Regional differences in oxidative capacity of rat white adipose tissue are linked to the mitochondrial content of mature adipocytes

Adipocyte Mitochondria: Deciphering Energetic Functions across Fat Depots in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Adipose tissue, a central player in energy balance, exhibits significant metabolic flexibility that is often compromised in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mitochondrial dysfunction within adipocytes leads to inefficient lipid handling and increased oxidative stress, which together promote systemic metabolic disruptions central to obesity and its complications. This review explores the pivotal role that mitochondria play in altering the metabolic functions of the primary adipocyte types, white, brown, and beige, within the context of obesity and T2D. Specifically, in white adipocytes, these dysfunctions contribute to impaired lipid processing and an increased burden of oxidative stress, worsening metabolic disturbances. Conversely, compromised mitochondrial function undermines their thermogenic capabilities, reducing the capacity for optimal energy expenditure in brown adipocytes. Beige adipocytes uniquely combine the functional properties of white and brown adipocytes, maintaining morphological similarities to white adipocytes while possessing the capability to transform into mitochondria-rich, energy-burning cells under appropriate stimuli. Each type of adipocyte displays unique metabolic characteristics, governed by the mitochondrial dynamics specific to each cell type. These distinct mitochondrial metabolic phenotypes are regulated by specialized networks comprising transcription factors, co-activators, and enzymes, which together ensure the precise control of cellular energy processes. Strong evidence has shown impaired adipocyte mitochondrial metabolism and faulty upstream regulators in a causal relationship with obesity-induced T2D. Targeted interventions aimed at improving mitochondrial function in adipocytes offer a promising therapeutic avenue for enhancing systemic macronutrient oxidation, thereby potentially mitigating obesity. Advances in understanding mitochondrial function within adipocytes underscore a pivotal shift in approach to combating obesity and associated comorbidities. Reigniting the burning of calories in adipose tissues, and other important metabolic organs such as the muscle and liver, is crucial given the extensive role of adipose tissue in energy storage and release.

Dietary wheat gluten induces astro- and microgliosis in the hypothalamus of male mice

Gluten, which is found in cereals such as wheat, rye and barley, makes up a major dietary component in most western nations, and has been shown to promote body mass gain and peripheral inflammation in mice. In the current study, we investigated the impact of gluten on central inflammation that is typically associated with diet-induced obesity. While we found no effect of gluten when added to a low-fat diet (LFD), male mice fed high fat diet (HFD) enriched with gluten increased body mass and adiposity compared with mice fed HFD without gluten. We furthermore found that gluten, when added to the LFD, increases circulating C-reactive protein levels. Gluten regardless of whether it was added to LFD or HFD led to a profound increase in the number of microglia and astrocytes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, as detected by immunohistochemistry for ionised calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), respectively. In mice fed LFD, gluten mimicked the immunogenic effects of HFD exposure and when added to HFD led to a further increase in the number of immunoreactive cells. Taken together, our results confirm a moderate obesogenic effect of gluten when fed to mice exposed to HFD and for the first-time report gluten-induced astro- and microgliosis suggesting the development of hypothalamic injury in rodents.

From Obesity-Induced Low-Grade Inflammation to Lipotoxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Altered Multi-Crosstalk between Adipose Tissue and Metabolically Active Organs

Obesity is a major risk factor for several metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and brain disorders. Growing evidence suggests the importance of inter-organ metabolic communication for the progression of obesity and the subsequent onset of related disorders. This review provides a broad overview of the pathophysiological processes that from adipose tissue dysfunction leading to altered multi-tissue crosstalk relevant to regulating energy homeostasis and the etiology of obesity. First, a comprehensive description of the role of adipose tissue was reported. Then, attention was turned toward the unhealthy expansion of adipose tissue, low-grade inflammatory state, metabolic inflexibility, and mitochondrial dysfunction as root causes of systemic metabolic alterations. In addition, a short spot was devoted to iron deficiency in obese conditions and the role of the hepcidin-ferroportin relationship in the management of this issue. Finally, different classes of bioactive food components were described with a perspective to enhance their potential preventive and therapeutic use against obesity-related diseases.

The Crosstalk between Gut Microbiota and White Adipose Tissue Mitochondria in Obesity

Adipose tissue (AT) dysregulation is a key process in the pathophysiology of obesity and its cardiometabolic complications, but even if a growing body of evidence has been collected over recent decades, the underlying molecular basis of adiposopathy remains to be fully understood. In this context, mitochondria, the intracellular organelles that orchestrate energy production and undergo highly dynamic adaptive changes in response to changing environments, have emerged as crucial regulators of both white (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism and function. Given that the gut microbiota and its metabolites are able to regulate host metabolism, adipogenesis, WAT inflammation, and thermogenesis, we hypothesize that their frequently observed dysregulation in obesity could affect AT metabolism by exerting direct and indirect effects on AT mitochondria. By collecting and revising the current evidence on the connections between gut microbiota and AT mitochondria in obesity, we gained insights into the molecular biology of their hitherto largely unexplored crosstalk, tracing how gut microbiota may regulate AT mitochondrial function.

Integrative methylome and transcriptome analysis of porcine abdominal fat indicates changes in fat metabolism and immune responses during different development

Fat is involved in synthesizing fatty acids (FAs), FA circulation, and lipid metabolism. Various genetic studies have been conducted on porcine fat but understanding the growth and specific adipose tissue is insufficient. The purpose of this study is to investigate the epigenetic difference in abdominal fat according to the growth of porcine. The samples were collected from the porcine abdominal fat of different developmental stages (10 and 26 weeks of age). Then, the samples were sequenced using MBD-seq and RNA-seq for profiling DNA methylation and RNA expression. In 26 weeks of age pigs, differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified as 2,251 and 5,768, compared with 10 weeks of age pigs, respectively. Gene functional analysis was performed using GO and KEGG databases. In functional analysis results of DMGs and DEGs, immune responses such as chemokine signaling pathways, B cell receptor signaling pathways, and lipid metabolism terms such as PPAR signaling pathways and fatty acid degradation were identified. It is thought that there is an influence between DNA methylation and gene expression through changes in genes with similar functions. The effects of DNA methylation on gene expression were investigated using cis-regulation and trans-regulation analysis to integrate and interpret different molecular layers. In the cis-regulation analysis using 629 overlapping genes between DEGs and DMGs, immune response functions were identified, while in trans-regulation analysis through the TF-target gene network, the co-expression network of lipid metabolism-related functions was distinguished. Our research provides an understanding of the underlying mechanisms for epigenetic regulation in porcine abdominal fat with aging.

