New adipokines

The effects of exercise on FGF21 in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key hormone factor that regulates glucose and lipid homeostasis. Exercise may regulate its effects and affect disease states. Therefore, we sought to determine how exercise affects FGF21 concentrations in adults.

Methods

The review was registered in the International Prospective Systematic Review (PROSPERO, CRD42023471163). The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies through July 2023. Studies that assessed the effects of exercise training on FGF21 concentration in adults were included. The random effect model, data with standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the pooled effect size of exercise training on FGF21. The risk of heterogeneity and bias were evaluated. A total of 12 studies involving 401 participants were included.

Results

The total effect size was 0.3 (95% CI [-0.3-0.89], p = 0.33) when comparing participants who exercised to those who were sedentary. However, subgroup analysis indicated that concurrent exercise and a duration ≥10 weeks significantly decreased FGF21 concentrations with an effect size of -0.38 (95% CI [-0.74--0.01], p < 0.05) and -0.38 (95% CI [-0.63--0.13], p < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

Concurrent exercise and longer duration may be more efficient way to decrease FGF21 concentrations in adults with metabolic disorder.

Leptin replacement therapy in the management of lipodystrophy syndromes

Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare diseases of genetic or acquired origin, characterized by quantitative and qualitative defects in adipose tissue. The metabolic consequences of lipodystrophy syndromes, such as insulin resistant diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia and hepatic steatosis, are frequently very difficult to treat, resulting in significant risks of acute and/or chronic complications and of decreased quality of life. The production of leptin by lipodystrophic adipose tissue is decreased, more severely in generalized forms of lipodystrophy, where adipose tissue is absent from almost all body fat depots, than in partial forms of the disease, where lipoatrophy affects only some parts of the body and can be associated with increased body fat in other anatomical regions. Several lines of evidence in preclinical and clinical models have shown that leptin replacement therapy could improve the metabolic complications of lipodystrophy syndromes. Metreleptin, a recombinant leptin analogue, was approved as an orphan drug to treat the metabolic complications of leptin deficiency in patients with generalized lipodystrophy in the USA or with either generalized or partial lipodystrophy in Japan and Europe. In this brief review, we will discuss the benefits and limitations of this therapy, and the new expectations arising from the recent development of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody able to activate the leptin receptor.

Brown Adipose Tissue, Batokines, and Bioactive Compounds in Foods: An Update

The discovery of metabolically active brown adipose tissue (BAT) in human adults and the worldwide increase in obesity and obesity-related chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has made BAT a therapeutic target in the last two decades. The potential of BAT to oxidize fatty acids rapidly and increase energy expenditure inversely correlates with adiposity, insulin and glucose resistance, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Currently, BAT is recognized by a new molecular signature; several BAT-derived molecules that act positively on target tissues have been identified and collectively called batokines. Bioactive compounds present in foods are endowed with thermogenic properties that increase BAT activation signaling. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to BAT activation and the batokines secreted by it within the thermogenic state is fundamental for its recruitment and management of obesity and NCDs. This review contributes to recent updates on the morphophysiology of BAT, its endocrine role in obesity, and the main bioactive compounds present in foods involved in classical and nonclassical thermogenic pathways activation.

Association of plasma chemerin with all-cause and disease-specific mortality - results from a population-based study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Various cross-sectional studies have observed an association between high circulating concentrations of the adipokine chemerin and an unfavorable metabolic profile. However, the prognostic value of chemerin for the risk of associated diseases and mortality was examined only in a few studies mostly using small and highly selected patient populations. We aimed to analyze the association between plasma chemerin concentrations and all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality in the general population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

From the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), participants of two independent cohorts (SHIP-START-1 [n = 3037], SHIP-TREND-0 [n = 4193]) were followed up for 15 and 9 years (median), respectively. The association between plasma chemerin and all-cause mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. Additionally, cause-specific hazards for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality were modeled considering competing events.

