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Navarro-Masip È, Caron A, Mulero M, Arola L, Aragonès G. Photoperiodic Remodeling of Adiposity and Energy Metabolism in Non-Human Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021008. [PMID: 36674520 PMCID: PMC9865556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy homeostasis and metabolism in mammals are strongly influenced by seasonal changes. Variations in photoperiod patterns drive adaptations in body weight and adiposity, reflecting changes in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. Humans also show distinct patterns of energy balance depending on the season, being more susceptible to gaining weight during a specific time of the year. Changes in body weight are mainly reflected by the adipose tissue, which is a key metabolic tissue and is highly affected by circannual rhythms. Mostly, in summer-like (long-active) photoperiod, adipocytes adopt a rather anabolic profile, more predisposed to store energy, while food intake increases and energy expenditure is reduced. These metabolic adaptations involve molecular modifications, some of which have been studied during the last years and are summarized in this review. In addition, there is a bidirectional relation between obesity and the seasonal responses, with obesity disrupting some of the seasonal responses observed in healthy mammals, and altered seasonality being highly associated with increased risk of developing obesity. This suggests that changes in photoperiod produce important metabolic alterations in healthy organisms. Biological rhythms impact the regulation of metabolism to different extents, some of which are already known, but further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between energy balance and seasonality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Èlia Navarro-Masip
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Caron
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Miquel Mulero
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Lluís Arola
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Gerard Aragonès
- Nutrigenomics Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Medina-Bello KI, Vázquez-Fuerte R, Ayala-Berdon J. The big brown bat ( Eptesicus fuscus) reduces its body mass during winter in a tropical montane ecosystem of central Mexico. MAMMALIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2022-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Most animals face changes in the availability of food and the environmental conditions in the places where they live. In response, they need to adjust their behavioral, physiological, and morphological traits. In temperate zones and high latitudes, bats increase their body mass (M
b
) in autumn to store fat reserves and use them during hibernation. However, other small mammals decrease their M
b
prior to winter to reduce the energetic requirements of individuals. These changes are unknown for bats inhabiting other highly energetic demanding environments. We measured changes in M
b
of 84 non-reproductive males of Eptesicus fuscus inhabiting a tropical montane ecosystem in central Mexico over seasons. We also examined the relationship of bats’ M
b
with the minimum ambient temperature (T
a
, °C) and mean precipitation (mm). Bats presented an increase in M
b
from March to June, followed by a decrease from September to November and presented the lowest M
b
from November to March, in the dry-cold season. The results suggest that the pattern of changes in M
b
could be the result of two non-exclusive components related to the bats’ energy budget, the energetic demands experienced by the bats throughout the year and the morphological adaptations animals could display to reduce their energy requirements during the winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin I. Medina-Bello
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas , Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala , código postal 90062 , Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl , Mexico
| | - Rommy Vázquez-Fuerte
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , apartado postal 58089 , Morelia , Michoacán , Mexico
| | - Jorge Ayala-Berdon
- CONACYT , Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala , código postal 90062 , Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl , Mexico
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Effects of corticosterone within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus on food intake and body weight in male rats. Mol Metab 2020; 36:100972. [PMID: 32229097 PMCID: PMC7132090 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Few weight-reducing medications are available, and these have limited efficacy. Cushing's Syndrome (caused by elevated glucocorticoid levels) and obesity have similar metabolic features. Though circulating glucocorticoid levels are not elevated in obesity, tissue-specific glucocorticoid levels have been implicated in the development of the metabolic phenotype of obesity. Tissue glucocorticoid levels are regulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (11βHSD1), which increases the local concentration of active glucocorticoids by the production of corticosterone from 11-dehydrocorticosterone. 11βHSD1 is expressed in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC), a major weight and appetite-regulating centre, and therefore represents a target for novel anti-obesity therapeutic agents. Thus, we sought to investigate the effect of chronic alterations of ARC corticosterone levels (mediated by 11βHSD1) on food intake and body weight in adult male rats. METHODS Recombinant adeno-associated virus particles bearing sense 11βHSD1 (rAAV-S11βHSD1) and small interfering 11βHSD1 (rAAV-si11βHSD1), respectively, were stereotactically injected into the ARC (bilaterally) of adult male Wistar rats. rAAV-GFP was injected into control groups of male Wistar rats. Food intake and body weight were measured three times a week for 70 days. Terminal brain, plasma and intrascapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) samples were taken for measurement of mRNA expression and hormone levels. RESULTS Compared to controls, rAAV-S11βHSD1 injection resulted in higher ARC corticosterone levels, hyperphagia and increased weight gain. Conversely, rAAV-si11βHSD1 injection (compared to controls) resulted in lower ARC corticosterone levels, higher iBAT uncoupling protein-1 mRNA expression and less weight gain despite similar food intake. CONCLUSIONS Therefore ARC corticosterone, regulated by 11βHSD1, may play a role in food intake and body weight regulation. These data have important implications for the development of centrally-acting 11βHSD1 inhibitors, which are currently being developed for the treatment of obesity, metabolic disorders, and other conditions.
