Leptin as a key regulator of the adipose organ

The effects of Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) on serum leptin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

The observed impacts of Garcinia cambogia (GC) on serum leptin indicate inconsistency. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of GC on leptin levels.

METHODS

A thorough literature search was carried out using different online databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, until May 25, 2024. Using random effects, weighted mean differences (WMDs) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Standard procedures were followed to account for publication bias, study quality, and statistical heterogeneity.

RESULTS

In this meta-analysis, a total of eight eligible trials with 330 participants were ultimately included. Quality assessment showed that half of the included trials were considered to have fair quality, while the other half were deemed to have poor quality. Our analysis, with no indication of publication bias, showed a significantly decreased effect of GC on leptin compared with the placebo (WMD: -5.01 ng/ml; 95 % CI: -9.22 to -0.80, p = 0.02). However, significant heterogeneity was detected between studies (I2 =93.5 %, p < 0.001). The Hartung-Knapp adjustment did not affect our results. Subgroup analysis revealed that GC consumption represents the most effects in trials with sample size ≥ 50 (WMD: -3.63 ng/ml; 95 % CI [-5.51, -1.76], p < 0.001), and mean age of participants ≥ 30 years (WMD: -7.43 ng/ml; 95 % CI [-9.31, -5.56], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the present study showed that leptin levels might decline following GC administration.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023486370.

Association between thermogenic brown fat and genes under positive natural selection in circumpolar populations

BACKGROUND

Adaptation to cold was essential for human migration across Eurasia. Non-shivering thermogenesis through brown adipose tissue (BAT) participates in cold adaptation because some genes involved in the differentiation and function of BAT exhibit signatures of positive natural selection in populations at high latitudes. Whether these genes are associated with the inter-individual variability in BAT thermogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the potential associations between BAT activity and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate gene regions in East Asian populations.

METHODS

BAT activity induced by mild cold exposure was measured in 399 healthy Japanese men and women using fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT). The capacity for cold-induced thermogenesis and fat oxidation was measured in 56 men. Association analyses with physiological traits were performed for 11 SNPs at six loci (LEPR, ANGPTL8, PLA2G2A, PLIN1, TBX15-WARS2, and FADS1) reported to be under positive natural selection. Associations found in the FDG-PET/CT population were further validated in 84 healthy East Asian men and women, in whom BAT activity was measured using infrared thermography. Associations between the SNP genotypes and BAT activity or other related traits were tested using multiple logistic and linear regression models.

RESULTS

Of the 11 putative adaptive alleles of the six genes, two intronic SNPs in LEPR (rs1022981 and rs12405556) tended to be associated with higher BAT activity. However, these did not survive multiple test comparisons. Associations with lower body fat percentage, plasma triglyceride, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels were observed in the FDG-PET/CT population (P < 0.05). Other loci, including TBX15-WARS2, which is speculated to mediate cold adaptation in Greenland Inuits, did not show significant differences in BAT thermogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a marginal but significant association between LEPR SNPs. However, robust supporting evidence was not established for the involvement of other loci under positive natural selection in cold adaptation through BAT thermogenesis in East Asian adults. Given the pleiotropic function of these genes, factors other than cold adaptation through BAT thermogenesis, such as diet adaptation, may contribute to positive natural selection at these loci.

Light-responsive adipose-hypothalamus axis controls metabolic regulation

Light is fundamental for biological life, with most mammals possessing light-sensing photoreceptors in various organs. Opsin3 is highly expressed in adipose tissue which has extensive communication with other organs, particularly with the brain through the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Our study reveals a new light-triggered crosstalk between adipose tissue and the hypothalamus. Direct blue-light exposure to subcutaneous white fat improves high-fat diet-induced metabolic abnormalities in an Opsin3-dependent manner. Metabolomic analysis shows that blue light increases circulating levels of histidine, which activates histaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus and stimulates brown adipose tissue (BAT) via SNS. Blocking central actions of histidine and denervating peripheral BAT blunts the effects of blue light. Human white adipocytes respond to direct blue light stimulation in a cell-autonomous manner, highlighting the translational relevance of this pathway. Together, these data demonstrate a light-responsive metabolic circuit involving adipose-hypothalamus communication, offering a potential strategy to alleviate obesity-induced metabolic abnormalities.

The impact of obesity on reproductive health and metabolism in reproductive-age females

Obesity is a highly prevalent chronic disease that impacts >40% of reproductive-aged females. The pathophysiology of obesity is complex and can be understood simply as a chronic energy imbalance whereby caloric intake exceeds caloric expenditure with an energy surplus stored in adipose tissue. Obesity may be categorized into degrees of severity as well as different phenotypes on the basis of metabolic health and underlying pathophysiology. Obesity and excess adiposity have a significant impact on fertility and reproductive health, with direct effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the ovary and oocyte, and the endometrium. There are significant adverse pregnancy outcomes related to obesity, and excess weight gain before, during, and after pregnancy that can alter the lifelong risk for metabolically unhealthy obesity. Given the high prevalence and pervasive impact of obesity on reproductive health, there is a need for better and individualized care for reproductive-aged females that considers obesity phenotype, underlying pathophysiology, and effective and sustainable interventions to treat obesity and manage weight gain before, during, and after pregnancy.

Potential relationships between apelin and metabolic-associated indices in transition dairy cows

Metabolic disorders pose significant challenges in transition dairy cows. Numerous parameters have been investigated in this context, and apelin has recently emerged as a potential metabolic indicator. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the associations between this hormone and other metabolic parameters. Twenty-two adult Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, 21 days before their expected calving date, were selected for blood sampling and serum separation at four time points: 21 and 10 days before calving and 10 and 21 days after parturition. Serum concentrations of apelin, leptin, insulin, cortisol, T3, T4, non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, triglycerides, cholesterol, high, low and very low-density lipoproteins, total, direct and indirect bilirubin were measured in these samples. Surrogate indices for insulin resistance, body condition score, and milk production were also evaluated. Throughout the transition period, a significant increase in apelin levels was observed. Various models were employed to identify associations between apelin and the studied metabolic parameters. Notably, significant correlations between apelin and Leptin, Insulin, Cortisol, T3, T4, NEFA, Cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin and Indirect Bilirubin were observed, with some being immediate while others developed over time. These findings indicate a mutual influence between apelin and specific metabolic indices. Changes in any component of the metabolic profile at one stage can lead to alterations in apelin levels in subsequent stages. The correlations uncovered between apelin and other components of the metabolic profile in transitioning dairy cows offer valuable insights, contributing to a better understanding of the potential effects of apelin on the studied indicators and vice versa.

An integrative exploration of environmental stressors on the microbiome-gut-brain axis and immune mechanisms promoting neurological disorders

The microbiome-gut-brain axis is altered by environmental stressors such as heat, diet, and pollutants as well as microbes in the air, water, and soil. These stressors might alter the host's microbiome and symbiotic relationship by modifying the microbial composition or location. Compartmentalized mutualistic microbes promote the beneficial interactions in the host leading to circulating metabolites and hormones such as insulin and leptin that affect inter-organ functions. Inflammation and oxidative stress induced by environmental stressors may alter the composition, distribution, and activities of the microbes in the microbiomes such that the resultant metabolite and hormone changes are no longer beneficial. The microbiome-gut-brain axis and immune adverse changes that may accompany environmental stressors are reviewed for effects on innate and adaptive immune cells, which may make host immunity less responsive to pathogens and more reactive to self-antigens. Cardiovascular and fluid exchanges to organs might adversely alter organ functionality. Organs, especially the brain, need a consistent supply of nutrients and clearance of debris; disruption of these exchanges by stressors, and involvement of gut microbiome are discussed regarding neural dysfunctions with Alzheimer's disease, autistic spectrum disorders, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. The focus of this review includes the manner in which environmental stressors may disrupt gut microbiota leading to adverse immune and hormonal influences on development of neuropathology related to hyperhomocysteinemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress, and how certain therapeutics may be beneficial. Strategies are explored to lessen detrimental effects of environmental stressors on central and peripheral health navigated toward (1) understanding neurological disorders and (2) promoting environmental and public health and well-being.