Differential Effects of Insulin-Deficient Diabetes Mellitus on Visceral vs. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue-Multi-omics Insights From the Munich MIDY Pig Model

Adipose tissue (AT) is no longer considered to be responsible for energy storage only but is now recognized as a major endocrine organ that is distributed across different parts of the body and is actively involved in regulatory processes controlling energy homeostasis. Moreover, AT plays a crucial role in the development of metabolic disease such as diabetes. Recent evidence has shown that adipokines have the ability to regulate blood glucose levels and improve metabolic homeostasis. While AT has been studied extensively in the context of type 2 diabetes, less is known about how different AT types are affected by absolute insulin deficiency in type 1 or permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus. Here, we analyzed visceral and subcutaneous AT in a diabetic, insulin-deficient pig model (MIDY) and wild-type (WT) littermate controls by RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics. Multi-omics analysis indicates a depot-specific dysregulation of crucial metabolic pathways in MIDY AT samples. We identified key proteins involved in glucose uptake and downstream signaling, lipogenesis, lipolysis and β-oxidation to be differentially regulated between visceral and subcutaneous AT in response to insulin deficiency. Proteins related to glycogenolysis, pyruvate metabolism, TCA cycle and lipogenesis were increased in subcutaneous AT, whereas β-oxidation-related proteins were increased in visceral AT from MIDY pigs, pointing at a regionally different metabolic adaptation to master energy stress arising from diminished glucose utilization in MIDY AT. Chronic, absolute insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia revealed fat depot-specific signatures using multi-omics analysis. The generated datasets are a valuable resource for further comparative and translational studies in clinical diabetes research.

The mitochondrial protein Opa1 promotes adipocyte browning that is dependent on urea cycle metabolites

White to brown/beige adipocytes conversion is a possible therapeutic strategy to tackle the current obesity epidemics. While mitochondria are key for energy dissipation in brown fat, it is unknown if they can drive adipocyte browning. Here, we show that the mitochondrial cristae biogenesis protein optic atrophy 1 (Opa1) facilitates cell-autonomous adipocyte browning. In two cohorts of patients with obesity, including weight discordant monozygotic twin pairs, adipose tissue OPA1 levels are reduced. In the mouse, Opa1 overexpression favours white adipose tissue expandability as well as browning, ultimately improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses identify the Jumanji family chromatin remodelling protein Kdm3a and urea cycle metabolites, including fumarate, as effectors of Opa1-dependent browning. Mechanistically, the higher cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in Opa1 pre-adipocytes activate cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), which transcribes urea cycle enzymes. Flux analyses in pre-adipocytes indicate that Opa1-dependent fumarate accumulation depends on the urea cycle. Conversely, adipocyte-specific Opa1 deletion curtails urea cycle and beige differentiation of pre-adipocytes, and is rescued by fumarate supplementation. Thus, the urea cycle links the mitochondrial dynamics protein Opa1 to white adipocyte browning.

Long Term Sodium Nitrate Administration Positively Impacts Metabolic and Obesity Indices in Ovariectomized Rats

BACKGROUND

In postmenopausal women, nitric oxide (NO) deficiency is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aims at determining the long-term effects of low-dose nitrate administration on metabolic and obesity indices in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

METHODS

OVX rat model was induced using the two dorsolateral skin incision method. Two months after ovariectomy, rats were divided into three groups (n = 10/group): Control, OVX, and OVX+nitrate, and the latter received sodium nitrate at a dose of 100 mg/L in their drinking water for nine months. Fasting serum glucose and lipid profile were measured every month. A glucose tolerance test was performed at months 1, 3, and 9 (the end of the study). Obesity indices were calculated, and histological analyses were performed on the gonadal adipose tissues at month 9.

RESULTS

OVX rats had impaired fasting glucose, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia with higher obesity indices at month 9. Nitrate improved glucose and lipid metabolism in OVX rats and decreased body weight (6.9%), body mass index (12.5%), Lee index (5.4%), adiposity index (23.9%), abdominal circumference (10.5%), and thoracic circumference (17.1%). Also, nitrate decreased adipocyte area by 49% and increased adipocyte density by 193% in gonadal adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

Long-term low-dose nitrate administration improves glucose and lipid metabolism in OVX rats in association with decreasing OVX-induced adiposity, increasing adipocyte density, and decreasing adipocyte area. These findings provide support for a potential therapeutic role of nitrate in postmenopausal women with some features of metabolic syndrome.

Dietary Intervention, When Not Associated With Exercise, Upregulates Irisin/FNDC5 While Reducing Visceral Adiposity Markers in Obese Rats

Obesity is an epidemic disease and the expansion of adipose tissue, especially visceral fat, promotes the secretion of factors that lead to comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, diet and exercise have been proposed as an intervention to reverse these complications. An adipocytokine, known as irisin, mediates the beneficial effects of exercise. It has been proposed as a therapeutic potential in controlling obesity. In view of the above, this paper attempts to determine the modulation of irisin, visceral adiposity and biochemical markers in response to dietary intervention and aerobic exercise. To do this, 52 diet-induced obese male Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups: high-fat diet and exercise (HFD-Ex); HFD-Sedentary (HFD-Sed); chow-diet and exercise (CD-Exercise); and CD-Sed. The exercise-trained group performed a treadmill protocol for 60 min/day, 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Body mass (BM), body fat (BF), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were analyzed. Mesenteric (MES), epididymal (EPI), and retroperitoneal (RET) adipose tissue was collected and histological analysis was performed. Biochemical irisin, triglycerides, glucose, insulin and inflammatory markers were determined and, FNDC5 protein expression was analyzed. In this study, the diet was the most important factor in reducing visceral adiposity in the short and long term. Exercise was an important factor in preserving muscle mass and reducing visceral depots after a long term. Moreover, the combination of diet and exercise can enhance these effects. Diet and exercise exclusively were the factors capable of increasing the values of irisin/FNDC5, however it did not bring cumulative effects of both interventions. Prescriptions to enhance the obesity treatments should involve reducing visceral adiposity by reducing the fat content in the diet associated with aerobic exercise.

Administration of ursolic acid to new-born pups prevents dietary fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Sprague Dawley rats

Overconsumption of fructose time dependently induces the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated whether ursolic acid (UA) intake by new-born rats would protect against fructose-induced NAFLD. One hundred and seven male and female Sprague Dawley rat pups were randomly grouped and gavaged (10 ml/kg body weight) with either 0.5% dimethylsulphoxide (vehicle control), 0.05% UA, 50% fructose mixed with UA (0.05%) or 50% fructose alone, from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P20. Post-weaning (P21-P69), the rats received normal rat chow (NRC) and water to drink. On P70, the rats in each group were continued on water or 20% fructose to drink, as a secondary high fructose diet during adulthood. After 8 weeks, body mass, food and fluid intake, circulating metabolites, visceral adiposity, surrogate markers of liver function and indices of NAFLD were determined. Food intake was reduced as a result of fructose feeding in both male and female rats (p < 0.0001). Fructose consumption in adulthood significantly increased fluid intake and visceral adiposity in female rats (p < 0.05) and had no apparent effects in male rats (p > 0.05). In both sexes of rats, fructose had no significant (p > 0.05) effects on body mass, circulating metabolites, total calorie intake and surrogate markers of hepatic function. Fructose consumption in both early life and adulthood in female rats promoted hepatic lipid accumulation (p < 0.001), hypertrophy, microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis (p < 0.05). Early-life UA intake significantly (p < 0.001) reduced fructose-induced hepatic lipid accumulation in both male and female rats. Administration of UA during periods of developmental plasticity shows prophylactic potential against dietary fructose-induced NAFLD.