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Markova EA, Strukova TV, Borodin AV. Arvicolines (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) as Paleoenvironmental Proxies: Classification of Species Inhabiting the Central Part of Northern Eurasia Based on Environmental Preferences of Their Modern Representatives. BIOL BULL+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359018070129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Zhang L, Yang F, Wang ZK, Zhu WL. Role of thermal physiology and bioenergetics on adaptation in tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri): the experiment test. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41352. [PMID: 28145515 PMCID: PMC5286505 DOI: 10.1038/srep41352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambient conditions, as temperature and photoperiod, play a key role in animals’ physiology and behaviors. To test the hypothesis that the maximum thermal physiological and bioenergetics tolerances are induced by extreme environments in Tupaia belangeri. We integrated the acclimatized and acclimated data in several physiological, hormonal, and biochemical markers of thermogenic capacity and bioenergetics in T. belangeri. Results showed that T. belangeri increased body mass, thermogenesis capacity, protein contents and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity of liver and brown adipose tissue in winter-like environments, which indicated that temperature was the primary signal for T. belangeri to regulate several physiological capacities. The associated photoperiod signal also elevated the physiological capacities. The regulations of critical physiological traits play a primary role in meeting the survival challenges of winter-like condition in T. belangeri. Together, to cope with cold, leptin may play a potential role in thermogenesis and body mass regulation, as this hormonal signal is associated with other hormones. The strategies of thermal physiology and bioenergetics differs between typical Palearctic species and the local species. However, the maximum thermal physiology and bioenergetic tolerance maybe is an important strategy to cope with winter-like condition of T. belangeri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Adaptive Evolution and Conservation on Animals-Plants in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Province Higher Institutes College, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Zheng-Kun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Adaptive Evolution and Conservation on Animals-Plants in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Province Higher Institutes College, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Wan-Long Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Adaptive Evolution and Conservation on Animals-Plants in Southwest Mountain Ecosystem of Yunnan Province Higher Institutes College, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
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Liu XY, Yang DB, Xu YC, Gronning MOL, Zhang F, Wang DH, Speakman JR. Photoperiod induced obesity in the Brandt's vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii): a model of 'healthy obesity'? Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:1357-1366. [PMID: 27736740 PMCID: PMC5117229 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.026070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brandt's voles have an annual cycle of body weight and adiposity. These changes can be induced in the laboratory by manipulation of photoperiod. In the present study, male captive-bred Brandt's voles aged 35 days were acclimated to a short day (SD) photoperiod (8L:16D) for 70 days. A subgroup of individuals (n=16) were implanted with transmitters to monitor physical activity and body temperature. They were then randomly allocated into long day (LD=16L:8D) (n=19, 8 with transmitters) and SD (n=18, 8 with transmitters) groups for an additional 70 days. We monitored aspects of energy balance, glucose and insulin tolerance (GTT and ITT), body composition and organ fat content after exposure to the different photoperiods. LD voles increased in weight for 35 days and then re-established stability at a higher level. At the end of the experiment LD-exposed voles had greater white adipose tissue mass than SD voles (P=0.003). During weight gain they did not differ in their food intake or digestive efficiency; however, daily energy expenditure was significantly reduced in the LD compared with SD animals (ANCOVA, P<0.05) and there was a trend to reduced resting metabolic rate RMR (P=0.075). Physical activity levels were unchanged. Despite different levels of fat storage, the GTT and ITT responses of SD and LD voles were not significantly different, and these traits were not correlated to body fatness. Hence, the photoperiod-induced obesity was independent on disruptions to glucose homeostasis, indicating a potential adaptive decoupling of these states in evolutionary time. Fat content in both the liver and muscle showed no significant difference between LD and SD animals. How voles overcome the common negative aspects of fat storage might make them a useful model for understanding the phenomenon of 'healthy obesity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Deng-Bao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan-Chao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | - Fang Zhang
- Diabetes Research Unit, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park, Måløv 2760, Denmark
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - John R Speakman