Adipokines-A Cohort Prospective Study in Children with Severe Burns

Burns generate every year an important burden of morbidity, being a major global public health problem through prolonged hospitalization, complications, and increased mortality. This study's purpose was to evaluate the serum levels of three adipokines and to establish significant correlations with other circulating molecules and with some clinical parameters. We evaluated 32 children with severe burns (over 25% total burned surface area-TBSA) at 48 h, day 10, and day 21 post burn, and 21 controls. The serum levels of adiponectin, resistin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (among nine other biochemical parameters) were detected by Multiplex technique. Significant statistical differences were obtained for resistin and leptin compared to the control group, in different moments of measurements. Adiponectin serum levels presented statistically significant correlations with hot liquid mechanism of burn, the Revised Baux score, TBSA, resistin, PAI-1, CRP, TNF-α, and triglycerides (TGLs) serum levels. Resistin serum levels presented statistically significant correlations with adiponectin, CRP, PAI-1, leptin, and TNF-α. Additionally, we found statistically significant correlations between leptin serum levels and length of hospitalization, TNF-α, resistin, adiponectin, and PAI-1 serum levels. In severely burned children, adiponectin, resistin, and leptin specifically correlate with clinical parameters and with proteins involved in the systemic inflammatory response and the hypermetabolic response.

Sex-Specific Effects of THRβ Signaling on Metabolic Responses to High Fat Diet in Mice

Thyroid hormone (TH) plays a crucial role in regulating the functions of both bone and adipose tissue. Given that TH exerts its cholesterol-lowering effects in hepatic tissue through the TH receptor-β (TRβ), we hypothesized that TRβ agonist therapy using MGL3196 (MGL) would be effective in treating increased adiposity and bone loss in response to a 12-week high-fat diet (HFD) in adult C57BL/6J mice. Transcriptional and serum profiling revealed that HFD-induced leptin promoted weight gain in both males and females, but MGL only suppressed leptin induction and weight gain in males. In vitro studies suggest that estrogen suppresses MGL activity in adipocytes, indicating that estrogen might interfere with MGL-TRβ function. Compared to systemic adiposity, HFD reduced bone mass in male but not female mice. Paradoxically, MGL treatment reversed macroscopic bone mineral density loss in appendicular bones, but micro-CT revealed that MGL exacerbated HFD-induced trabecular bone loss, and reduced bone strength. In studies on the mechanisms for HFD effects on bone, we found that HFD induced Rankl expression in male femurs that was blocked by MGL. By ex vivo assays, we found that RANKL indirectly represses osteoblast lineage allocation of osteoprogenitors by induction of inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and CCL2. Finally, we found that MGL functions in both systemic adiposity and bone by nongenomic TRβ signaling, as HFD-mediated phenotypes were not rescued in TRβ147F knockout mice with normal genomic but defective nongenomic TRβ signaling. Our findings demonstrate that the negative effects of HFD on body fat and bone phenotypes are impacted by MGL in a gender-specific manner.

Understanding the Roles of Selenium on Thyroid Hormone-Induced Thermogenesis in Adipose Tissue

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) are known to regulate lipid metabolism. A lower amount of BAT compared to WAT, along with adipose tissue dysfunction, can result in obesity. Studies have shown that selenium supplementation protects against adipocyte dysfunction, decreases WAT triglycerides, and increases BAT triiodothyronine (T3). In this review, we discuss the relationship between selenium and lipid metabolism regulation through selenoprotein deiodinases and the role of deiodinases and thyroid hormones in the induction of adipose tissue thermogenesis. Upon 22 studies included in our review, we found that studies investigating the relationship between selenium and deiodinases demonstrated that selenium supplementation affects the iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2) protein and the expression of its associated gene, DIO2, proportionally. However, its effect on DIO1 is inconsistent while its effect on DIO3 activity is not detected. Studies have shown that the activity of deiodinases especially DIO2 protein and DIO2 gene expression is increased along with other browning markers upon white adipose tissue browning induction. Studies showed that thermogenesis is stimulated by the thyroid hormone T3 as its activity is correlated to the expression of other thermogenesis markers. A proposed mechanism of thermogenesis induction in selenium supplementation is by autophagy control. However, more studies are needed to establish the role of T3 and autophagy in adipose tissue thermogenesis, especially, since some studies have shown that thermogenesis can function even when T3 activity is lacking and studies related to autophagy in adipose tissue thermogenesis have contradictory results.

Hypogonadism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently proposed to be renamed to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a major global public health concern, affecting approximately 25-30% of the adult population and possibly leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation. The liver is involved in the actions of sex steroids via their hepatic metabolism and production of the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Liver disease, including NAFLD, is associated with reproductive dysfunction in men and women, and the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with hypogonadism is considerable. A wide spectrum of possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking NAFLD and male/female hypogonadism has been investigated. As therapies targeting NAFLD may impact hypogonadism in men and women, and vice versa, treatments of the latter may affect NAFLD, and an insight into their pathophysiological pathways is imperative. This paper aims to elucidate the complex association between NAFLD and hypogonadism in men and women and discuss the therapeutic options and their impact on both conditions.

The effects of leptin and cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist/antagonist in cerebral tissues of epileptic rats

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the effects of leptin, cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor agonist ACEA and antagonist AM251, and the interactions between leptin and CB1 receptor agonist/antagonist on oxidant and antioxidant enzymes in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and pedunculus cerebri tissue samples were investigated in the penicillin-induced epileptic model.

METHODS

Male Wistar albino rats (n=56) were included in this study. In anesthetized animals, 500 IU penicillin-G potassium was injected into the cortex to induce epileptiform activity. Leptin (1 μg), ACEA (7.5 μg), AM251 (0.25 μg), and the combinations of the leptin+ACEA and leptin+AM251 were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) after penicillin injections. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured in the cerebral tissue samples and plasma with the ELISA method.

RESULTS

MDA levels increased, while SOD and GPx levels decreased after penicillin injection in the cerebrum and cerebellum. The efficacy of penicillin on SOD, MDA and GPx levels was further enhanced after leptin or AM251 injections. Whereas, ACEA decreased the MDA levels and increased GPx levels compared with the penicillin group. Administration of AM251+leptin did not change any oxidation parameter compared with the AM251. Furthermore, co-administration of ACEA and leptin significantly increased oxidative stress compared with the ACEA-treated group by increasing MDA and decreasing GPx levels.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that leptin reversed the effect of ACEA on oxidative stress. Co-administration of AM251 and leptin did not change oxidative stress compared with the AM251-treated group suggesting AM251 and leptin affect oxidative stress using the same pathways.

Maternal choline supplementation mitigates premature foetal weight gain induced by an obesogenic diet, potentially linked to increased amniotic fluid leptin levels in rats

Placental leptin may impact foetal development. Maternal overnutrition has been linked to increased plasma leptin levels and adverse effects on offspring, whereas choline, an essential nutrient for foetal development, has shown promise in mitigating some negative impacts of maternal obesity. Here, we investigate whether a maternal obesogenic diet alters foetal growth and leptin levels in the foetal stomach, amniotic fluid (AF), and placenta in late gestation and explore the potential modulating effects of maternal choline supplementation. Female rats were fed a control (CD) or a western diet (WD) four weeks before mating and during gestation, half of them supplemented with choline (pregnancy days 11-17). Leptin levels (in foetal stomach, AF, and placenta) and leptin gene expression (in placenta) were assessed on gestation days 20 and 21. At day 20, maternal WD feeding resulted in greater leptin levels in foetal stomach, placenta, and AF. The increased AF leptin levels were associated with a premature increase in foetal weight in both sexes. Maternal choline supplementation partially prevented these alterations, but effects differed in CD dams, causing increased AF leptin levels and greater weight in male foetuses at day 20. Maternal choline supplementation effectively mitigates premature foetal overgrowth induced by an obesogenic diet, potentially linked to increased AF leptin levels. Further research is needed to explore the sex-specific effects.

Early Life Programming of Adipose Tissue Remodeling and Browning Capacity by Micronutrients and Bioactive Compounds as a Potential Anti-Obesity Strategy

The early stages of life, especially the period from conception to two years, are crucial for shaping metabolic health and the risk of obesity in adulthood. Adipose tissue (AT) plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis and metabolism, and brown AT (BAT) and the browning of white AT (WAT) are promising targets for combating weight gain. Nutritional factors during prenatal and early postnatal stages can influence the development of AT, affecting the likelihood of obesity later on. This narrative review focuses on the nutritional programming of AT features. Research conducted across various animal models with diverse interventions has provided insights into the effects of specific compounds on AT development and function, influencing the development of crucial structures and neuroendocrine circuits responsible for energy balance. The hormone leptin has been identified as an essential nutrient during lactation for healthy metabolic programming against obesity development in adults. Studies have also highlighted that maternal supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin A, nicotinamide riboside, and polyphenols during pregnancy and lactation, as well as offspring supplementation with myo-inositol, vitamin A, nicotinamide riboside, and resveratrol during the suckling period, can impact AT features and long-term health outcomes and help understand predisposition to obesity later in life.