Metabolomic Profiles in Adipocytes Differentiated from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Following Exercise Training or High-Fat Diet

Controlling the differentiation potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) is attracting attention as a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of obesity. Here, we aimed to observe the effect of exercise training (TR) and high-fat diet (HFD) on the metabolic profiles of ADSCs-derived adipocytes. The rats were divided into four groups: normal diet (ND)-fed control (ND-SED), ND-fed TR (ND-TR), HFD-fed control (HFD-SED), and HFD-fed TR (HFD-TR). After 9 weeks of intervention, ADSCs of epididymal and inguinal adipose tissues were differentiated into adipocytes. In the metabolome analysis of adipocytes after isoproterenol stimulation, 116 metabolites were detected. The principal component analysis demonstrated that ADSCs-derived adipocytes segregated into four clusters in each fat pad. Amino acid accumulation was greater in epididymal ADSCs-derived adipocytes of ND-TR and HFD-TR, but lower in inguinal ADSCs-derived adipocytes of ND-TR, than in the respective controls. HFD accumulated several metabolites including amino acids in inguinal ADSCs-derived adipocytes and more other metabolites in epididymal ones. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that TR mainly affected the pathways related to amino acid metabolism, except in inguinal ADSCs-derived adipocytes of HFD-TR rats. These findings provide a new way to understand the mechanisms underlying possible changes in the differentiation of ADSCs due to TR or HFD.

The diabetes medication canagliflozin promotes mitochondrial remodelling of adipocyte via the AMPK-Sirt1-Pgc-1α signalling pathway

The diabetes medication canagliflozin (Cana) is a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor acting by increasing urinary glucose excretion and thus reducing hyperglycaemia. Cana treatment also reduces body weight. However, it remains unclear whether Cana could directly work on adipose tissue. In the present study, the pharmacological effects of Cana and the associated mechanism were investigated in adipocytes and mice. Stromal-vascular fractions (SVFs) were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue and differentiated into mature adipocytes. Our results show that Cana treatment directly increased cellular energy expenditure of adipocytes by inducing mitochondrial biogenesis independently of SGLT2 inhibition. Along with mitochondrial biogenesis, Cana also increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid oxidation and thermogenesis. Mechanistically, Cana promoted mitochondrial biogenesis and function via an Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) - silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) - peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (Pgc-1α) signalling pathway. Consistently, in vivo study demonstrated that Cana increased AMPK phosphorylation and the expression of Sirt1 and Pgc-1α. The present study reveals a new therapeutic function for Cana in regulating energy homoeostasis.

ABBREVIATIONS

Ucp-1, uncoupling protein 1; cAMP, cyclic adenosine monophosphate; PKA, cAMP-dependent protein kinase A; SGLT, sodium glucose cotransporter; Cana, canagliflozin; T2DM: type 2 diabetes; Veh, vehicle; Pgc-1α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α; SVFs, stromal-vascular fractions; FBS, bovine serum; Ad, adenovirus; mtDNA, mitochondrial DNA; COX2, cytochrome oxidase subunit 2; RT-PCR, real-time PCR; SDS-PAGE, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; Prdm16, PR domain zinc finger protein 16; Cidea, cell death inducing DFFA-like effector A; Pgc-1β, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1β; NRF1, nuclear respiratory factor 1; Tfam, mitochondrial transcription factor A; OXPHOS, oxidative phosphorylation; FAO, fatty acid oxidation; AMPK, Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase; p-AMPK, phosphorylated AMPK; Sirt1, silent information regulator 1; mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin; WAT, white adipose tissue; Fabp4, fatty acid binding protein 4; Lpl, lipoprotein lipase; Slc5a2, solute carrier family 5 member 2; ERRα, oestrogen related receptor α; Uqcrc2, ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 2; Uqcrfs1, ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase, Rieske iron-sulphur polypeptide 1; Cox4, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4; Pparα, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α; NAD⁺, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; Dio2, iodothyronine deiodinase 2; Tmem26, transmembrane protein 26; Hoxa9, homeobox A9; FCCP, carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone; Rot/AA, rotenone/antimycin A; OCR, oxygen consumption rate; Pparγ, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ; C/ebp, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein; LKB1, liver kinase B1; AUC, area under the cure; Vd, apparent volume of distribution.

Long-term nitrate administration increases expression of browning genes in epididymal adipose tissue of male type 2 diabetic rats

Expression of browning genes are lower in both humans and animals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aims at determining effects of long-term nitrate administration on protein and mRNA levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and PPAR-γ coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1-α) in epididymal adipose tissue (eAT) of rats with T2D. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6/group): Control, diabetes, control + nitrate (CN), and diabetes + nitrate (DN). T2D was induced using high fat diet combined with a low-dose of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg body weight). Sodium nitrate was administrated at a dose of 100 mg/L for 6 months in nitrate-treated rats. Fasting serum glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at months 0 (i.e. at start of the protocol), 3, and 6. At month 6, protein and mRNA levels of UCP1, PPAR-γ, and PGC1-α were measured in eAT samples. In addition, tissue concentration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was measured and histological analyses were done at month 6. In rats with T2D, 6-month administration of nitrate decreased serum glucose and insulin concentrations by 13% and 23%, respectively and increased cGMP level by 85%. Rats with T2D had lower mRNA and protein levels of PPAR-γ (62%, P < 0.0001 and 18%, P = 0.0472), PGC1-α (49%, P = 0.0019 and 21%, P = 0.0482), and UCP1 (35%, P = 0.0613 and 30%, P = 0.0031) in eAT; 6-month nitrate administration restored these decreased levels to near control values. In addition, nitrate increased adipocyte density by 193% and decreased adipocyte area by 53% in rats with T2D. In conclusion, long-term low-dose nitrate administration increased mRNA and protein expressions of browning genes in white adipose tissue of male rats with T2D; these findings partly explain favorable metabolic effects of nitrate administration in diabetes.

Cell energy metabolism: An update

In living cells, growth is the result of coupling between substrate catabolism and multiple metabolic processes that take place during net biomass formation and maintenance processes. During growth, both ATP/ADP and NADH/NAD⁺ molecules play a key role. Cell energy metabolism hence refers to metabolic pathways involved in ATP synthesis linked to NADH turnover. Two main pathways are thus involved in cell energy metabolism: glycolysis/fermentation and oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation are intertwined through thermodynamic and kinetic constraints that are reviewed herein. Further, our current knowledge of short-term and long term regulation of cell energy metabolism will be reviewed using examples such as the Crabtree and the Warburg effect.

Nanoparticle-Mediated Inhibition of Notch Signaling Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Reduces Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Expansion in Pigs

Inhibition of Notch signaling has been shown to induce white to beige transformation of adipocytes and reduce the risk of obesity in mice. However, it remains unknown whether the metabolic benefits of Notch inhibition are dependent on uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-mediated thermogenesis and evolutionarily relevant in other mammalian species. Here we report the effect of Notch inhibition in adipocytes of pigs, which lost the UCP1 gene during evolution. Notch inhibition using a γ-secretase inhibitor dibenzazepine (DBZ) promoted beige adipogenesis and mitochondrial biogenic gene expression in porcine adipocytes. Moreover, encapsulation of DBZ into poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles enabled rapid cellular internalization and enhanced bioactivity to achieve sustained Notch inhibition, thereby inducing beige-specific gene expression and reducing subcutaneous adipose tissue expansion in pigs. These results demonstrate for the first time a role of Notch signaling in regulating adipose plasticity in large animals, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting Notch signaling in obesity treatment.