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China .,Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
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Mori A, Kappen KL, Dilger AC, Swanson KS. Effect of photoperiod on the feline adipose transcriptome as assessed by RNA sequencing. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:146. [PMID: 24992939 PMCID: PMC4092351 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Photoperiod is known to cause physiological changes in seasonal mammals, including changes in body weight, physical activity, reproductive status, and adipose tissue gene expression in several species. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of day length on the adipose transcriptome of cats as assessed by RNA sequencing. Ten healthy adult neutered male domestic shorthair cats were used in a randomized crossover design study. During two 12-wk periods, cats were exposed to either short days (8 hr light:16 hr dark) or long days (16 hr light:8 hr dark). Cats were fed a commercial diet to maintain baseline body weight to avoid weight-related bias. Subcutaneous adipose biopsies were collected at wk 12 of each period for RNA isolation and sequencing. Results A total of 578 million sequences (28.9 million/sample) were generated by Illumina sequencing. A total of 170 mRNA transcripts were differentially expressed between short day- and long day-housed cats. 89 annotated transcripts were up-regulated by short days, while 24 annotated transcripts were down-regulated by short days. Another 57 un-annotated transcripts were also different between groups. Adipose tissue of short day-housed cats had greater expression of genes involved with cell growth and differentiation (e.g., myostatin; frizzled-related protein), cell development and structure (e.g., cytokeratins), and protein processing and ubiquitination (e.g., kelch-like proteins). In contrast, short day-housed cats had decreased expression of genes involved with immune function (e.g., plasminogen activator inhibitor 1; chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2; C-C motif chemokine 5; T-cell activators), and altered expression of genes associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Conclusions Collectively, these gene expression changes suggest that short day housing may promote adipogenesis, minimize inflammation and oxidative stress, and alter nutrient metabolism in feline adipose tissue, even when fed to maintain body weight. Although this study has highlighted molecular mechanisms contributing to the seasonal metabolic changes observed in cats, future research that specifically targets and studies these biological pathways, and the physiological outcomes that are affected by them, is justified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kelly S Swanson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, 162 Animal Sciences Laboratory, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Li X, Johnson MS, Smith DL, Li Y, Kesterson RA, Allison DB, Nagy TR. Effects of risperidone on energy balance in female C57BL/6J mice. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2013; 21:1850-7. [PMID: 23408466 PMCID: PMC3657586 DOI: 10.1002/oby.20350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of risperidone on energy expenditure and weight gain in female C57BL/6J mice. DESIGN AND METHODS Body weight and composition, food intake, energy expenditure, and activity were determined weekly. mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 in brown adipose tissue, orexin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hypothalamus were quantified using real-time PCR. RESULTS Risperidone tended to induce a greater body weight gain (P = 0.052) and significantly higher food intake (P = 0.038) relative to the placebo-treated group. Risperidone-treated mice had a higher resting energy expenditure (P = 0.001) and total energy expenditure (TEE) (P = 0.005) than the placebo group. There were no effects of treatment, time, and treatment by time on non-resting (or activity-related) energy expenditure between groups. Risperidone-treated mice showed a significantly lesser locomotor activity than placebo-treated mice over 3 weeks (P < 0.001). Risperidone induced a higher UCP1 mRNA (P = 0.003) and a lower orexin mRNA (P = 0.001) than placebo. CONCLUSION Risperidone-induced weight gain is associated with hyperphagia and a reduction in locomotor activity in C57BL/6J mice. Additionally, higher total and resting energy expenditure were accompanied by higher levels of UCP1 mRNA in BAT. The increased TEE could not offset the total intake of energy through risperidone-induced hyperphagia, therefore resulting in weight gain in female C57BL/6J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingsheng Li
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Maria S. Johnson
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Daniel L. Smith
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | | | - David B. Allison
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Tim R. Nagy