Air pollution, cardiorespiratory fitness and biomarkers of oxidative status and inflammation in the 4HAIE study

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), long-term air pollution exposure and biochemical markers of oxidative status and inflammation. This is a cross-sectional investigation focusing on biochemical markers of oxidative status and inflammation. Participants were Caucasian (N = 1188; age 18-65 years) who lived for at least 5 years in a high air-polluted (Moravian-Silesian; MS) or low air-polluted (South Bohemia; SB) region of the Czech Republic. Healthy runners and inactive individuals were recruited. A multiple regression analysis was used to explain the relationship between multiple independent variables (CRF, trunk fat mass, sex, socioeconomic status, and region (MS region vs. SB region) and dependent variables (oxidative status, inflammation). CRF, trunk fat mass, age and sex significantly predicted almost all selected markers of oxidative status and inflammation (except GSSG, GSH/GSSG and BDNF). Participants living in the MS region presented significantly higher GPx (by 3.1%) and lower BDNF values (by 4.5%). All other investigated biochemical markers were not significantly influenced by region. We did not find meaningful interactions between long-term air-pollution exposure versus markers of oxidative status and inflammation. However, we showed various significant interactions with sex, age, CRF and body composition. The significant association of living in the high air polluted MS region with the BDNF level warrants further attention.

Effects of SGLT2 Ablation or Inhibition on Corticosterone Secretion in High-Fat-Fed Mice: Exploring a Nexus with Cytokine Levels

Despite recent therapeutic advances, achieving optimal glycaemic control remains a challenge in managing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as effective treatments by promoting urinary glucose excretion. However, the full scope of their mechanisms extends beyond glycaemic control. At present, their immunometabolic effects remain elusive. To investigate the effects of SGLT2 inhibition or deletion, we compared the metabolic and immune phenotype between high fat diet-fed control, chronically dapagliflozin-treated mice and total-body SGLT2/Slc5a2 knockout mice. SGLT2 null mice exhibited superior glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity compared to control or dapagliflozin-treated mice, independent of glycosuria and body weight. Moreover, SGLT2 null mice demonstrated physiological regulation of corticosterone secretion, with lowered morning levels compared to control mice. Systemic cytokine profiling also unveiled significant alterations in inflammatory mediators, particularly interleukin 6 (IL-6). Furthermore, unbiased proteomic analysis demonstrated downregulation of acute-phase proteins and upregulation of glutathione-related proteins, suggesting a role in the modulation of antioxidant responses. Conversely, IL-6 increased SGLT2 expression in kidney HK2 cells suggesting a role for cytokines in the effects of hyperglycemia. Collectively, our study elucidates a potential interplay between SGLT2 activity, immune modulation, and metabolic homeostasis.

Postnatal Growth and Development of the Rumen: Integrating Physiological and Molecular Insights

The rumen plays an essential role in the physiology and production of agriculturally important ruminants such as cattle. Functions of the rumen include fermentation, absorption, metabolism, and protection. Cattle are, however, not born with a functional rumen, and the rumen undergoes considerable changes in size, histology, physiology, and transcriptome from birth to adulthood. In this review, we discuss these changes in detail, the factors that affect these changes, and the potential molecular and cellular mechanisms that mediate these changes. The introduction of solid feed to the rumen is essential for rumen growth and functional development in post-weaning calves. Increasing evidence suggests that solid feed stimulates rumen growth and functional development through butyric acid and other volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced by microbial fermentation of feed in the rumen and that VFAs stimulate rumen growth and functional development through hormones such as insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) or through direct actions on energy production, chromatin modification, and gene expression. Given the role of the rumen in ruminant physiology and performance, it is important to further study the cellular, molecular, genomic, and epigenomic mechanisms that control rumen growth and development in postnatal ruminants. A better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to the development of novel strategies to enhance the growth and development of the rumen and thereby the productivity and health of cattle and other agriculturally important ruminants.

Performance, HSP70 expression, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative DNA damage biomarkers, metabolic hormones, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens fed mistletoe leaf powder supplemented diets under tropical high ambient temperatures

The study investigated the impact of Mistletoe Leaf Powder (MLP) supplementation on some parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens. The standard baseline diets, comprising four different formulations, were provided during the starter and finisher stages. Chickens were randomly assigned to the 4 dietary groups: a negative control (CON) with no supplementation, a positive control (VTC) with 200 mg/kg vitamin C, and 2 experimental treatment groups with 2500 mg/kg (MLP2) and 5000 mg/kg (MLP5) MLP supplementation. The Body Weight Gain (BWG) in MLP2 and MLP5 treatment groups was comparable (P > 0.05) to those in VTC, while the CON group exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower BWG. Feed consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) lower broiler chickens in the CON group compared to those VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were lower in broiler chickens belonging to VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups compared to those in CON, and MLP2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) from MLP5 and VTC. Serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to MLP5, MLP2, and VTC groups compared to CON. The 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in birds of VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 compared to the CON, with VTC showing the least concentration. Serum insulin levels were higher (P < 0.05) in MLP5 compared to those in CON, while serum triiodothyronine and leptin concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in CON compared to birds in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Microbiota analysis revealed that the Coliform bacteria population was higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to CON compared to those in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups, whereas lactic acid-producing bacteria were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds of CON and highest in MLP2 and MLP5 groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of MLP at 5000 mg/kg enhanced performance, oxidative status, influenced metabolic hormones, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens raised under high ambient temperature.

Mechanisms of body fat distribution and gluteal-femoral fat protection against metabolic disorders

Obesity is a major health problem that affects millions of individuals, and it is associated with metabolic diseases including insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, Body fat distribution (BFD) rather than crude obesity is now considered as a more accurate factor associated with these diseases. The factors affecting BFD vary, from genetic background, epigenetic factors, ethnicity, aging, hormonal changes, to lifestyle and medication consumptions. The main goal of controlling BFD comes from the fact that fat accumulation in different depots has a different effect on the overall health and metabolic health of individuals. It is well established that fat storage in the abdominal visceral depot is associated with metabolic disorder occurrence, while gluteal-femoral subcutaneous fat depot seems to be protective against these diseases. In this paper, we will summarize the factors affecting fat distribution. Then, we will present evidence connecting gluteal-femoral fat depot with protection against metabolic disorders including IR, T2D, and CVDs. Finally, we will list the suggested mechanisms that lead to this protective effect. The abstract is visualized in Graphical Abstract.

Effect of Indian gooseberry extract on improving methylglyoxal-associated leptin resistance in peripheral tissues of high-fat diet-fed rats

Increased leptin resistance and methylglyoxal (MG) levels are observed in obese patients. However, whether MG deposits contribute to leptin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation in peripheral tissues remains unclear. In addition, the edible fruit of Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.) contains abundant bioactive components such as vitamin C, β-glucogallin (β-glu), gallic acid (GA), and ellagic acid (EA). Water extract of Indian gooseberry fruit (WEIG) and GA has been shown to improve cognitive decline by suppressing brain MG-induced insulin resistance in rats administered a high-fat diet (HFD). Accordingly, this study investigated the functions of WEIG and GA in inhibiting MG-induced leptin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the peripheral tissues of HFD-fed rats. The results showed that MG, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and leptin resistance accumulation in the liver, kidney, and perinephric fat were effectively restored by elevated glyoxalase-1 (Glo-1) activity after WEIG and GA administration comparable to that of alagebrium chloride (positive control) treatment in HFD-fed rats. Furthermore, WEIG and GA supplementation increased adiponectin and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase) and decreased inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in the peripheral tissues of HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that MG may trigger leptin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation in peripheral tissues, which could be abolished by WEIG and GA treatment. These results show the potential of P. emblica for functional food development and improving obesity-associated metabolic disorders.

Plasma adiponectin/leptin ratio associates with subcutaneous abdominal and omental adipose tissue characteristics in women

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction, which includes morphological and functional changes such as adipocyte hypertrophy as well as impaired adipogenesis, lipid storage/mobilization, endocrine and inflammatory responses, is needed in the context of obesity. One dimension of AT dysfunction, secretory adiposopathy, often assessed as a low plasma adiponectin (A)/leptin (L) ratio, is commonly observed in obesity. The aim of this study was to examine markers of AT development and metabolism in 67 women of varying age and adiposity (age: 40-62 years; body mass index, BMI: 17-41 kg/m2) according to levels of adiponectinemia, leptinemia or the plasma A/L ratio.