RESULTS

A total number of 507 and 208 deaths occurred during follow-up in SHIP-START-1 and SHIP-TREND-0, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses revealed a significant association between high plasma chemerin concentrations and greater overall mortality that was independent of major confounders. Each 30 ng/mL increase in chemerin was associated with a 17% higher risk of all-cause mortality (95%-confidence interval: 1.10-1.26). Cause-specific analyses further showed that the chemerin concentration was significantly associated with cancer mortality but not with CVD mortality.

CONCLUSION

The present study detected a positive association between plasma chemerin concentrations and all-cause mortality in a large population-based study sample. Cause-specific analyses have shown that chemerin is likely to play a decisive role in cancer-related deaths. However, a direct association with cardiovascular mortality could not be established.

Targeting Renal Proximal Tubule Cells in Obesity-Related Glomerulopathy

As a metabolic disorder, obesity can cause secondary kidney damage, which is called obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG). As the incidence of obesity increases worldwide, so does the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) caused by ORGs. However, there is still a lack of effective strategies to prevent and delay the occurrence and development of ORG. Therefore, a deeper understanding and elaboration of the pathogenesis of ORG is conducive to the development of therapeutic drugs for ORG. Here, we review the characteristics of pathological lesions of ORG and describe the roles of lipid metabolism disorders and mitochondrial oxidative stress in the development of ORG. Finally, we summarize the current available drugs or compounds for the treatment of ORG and suggested that ameliorating renal lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function may be potential therapeutic targets for ORG.

The impact of high intensity interval training on serum omentin-1 levels, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective exercise method that could lead to favorable changes in obese and diabetic subjects. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of HIIT on serum omentin-1 levels, lipid profile, and insulin resistance in diabetic obese men. METHODS: Fifty obese men suffering from T2DM with ages between 40 and 60 years were enrolled. Subjects were divided into two groups: the HIIT (n= 26) and control group (n= 24). The HIIT group subjects underwent 12 weeks (3 sessions per week) of HIIT program, while the control group subjects kept to their normal daily activities. Fasting blood glucose levels, serum omentin-1 levels, lipid profile, and insulin resistance were evaluated at baseline and after the experiment. RESULTS: HIIT resulted in significant improvements in the subjects’ body composition, serum omentin-1 levels, lipid profiles, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR (p< 0.05). Further, highly significant negative correlations were observed between serum omentin levels, on the one hand, and body mass index, body weight, and waist circumference, on the other. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of HIIT may be an effective training strategy to improve serum omentin-1 levels, body composition, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in diabetic obese men.

Changes in adipokine concentrations in antidepressant-resistant bipolar depression after ketamine infusion and electroconvulsive therapy

OBJECTIVES

This study attempts to assess the concentration of two opposite-acting adipokines (anti-inflammatory adiponectin and pro-inflammatory resistin) in antidepressant-resistant patients undergoing ketamine infusion (KI) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

METHODS

The study group comprised 52 patients hospitalised due to episodes of depression in the course of bipolar disorders. The Hamilton depression scale was used to assess the intensity of the depression symptoms before starting therapy and one day after its completion. The serum concentration of adipokines was determined before and after the therapeutic intervention using an ELISA method.

RESULTS

Baseline adipokine levels differed between patients receiving KI and ECT therapy. Regardless of the procedure used, these levels changed after treatment, with the nature of these changes being different. In the case of KI, the adiponectin levels increased, and resistin levels decreased. In contrast, after ECT, the concentrations of both adipokines decreased. Changes in adipokine concentrations correlated with improvement in mental status, as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale, type of bipolar disorder, and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Adipokines remain interesting candidate biomarkers in assessing the state and course of the disease depending on the therapeutic procedure applied. However, the relatively small study group and limited original research available for discussion justify further investigation.