White adipose tissue mitochondrial metabolism in health and in obesity

White adipose tissue is one of the largest organs of the body. It plays a key role in whole-body energy status and metabolism; it not only stores excess energy but also secretes various hormones and metabolites to regulate body energy balance. Healthy adipose tissue capable of expanding is needed for metabolic well-being and to prevent accumulation of triglycerides to other organs. Mitochondria govern several important functions in the adipose tissue. We review the derangements of mitochondrial function in white adipose tissue in the obese state. Downregulation of mitochondrial function or biogenesis in the white adipose tissue is a central driver for obesity-associated metabolic diseases. Mitochondrial functions compromised in obesity include oxidative functions and renewal and enlargement of the adipose tissue through recruitment and differentiation of adipocyte progenitor cells. These changes adversely affect whole-body metabolic health. Dysfunction of the white adipose tissue mitochondria in obesity has long-term consequences for the metabolism of adipose tissue and the whole body. Understanding the pathways behind mitochondrial dysfunction may help reveal targets for pharmacological or nutritional interventions that enhance mitochondrial biogenesis or function in adipose tissue.

A new perspective of lactatogenesis by isolated adipocytes

Increased adipose tissue mass exhibited greater capacity of glucose transformation in lactate, highlighting lactatogenesis as a crucial factor in body size. Classically, lactate produced by isolated adipocytes are expressed per million of cells and were never correlated with their size. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have a lower body weight and smaller adipocytes when compared to Wistar-Kyoto. We evaluated basal lactate by epididymal 15^-weeks-old isolated adipocytes of SHR, Wistar-Kyoto and Wistar. Basal lactate was similar when expressed by one million cells. However, SHR adipocytes were smaller, so we adjusted the results by cell volume and SHR showed higher basal lactate production which was directly endorsed by hyperlactatemia in the presented conditions. Thereby, we suggest a new perspective on lactatogenesis analysis by adipocytes, which could be linked to the receptors density and associate enzymes. Moreover, we showed that the thin and hypertensive rats can be hyperlactemic in fasting conditions.

Differential Sympathetic Activation of Adipose Tissues by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Centrally administered brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) decreases body adiposity beyond what can be accounted for by decreased food intake, implying enhanced lipid metabolism by BDNF. Consistent with this notion, intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of BDNF in rats increased the expression of lipolytic enzymes in white adipose tissues (WAT) and increased circulating concentrations of lipolytic products without changing the levels of adrenal gland hormones. This suggests that central BDNF-induced lipid mobilization is likely due to sympathetic neural activation, rather than activation of the adrenocortical or adrenomedullary system. We hypothesized that BDNF activated sympathetic innervation of adipose tissues to regulate lipolysis. Rats with unilateral denervation of interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) and different WAT depots received icv injections of saline or BDNF. Both intact and denervated adipose tissues were exposed to the same circulating factors, but denervated adipose tissues did not receive neural signals. Norepinephrine (NE) turnover (NETO) of BAT and WAT was assessed as a measure of sympathetic activity. Findings revealed that central BDNF treatment induced a change in NETO in some but not all the adipose tissues tested. Specifically, greater NETO rates were found in BAT and gonadal epididymal WAT (EWAT), but not in inguinal WAT (IWAT) or retroperitoneal WAT (RWAT), of BDNF-treated rats compared to saline-treated rats. Furthermore, intact innervation was necessary for BDNF-induced NETO in BAT and EWAT. In addition, BDNF increased the expression of lipolytic enzymes in both intact and denervated EWAT and IWAT, suggesting that BDNF-induced WAT lipolysis was independent of intact innervation. To summarize, centrally administered BDNF selectively provoked sympathetic drives to BAT and EWAT that was dependent on intact innervation, while BDNF also increased lipolysis in a manner independent of intact innervation.

Maturation of White Adipose Tissue Function in C57BL/6j Mice From Weaning to Young Adulthood

White adipose tissue (WAT) distribution and WAT mitochondrial function contribute to total body metabolic health throughout life. Nutritional interventions starting in the postweaning period may impact later life WAT health and function. We therefore assessed changes in mitochondrial density and function markers in WAT depots of young mice. Inguinal (ING), epididymal (EPI) and retroperitoneal (RP) WAT of 21, 42 and 98 days old C57BL/6j mice was collected. Mitochondrial density [citrate synthase (CS), mtDNA] and function [subunits of oxidative phosphorylation complexes (OXPHOS)] markers were analyzed, together with gene expression of browning markers (Ucp1, Cidea). mRNA of ING WAT of 21 and 98 old mice was sequenced to further investigate functional changes of the mitochondria and alterations in cell populations. CS levels decreased significantly over time in all depots. ING showed most pronounced changes, including significantly decreased levels of OXPHOS complex I, II, and III subunits and gene expression of Ucp1 (PN21-42 and PN42-98) and Cidea (PN42-98). White adipocyte markers were higher at PN98 in ING WAT. Analyses of RNA sequence data showed that the mitochondrial functional profile changed over time from “growth-supporting” mitochondria focused on ATP production (and dissipation), to more steady-state mitochondria with more diverse functions and higher biosynthesis. Mitochondrial density and energy metabolism markers declined in all three depots over time after weaning. This was most pronounced in ING WAT and associated with reduced browning markers, increased whitening and an altered metabolism. In particular the PN21-42 period may provide a time window to study mitochondrial adaptation and effects of nutritional exposures relevant for later life metabolic health.

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.

Prior exposure to thymidine analogs and didanosine is associated with long-lasting alterations in adipose tissue distribution and cardiovascular risk factors

BACKGROUND

Thymidine analogs and didanosine (ddI) have been associated with redistribution of body fat from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) to visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which, in turn, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We explored differences in adipose tissue distribution between people living with HIV (PLWH) with prior exposure to thymidine analogs and/or ddI, without exposure, and uninfected controls and the association with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

METHODS

In all, 761 PLWH from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection study, and 2283 age and sex-matched uninfected controls from the Copenhagen General Population Study were included. PLWH were stratified according to prior exposure to thymidine analogs and/or ddI. VAT and SAT were determined by abdominal computed tomography scan. Hypotheses were tested using regression analyses.

RESULTS

Exposure to thymidine analogs and/or ddI was associated with 21.6 cm larger VAT (13.8-29.3) compared to HIV infection without exposure. HIV-negative status was associated with similar VAT compared to HIV infection without exposure. Cumulative exposure to thymidine analogs and/or ddI [3.7 cm per year (2.3-5.1)], but not time since discontinuation [-1.1 cm per year (-3.4 to 1.1)], was associated with VAT. Prior exposure to thymidine analogs and/or ddI was associated with excess risk of hypertension [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.62 (1.13-2.31)], hypercholesterolemia [aOR 1.49 (1.06-2.11)], and low high-density lipoprotein [aOR 1.40 (0.99-1.99)].

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests a potentially irreversible and harmful association of thymidine analogs and ddI with VAT accumulation, which appears be involved in the increased risk of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and low high-density lipoprotein found in PLWH with prior exposure to thymidine analogs and/or ddI, even years after treatment discontinuation.

Effect of sex on glucose handling by adipocytes isolated from rat subcutaneous, mesenteric and perigonadal adipose tissue

Background

Adult rat epididymal adipocytes are able to convert large amounts of glucose to lactate and glycerol. However, fatty acid efflux is much lower than that expected from glycerol levels if they were the product of lipolysis. Use of glucose for lipogenesis is limited, in contrast with the active glycolysis-derived lactate (and other 3-carbon substrates). In this study, we analyzed whether white adipose tissue (WAT) site and sex affect these processes.