METHODS

Body composition, regional AT distribution and circulating adipokines were determined. Lipolysis was measured from glycerol release in subcutaneous abdominal (SCABD) and omental (OME) adipocytes under basal, isoproterenol-, forskolin (FSK)- and dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (DcAMP)-stimulated conditions. Adipogenesis (C/EBP-α/β/δ, PPAR-γ2 and SREBP-1c) and lipid metabolism (β2-ARs, HSL, FABP4, LPL and GLUT4) gene expression (RT-qPCR) was assessed in both fat depots. Participants in the upper versus lower tertile of adiponectin, leptin or the A/L ratio were compared.

RESULTS

Basal lipolysis was similar between groups. Women with a low plasma A/L ratio were characterized by higher adiposity and larger SCABD and OME adipocytes (p<0.01) compared to those with a high ratio. In OME adipocytes, women in the low adiponectinemia tertile showed higher isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis (0.01

CONCLUSIONS

Secretory adiposopathy assessed as the plasma A/L ratio, more so than adiponectin or leptin levels alone, discriminates low and elevated lipolysis in OME and SCABD adipocytes despite similar AT expression of selected genes involved in lipid metabolism.

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Key Words

• Adipogenesis
• Adipokines
• Adipose cell lipolysis
• Adipose tissue gene expression
• Lipid metabolism

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MESH Headings

• Female
• Humans
• Adult
• Middle Aged
• Adiponectin/metabolism
• Leptin/metabolism
• Isoproterenol/metabolism
• Adipose Tissue/metabolism
• Obesity/metabolism

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Grants

• MOP-64182 and MOP-102642 CIHR
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research
• Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec

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Affiliation(s)

Eve-Julie Tremblay École de Nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
André Tchernof École de Nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
Mélissa Pelletier Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
Denis R Joanisse Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada Département de kinésiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
Pascale Mauriège Centre de recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Université Laval, Québec City, Canada. Département de kinésiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada.

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Obesity and Leukemia: Biological Mechanisms, Perspectives, and Challenges

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine the epidemiological data on obesity and leukemia; evaluate the effect of obesity on leukemia outcomes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors; assess the potential mechanisms through which obesity may increase the risk of leukemia; and provide the effects of obesity management on leukemia. Preventive (diet, physical exercise, obesity pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery) measures, repurposing drugs, candidate therapeutic agents targeting oncogenic pathways of obesity and insulin resistance in leukemia as well as challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are also discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Obesity has been implicated in the development of 13 cancers, such as breast, endometrial, colon, renal, esophageal cancers, and multiple myeloma. Leukemia is estimated to account for approximately 2.5% and 3.1% of all new cancer incidence and mortality, respectively, while it represents the most frequent cancer in children younger than 5 years. Current evidence indicates that obesity may have an impact on the risk of leukemia. Increased birthweight may be associated with the development of childhood leukemia. Obesity is also associated with worse outcomes and increased mortality in leukemic patients. However, there are several limitations and challenges in meta-analyses and epidemiological studies. In addition, weight gain may occur in a substantial number of childhood ALL survivors while the majority of studies have documented an increased risk of relapse and mortality among patients with childhood ALL and obesity. The main pathophysiological pathways linking obesity to leukemia include bone marrow adipose tissue; hormones such as insulin and the insulin-like growth factor system as well as sex hormones; pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α; adipocytokines, such as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, and visfatin; dyslipidemia and lipid signaling; chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress; and other emerging mechanisms. Obesity represents a risk factor for leukemia, being among the only known risk factors that could be prevented or modified through weight loss, healthy diet, and physical exercise. Pharmacological interventions, repurposing drugs used for cardiometabolic comorbidities, and bariatric surgery may be recommended for leukemia and obesity-related cancer prevention.

Fatty Acids and their Proteins in Adipose Tissue Inflammation

Chronic low-grade adipose tissue inflammation is associated with metabolic disorders. Inflammation results from the intertwined cross-talks of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways in the immune response of adipose tissue. In addition, adipose FABP4 levels and lipid droplet proteins are involved in systemic and tissue inflammation. Dysregulated adipocytes help infiltrate immune cells derived from bone marrow responsible for producing cytokines and chemokines. When adipose tissue expands in excess, adipocyte exhibits increased secretion of adipokines and is implicated in metabolic disturbances due to the release of free fatty acids. This review presents an emerging concept in adipose tissue fat metabolism, fatty acid handling and binding proteins, and lipid droplet proteins and their involvement in inflammatory disorders.

Plasma catestatin levels are related to metabolic parameters in patients with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Catestatin (CST) is a pleiotropic peptide with cardioprotective and metabolic effects. CST is involved in the pathogenesis of both arterial hypertension (AH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which are the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the plasma CST levels in hypertensive patients, especially with T2DM, as well as compare those with healthy volunteers, and explore the relationship between CST levels and clinical, anthropometric and laboratory parameters. 106 Hypertensive patients, 55 of which had comorbidity T2DM, and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent clinical examination, including vital signs and anthropometric data assessment, medical history interview, and blood sample collection. Plasma CST levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using a commercial diagnostic kit. The plasma CST levels were significantly lower in hypertensive patients (N = 106) compared with healthy subjects (N = 30) (5.02 ± 1.09 vs. 6.64 ± 0.72; p < 0.001). Furthermore, hypertensive patients with T2DM (N = 55) have significantly reduced CST levels in comparison with those without T2DM (N = 51) (4.47 ± 1.16 vs. 5.61 ± 0.61; p < 0.001). CST significantly correlated with anthropometric characteristics, in particular, weight (r =  - 0.344; p < 0.001), BMI (r =  - 0.42; p < 0.001), neck (r =  - 0.358; p < 0.001), waist (r =  - 0.487; p < 0.001), hip (r =  - 0.312; p < 0.001), wrist circumferences (r =  - 0.264; p = 0.002), and waist-to-hip ratio (r =  - 0.395; p < 0.001). Due to its antihypertensive effect, CST has significant associations with systolic BP (r =  - 0.475; p < 0.001) and duration of AH (r =  - 0.26; p = 0.007). CST also has an inverse relationship with insulin (r =  - 0.382; p < 0.001), glucose (r =  - 0.45; p < 0.001), index HOMA-IR (r =  - 0.481; p < 0.001) and HbA1c (r =  - 0.525; p < 0.001), that indicate its involvement in T2DM development. Besides, CST has significant correlations with uric acid levels (r =  - 0.412; p < 0.001) as well as lipid parameters, especially HDL-C (r = 0.480; p < 0.001), VLDL-C (r =  - 0.238; p = 0.005), TG (r =  - 0.4; p < 0.001), non-HDL-C/HDL-C (r =  - 0.499; p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated BMI (β =  - 0.22; p = 0.007), AH duration (β =  - 0.25; p = 0.008), HbA1c (β =  - 0.43; p = 0.019) and HDL-C levels (β = 0.27; p = 0.001) as independent predictors of CST levels. The hypertensive patients have significantly decreased CST levels that are even more reduced in the presence of comorbid T2DM. The established correlations with anthropometric and laboratory parameters indicate not only antihypertensive but also metabolic effects of CST. Our results suggest the probable role of CST in the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases and the development of cardiovascular complications.

Leptin promotes proliferation of human undifferentiated spermatogonia by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

BACKGROUND

Male infertility is a common disease affecting male reproductive health. Leptin is an important hormone that regulates various physiological processes, including reproductive function. However, few experimental studies have been carried out to elucidate the mechanism of leptin's effects on male reproductive function.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leptin on testicular spermatogenesis and its mechanism, so as to provide potential targets for the treatment of patients with spermatogenic dysfunction.