Physical activity and adipokine levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A literature review and practical applications

We review the effects of acute and long-term physical activity on adipokine levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Three electronic databases were searched. Studies made in animal models were excluded, while studies based on participants with and without T2D, and also studies with type 1 diabetes were included. Of the 2,450 citations, 63 trials, including randomised control trials, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, met our inclusion criteria. Seventy and five percent of studies reported the effects of physical activity on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6), adiponectin, visfatin, omentin-1, and leptin levels. There are no robust results due to variations in exercise modality, intensity, duration, and also differences in cohort characteristics in the literature. Only four studies described the effects of an acute session of physical activity on adipokine levels. Overall, physical activity improves diabetes status by regulating adipokine levels. However, long-term aerobic + resistance training combined with dietary modifications is likely to be a more effective strategy for improving adipokines profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Adipokines in metabolic and reproductive functions in birds: An overview of current knowns and unknowns

Adipose tissue is now recognized as an active endocrine organ, which synthesizes and secretes numerous peptides factors called adipokines. In mammals, they exert pleiotropic effects affecting energy metabolism but also fertility. In mammals, secretion of adipokines is altered in adipose tissue dysfunctions and may participate to obesity-associated disorders. Thus, adipokines are promising candidates both for novel pharmacological treatment strategies and as diagnostic tools. As compared to mammals, birds exhibit several unique physiological features, which make them an interesting model for comparative studies on endocrine control of metabolism and adiposity and reproductive functions. Some adipokines such as leptin and visfatin may have different roles in avian species as compared to mammals. In addition, some of them found in mammals such as CCL2 (chemokine ligand 2), resistin, omentin and FGF21 (Fibroblast Growth factor 21) have not yet been mapped to the chicken genome model and among its annotated gene models. This brief review aims to summarize data (structure, metabolic and reproductive roles and molecular mechanisms involved) related to main avian adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and chemerin) and we will briefly discuss the adipokines that are still lacking in avian species.

Relationships between plasma apelin and adiponectin with normal weight obesity, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness in working adults

Background

A significant proportion of adults have normal weight obesity (NWO), defined as a normal body mass index (BMI) but disproportionately high body fat percentage. Individuals with NWO may have increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders and lower exercise tolerance, but it is unclear if this obesity phenotype is linked with dysregulated production of adipokines or myokines such as adiponectin and apelin, respectively.

Methods

This cross-sectional, secondary analysis included 177 working adults (mean age 49.6 ± 9.9 yrs, 64% female). Plasma high-molecular weight adiponectin and apelin levels were measured by ELISA. Body composition and fat distribution were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Exercise tolerance (VO₂ maximum) was determined by treadmill testing. NWO was defined as a BMI <25 kg/m² and body fat >30% for women or >23% for men. Participants were categorized as lean, NWO, or overweight-obese.

Results

A total of 14.7% of subjects were categorized as lean, 23.7% as having NWO, and 61.6% as having overweight-obesity. Plasma adiponectin levels were elevated in the overweight-obesity group (P < 0.05) compared to the lean and NWO groups, which did not differ from each other (P > 0.05). Adiponectin concentrations were inversely associated with BMI, fat mass, fat mass percent, visceral fat, and trunk to leg fat ratio and positively associated with leg fat mass (all P < 0.001). Plasma apelin levels were similar between the three body composition groups (P < 0.05) and were not significantly associated with any body composition indices. Apelin concentrations were inversely related to VO₂ maximum (β = −0.03 ± 0.01, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Plasma adiponectin and apelin levels did not distinguish between lean and NWO groups. Positive relationships with leg fat mass and adiponectin suggest the importance of assessing body composition and fat distribution when studying adipokines and cardiometabolic disorders. Further investigations are needed to understand relationships between exercise, body composition, and apelin secretion.

Associations of dietary fats intake and adipokines levels in obese women

AIM

RBP4, Vaspin and omentin-1 are adipokines, which play an important role in the development of obesity-related complications. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different kinds of fat intake on adipokine levels in obese women.

METHODS

A total of 272 obese women (BMI ≥ 30) were included in the current cross-sectional study, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Body composition was measured using a body composition analyzer. For the measurement of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), vaspin and omentin-1 serum concentrations, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day 24-h dietary recall.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) and linoleic acid intake and vaspin and omentin-1 levels. In addition, there were found statistically significant relationships between cholesterol, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFAs) and total fat intakes with omentin-1 levels. Also, RBP4 and vaspin levels were different significant with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake. Moreover, the results revealed that there were statistically significant differences between RBP4 levels and α-linolenic acid and oleic acid intake.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that by examining RBP4, vaspin and omentin-1 as adipokines, a novel link between fat intakes and adipokine levels was found.