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Seasonal changes in body mass and thermogenesis in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri): The roles of photoperiod and cold. J Therm Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Zhang L, Zhu W, Wang Z. Role of photoperiod on hormone concentrations and adaptive capacity in tree shrews, Tupaia belangeri. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2012; 163:253-9. [PMID: 22955104 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors, such as photoperiod and temperature, play an important role in the regulation of an animal's physiology and behavior. In the present study, we examined the effects of short photoperiod (SD, 8L:16D) on body mass as well as on several physiological, hormonal, and biochemical measures indicative of thermogenic capacity, to test our hypothesis that short photoperiod stimulates increases thermogenic capacity and energy intake in tree shrews. At the end, these tree shrews (SD) had a significant higher body mass, energy intake, cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activity and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) content, serum tri-iodothyronine (T(3)) and thyroxine (T(4)) compared to LD (16L:8D) tree shrews. However, there were no significant differences in serum leptin and melatonin between the two groups. Together, these data suggest tree shrews employ a strategy of maximizing body growth and increasing energy intake in response to cues associated with short photoperiod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, People's Republic of China.
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Blaylock ML, Wang R, Shan D, Nagy TR. Ucp3 Expression during Weight Gain and Loss, Cold Exposure, and Fasting in the Collared Lemming. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 12:1690-7. [PMID: 15536233 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2004.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the gene sequence and tissue distribution of uncoupling protein 3 (Ucp3) in the collared lemming, we quantified mRNA expression of Ucp3 under known states of altered energy expenditure (photoperiod-induced weight gain and loss, cold exposure, and fasting) and measured mitochondrial oxygen consumption to assess possible functional changes in energy expenditure. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES The Ucp3 gene sequence information was obtained using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends methods. Northern blots were used to determine mRNA expression levels. Respirometry was used to measure oxygen consumption rates in isolated mitochondria. RESULTS The lemming Ucp3 gene has a 97% sequence similarity with other published Ucp3 sequences at the amino acid level. Ucp3 mRNA is expressed in muscle, heart, and brown adipose tissue of collared lemmings. Long-photoperiod lemmings have a higher expression of Ucp3 mRNA than short-photoperiod lemmings (p < 0.001) in both muscle and brown adipose tissue. Transferring lemmings from long to short photoperiods (inducing weight gain) significantly decreased Ucp3 mRNA expression (p < 0.01), whereas transferring lemmings from short to long photoperiods (inducing weight loss) significantly increased Ucp3 expression (p < 0.001). Muscle Ucp3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased by 10 days of mild (10 degrees C) cold exposure (p < 0.001). Muscle Ucp3 mRNA expression was significantly increased by fasting (p < 0.01) and was correlated to plasma free fatty acid levels (r = 0.7). Photoperiod transfer did not alter mitochondrial coupling. DISCUSSION These data suggest that UCP3 may not be involved in energy expenditure in the collared lemming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Blaylock
- Webb Building 419, 1530 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-3360, USA
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Zhu WL, Cai JH, Xiao L, Wang ZK. Effects of photoperiod on energy intake, thermogenesis and body mass in Eothenomys miletus in Hengduan Mountain region. J Therm Biol 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2011.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Chen JF, Zhong WQ, Wang DH. Seasonal changes in body mass, energy intake and thermogenesis in Maximowiczi’s voles (Microtus maximowiczii) from the Inner Mongolian grassland. J Comp Physiol B 2011; 182:275-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-011-0608-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2010] [Revised: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Variations in thermal physiology and energetics of the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) in response to cold acclimation. J Comp Physiol B 2011; 182:167-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-011-0606-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2010] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Morabito MV, Abbas AI, Hood JL, Kesterson RA, Jacobs MM, Kump DS, Hachey DL, Roth BL, Emeson RB. Mice with altered serotonin 2C receptor RNA editing display characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2010; 39:169-80. [PMID: 20394819 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2010.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Revised: 03/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA transcripts encoding the 2C-subtype of serotonin (5HT(2C)) receptor undergo up to five adenosine-to-inosine editing events to encode twenty-four protein isoforms. To examine the effects of altered 5HT(2C) editing in vivo, we generated mutant mice solely expressing the fully-edited (VGV) isoform of the receptor. Mutant animals present phenotypic characteristics of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) including a failure to thrive, decreased somatic growth, neonatal muscular hypotonia, and reduced food consumption followed by post-weaning hyperphagia. Though previous studies have identified alterations in both 5HT(2C) receptor expression and 5HT(2C)-mediated behaviors in both PWS patients and mouse models of this disorder, to our knowledge the 5HT(2C) gene is the first locus outside the PWS imprinted region in which mutations can phenocopy numerous aspects of this syndrome. These results not only strengthen the link between the molecular etiology of PWS and altered 5HT(2C) expression, but also demonstrate the importance of normal patterns of 5HT(2C) RNA editing in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael V Morabito