Methods

Mature adipocytes from perigonadal, mesenteric and subcutaneous WAT of female and male rats were isolated, and incubated with 7 or 14 mM glucose during 1 or 2 days. Glucose consumption, metabolite efflux and gene expression of glycolytic and lipogenesis-related genes were measured.

Results

The effects of medium initial glucose concentration were minimal on most parameters studied. Sex-induced differences that were more extensive; however, the most marked, distinct, effects between WAT sites, were dependent on the time of incubation. In general, the production of lactate was maintained during the incubation, but glycerol release rates increased with time, shifting from a largely glycolytic origin to its triacylglycerol (TAG) lipolytic release. Glycerol incorporation was concurrent with increased TAG turnover: lipolytic glycerol was selectively secreted, while most fatty acids were recycled again into TAG. Fatty acid efflux increased with incubation, but was, nevertheless, minimal compared with that of glycerol. Production of lactate and glycerol from glucose were maximal in mesenteric WAT.

Discussion

Female rats showed a higher adipocyte metabolic activity than males. In mesenteric WAT, gene expression (and substrate efflux) data suggested that adipocyte oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA was higher in females than in males, with enhanced return of oxaloacetate to the cytoplasm for its final conversion to lactate. WAT site differences showed marked tissue specialization-related differences. Use of glucose for lipogenesis was seriously hampered over time, when TAG turnover-related lipolysis was activated. We postulate that these mechanisms may help decrease glycaemia and fat storage, producing, instead, a higher availability of less-regulated 3-carbon substrates, used for energy elsewhere.

Depot-specific differences in fat mass expansion in WT and ob/ob mice

The study was designed to investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying the differential fat expansion in different fat depots in wild type (WT) and ob/ob (OB) mice. At 6 weeks old, no differences in fat mass were found between SAT and VAT in WT mice, while O-SAT showed significantly higher weight than that of O-VAT. The average adipocyte size of SAT (~ 4133.47 μm2) was smaller than that of VAT (~ 7438.91 μm2) in OB mice. O-SAT preadipocytes gained higher triglyceride contents and higher levels of PPARγ and C/EBPα than did O-VAT preadipocytes upon in vitro differentiation. W-SAT and W-VAT displayed no significant differences in fatty acid uptake, while 1.36 fold significantly higher fatty acid uptake was found in O-SAT compared to O-VAT. Approximately 52% of the radioactivity recovered in cellular lipids was found in TAG in O-SAT, which was significantly higher than the other three adipocyte types. Significantly more radiolabelled oleic acid was β-oxidized to CO2 in adipocytes from O-VAT than that from O-SAT. ATP production was significantly lower in W-SAT compared with W-VAT, whereas no significantly ATP level was observed between O-SAT and O-VAT. Expression of UCP-1 in SAT from either WT or OB mice was significantly higher than the counterpart of VAT, which demonstrated higher uncoupled respiration and lower oxidative phosphorylation in SAT. Together, a combined increase in adipogenesis and FA uptake, and decreases in β-oxidation and ATP production, contributed to greater expansion of SAT compared to VAT in obese mice.

Agpat4/Lpaatδ deficiency highlights the molecular heterogeneity of epididymal and perirenal white adipose depots

Acylglycerophosphate acyltransferase 4 (AGPAT4)/lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase delta catalyzes the formation of phosphatidic acid (PA), a precursor of triacyl-glycerol (TAG). We investigated the effect of Agpat4 gene ablation on white adipose tissue (WAT) after finding consistent expression across depots. Epididymal WAT mass was 40% larger in male Agpat4^-/- mice than wild-type littermates, but unchanged in perirenal, retroperitoneal, and inguinal WAT and subscapular brown adipose tissue. Metabolic changes were identified in epididymal WAT that were not evident in perirenal WAT, which was analyzed for comparison. The total epididymal TAG content doubled, increasing adipocyte cell size without changing markers of differentiation. Enzymes involved in de novo lipogenesis and complex lipid synthesis downstream of phosphatidic acid production were also unchanged. However, total epididymal TAG hydrolase activity was reduced, and there were significant decreases in total ATGL and reduced phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase at the S563 and S660 PKA-activation sites. Analysis of Agpats 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as Gpats 1, 2, 3, and 4, demonstrated compensatory upregulation in perirenal WAT that did not occur in epididymal WAT. Our findings therefore indicate depot-specific differences in the redundancy of Agpat4 and highlight the molecular and metabolic heterogeneity of individual visceral depots.

Supramolecular structure of dietary fat in early life modulates expression of markers for mitochondrial content and capacity in adipose tissue of adult mice

Background

Previous studies have shown that early life nutrition can modulate the development of white adipose tissue and thereby affect the risk on obesity and metabolic disease later in life. For instance, postnatal feeding with a concept infant milk formula with large, phospholipid coated lipid droplets (Concept, Nuturis®), resulted in reduced adiposity in adult mice. The present study investigated whether differences in cell energy metabolism, using markers of mitochondrial content and capacity, may contribute to the observed effects.

Methods

C57Bl/6j male mice were exposed to a rodent diet containing the Concept (Concept) or standard (CTRL) infant milk formula from postnatal day 16 until postnatal day 42, followed by a western style diet challenge until postnatal day 98. Markers for mitochondrial content and capacity were analyzed in retroperitoneal white adipose tissue and gene expression of metabolic markers was measured in both retroperitoneal white adipose tissue and muscle tibialis (M. tibialis) at postnatal day 98.

Results

In retroperitoneal white adipose tissue, the Concept group showed higher citrate synthase activity and mitochondrial DNA expression compared to the CTRL group (p < 0.05). In addition, protein expression of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway/cascade was increased in the Concept group compared to CTRL (p < 0.05). In the M. tibialis, gene expression of uncoupling protein 3 was higher in the Concept compared to the CTRL group. Other gene and protein expression markers for mitochondrial oxidative capacity were not different between groups.

Conclusion

Postnatal feeding with large, phospholipid coated lipid droplets generating a different supramolecular structure of dietary lipids enhances adult gene and protein expression of specific mitochondrial oxidative capacity markers, indicative of increased substrate oxidation in white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Although functional mitochondrial capacity was not measured, these results may suggest that adaptations in mitochondrial function via early feeding with a more physiological structure of dietary lipids, could underlie the observed beneficial effects on later life adiposity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12986-017-0191-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Antilipolytic and antilipogenic effects of the CPT-1b inhibitor oxfenicine in the white adipose tissue of rats

Oxfenicine is a carnitine-palmitoyl transferase 1b (CPT-1b)-specific inhibitor that has been shown to improve whole body insulin sensitivity while suppressing fatty acid (FA) oxidation and increasing circulating FA. Because the white adipose tissue (WAT) is an organ that stores and releases FAs, this study investigated whether oxfenicine-induced inhibition of FA oxidation affected adiposity and WAT metabolism in rats fed either low (LF) or high-fat (HF) diets. Following 8 wk of dietary intervention, male Sprague-Dawley rats were given a daily intraperitoneal injection of oxfenicine (150 mg/kg body wt) or vehicle (PBS) for 3 wk. Oxfenicine treatment reduced whole body fat oxidation, body weight, and adiposity, and improved insulin sensitivity in HF-fed rats. All of these effects occurred without alterations in food intake, energy expenditure, and ambulatory activity. In vivo oxfenicine treatment reduced FA oxidation and lipolysis in subcutaneous inguinal (SC Ing) adipocytes, whereas glucose incorporation into lipids (lipogenesis) was significantly reduced in both SC Ing and epididymal (Epid) adipocytes. In summary, our results show that oxfenicine-induced inhibition of CPT-1b markedly affects WAT metabolism, leading to reduced adiposity through a mechanism that involves reduced lipogenesis in the SC Ing and Epid fat depots of rats.