METHODS

Testicular tissues were collected from eight prostate cancer patients undergoing surgical castration. GPR125-positive spermatogonia were isolated by two consecutive magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS), followed by incubation with conditioned medium. To identify the signaling pathway(s) involved in the effects of leptin, undifferentiated spermatogonia were treated with different concentrations of leptin and antagonists of leptin-related pathways. The proliferative effect of leptin was evaluated by cell counting using a hemocytometer. Expressions of p-AKT, p-ERK, p-STAT, and p-S6K were determined by western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

Leptin promoted the growth of human GPR125-positive spermatogonia in a concentration-dependent manner. The most significant proliferative effect was observed using 100 ng/mL leptin after 6 days of culture. Leptin significantly increased the phosphorylation of STAT3, AKT, and ERK in undifferentiated spermatogonia. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 inhibited the leptin-induced activation of AKT, ERK, and downstream S6K. Treatment with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin also inhibited S6K phosphorylation. Moreover, both LY294002 and rapamycin were found to inhibit the leptin-induced proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia. These results suggested that the leptin-induced proliferation of GPR125-positive spermatogonia was dependent on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further exploration of proliferation and apoptotic markers suggested that leptin may alleviate cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of Bax and FasL.

CONCLUSIONS

A certain concentration of leptin (25∼100 ng/mL) could promote proliferation of undifferentiated spermatogonia, which was mediated by PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Serum levels of anti-inflammatory/proinflammatory adipocytokines, and copper levels in overweight and obese women in an adult Mexican population

BACKGROUND

An imbalance between adipokines and micronutrient concentrations, such as those of copper (Cu), has been linked to dysregulation of energy homeostasis leading to weight gain and the development of other comorbidities; however, information on this issue remains limited. Our aim was to investigate the correlation between Cu status and serum adipokine levels and their relationship in normal-weight, overweight, and obese adult women.

METHODS

Sixty patients were evaluated and classified according to their body mass index (BMI) and biochemical parameters; adipokines and Cu were measured at fasting.

RESULTS

Leptin (Lep) and resistin (Res) levels were elevated, whereas adiponectin (Adpn) and ghrelin (Ghr) values were decreased in overweight and obese women (p = 0.001). The mean Adpn/Lep ratio was <0.5 in overweight and obese subjects, while the Lep/Ghr ratio increased significantly in relation to weight gain, suggesting an inverse link between the ratios of these hormones in the regulation of obesity. The analysis revealed a positive association between BMI and Cu levels in obese women. Moreover, a negative association between Cu and Res in normal-weight subjects was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating fasting Res levels are negatively associated with serum Cu concentration in normal-weight adult women. We also observed a close relationship between Adpn/Lep and Lep/Ghr ratios with obesity. However, more observational studies are required to confirm these results in future research.

The Role of Cdc42 in the Insulin and Leptin Pathways Contributing to the Development of Age-Related Obesity

Age-related obesity significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and certain cancers. The insulin-leptin axis is crucial in understanding metabolic disturbances associated with age-related obesity. Rho GTPase Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of GTPases that participates in many cellular processes including, but not limited to, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, vesicle trafficking, cell polarity, morphology, proliferation, motility, and migration. Cdc42 functions as an integral part of regulating insulin secretion and aging. Some novel roles for Cdc42 have also been recently identified in maintaining glucose metabolism, where Cdc42 is involved in controlling blood glucose levels in metabolically active tissues, including skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, pancreas, etc., which puts this protein in line with other critical regulators of glucose metabolism. Importantly, Cdc42 plays a vital role in cellular processes associated with the insulin and leptin signaling pathways, which are integral elements involved in obesity development if misregulated. Additionally, a change in Cdc42 activity may affect senescence, thus contributing to disorders associated with aging. This review explores the complex relationships among age-associated obesity, the insulin-leptin axis, and the Cdc42 signaling pathway. This article sheds light on the vast molecular web that supports metabolic dysregulation in aging people. In addition, it also discusses the potential therapeutic implications of the Cdc42 pathway to mitigate obesity since some new data suggest that inhibition of Cdc42 using antidiabetic drugs or antioxidants may promote weight loss in overweight or obese patients.

Association between maternal metabolic profiles in pregnancy, dietary patterns during lactation and breast milk leptin: a retrospective cohort study

Breast milk leptin plays a potential role in preventing childhood obesity. However, the associations of breast milk leptin with maternal metabolism in pregnancy and dietary patterns during lactation are still unclear. We aimed to explore associations of breast milk leptin with maternal metabolic profiles in pregnancy and dietary patterns during lactation. A total of 332 participants were recruited for this retrospective cohort study. Breast milk samples were collected at approximately 6 weeks postpartum. Breast milk leptin and twenty-three metabolic profiles in pregnancy were measured in this study. A semi-quantitative FFQ was used to gather dietary information during lactation. Both principal component analysis and the diet balance index were used to derive dietary patterns. Among twenty-three maternal metabolic profiles, maternal serum glucose (β = 1·61, P = 0·009), γ-glutamyl transferase (β = 0·32, P = 0·047) and albumin (β = -2·96, P = 0·044) in pregnancy were correlated with breast milk leptin. All dietary patterns were associated with breast milk leptin. Given the joint effects of maternal metabolism in pregnancy and dietary patterns during lactation, only diet quality distance was significantly associated with leptin concentrations in breast milk (low level v. almost no diet problem: β = -0·46, P = 0·011; moderate/high level v. almost no diet problem: β = -0·43, P = 0·035). In conclusion, both maternal metabolism in pregnancy and dietary patterns during lactation were associated with breast milk leptin. Maternal diet balance during lactation was helpful to improve breast milk leptin concentration.

Comprehensive Gene Expression Profiling Analysis of Adipose Tissue in Male Individuals from Fat- and Thin-Tailed Sheep Breeds

It has been shown that tail fat content varies significantly among sheep breeds and plays a significant role in meat quality. Recently, significant efforts have been made to understand the physiological, biochemical, and genomic regulation of fat deposition in sheep tails in order to unravel the mechanisms underlying energy storage and adipose tissue lipid metabolism. RNA-seq has enabled us to provide a high-resolution snapshot of differential gene expression between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Therefore, three RNA-seq datasets were meta-analyzed for the current work to elucidate the transcriptome profile differences between them. Specifically, we identified hub genes, performed gene ontology (GO) analysis, carried out enrichment analyses of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and validated hub genes using machine learning algorithms. This approach revealed a total of 136 meta-genes, 39 of which were not significant in any of the individual studies, indicating the higher statistical power of the meta-analysis. Furthermore, the results derived from the use of machine learning revealed POSTN, K35, SETD4, USP29, ANKRD37, RTN2, PRG4, and LRRC4C as substantial genes that were assigned a higher weight (0.7) than other meta-genes. Among the decision tree models, the Random Forest ones surpassed the others in adipose tissue predictive power fat deposition in fat- and thin-tailed breeds (accuracy > 0.85%). In this regard, combining meta-analyses and machine learning approaches allowed for the identification of three important genes (POSTN, K35, SETD4) related to lipid metabolism, and our findings could help animal breeding strategies optimize fat-tailed breeds' tail sizes.

Designer Fat Cells: Adipogenic Differentiation of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome-Engineered Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that can signal bidirectionally to many tissues and organ systems in the body. With obesity, adipose tissue is a source of low-level inflammation that contributes to various co-morbidities and damage to downstream effector tissues. The ability to synthesize genetically engineered adipose tissue could have critical applications in studying adipokine signaling and the use of adipose tissue for novel therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to develop a method for non-viral adipogenic differentiation of genome-edited murine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and to test the ability of such cells to engraft in mice in vivo . Designer adipocytes were created from iPSCs, which can be readily genetically engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out or insert individual genes of interest. As a model system for adipocyte-based drug delivery, an existing iPSC cell line that transcribes interleukin 1 receptor antagonist under the endogenous macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 promoter was tested for adipogenic capabilities under these same differentiation conditions. To understand the role of various adipocyte subtypes and their impact on health and disease, an efficient method was devised for inducing browning and whitening of IPSC-derived adipocytes in culture. Finally, to study the downstream effects of designer adipocytes in vivo , we transplanted the designer adipocytes into fat-free lipodystrophic mice as a model system for studying adipose signaling in different models of disease or repair. This novel translational tissue engineering and regenerative medicine platform provides an innovative approach to studying the role of adipose interorgan communication in various conditions.

Leptin Mediates Prostate Stromal Cell Proliferation, Smooth Muscle Contraction, and Mitochondrial Function in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Introduction

Leptin is a metabolic peptide hormone produced by adipocytes, with proven roles in proliferation of prostate cancer cells and of prostate cells in animal models of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Thus, the role of leptin as a molecular link connecting BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of BPH with metabolic symptoms appears feasible but is still unknown. In fact, a connection between metabolic syndrome and BPH is becoming increasingly evident from epidemiologic studies. Key factors of Lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH/LUTS) are increased prostate smooth muscle tone, and prostate enlargement. Here, we examined the effects of leptin on contraction of human prostate smooth muscle and on growth of stromal cells.