- Center for Molecular Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Coltrane JA, Barboza PS. Winter as a nutritional bottleneck for North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum). J Comp Physiol B 2010; 180:905-18. [PMID: 20306197 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-010-0460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Revised: 01/14/2010] [Accepted: 02/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
North American porcupines are distributed across a wide variety of habitats where they consume many different species of plants. Winter is a nutritional bottleneck for northern populations, because porcupines remain active when environmental demands are high and food quality is low. We used captive porcupines to examine physiological responses to low-quality diets at high energy demands during winter at ambient temperatures as low as -39 degrees C. We did not observe an endogenous pattern of body mass gain or loss when porcupines were fed a low nitrogen diet (1.1% dry matter) ad libitum through winter. Dry matter intake declined from 43.6 to 14.6 g kg(-0.75) d(-1) even though ambient temperatures declined from -3 to -30 degrees C, which indicates a seasonal decrease in metabolic rate. Porcupines consuming white spruce needles maintained digestive efficiency for energy (61%) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (50%). However, low requirements for energy (398 kJ kg(-0.75) d(-1)) and nitrogen (209 mg kg(-0.75) d(-1)) minimized the loss of body mass when intakes were low and plant toxins increased urinary losses of energy and nitrogen. Porcupines were also able to tolerate low intakes of sodium, even when dietary potassium loads were high. Porcupines use a flexible strategy to survive winter: low requirements are combined with a high tolerance for dietary imbalances that minimize the use of body stores when demands exceed supply. However, body stores are rapidly restored when conditions allow. Porcupines posses many physiological abilities similar to specialist herbivores, but retain the ability of a generalist to survive extreme conditions by using a variety of foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Coltrane
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, 333 Raspberry Rd., Anchorage, AK 99518, USA.
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Li X, Cope MB, Johnson MS, Smith DL, Nagy TR. Mild calorie restriction induces fat accumulation in female C57BL/6J mice. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2010; 18:456-62. [PMID: 19798071 PMCID: PMC2880162 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2009.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of mild calorie restriction (CR) (5%) on body weight, body composition, energy expenditure, feeding behavior, and locomotor activity in female C57BL/6J mice. Mice were subjected to a 5% reduction of food intake relative to baseline intake of ad libitum (AL) mice for 3 or 4 weeks. In experiment 1, body weight was monitored weekly and body composition (fat and lean mass) was determined at weeks 0, 2, and 4 by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. In experiment 2, body weight was measured every 3 days and body composition was determined by quantitative magnetic resonance weekly, and energy expenditure, feeding behavior, and locomotor activity were determined over 3 weeks in a metabolic chamber. At the end of both experiments, CR mice had greater fat mass (P < 0.01) and less lean mass (P < 0.01) compared with AL mice. Total energy expenditure (P < 0.05) and resting energy expenditure (P < 0.05) were significantly decreased in CR mice compared with AL mice over 3 weeks. CR mice ate significantly more food than AL mice immediately following daily food provisioning at 1600 hours (P < 0.01). These findings showed that mild CR caused increased fat mass, decreased lean mass and energy expenditure, and altered feeding behavior in female C57BL/6J mice. Locomotor activity or brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic capacity did not appear to contribute to the decrease in energy expenditure. The increase in fat mass and decrease in lean mass may be a stress response to the uncertainty of food availability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tim R. Nagy
- Corresponding Author: Tim R. Nagy, PhD, , Phone: 205-934-4088, Fax: 205-934-7049
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Zhu WL, Jia T, Lian X, Wang ZK. Effects of cold acclimation on body mass, serum leptin level, energy metabolism and thermognesis in Eothenomys miletus in Hengduan Mountains region. J Therm Biol 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2009.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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19