Neonatal streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mothers promotes metabolic programming of adipose tissue in male rat offspring

AIMS

Maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy can lead to fetal changes, like macrosomia or obesity in adultlife. Experimentalmodels of diabetes have been studied to evaluate the consequences of offspring lipidmetabolism. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic changes in adipose tissue of offspring of streptozotocininduced diabetic mothers during neonatal period.

MAIN METHODS

Diabetes was induced in female rats by streptozotocin administration on 5th day of life. In adulthood, female rats were bred with control male rats. Male puppies were sacrificed on 12th week of life and epididymal (EP) and subcutaneous (SC) adipose fat pads were excised and weighted. Adipocytes were isolated and evaluated for basal and insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake, oxidation of glucose into CO2, and incorporationof glucose into lipids and lipolytic capacity.

KEY FINDINGS

Bodyweight, EP fat padweight and diameter of adipocytes fromoffspring of diabeticmothers were increased in comparison to offspring of control mothers. EP adipocytes from offspring of diabetic mothers presented increased basal and insulin stimulated glucose uptake in comparison to control ones. Similar pattern was observed for glucose oxidation into CO2 and incorporation into lipids. However, significant difference in lipolytic capacity in vitrowas not observed. Protein content of GLUT4, insulin receptor and acetyl-CoA carboxylase was significantly increased in EP fat pad of offspring of diabetic mothers in relation to control group.

SIGNIFICANCE

Metabolic programming occurred in the adipose tissue of offspring of diabetic mothers, increasing its capacity to store lipids with no changes in lipolytic capacity.

All-trans retinoic acid induces oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondria biogenesis in adipocytes

A positive effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on white adipose tissue (WAT) oxidative and thermogenic capacity has been described and linked to an in vivo fat-lowering effect of ATRA in mice. However, little is known about the effects of ATRA on mitochondria in white fat. Our objective has been to characterize the effect of ATRA on mitochondria biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity in mature white adipocytes. Transcriptome analysis, oxygraphy, analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and flow cytometry-based analysis of mitochondria density were performed in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes after 24 h incubation with ATRA (2 µM) or vehicle. Selected genes linked to mitochondria biogenesis and function and mitochondria immunostaining were analyzed in WAT tissues of ATRA-treated as compared with vehicle-treated mice. ATRA upregulated the expression of a large set of genes linked to mtDNA replication and transcription, mitochondrial biogenesis, and OXPHOS in adipocytes, as indicated by transcriptome analysis. Oxygen consumption rate, mtDNA content, and staining of mitochondria were increased in the ATRA-treated adipocytes. Similar results were obtained in WAT depots of ATRA-treated mice. We conclude that ATRA impacts mitochondria in adipocytes, leading to increased OXPHOS capacity and mitochondrial content in these cells.

Limited mitochondrial capacity of visceral versus subcutaneous white adipocytes in male C57BL/6N mice

Accumulation of visceral fat is associated with metabolic risk whereas excessive amounts of peripheral fat are considered less problematic. At the same time, altered white adipocyte mitochondrial bioenergetics has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. We therefore investigated whether the metabolic risk of visceral vs peripheral fat coincides with a difference in mitochondrial capacity of white adipocytes. We assessed bioenergetic parameters of subcutaneous inguinal and visceral epididymal white adipocytes from male C57BL/6N mice employing a comprehensive respirometry setup of intact and permeabilized adipocytes as well as isolated mitochondria. Inguinal adipocytes clearly featured a higher respiratory capacity attributable to increased mitochondrial respiratory chain content compared with epididymal adipocytes. The lower capacity of mitochondria from epididymal adipocytes was accompanied by an increased generation of reactive oxygen species per oxygen consumed. Feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for 1 week reduced white adipocyte mitochondrial capacity, with stronger effects in epididymal when compared with inguinal adipocytes. This was accompanied by impaired body glucose homeostasis. Therefore, the limited bioenergetic performance combined with the proportionally higher generation of reactive oxygen species of visceral adipocytes could be seen as a candidate mechanism mediating the elevated metabolic risk associated with this fat depot.

The urea cycle of rat white adipose tissue

White adipose tissue urea-cycle enzymes showed a high activity and gene expression, second only to liver in catalytic capacity.

Heat shock proteins: in vivo heat treatments reveal adipose tissue depot-specific effects

Heat treatments (HT) and the induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) improve whole body and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity while decreasing white adipose tissue (WAT) mass. However, HSPs in WAT have been understudied. The purpose of the present study was to examine patterns of HSP expression in WAT depots, and to examine the effects of a single in vivo HT on WAT metabolism. Male Wistar rats received HT (41°C, 20 min) or sham treatment (37°C), and 24 h later subcutaneous, epididymal, and retroperitoneal WAT depots (SCAT, eWAT, and rpWAT, respectively) were removed for ex vivo experiments and Western blotting. SCAT, eWAT, and rpWAT from a subset of rats were also cultured separately and received a single in vitro HT or sham treatment. HSP72 and HSP25 expression was greatest in more metabolically active WAT depots (i.e., eWAT and rpWAT) compared with the SCAT. Following HT, HSP72 increased in all depots with the greatest induction occurring in the SCAT. In addition, HSP25 increased in the rpWAT and eWAT, while HSP60 increased in the rpWAT only in vivo. Free fatty acid (FFA) release from WAT explants was increased following HT in the rpWAT only, and fatty acid reesterification was decreased in the rpWAT but increased in the SCAT following HT. HT increased insulin responsiveness in eWAT, but not in SCAT or rpWAT. Differences in HSP expression and induction patterns following HT further support the growing body of literature differentiating distinct WAT depots in health and disease.

Zidovudine induces visceral mitochondrial toxicity and intra-abdominal fat gain in a rodent model of lipodystrophy

BACKGROUND

The use of zidovudine is associated with a loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). We assessed if zidovudine treatment also affects visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and if uridine supplementation abrogates the adverse effects of zidovudine on VAT.

METHODS

Rats were fed zidovudine for 21 weeks with or without simultaneous uridine supplementation. Control animals did not receive zidovudine, or were treated with uridine alone. Changes in SAT and VAT were monitored by magnetic resonance imaging. Adipose tissue was examined for structural and molecular signs of mitochondrial toxicity.

RESULTS

Zidovudine induced lipoatrophy in SAT and fat hypertrophy in VAT. Compared with controls zidovudine-exposed VAT adipocytes had increased diameters, microvesicular steatosis and enlarged mitochondria with disrupted crystal architecture on electron microscopy. VAT adipocyte mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy numbers were diminished, as were mtDNA-encoded respiratory chain proteins. The 'common' mtDNA deletion was detected in high frequencies in zidovudine treated animals, but not in the controls. Although mtDNA depletion was more profound in SAT compared with VAT, the 'common' deletion tended to be more frequent in the VAT than in the SAT. Uridine coadministration abrogated all effects of zidovudine on VAT and SAT pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Zidovudine induces a gain of intra-abdominal fat in association with quantitative and qualitative alterations of the mitochondrial genome and impaired expression of mtDNA-encoded respiratory chain components, indicating that zidovudine may contribute to abdominal fat hypertrophy in HIV-infected patients. In this rodent model, uridine supplementation abrogates both SAT and VAT pathology induced by zidovudine.