Cutaneous sequelae of a national health crisis: Obesity and the skin

Background

The global obesity pandemic has far‐reaching health consequences and has become a major global health challenge. The worldwide prevalence of obesity nearly doubled between 1980 and 2008 and based on the latest estimates in the European Union, obesity affects up to 30% of adults. As a consequence of this rising prevalence of obesity, there has been an increase in the frequency of certain disease of the skin.

Objectives

We review the cutaneous sequelae of obesity, firstly describing the physiological consequences of increased adiposity in the skin and secondly examining the dermatoses associated with obesity.

The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Serum Adipocytokines, Lipid Profile and Biochemical Markers of Inflammation in Recreational Runners

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 3-week ω-3 PUFA supplementation on serum adipocytokines (i.e., adiponectin, leptin), neuregulin-4 (NRG4) and erythrocyte omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acid content, as well as the blood antioxidant defense capacity in non-elite endurance runners.

METHODS

Twenty-four runners were randomized into two groups: the supplemented group, who received omega free fatty acids extract containing 142 mg of EPA, 267 mg of DHA, 12 mg of vitamin E and 5 µg of vitamin D, each administrated at a dose of six capsules twice a day for three weeks, or the placebo group. Venous blood samples were withdrawn at the start and at the end of the study protocols to estimate serum biochemical variables.

RESULTS

A significantly higher ω-3 index and lower AA/EPA ratio was observed after ω-3 PUFA compared to pre-supplementation levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). An increase in baseline adiponectin and NRG4 levels, as well as a decrease of leptin concentration and lipid profile improvement, were observed in subjects after a ω-3 PUFA diet. The increased ω-3 index had a significant effect on TNFα levels and a serum marker of antioxidant defense.

CONCLUSIONS

The ω-3 PUFA extract with added vitamin E and D supplementation may have a positive effect on the function of the adipocyte tissue, as well as the ability to prevent cardiovascular complications in athletes.

Apelin/Apelin receptor: A new therapeutic target in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy, and it accounts for 75% of non-ovulatory infertile in women of childbearing age. It is clear that obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia coexist in PCOS. Apelin, as an endogenous ligand of the previously orphan receptor, is an adipokine that secreted by adipose tissue. Apelin and apelin receptors are expressed in many tissues and organ to regulate their physiological functions. Studies have shown that Apelin/apelin-receptor also expressed in ovary such as follicles, granulosa cells. Furthermore, Apelin/apelin-receptor play roles in vascular establishment and hormone metabolism in ovary. These indicate that the Apelin/apelin-receptor play an important role in the development of follicle. Apelin/apelin-receptor are increased in ovary of PCOS, which are associated with abnormal ovarian hormones and function. These are important causes of menstrual cycle disorders and anovulation. Moreover, apelin now appears clearly as a new player in energy metabolism. Apelin can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism but also modulate insulin secretion. And plasma apelin concentrations are elevated in obesity and type 2 diabetes patients. Interestedly, obesity and type 2 diabetes are also companied with polycystic ovary syndrome patients. We speculate apelin/apelin-receptor may play a vital role in pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome, but the underlying mechanisms remain under exploration. Here, we review apelin/apelin-receptor, as a new therapeutic target, have effects on ovarian function and energy metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Clinical significance of serum concentrations of neuregulin-4, in acute coronary syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is closely associated with an increased risk of death. Nrg4, a novel adipocytokine, has negative correlations with indicators of metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigated whether circulating Nrg4 associates with the prevalence of ACS. In this case-control study, a total of 257 subjects (144 patients with ACS and 56 patients diagnosed with stable angina pectoris (SAP)) compared to 57 healthy controls. Serum Nrg4 and hs-CRP concentrations were determined by ELISA. The associations of circulating Nrg4 with other clinical parameters were also analyzed. Serum levels of Nrg4 were lower in patients compared to the control subjects (0.7 ± 0.53 ng/mL versus 1.1 ± 0.9 ng/mL, P = 0.018). There was a significant association between higher Nrg4 level and lower risk of ACS (OR = 0.15; 95%CI = 0.02–0.9; P = 0.046), but not with SAP. This association was independent of potential confounders including traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The distribution of patients with no, 1, 2 and 3 vessel stenosis was significantly different in Nrg4 quartiles. Patients in the lower quartile of Nrg4 were more likely to experience 3 vessel diseases. Serum levels of Nrg4 correlated negatively with HDL-cholesterol in ACS patients. Decreased serum levels of Nrg4 might be an independent risk factor for ACS.