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Huffman DM, Barzilai N. Role of visceral adipose tissue in aging. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2009; 1790:1117-23. [PMID: 19364483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2009] [Revised: 01/22/2009] [Accepted: 01/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral fat (VF) accretion is a hallmark of aging in humans. Epidemiologic studies have implicated abdominal obesity as a major risk factor for insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and death. METHODS Studies utilizing novel rodent models of visceral obesity and surgical strategies in humans have been undertaken to determine if subcutaneous (SC) abdominal or VF are causally linked to age-related diseases. RESULTS Specific depletion or expansion of the VF depot using genetic or surgical tools in rodents has been shown to have direct effects on disease risk. In contrast, surgically removing large quantities of SC fat does not consistently improve metabolic parameters in humans or rodents, while benefits were observed with SC fat expansion in mice, suggesting that SC fat accrual is not an important contributor to metabolic decline. There is also compelling evidence in humans that abdominal obesity is a stronger risk factor for mortality risk than general obesity. Likewise, we have shown that surgical removal of VF improves mean and maximum lifespan in rats, providing the first causal evidence that VF depletion may be an important underlying cause of improved lifespan with caloric restriction. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This review provides both corollary and causal evidence for the importance of accounting for body fat distribution, and specifically VF, when assessing disease and mortality risk. Given the hazards of VF accumulation on health, treatment strategies aimed at selectively depleting VF should be considered as a viable tool to effectively reduce disease risk in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Huffman
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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Lu Q, Zhong WQ, Wang DH. Effects of photoperiod history on body mass and energy metabolism in Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii). J Exp Biol 2007; 210:3838-47. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Many small mammals respond to seasonal changes in photoperiod via alterations in morphology, physiology and behaviour. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the preweaning (from embryo to weaning) photoperiod experience can affect subsequent development in terms of body mass and thermogenesis. Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) were gestated and reared to weaning under either a short (SD, 8 h:16 h L:D) or a long photoperiod (LD, 16 h:8 h L:D) at a constant ambient temperature (23°C). At weaning, male juveniles were either maintained in their initial photoperiod or transferred to the alternative photoperiod for 8 weeks. Postweaning SD voles had a lower body mass but higher thermogenic capacity compared with LD voles. At the same time, preweaning photoperiod conditions had long-lasting effects on thermogenic capacity later in life. Serum leptin concentration was positively correlated with body mass and body fat mass, whereas it was negatively correlated with energy intake and uncoupling protein 1 content in brown adipose tissue. Our results suggest that postweaning development in terms of body mass and thermogenesis is predominantly influenced by the postweaning photoperiod, while the preweaning photoperiod experience could chronically modify thermogenesis but not body mass. Furthermore, serum leptin,acting as a potential adipostatic signal, may be involved in the regulation of both energy intake and energy expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents,Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080,China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049,China
| | - Wen-Qin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents,Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080,China
| | - De-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents,Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080,China
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Li XS, Wang DH. Photoperiod and Temperature Can Regulate Body Mass, Serum Leptin Concentration, and Uncoupling Protein 1 in Brandt’s Voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) and Mongolian Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Physiol Biochem Zool 2007; 80:326-34. [PMID: 17390288 DOI: 10.1086/513189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors play an important role in the seasonal adaptation of body mass and thermogenesis in wild small mammals. In this study, we performed a factorial experiment (temperature x photoperiod) in which Brandt's voles and Mongolian gerbils were acclimated to different photoperiods (long photoperiod, 16L : 8D; short photoperiod, 8L : 16D) and temperatures (warm, 23 degrees C; cold, 5 degrees C) to test the hypothesis that photoperiod, temperature, or both together can trigger seasonal changes in serum leptin level, body mass, thermogenesis, and energy intake. Our data demonstrate that Brandt's voles showed a remarkable decrease in body mass in both the cold and a short photoperiod. However, no significant changes in body mass were found for gerbils exposed to similar conditions. The short photoperiod induced a decrease in serum leptin levels for both voles and gerbils that might contribute to an increase in energy intake. Furthermore, the short photoperiod induced an increase of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content for both voles and gerbils, and cold can further enhance the increase in voles. No interactions between photoperiod and temperature were detected for the two species. Brandt's voles can decrease their body mass through changes in energy intake and expenditure, while Mongolian gerbils can keep body mass relatively stable by balancing energy metabolism under winterlike conditions. Leptin was potentially involved in the regulation of body mass and thermogenic capacity for the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Sheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrative Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