Adipocyte mitochondrial function is reduced in human obesity independent of fat cell size

CONTEXT

It has been suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction in adipocytes contributes to obesity-related metabolic complications. However, obesity results in adipocyte hypertrophy, and large and small adipocytes from the same depot have different characteristics, raising the possibility that obesity-related mitochondrial defects are an inherent function of large adipocytes.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to examine whether obesity, independent of fat cell size and fat depot, is associated with mitochondria dysfunction.

DESIGN

We compared adipocyte mitochondrial function using a cross-sectional comparison study design.

SETTING

The studies were performed at Mayo Clinic, an academic medical center.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Omental and/or abdominal subcutaneous adipose samples were collected from 20 age-matched obese and nonobese nondiabetic men and women undergoing either elective abdominal surgery or research needle biopsy.

INTERVENTION

Interventions were not conducted as part of these studies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We measured mitochondrial DNA abundance, oxygen consumption rates, and citrate synthase activity from populations of large and small adipocytes (separated with differential floatation).

RESULTS

For both omental and subcutaneous adipocytes, at the cell and organelle level, oxygen consumption rates and citrate synthase activity were significantly reduced in cells from obese compared with nonobese volunteers, even when matched for cell size by comparing large adipocytes from nonobese and small adipocytes from obese. Adipocyte mitochondrial content was not significantly different between obese and nonobese volunteers. Mitochondrial function and content parameters were not different between small and large cells, omental, and subcutaneous adipocytes from the same person.

CONCLUSION

Adipocyte mitochondrial oxidative capacity is reduced in obese compared with nonobese adults and this difference is not due to cell size differences. Adipocyte mitochondrial dysfunction in obesity is therefore related to overall adiposity rather than adipocyte hypertrophy.

Mitochondria and endocrine function of adipose tissue

Excess of adipose tissue is accompanied by an increase in the risk of developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other complications. Nevertheless, total or partial absence of fat or its accumulation in other tissues (lipotoxicity) is also associated to these complications. White adipose tissue (WAT) was traditionally considered a metabolically active storage tissue for lipids while brown adipose tissue (BAT) was considered as a thermogenic adipose tissue with higher oxidative capacity. Nowadays, WAT is also considered an endocrine organ that contributes to energy homeostasis. Experimental evidence tends to link the malfunction of adipose mitochondria with the development of obesity and T2D. This review discusses the importance of mitochondrial function in adipocyte biology and the increased evidences of mitochondria dysfunction in these epidemics. New strategies targeting adipocyte mitochondria from WAT and BAT are also discussed as therapies against obesity and its complications in the near future.

Structural and biochemical characteristics of various white adipose tissue depots

It is now widely accepted that white adipose tissue (WAT) is not merely a fuel storage organ, but also a key component of metabolic homoeostatic mechanisms. Apart from its major role in lipid and glucose metabolism, adipose tissue is also involved in a wide array of other biological processes. The hormones and adipokines, as well as other biologically active agents released from fat cells, affect many physiological and pathological processes. WAT is neither uniform nor inflexible because it undergoes constant remodelling, adapting the size and number of adipocytes to changes in nutrients' availability and hormonal milieu. Fat depots from different areas of the body display distinct structural and functional properties and have disparate roles in pathology. The two major types of WAT are visceral fat, localized within the abdominal cavity and mediastinum, and subcutaneous fat in the hypodermis. Visceral obesity correlates with increased risk of insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases, while increase of subcutaneous fat is associated with favourable plasma lipid profiles. Visceral adipocytes show higher lipogenic and lipolytic activities and produce more pro-inflammatory cytokines, while subcutaneous adipocytes are the main source of leptin and adiponectin. Moreover, adipose tissue associated with skeletal muscles (intramyocellular and intermuscular fat) and with the epicardium is believed to provide fuels for skeletal and cardiac muscle contraction. However, increased mass of either epicardial or intermuscular adipose tissue correlates with cardiovascular risk, while the presence of the intramyocellular fat is a risk factor for the development of insulin resistance. This review summarizes results of mainly human studies related to the differential characteristics of various WAT depots.

Cold tolerance, cold-induced hyperphagia, and nonshivering thermogenesis are normal in α₁-AMPK-/- mice

Recent studies indicate that a substantial amount of metabolically active brown adipose tissue (BAT) exists in adult humans. Given the unique ability of BAT to convert calories to heat, there is intense interest in understanding the regulation of BAT metabolism in hopes that its manipulation might be an effective way of expending excess calories. Because of the established role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a "metabolic master switch" and its extremely high levels of activity in BAT, it was hypothesized that AMPK might play a central role in regulating BAT metabolism. To test this hypothesis, whole body α(1)-AMPK(-/-) (knockout) and wild-type mice were studied 1) under control (room temperature) conditions, 2) during chronic cold exposure (14 days at 4°C), and 3) during acute nonshivering thermogenesis (injection of a β(3)-adrenergic agonist). Under control conditions, loss of α(1)-AMPK resulted in downregulation of two important prothermogenic genes in BAT, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (-9.2-fold) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (-8.7-fold). Additionally, it caused significant upregulation of α(2)-AMPK activity in BAT, white adipose tissue, and liver, but not cardiac or skeletal muscle. During acute nonshivering thermogenesis and chronic cold exposure, body temperature was indistinguishable in the α(1)-AMPK(-/-) and wild-type mice. Similarly, the degree of cold-induced hyperphagia was identical in the two groups. We conclude that α(1)-AMPK does not play an obligatory role in these processes and that adaptations to chronic loss of α(1)-AMPK are able to compensate for its loss via several mechanisms.

Different adipose depots: their role in the development of metabolic syndrome and mitochondrial response to hypolipidemic agents

Adipose tissue metabolism is closely linked to insulin resistance, and differential fat distributions are associated with disorders like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Adipose tissues vary in their impact on metabolic risk due to diverse gene expression profiles, leading to differences in lipolysis and in the production and release of adipokines and cytokines, thereby affecting the function of other tissues. In this paper, the roles of the various adipose tissues in obesity are summarized, with particular focus on mitochondrial function. In addition, we discuss how a functionally mitochondrial-targeted compound, the modified fatty acid tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA), can influence mitochondrial function and decrease the size of specific fat depots.