Methods

We performed microarray analysis to identify genes (fold change ≥ 1.5) associated with BPH/LUTS progression, such as those involved in proliferation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial metabolism, in rat prostate tissue (data from GSE129561). We then used electric field stimulation (EFS) to induce frequency-dependent, neurogenic contractions of human prostate strips, which were enhanced by leptin. We also examined the effect of leptin on human prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1) and found increased cell proliferation and viability upon exposure. To explore the underlying mechanism, we conducted mitochondrial stress assay using near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye and flow cytometry (FACS) analysis and observed reduced cellular apoptosis and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψM) after leptin treatment.

Results

Microarray analysis reveals that leptin regulates prostate smooth muscle contraction and stromal cell proliferation, shedding new light on its involvement in BPH/LUTS pathogenesis and mitochondrial function. We found that leptin enhanced the proliferation rate of prostate stromal cells relative to the control group (0.67 ± 0.05 vs 0.54 ± 0.08, p-value= 0.024). Moreover, leptin (100 ng/mL) potentiated the frequency-dependent, neurogenic contractions of prostate strips elicited by EFS (p= 0.047 between leptin and control group). We also show that leptin treatment increased the mitochondrial membrane potential of prostate stromal cells and inhibited mitochondrial apoptosis.

Discussion

Our results indicate that leptin stimulates the contractility and proliferation of smooth muscle and stromal cells in the human prostate, implying a potential role for leptin in exacerbating BPH/LUTS in obese men. Leptin modulation may be a beneficial therapeutic strategy for patients with metabolic syndrome and BPH/LUTS. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and implications of the leptin system in BPH/LUTS.

Role of leptin in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy complication. The exact pathogenesis of PE remains unclear, but it is related to immune, inflammatory, circulatory, and oxidative stress factors. Leptin is a protein involved in these processes and is essential for maintaining a normal pregnancy and healthy fetal growth. Abnormal increases in leptin levels have been observed in the peripheral blood and placenta of patients with PE. Disturbances in leptin can affect the proliferation and hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle cells, which are important for placentation. Leptin also regulates arterial tension and trophoblast function in pregnant women. In addition, consistently high levels of leptin are linked to hyperactive inflammation and oxidative stress reactions in both patients with PE and animal models. This review focuses on the role of leptin in the pathophysiology of PE and elucidates its potential mechanisms.

Leptin deficiency impairs adipogenesis and browning response in mouse mesenchymal progenitors

Although phenotypically different, brown adipose tissue (BAT) and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) are able to produce heat through non-shivering thermogenesis due to the presence of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). The appearance of thermogenically active beige adipocytes in iWAT is known as browning. Both brown and beige cells originate from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and in culture conditions a browning response can be induced with hypothermia (i.e. 32 °C) during which nuclear leptin immunodetection was observed. The central role of leptin in regulating food intake and energy consumption is well recognised, but its importance in the browning process at the cellular level is unclear. Here, immunocytochemical analysis of MSC-derived adipocytes established nuclear localization of both leptin and leptin receptor suggesting an involvement of the leptin pathway in the browning response. In order to elucidate whether leptin modulates the expression of brown and beige adipocyte markers, BAT and iWAT samples from leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice were analysed and exhibited reduced brown/beige marker expression compared to wild-type controls. When MSCs were isolated and differentiated into adipocytes, leptin deficiency was observed to induce a white phenotype, especially when incubated at 32 °C. These adaptations were accompanied with morphological signs of impaired adipogenic differentiation. Overall, our results indicate that leptin supports adipocyte browning and suggest a potential role for leptin in adipogenesis and browning.

Immunometabolism mRNA expression phenotypes and reprogramming of CD14 in T2DM with or without CVD

BACKGROUND/AIM

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have a significant impact on the expression of genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The primary objective of this study was to investigate the role of two signaling pathways, STAT1/6, and two important modulators of immunometabolism, leptin and PPARs, in the development of T2DM with and without CVD. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess the correlation between these factors and the dynamics of CD14 in PBMCs. This research was conducted within the context of a growing body of literature on the complex pathophysiology of T2DM and its association with CVD. Prior studies have indicated that T2DM is characterized by an imbalance in immunometabolism and the involvement of various signaling pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were collected from a total of 47 subjects, including 7 healthy volunteers, 20 individuals diagnosed with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (D.CVD) and another 20 individuals diagnosed with diabetes only (D). PBMCs were isolated from these samples, and the expression levels of leptin, PPARγ, PPARα, and CD14 genes were measured using Real-Time PCR.

RESULTS

The most relevant result showed that diabetic patients with CVD had significantly higher levels of leptin expression, which was positively correlated with STAT1 (r = 0.7497, p = 0.0001). On the other hand, diabetic patients without CVD had elevated PPARγ expression, which was strongly correlated with STAT6 (r = 0.8437, p = 0.0001). Interestingly, we found a significant increase in the PPARγ/ PPARα ratio in the D.CVD group compared to the D group (4.273 ± 0.9531; 7.52 ± 3.556, p = 0.0479). Moreover, CD14 expression was significantly reduced in this group compared to diabetic patients without CVD.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that the immunometabolic imbalance in T2DM was driven by a STAT1/Leptin phenotype in diabetic patients with CVD and by a STAT6/PPARγ phenotype in diabetic patients without CVD. Taking into account STAT1/Leptin and STAT6/PPARγ profiling could help clinicians identify novel therapeutic targets for T2DM and other related diseases.

Molecular and cellular regulation of thermogenic fat

Thermogenic fat, consisting of brown and beige adipocytes, dissipates energy in the form of heat, in contrast to the characteristics of white adipocytes that store energy. Increasing energy expenditure by activating brown adipocytes or inducing beige adipocytes is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Thus, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of thermogenesis provides novel therapeutic interventions for metabolic diseases. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the molecular regulation of thermogenesis, focusing on transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, metabolites, and non-coding RNAs. We further discuss the intercellular and inter-organ crosstalk that regulate thermogenesis, considering the heterogeneity and complex tissue microenvironment of thermogenic fat.

Fibrocytes enhance mammary gland fibrosis in obesity

Obesity rates continue to rise, and obese individuals are at higher risk for multiple types of cancer, including breast cancer. Obese mammary fat is a site of chronic, macrophage-driven inflammation, which enhances fibrosis within adipose tissue. Elevated fibrosis within the mammary gland may contribute to risk for obesity-associated breast cancer. To understand how inflammation due to obesity enhanced fibrosis within mammary tissue, we utilized a high-fat diet model of obesity and elimination of CCR2 signaling in mice to identify changes in immune cell populations and their impact on fibrosis. We observed that obesity increased a population of CD11b+ cells with the ability to form myofibroblast-like colonies in vitro. This population of CD11b+ cells is consistent with fibrocytes, which have been identified in wound healing and chronic inflammatory diseases but have not been examined in obesity. In CCR2-null mice, which have limited ability to recruit myeloid lineage cells into obese adipose tissue, we observed reduced mammary fibrosis and diminished fibrocyte colony formation in vitro. Transplantation of myeloid progenitor cells, which are the cells of origin for fibrocytes, into the mammary glands of obese CCR2-null mice resulted in significantly increased myofibroblast formation. Gene expression analyses of the myeloid progenitor cell population from obese mice demonstrated enrichment for genes associated with collagen biosynthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Together these results show that obesity enhances recruitment of fibrocytes to promote obesity-induced fibrosis in the mammary gland.

Effect of reduced water intake on ovarian reserve, leptin immunoexpression and impact of leptin on the in vitro culture of sheep secondary follicles

This study evaluated the effect of reduced water intake on survival, apoptosis and immunoexpression of leptin in sheep preantral follicles, activation of primordial follicles, serum levels of leptin, estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes antral follicles, as well evaluated the effects of leptin on in vitro culture of secondary follicles isolated these animals. Ewes (n = 32) were divided into four groups: water ad libitum (Control - 100%), 80%; 60% and 40% of ad libitum intake. Blood was collected to determine, leptin, E2 and P4, before and after experiment. After the slaughter, ovarian cortex was used to histological and immunohistochemistry analysis and oocytes IVM. Moreover, isolated secondary follicles were cultured in vitro for 12 days in control medium (α-MEM+) or α-MEM+ with 10 or 25 ng/mL leptin. The reduction of water intake caused a linear decreasing effect on the percentages of normal preantral follicles, especially of primordial (P < 0.05), increased the apoptosis (P < 0.05) and decreased leptin expression in preantral follicles. The treatment with 60% of water intake showed greater total growth rate of isolated secondary follicles cultured with 25 ng/L leptin (P < 0.05), compared to those cultured in α-MEM+ . In conclusion, reduced water intake impaired the number of normal sheep preantral follicles, especially of primordial follicles, increased apoptosis and decreased leptin expression in preantral follicles. Moreover, secondary follicles from of ewes that receive 60% water intake increased follicular growth after in vitro culture with 25 ng/mL leptin.