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22
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Suzuki D, Murata Y, Oda SI. Cloning of putative uncoupling protein 1 cDNA in a cold-intolerant mammal, the house musk shrew (Suncus murinus). Zoolog Sci 2007; 23:1009-15. [PMID: 17189913 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.23.1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The house musk shrew (Suncus murinus), or suncus, is a unique experimental animal. We recently showed that this mammal is cold intolerant and hypothesized that its sensitivity to cold is caused by low thermogenic activity in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Thermogenesis in BAT is performed by a unique mitochondrial protein, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Interestingly, only eutherians possess UCP1, and some traits in the suncus resemble those in the Ucp1-ablated mouse, including cold intolerance, histology of BAT, and obesity resistance. In a previous study, we hypothesized that UCP1 may not be present in BAT of the suncus or may be dysfunctional. Therefore, we performed cDNA cloning of suncus Ucp1 and compared it to homologs from other species. The deduced amino acid sequence showed high similarity to other mammalian UCP1. Northern blot analysis revealed mRNA in BAT, as in other mammals. However, a difference in an amino acid residue was observed in an important residue for thermogenesis. Genomic sequence analysis showed that this difference existed in our two genetically distant laboratory colonies. These results suggest that cold intolerance in the suncus is derived from low thermogenic activity of UCP1 and may exist in wild house musk shrews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Suzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Management & Resources, Graduate School of Bio-Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
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Huffman DM, Johnson MS, Watts A, Elgavish A, Eltoum IA, Nagy TR. Cancer progression in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate mouse is related to energy balance, body mass, and body composition, but not food intake. Cancer Res 2006; 67:417-24. [PMID: 17185379 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Calorie restriction can inhibit or delay carcinogenesis, reportedly due to a reduction in calorie intake rather than by concurrent changes in body mass and/or composition. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that body mass and/or composition have an important effect, independent of energy intake, on the benefits or hazards associated with calorie restriction or overeating, respectively. In the first experiment, transgenic mice that spontaneously develop prostate cancer [transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP)] were housed at 27 degrees C or 22 degrees C and pair fed the same diet for 21 weeks (95% of ad libitum intake at 27 degrees C). In the second experiment, TRAMP mice were housed at 27 degrees C or 22 degrees C and fed the same diet ad libitum for 21 weeks. Despite a similar calorie intake, pair-fed mice at 27 degrees C (PF27) were heavier (28.3 +/- 3.3 versus 17.6 +/- 1.6 g at 21 weeks; P < 0.001; mean +/- SD) and had greater fat (6.4 +/- 2.1 versus 1.9 +/- 0.3 g; P < 0.001) and lean mass (P < 0.001) than pair-fed mice at 22 degrees C. Furthermore, PF27 mice had greater levels of serum leptin (P < 0.001), lower levels of adiponectin (P < 0.05), and a greater frequency of prostatic adenocarcinoma (P < 0.05). In contrast, ad libitum-fed mice housed at 22 degrees C consumed approximately 30% more calories than ad libitum-fed mice at 27 degrees C, but there was no difference between groups in body composition or cancer progression. These results imply that the ability of calorie restriction to inhibit or delay cancer incidence and progression is mediated in part by changes in energy balance, body mass, and/or body composition rather than calorie intake per se, suggesting that excess calorie retention, rather than consumption, confers cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek M Huffman
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1675 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Wang JM, Zhang YM, Wang DH. Photoperiodic regulation in energy intake, thermogenesis and body mass in root voles (Microtus oeconomus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2006; 145:546-53. [PMID: 17049448 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2006.