Respiration in adipocytes is inhibited by reactive oxygen species

It is a desirable goal to stimulate fuel oxidation in adipocytes and shift the balance toward less fuel storage and more burning. To understand this regulatory process, respiration was measured in primary rat adipocytes, mitochondria, and fat-fed mice. Maximum O(2) consumption, in vitro, was determined with a chemical uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation (carbonylcyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP)). The adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate (ATP/ADP) ratio was measured by luminescence. Mitochondria were localized by confocal microscopy with MitoTracker Green and their membrane potential (Delta psi(M)) measured using tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester perchlorate (TMRE). The effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on respiration and body composition in vivo was assessed in mice. Addition of FCCP collapsed Delta psi(M) and decreased the ATP/ADP ratio. However, we demonstrated the same rate of adipocyte O(2) consumption in the absence or presence of fuels and FCCP. Respiration was only stimulated when reactive oxygen species (ROS) were scavenged by pyruvate or NAC: other fuels or fuel combinations had little effect. Importantly, the ROS scavenging role of pyruvate was not affected by rotenone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I. In addition, mice that consumed NAC exhibited increased O(2) consumption and decreased body fat in vivo. These studies suggest for the first time that adipocyte O(2) consumption may be inhibited by ROS, because pyruvate and NAC stimulated respiration. ROS inhibition of O(2) consumption may explain the difficulty to identify effective strategies to increase fat burning in adipocytes. Stimulating fuel oxidation in adipocytes by decreasing ROS may provide a novel means to shift the balance from fuel storage to fuel burning.

Adipose acyl-CoA synthetase-1 directs fatty acids toward beta-oxidation and is required for cold thermogenesis

Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase-1 (ACSL1) contributes 80% of total ACSL activity in adipose tissue and was believed to be essential for the synthesis of triacylglycerol. We predicted that an adipose-specific knockout of ACSL1 (Acsl1(A-/-)) would be lipodystrophic, but compared to controls, Acsl1(A-/-) mice had 30% greater fat mass when fed a low-fat diet and gained weight normally when fed a high-fat diet. Acsl1(A-/-) adipocytes incorporated [(14)C]oleate into glycerolipids normally, but fatty acid (FA) oxidation rates were 50%-90% lower than in control adipocytes and mitochondria. Acsl1(A-/-) mice were markedly cold intolerant, and beta(3)-adrenergic agonists did not increase oxygen consumption, despite normal adrenergic signaling in brown adipose tissue. The reduced adipose FA oxidation and marked cold intolerance of Acsl1(A-/-) mice indicate that normal activation of FA for oxidation in adipose tissue in vivo requires ACSL1. Thus, ACSL1 has a specific function in directing the metabolic partitioning of FAs toward beta-oxidation in adipocytes.

The role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes

The pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is varied and complex. However, the association of DM with obesity and inactivity indicates an important, and potentially pathogenic, link between fuel and energy homeostasis and the emergence of metabolic disease. Given the central role for mitochondria in fuel utilization and energy production, disordered mitochondrial function at the cellular level can impact whole-body metabolic homeostasis. Thus, the hypothesis that defective or insufficient mitochondrial function might play a potentially pathogenic role in mediating risk of type 2 DM has emerged in recent years. Here, we summarize current literature on risk factors for diabetes pathogenesis, on the specific role(s) of mitochondria in tissues involved in its pathophysiology, and on evidence pointing to alterations in mitochondrial function in these tissues that could contribute to the development of DM. We also review literature on metabolic phenotypes of existing animal models of impaired mitochondrial function. We conclude that, whereas the association between impaired mitochondrial function and DM is strong, a causal pathogenic relationship remains uncertain. However, we hypothesize that genetically determined and/or inactivity-mediated alterations in mitochondrial oxidative activity may directly impact adaptive responses to overnutrition, causing an imbalance between oxidative activity and nutrient load. This imbalance may lead in turn to chronic accumulation of lipid oxidative metabolites that can mediate insulin resistance and secretory dysfunction. More refined experimental strategies that accurately mimic potential reductions in mitochondrial functional capacity in humans at risk for diabetes will be required to determine the potential pathogenic role in human insulin resistance and type 2 DM.

Release of inflammatory mediators by human adipose tissue is enhanced in obesity and primarily by the nonfat cells: a review

This paper considers the role of putative adipokines that might be involved in the enhanced inflammatory response of human adipose tissue seen in obesity. Inflammatory adipokines [IL-6, IL-10, ACE, TGFbeta1, TNFalpha, IL-1beta, PAI-1, and IL-8] plus one anti-inflammatory [IL-10] adipokine were identified whose circulating levels as well as in vitro release by fat are enhanced in obesity and are primarily released by the nonfat cells of human adipose tissue. In contrast, the circulating levels of leptin and FABP-4 are also enhanced in obesity and they are primarily released by fat cells of human adipose tissue. The relative expression of adipokines and other proteins in human omental as compared to subcutaneous adipose tissue as well as their expression in the nonfat as compared to the fat cells of human omental adipose tissue is also reviewed. The conclusion is that the release of many inflammatory adipokines by adipose tissue is enhanced in obese humans.

Mitochondrial respiration in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue from patients with morbid obesity

Adipose tissue exerts important endocrine and metabolic functions in health and disease. Yet the bioenergetics of this tissue is not characterized in humans and possible regional differences are not elucidated. Using high resolution respirometry, mitochondrial respiration was quantified in human abdominal subcutaneous and intra-abdominal visceral (omentum majus) adipose tissue from biopsies obtained in 20 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and genomic DNA (gDNA) were determined by the PCR technique for estimation of mitochondrial density. Adipose tissue samples were permeabilized and respirometric measurements were performed in duplicate at 37 degrees C. Substrates (glutamate (G) + malate (M) + octanoyl carnitine (O) + succinate (S)) were added sequentially to provide electrons to complex I + II. ADP ((D)) for state 3 respiration was added after GM. Uncoupled respiration was measured after addition of FCCP. Visceral fat contained more mitochondria per milligram of tissue than subcutaneous fat, but the cells were smaller. Robust, stable oxygen fluxes were found in both tissues, and coupled state 3 (GMOS(D)) and uncoupled respiration were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in visceral (0.95 +/- 0.05 and 1.15 +/- 0.06 pmol O(2) s(1) mg(1), respectively) compared with subcutaneous (0.76 +/- 0.04 and 0.98 +/- 0.05 pmol O(2) s(1) mg(1), respectively) adipose tissue. Expressed per mtDNA, visceral adipose tissue had significantly (P < 0.05) lower mitochondrial respiration. Substrate control ratios were higher and uncoupling control ratio lower (P < 0.05) in visceral compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue. We conclude that visceral fat is bioenergetically more active and more sensitive to mitochondrial substrate supply than subcutaneous fat. Oxidative phosphorylation has a higher relative activity in visceral compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Mitochondrial (dys)function in adipocyte (de)differentiation and systemic metabolic alterations

In mammals, adipose tissue, composed of BAT and WAT, collaborates in energy partitioning and performs metabolic regulatory functions. It is the most flexible tissue in the body, because it is remodeled in size and shape by modifications in adipocyte cell size and/or number, depending on developmental status and energy fluxes. Although numerous reviews have focused on the differentiation program of both brown and white adipocytes as well as on the pathophysiological role of white adipose tissues, the importance of mitochondrial activity in the differentiation or the dedifferentiation programs of adipose cells and in systemic metabolic alterations has not been extensively reviewed previously. Here, we address the crucial role of mitochondrial functions during adipogenesis and in mature adipocytes and discuss the cellular responses of white adipocytes to mitochondrial activity impairment. In addition, we discuss the increase in scientific knowledge regarding mitochondrial functions in the last 10 years and the recent suspicion of mitochondrial dysfunction in several 21st century epidemics (ie, obesity and diabetes), as well as in lipodystrophy found in HIV-treated patients, which can contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting adipocyte mitochondria.