fructose diet on cardiac function, hemodynamics, cardiovascular autonomic modulation and oxidative stress in male rats after weaning. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/group): Sedentary control (SC), Trained control (TC), Sedentary Fructose (SF) and Trained Fructose (TF). Training was performed on a treadmill (8 weeks, 40–60% of maximum exercise test). Evaluations of cardiac function, hemodynamics, cardiovascular autonomic modulation and oxidative stress in plasma and in left ventricle (LV) were performed. Chronic fructose overload induced glucose intolerance and an increase in white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, in myocardial performance index (MPI) (SF:0.42±0.04 vs. SC:0.24±0.05) and in arterial pressure (SF:122±3 vs. SC:113±1 mmHg) associated with increased cardiac and vascular sympathetic modulation. Fructose also induced unfavorable changes in oxidative stress profile (plasmatic protein oxidation- SF:3.30±0.09 vs. SC:1.45±0.08 nmol/mg prot; and LV total antioxidant capacity (TRAP)- SF: 2.5±0.5 vs. SC:12.7±1.7 uM trolox). The TF group showed reduced WAT, glucose intolerance, MPI (0.35±0.04), arterial pressure (118±2mmHg), sympathetic modulation, plasmatic protein oxidation and increased TRAP when compared to SF group. Therefore, our findings indicate that cardiometabolic dysfunctions induced by fructose overload early in life may be prevented by moderate aerobic exercise training.

Male Hypogonadism Causes Obesity Associated with Impairment of Hepatic Gluconeogenesis in Mice.

The steroid hormones synthesized by the male gonads play diverse roles in biological processes. Androgens, the primary hormones produced by the male gonads, are key regulators of fat homeostasis, hence androgen-deprivation therapies often induce obesity. However, the molecular mechanism by which male gonadal dysfunction leads to obesity remains unclear, because results from animal studies regarding fat accumulation in the context of gonadal defects do not reflect clinical findings. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the development of obesity in animals with male gonadal dysfunction by analyzing the long-term physiological changes in adult male mice with surgical castration. Nine weeks after surgery, white adipose tissue (WAT) mass was higher in the castrated (Cas) mice than in sham-operated (Sham) mice. In addition, castration induced hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. However, genes involved in lipid metabolism, including hormone-sensitive lipase, were unchanged in the adipose tissue of the Cas mice, despite the increase in WAT. In contrast, a hepatic gluconeogenesis gene, glucose-6-phosphatase, was significantly upregulated in the Cas mice than in Sham mice. Our findings suggest that long-term hypogonadism in mice mimics the effects in humans, and a potential molecular basis for the induction of obesity in this model is impairment of hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Leptin administration restores the altered adipose and hepatic expression of aquaglyceroporins improving the non-alcoholic fatty liver of ob/ob mice.

Glycerol is an important metabolite for the control of lipid accumulation in white adipose tissue (WAT) and liver. We aimed to investigate whether exogenous administration of leptin improves features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice via the regulation of AQP3 and AQP7 (glycerol channels mediating glycerol efflux in adipocytes) and AQP9 (aquaglyceroporin facilitating glycerol influx in hepatocytes). Twelve-week-old male wild type and ob/ob mice were divided in three groups as follows: control, leptin-treated (1 mg/kg/d) and pair-fed. Leptin deficiency was associated with obesity and NAFLD exhibiting an AQP3 and AQP7 increase in WAT, without changes in hepatic AQP9. Adipose Aqp3 and hepatic Aqp9 transcripts positively correlated with markers of adiposity and hepatic steatosis. Chronic leptin administration (4-weeks) was associated with improved body weight, whole-body adiposity, and hepatosteatosis of ob/ob mice and to a down-regulation of AQP3, AQP7 in WAT and an up-regulation of hepatic AQP9. Acute leptin stimulation in vitro (4-h) induced the mobilization of aquaglyceroporins towards lipid droplets (AQP3) and the plasma membrane (AQP7) in murine adipocytes. Our results show that leptin restores the coordinated regulation of fat-specific AQP7 and liver-specific AQP9, a step which might prevent lipid overaccumulation in WAT and liver in obesity.

Combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ reduces fat mass by enhancing α-MSH-dependent sympathetic drive.

Obesity is defined as an abnormal increase in white adipose tissue and has become a major medical burden worldwide. Signals from the brain control not only appetite but also energy expenditure, both of which contribute to body weight. We showed that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of two phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ) in mice reduced fat mass by promoting increased energy expenditure. This effect was accompanied by stimulation of lipolysis and the acquisition of the energy-burning characteristics of brown adipocytes by white adipocytes, a process referred to as "browning." The browning of the white adipocytes involved increased norepinephrine release from the sympathetic nervous system. We found that PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ together promoted a negative feedback loop downstream of the melanocortin 4 receptor in the central nervous system, which controls appetite and energy expenditure in the periphery. Analysis of mice with drug-induced sympathetic denervation suggested that these kinases controlled the sympathetic drive in the brain. Administration of inhibitors of both PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ to mice by intracerebroventricular delivery induced a 10% reduction in fat mass as quickly as 10 days. These results suggest that combined inhibition of PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ might represent a promising treatment for obesity.

Adipokines and Their Role in Allergies

Both allergic disorders and obesity keep increasing in industrialized countries. Even though a strong association between obesity and allergy- related diseases has been reported in several studies, no published data show a scientific and firm link in-between the two conditions. In general, obesity and weight gain have been associated with an increased risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and obesity have a common inflammatory pattern that could therefore justify their association. In fact, the chronic inflammation that characterizes the increase in white adipose tissue typically pushes the immune system toward a Th2 pattern. Such a polarization might, consequentially, worsen a pre-existing allergic disease or even stimulate the evolution from a sensitization to a respiratory form of allergy. Several studies have been published on the role of different adipokines on allergic diseases. We focus our review on the role of adipokines on asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Ionising radiation triggers fat accumulation in white adipose tissue

Purpose: To investigate changes in gonadal white adipose tissue and lipogenesis-related gene expression induced by radiation exposure.Materials and methods: Groups of two-month-old C57BL/6 mice were exposed whole-body to 137Cs γ-rays at a single dose (5 gray [Gy]) or fractionated doses (1 Gy × 5 times, 0.5 Gy × 10 times, or 0.2 Gy × 25 times). Six months after irradiation, gonadal white adipose tissue was isolated from mice. Two and 25-month-old mice were used as young and old study references. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of genes related to: (i) Primary lipid metabolism (ATP-citrate lyase [ACL], malic enzyme1 [ME1] and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 [G6PD2]), (ii) glucose uptake (glucose transporter 4 [GLUT4]), (iii) fatty acid synthesis (sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 [SREBP-1c], fatty acid synthetase [FAS] and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase beta [ACC]), (iv) triglyceride synthesis (diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 [DGAT1] and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 [DGAT2]), and (v) adipose-derived hormones (leptin [LEP]).Results: The weight of gonadal white adipose tissue in the irradiated groups tended to increase compared to the non-irradiated group though the radiation-induced increase in white adipose tissue was only significant for the 5 × 1 Gy group. The mRNA levels of SREBP-1c, ACC, FAS, ACL, GLUT4, ME1 and G6PD2 were relatively lower in γ-irradiated groups than in non-irradiated groups. The mRNA levels of leptin and DGAT were relatively higher than non-irradiated groups. The changes in expression of these lipogenesis-related genes caused by γ-irradiation showed a very similar pattern to changes caused by ageing.Conclusions: A physical agent such as γ-rays can trigger biological responses resulting in fat accumulation of gonadal white adipose tissue in mice.