Effects of aging-induced obesity on the transcriptional expression of adipogenesis and thermogenic activity in the gonadal white adipose, brown adipose, and skeletal muscle tissues

PURPOSE

Aging is closely associated with chronic metabolic diseases, such as obesity, which lead to increased adiposity, skeletal muscle wasting, and imbalanced cellular energy metabolism. However, transcriptional profiles representing energy imbalances in aging-induced obesity are not fully understood. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the candidate genes predominantly regulated in aging-related obesity in spontaneously aged mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three age groups according to age: 2- (young), 12- (middle-aged), and 24- (old) months. Body weight and body composition parameters were measured in all mice. Gonadal white adipose tissue (gWAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), and skeletal muscle (SM) were dissected and weighed. The target tissues were assessed using biochemical and histological assays.

RESULTS

Aging-induced obesity increased adipose mass and decreased SM weight through processes of adipocyte hypertrophy; however, recruitment of modulating adipogenesis-inducing transcription factors did not occur. Among adipokines, leptin level was greatly increased in the gWAT during aging. Interestingly, the β2-adrenergic receptor had a higher affinity than the β3-adrenergic receptor in aging-induced obesity. For the thermogenic regulation through β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), a declined uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) in the BAT was relevant to aging-induced obesity.

CONCLUSION

Aging-induced obesity increases leptin levels in adipocytes and decreases UCP-1 in BAT through β-ARs, according to transcriptional gene profiling. WAT browning increases energy expenditure due to exercise training adaptations. Further research is needed to discover more effective methods, such as exercise, against aging-induced obesity.

Combined effects of intermittent fasting with swimming-based high intensity intermittent exercise training in Wistar rats

High caloric intake and physical inactivity are known precursors to the development of several chronic metabolic diseases. For obesity and sedentarism, High Intensity Intermittent Exercise (HIIE) and Intermittent Fasting (IF) have emerged as individual strategies to attenuate their negative effects by improving metabolism. To study their combined effects, Wistar male rats (n = 74, 60 days old) were divided into four groups: Sedentary Control (C), swimming-based HIIE only (HIIE), Intermittent Fasting only (IF), and swimming-based HIIE associated with Intermittent Fasting (HIIE/IF). Over an eight-week period swimming performance, body composition, weight and feeding behavior were analyzed. The final morphology of white adipose tissue showed a significant reduction in adipocyte size consistent with a higher number of cells per area in exercised animals (vs C and IF, p < 0.05), which also displayed characteristics of browning through UCP-1 levels and CD31 staining. These results suggest that the increased performance in the HIIE/IF group is, in part, by modifications of WAT metabolism through the browning process.

Associations between Oxidant/Antioxidant Status and Circulating Adipokines in Non-Obese Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathophysiology of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), but there are no data on these disorders in non-obese children with PWS. Therefore, the presented study examined total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the oxidative stress index (OSI), and adipokine levels in 22 non-obese children with PWS during dietary intervention and growth hormone treatment compared with 25 non-obese healthy children. Serum concentrations of TOC, TAC, nesfatin-1, leptin, hepcidin, ferroportin, and ferritin were determined using immunoenzymatic methods. We found that TOC concentrations were higher by 50% (p = 0.006) in patients with PWS than in healthy children, but no significant differences in TAC concentrations were observed between these groups. The OSI was higher in children with PWS than in the controls (p = 0.002). We found positive associations between TOC values and the percentage of the Estimated Energy Requirement, body mass index (BMI) Z-score, percentage of fat mass, and leptin, nesfatin-1, and hepcidin concentrations in patients with PWS. A positive association was also found between the OSI and nesfatin-1 levels. These observations suggest that higher daily energy intake and weight gain may be accompanied by an increasing prooxidant state in these patients. Adipokines such as leptin, nesfatin-1, or hepcidin may also play a role in the prooxidant state in non-obese children with PWS.

Growth-Restricted Fetuses and Offspring Reveal Adverse Sex-Specific Metabolic Responses in Preeclamptic Mice Expressing Human sFLT1

Fetal adaptations to harmful intrauterine environments due to pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia (PE) can negatively program the offspring's metabolism, resulting in long-term metabolic changes. PE is characterized by increased circulating levels of sFLT1, placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Here we examine the consequences of systemic human sFLT1 overexpression in transgenic PE/FGR mice on the offspring's metabolic phenotype. Histological and molecular analyses of fetal and offspring livers as well as examinations of offspring serum hormones were performed. At 18.5 dpc, sFLT1 overexpression resulted in growth-restricted fetuses with a reduced liver weight, combined with reduced hepatic glycogen storage and histological signs of hemorrhages and hepatocyte apoptosis. This was further associated with altered gene expression of the molecules involved in fatty acid and glucose/glycogen metabolism. In most analyzed features males were more affected than females. The postnatal follow-up revealed an increased weight gain of male PE offspring, and increased serum levels of Insulin and Leptin. This was associated with changes in hepatic gene expression regulating fatty acid and glucose metabolism in male PE offspring. To conclude, our results indicate that sFLT1-related PE/FGR in mice leads to altered fetal liver development, which might result in an adverse metabolic pre-programming of the offspring, specifically targeting males. This could be linked to the known sex differences seen in PE pregnancies in human.

SUCNR1 signaling in adipocytes controls energy metabolism by modulating circadian clock and leptin expression

Adipose tissue modulates energy homeostasis by secreting leptin, but little is known about the factors governing leptin production. We show that succinate, long perceived as a mediator of immune response and lipolysis, controls leptin expression via its receptor SUCNR1. Adipocyte-specific deletion of Sucnr1 influences metabolic health according to nutritional status. Adipocyte Sucnr1 deficiency impairs leptin response to feeding, whereas oral succinate mimics nutrient-related leptin dynamics via SUCNR1. SUCNR1 activation controls leptin expression via the circadian clock in an AMPK/JNK-C/EBPα-dependent manner. Although the anti-lipolytic role of SUCNR1 prevails in obesity, its function as a regulator of leptin signaling contributes to the metabolically favorable phenotype in adipocyte-specific Sucnr1 knockout mice under standard dietary conditions. Obesity-associated hyperleptinemia in humans is linked to SUCNR1 overexpression in adipocytes, which emerges as the major predictor of adipose tissue leptin expression. Our study establishes the succinate/SUCNR1 axis as a metabolite-sensing pathway mediating nutrient-related leptin dynamics to control whole-body homeostasis.

Adipocyte YTH N(6)-methyladenosine RNA-binding protein 1 protects against obesity by promoting white adipose tissue beiging in male mice

Obesity, one of the most serious public health issues, is caused by the imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure. N(6)-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA modification has been recently identified as a key regulator of obesity, while the detailed mechanism is elusive. Here, we find that YTH RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1), an m⁶A reader, acts as an essential regulator of white adipose tissue metabolism. The expression of YTHDF1 decreases in adipose tissue of male mice fed a high-fat diet. Adipocyte-specific Ythdf1 deficiency exacerbates obesity-induced metabolic defects and inhibits beiging of inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) in male mice. By contrast, male mice with WAT-specific YTHDF1 overexpression are resistant to obesity and shows promotion of beiging. Mechanistically, YTHDF1 regulates the translation of diverse m⁶A-modified mRNAs. In particular, YTHDF1 facilitates the translation of bone morphogenetic protein 8b (Bmp8b) in an m⁶A-dependent manner to induce the beiging process. Here, we show that YTHDF1 may be an potential therapeutic target for the management of obesity-associated diseases.