End-stage renal disease is different from chronic kidney disease in upregulating ROS-modulated proinflammatory secretome in PBMCs - A novel multiple-hit model for disease progression

Background

The molecular mechanisms underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and CKD acceleration of cardiovascular and other tissue inflammations remain poorly determined.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive data analyses on 7 microarray datasets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with CKD and ESRD from NCBI-GEO databases, where we examined the expressions of 2641 secretome genes (SG).

Results

1) 86.7% middle class (molecular weight >500 Daltons) uremic toxins (UTs) were encoded by SGs; 2) Upregulation of SGs in PBMCs in patients with ESRD (121 SGs) were significantly higher than that of CKD (44 SGs); 3) Transcriptomic analyses of PBMC secretome had advantages to identify more comprehensive secretome than conventional secretomic analyses; 4) ESRD-induced SGs had strong proinflammatory pathways; 5) Proinflammatory cytokines-based UTs such as IL-1β and IL-18 promoted ESRD modulation of SGs; 6) ESRD-upregulated co-stimulation receptors CD48 and CD58 increased secretomic upregulation in the PBMCs, which were magnified enormously in tissues; 7) M1-, and M2-macrophage polarization signals contributed to ESRD- and CKD-upregulated SGs; 8) ESRD- and CKD-upregulated SGs contained senescence-promoting regulators by upregulating proinflammatory IGFBP7 and downregulating anti-inflammatory TGF-β1 and telomere stabilizer SERPINE1/PAI-1; 9) ROS pathways played bigger roles in mediating ESRD-upregulated SGs (11.6%) than that in CKD-upregulated SGs (6.8%), and half of ESRD-upregulated SGs were ROS-independent.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests novel secretomic upregulation in PBMCs of patients with CKD and ESRD, act synergistically with uremic toxins, to promote inflammation and potential disease progression. Our findings have provided novel insights on PBMC secretome upregulation to promote disease progression and may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for novel regimens for CKD, ESRD and their accelerated cardiovascular disease, other inflammations and cancers. (Total words: 279).

Apolipoprotein M: a novel adipokine decreasing with obesity and upregulated by calorie restriction

BACKGROUND

The adipose tissue (AT) is a secretory organ producing a wide variety of factors that participate in the genesis of metabolic disorders linked to excess fat mass. Weight loss improves obesity-related disorders.

OBJECTIVES

Transcriptomic studies on human AT, and a combination of analyses of transcriptome and proteome profiling of conditioned media from adipocytes and stromal cells isolated from human AT, have led to the identification of apolipoprotein M (apoM) as a putative adipokine. We aimed to validate apoM as novel adipokine, investigate the relation of AT APOM expression with metabolic syndrome and insulin sensitivity, and study the regulation of its expression in AT and secretion during calorie restriction-induced weight loss.

METHODS

We examined APOM mRNA level and secretion in AT from 485 individuals enrolled in 5 independent clinical trials, and in vitro in human multipotent adipose-derived stem cell adipocytes. APOM expression and secretion were measured during dieting.