Peripubertal Alterations of Leptin Levels in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Elevated or Normal Body Weight

Leptin, which plays a key role in energy homeostasis, is known as a neurotrophic factor possibly linking nutrition and neurodevelopment. Available data on the association between leptin and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are confusing. The aim of this study was to explore whether plasma levels of leptin in pre- and post-pubertal children with ASD and/or overweightness/obesity differ from those of BMI- and age-matched healthy controls. Leptin levels were determined in 287 pre-pubertal children (mean age 8.09 years), classified as follows: ASD with overweightness/obesity (ASD+/Ob+); ASD without overweightness/obesity (ASD+/Ob-); non-ASD with overweightness/obesity (ASD-/Ob+); non-ASD without overweightness/obesity (ASD-/Ob-). The assessment was repeated in 258 of the children post-pubertally (mean age 14.26 years). There were no significant differences in leptin levels either before or after puberty between ASD+/Ob+ and ASD-/Ob+ or between ASD+/Ob- and ASD-/Ob-, although there was a strong trend toward significance for higher pre-pubertal leptin levels in ASD+/Ob- than in ASD-/Ob-. Post-pubertal leptin levels were significantly lower than pre-pubertal levels in ASD+/Ob+, ASD-/Ob+, and ASD+/Ob- and higher in ASD-/Ob-. Leptin levels, elevated pre-pubertally in the children with overweightness/obesity as well as in children with ASD and normal BMI, decrease with age, in contrast to the increasing leptin levels in healthy controls.

Leptin alleviated ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats via modulation of Sirt-1/Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-kB/caspase-3 signaling pathways

Objective. Ovarian torsion is a gynecological emergency that occurs mostly during the female reproductive years due to ovarian masses or surgical manipulation. This work aims to explore the probable protective effect of leptin on rat ovaries due to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Methods. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: 1) control group; 2) ovarian IR group (OVIR); 3) leptin group I [OVIR + leptin (10 µg/kg body weight, b.w.)]; and 4) leptin group II (OVIR + leptin (100 µg/kg b.w.)]. Serum levels of estradiol and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were measured. Levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in ovarian tissue were determined along with the expression of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), nuclear erythroid factor-2 (Nrf2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB), toll like receptor-4 (TLR4), and caspase-3. Results. Serum estradiol and AMH levels were decreased with increased expression of COX-2, TLR4, caspase-3, and NF-κB and decreased expression of Sirt1and Nrf2 in ovary of the OVIR group, which were improved by exogenous administration of both leptin doses. Conclusion. Leptin administration dose-dependently reduced the severity of OVIR injury via modulation of Sirt-1/Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-kB/caspase-3 signaling pathways. Thus, leptin may be used as an adjuvant measure to prevent ovarian damage and improve the outcomes. However, clinical studies are needed to evaluate these results in humans.

Roles of leptin on energy balance and thermoregulation in Eothenomys miletus

Leptin is a hormone mainly synthesized and secreted by white adipose tissue (WAT), which regulates various physiological processes. To investigate the role of leptin in energy balance and thermoregulation in Eothenomys miletus, voles were randomly divided into leptin-injected and PBS-injected groups and placed at 25°C ± 1°C with a photoperiod of 12 L:12 D. They were housed under laboratory conditions for 28 days and compared in terms of body mass, food intake, water intake, core body temperature, interscapular skin temperature, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), liver and brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic activity, and serum hormone levels. The results showed that leptin injection decreased body mass, body fat, food intake, and water intake. But it had no significant effect on carcass protein. Leptin injection increased core body temperature, interscapular skin temperature, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis, mitochondrial protein content and cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activity in liver and brown adipose tissue, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content and thyroxin 5'-deiodinase (T₄5'-DII) activity in brown adipose tissue significantly. Serum leptin, triiodothyronine (T₃), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) concentrations were also increased significantly. Correlation analysis showed that serum leptin levels were positively correlated with core body temperature, body mass loss, uncoupling protein 1 content, thyroxin 5'-deiodinase activity, nonshivering thermogenesis, and negatively correlated with food intake; thyroxin 5'-deiodinase and triiodothyronine levels were positively correlated, suggesting that thyroxin 5'-deiodinase may play an important role in leptin-induced thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. In conclusion, our study shows that exogenous leptin is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and thermoregulation in E. miletus, and thyroid hormone may play an important role in the process of leptin regulating energy balance in E. miletus.

Effects of Irvingia gabonensis Extract on Metabolism, Antioxidants, Adipocytokines, Telomere Length, and Aerobic Capacity in Overweight/Obese Individuals

We investigated the effects of Irvingia gabonensis (IG) kernel extract on the metabolism, adiposity indices, redox status, inflammation, adipocytokines, blood leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL), and aerobic capacity of overweight/obese individuals. All participants used the first 12-week phase to monitor body weight. They were then randomly divided into two groups: (1) 300 mg IG or (2) placebo (PLA). Both groups took one tablet per day for 12 weeks. The variables were measured before supplementation and after 3, 6, and 12 weeks of supplementation. RTL and aerobic capacity were measured before and after 12 weeks. Compared with the PLA, the IG increased plasma vitamin C after supplementation at 6 (p < 0.01) and 12 weeks (p < 0.05) and serum adiponectin after 3 weeks (p < 0.05). Compared with before supplementation, plasma malondialdehyde in the IG and serum leptin in the PLA were decreased after 12-week supplementation, without any differences between the groups. There were no differences between groups with respect to metabolism, inflammation, RTL, and aerobic capacity after the supplementation. We suggest that 12-week daily IG supplementation improved plasma vitamin C and adiponectin. The findings show the possible mechanism contributing to the effect of IG supplementation on a reduction in obesity-related complications.

The growing field of immunometabolism and exercise: Key findings in the last 5 years

This perspective review highlights the impact of physical exercise on immunometabolic responses in the past 5 years. Understanding immunometabolism as a part of immunological research is essential. Furthermore, the roles of both acute and chronic effects of physical exercise on health, aging, and chronic diseases in immunometabolic changes should be elaborated. In immune cells, β2 adrenergic signaling stimulates the preferential mobilization of inflammatory phenotypes, such as CD16⁺ monocytes and CD8⁺ T cells, into the bloodstream after a physical exercise session. The mobilization of immune cells is closely related to the availability of energetic substrates for the cell and mechanisms associated with the uptake and oxidation of fatty acids and glucose. These cells, especially senescent T cells, are mobilized to the peripheral tissues and undergo apoptotic signaling, stimulating the creation of a "vacant space" where new cells will be matured and replaced in the circulation. This results in the upregulation of the expression and secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-1ra), leading to increased regulatory immune cells that provide immunoregulatory properties. Thus, we suggest that a significant nutrient available to the cell will favor oxidative metabolism, augment ATP production, and consequently maintain the immune cells in their quiescent state, as well as promote rapid activation function. Therefore, based on the studies discussed in this perspective review, we highlight the importance of performing moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity intermittent aerobic exercises, due to a higher magnitude of energetic demand and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10).

The dynamic effects of maternal high-calorie diet on glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota from weaning to adulthood in offspring mice

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota can contribute to the progression of diabetes and obesity. Previous studies have shown that maternal high-fat (HF) diet during the perinatal period can alter the microbiota and induce metabolic disorders at weaning. However, whether dysbiosis of gut microbiota and metabolism could be recovered by a normal diet after weaning and the dynamic changes of gut microbiota have not been fully studied. In this study, C57BL/6J female mice were fed with a normal chow (NC) or HF diet for 4 weeks preconception, during gestation, and until pup weaning. After weaning, male offspring were fed with an NC diet until 9 weeks of age. The microbiota of offspring at weaning and 9 weeks of age was collected for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We found that dams fed with an HF diet showed glucose intolerance after lactation. Compared with the offspring from NC dams, the offspring from HF dams exhibited a higher body weight, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, and leptin resistance and lower adiponectin at weaning. Fecal analysis indicated altered microbiota composition between the offspring of the two groups. The decrease in favorable bacteria (such as norank f Bacteroidales S24-7 group) and increase in unfavorable bacteria (such as Lachnoclostridium and Desulfovibrio) were strongly associated with a disturbance of glucose and lipid metabolism. After 6 weeks of normal diet, no difference in body weight, glucose, and lipid profiles was observed between the offspring of the two groups. However, the microbiota composition of offspring in the HF group was still different from that in the NC group, and microbiota diversity was lower in offspring of the HF group. The abundance of Lactobacillus was lower in the offspring of the HF group. In conclusion, a maternal HF diet can induce metabolic homeostasis and gut microbiota disturbance in offspring at weaning. Gut microbiota dysbiosis can persist into adulthood in the offspring, which might have a role in the promotion of susceptibility to obesity and diabetes in the later life of the offspring.