RESULTS

APOM was expressed in human subcutaneous and visceral AT, mainly by adipocytes. ApoM was released into circulation from AT, and plasma apoM concentrations correlate with AT APOM mRNA levels. In AT, APOM expression inversely correlated with adipocyte size, was lower in obese compared to lean individuals, and reduced in subjects with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Regardless of fat depot, there was a positive relation between AT APOM expression and systemic insulin sensitivity, independently of fat mass and plasma HDL cholesterol. In human multipotent adipose-derived stem cell adipocytes, APOM expression was enhanced by insulin-sensitizing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists and inhibited by tumor necrosis factor α, a cytokine that causes insulin resistance. In obese individuals, calorie restriction increased AT APOM expression and secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

ApoM is a novel adipokine, the expression of which is a hallmark of healthy AT and is upregulated by calorie restriction. AT apoM deserves further investigation as a potential biomarker of risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Gpnmb secreted from liver promotes lipogenesis in white adipose tissue and aggravates obesity and insulin resistance

Metabolism in mammals is regulated by complex interplay among different organs. Fatty acid synthesis is increased in white adipose tissue (WAT) when it is inhibited in the liver. Here we identify glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (Gpnmb) as one liver-WAT cross-talk factor involved in lipogenesis. Inhibition of the hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding protein pathway leads to increased transcription of Gpnmb and promotes processing of the membrane protein to a secreted form. Gpnmb stimulates lipogenesis in WAT and exacerbates diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. In humans, Gpnmb is tightly associated with body mass index and is a strong risk factor for obesity. Gpnmb inhibition by a neutralizing antibody or liver-specific knockdown improves metabolic parameters, including weight gain reduction and increased insulin sensitivity, probably by promoting the beiging of WAT. These results suggest that Gpnmb is a liver-secreted factor regulating lipogenesis in WAT, and that Gpnmb inhibition may provide a therapeutic strategy in obesity and diabetes.

Effects of resveratrol and its analogue pterostilbene, on NOV/CCN3 adipokine in adipose tissue from rats fed a high-fat high-sucrose diet

Nephroblastoma overexpressed protein, also called NOV/CCN3, is an adipokine which is present in various tissues and recently linked to obesity. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of resveratrol and pterostilbene on NOV/CCN3 in adipose tissue from rats fed an obesogenic diet. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were split into four groups (n = 9): fed a standard diet (CC), high-fat high-sucrose (HFS) diet supplemented with resveratrol (RSV; 30 mg/kg/day) or with pterostilbene (PT; 30 mg/kg/day), or without phenolic supplementation (HFS). Rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of treatment, and adipose tissue (white and brown) from different anatomical locations were dissected. Then, Nov/ccn3 gene and protein expression and the adipogenic genes, Ucp-1 and Pgc-1a, expressions were studied. Increased weight of white adipose tissues was found in rats fed the HFS diet. Whereas resveratrol-treated rats showed reduced internal and total adipose tissue weights, pterostilbene-treated rats showed reduced subcutaneous, internal and total adipose depots. Nov/ccn3 gene expression decreased in epididymal and interscapular brown depot in rats fed HFS diet when compared with the control group. Regarding the phenolic compounds, resveratrol prompted a Nov/ccn3 gene expression increase in epididymal fat tissue, whereas pterostilbene reduced its protein expression compared with the obese group. However, these phenolic compounds did not affect NOV/CCN3 expression in brown depot. NOV/CCN3 seems to be involved in weight changes in epididymal adipose tissue under obesogenic feeding, but not in subcutaneous, acting as a protective mechanism counteracting the fattening effect of the diet. To our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing whether NOV/CCN3 is involved in the anti-obesity effect of resveratrol and pterostilbene. Our results suggest that this is not the case.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Obesity-Induced Cancer

Many mechanisms of obesity-induced cancers have been proposed. However, it remains unclear whether or not long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play any role in obesity-induced cancers. In this article, we briefly discuss the generally accepted hypotheses explaining the mechanisms of obesity-induced cancers, summarize the latest evidence for the expression of a number of well-known cancer-associated lncRNAs in obese subjects, and propose the potential contribution of lncRNAs to obesity-induced cancers. We hope this review can serve as an inspiration to scientists to further explore the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in the development of obesity-induced cancers. Those findings will be fundamental in the development of effective therapeutics or interventions to combat this life-threatening adverse effect of obesity.