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2006] [Revised: 08/15/2006] [Accepted: 08/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to examine whether photoperiod alone was effective to induce seasonal regulations in physiology in root voles (Microtus oeconomus) from the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau noted for its extreme cold environment. Root voles were randomly assigned into either long photoperiod (LD; 16L:8D) or short photoperiod (SD; 8L:16D) for 4 weeks at constant temperature (20 degrees C). At the end of acclimation, SD voles showed lower body mass and body fat coupled with higher energy intake than LD voles. SD greatly enhanced thermogenic capacities in root voles, as indicated by elevated basal metabolic rate (BMR), nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), mitochondrial protein content and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) content in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Although no variations in serum leptin levels were found between SD and LD voles, serum leptin levels were positively correlated with body mass and body fat mass, and negatively correlated with energy intake and UCP1 content in BAT, respectively. To summarize, SD alone is effective in inducing higher thermogenic capacities and energy intake coupled with lower body mass and body fat mass in root voles. Leptin is potentially involved in the photoperiod induced body mass regulation and thermogenesis in root voles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Mei Wang
- Northwest Plateau Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, 810001, China
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Zhao ZJ, Wang DH. Effects of photoperiod on energy budgets and thermogenesis in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). J Therm Biol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2006.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Zhao ZJ, Wang DH. Short photoperiod influences energy intake and serum leptin level in Brandt's voles (Microtus brandtii). Horm Behav 2006; 49:463-9. [PMID: 16293255 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2005.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2005] [Revised: 10/08/2005] [Accepted: 10/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Photoperiod cues play important roles in the regulation of seasonal variations in body mass (BM) and energy balance for many small mammals. The present study was designed to examine the effects of photoperiod acclimation on BM, energy intake, and serum leptin levels in Brandt's voles (Microtus (Lasiopodomys) brandtii). After 4 weeks of acclimation to either long (LD; light:dark, 16:8) or short (SD; 8:16) photoperiod, SD voles had lower BM, body fat mass, and dry mass of liver and kidneys, but higher digestible energy intake in comparison to LD voles. SD voles also showed a lower level of serum leptin than did LD voles. Furthermore, the level of serum leptin was correlated positively with body fat mass and negatively with gross energy intake. Together, these data suggest that Brandt's voles employ a strategy of minimizing body growth, increasing energy intake, and mobilizing fat deposition in response to cues associated with short photoperiod. Furthermore, leptin seems to be involved in the regulation of BM and energy balance mediated by photoperiod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management for Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 25 Beisihuan Xilu, Zhongguancun, Haidian, Beijing 100080, PR China
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Li XS, Wang DH. Seasonal adjustments in body mass and thermogenesis in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus): the roles of short photoperiod and cold. J Comp Physiol B 2005; 175:593-600. [PMID: 16151817 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-005-0022-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2005] [Revised: 04/27/2005] [Accepted: 07/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal adjustments in body mass and thermogenesis are important for the survival of small mammals during acclimatization in the temperate zone. To determine the contributions of short photoperiod and cold temperatures to seasonal changes in thermogenesis and body mass in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), body mass, basal metabolic rate (BMR), nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), energy intake and energy digestibility were determined in seasonally acclimatized and laboratory acclimated animals. Body mass showed significant seasonal changes and decreased to a minimum in winter. Both BMR and NST increased in winter, and these changes were mimicked by exposing animals to short photoperiod or cold temperatures in the animal house. Digestible energy intake also increased significantly in winter, and also during exposure of housed animals to both short photoperiod and cold. These results suggest that Mongolian gerbils overcome winter thermoregulatory challenges by increasing energy intake and thermogenesis, and decreasing body mass to reduce total energy requirements. Short photoperiod and cold can serve as effective environmental cues during seasonal acclimatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Sheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongguancun, Haidian Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Król E, Redman P, Thomson PJ, Williams R, Mayer C, Mercer JG, Speakman JR. Effect of photoperiod on body mass, food intake and body composition in the field vole, Microtus agrestis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 208:571-84. [PMID: 15671345 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.01429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many small mammals respond to seasonal changes in photoperiod by altering body mass and adiposity. These animals may provide valuable models for understanding the regulation of energy balance. Here, we present data on the field vole (Microtus agrestis) - a previously uncharacterised example of photoperiod-induced changes in body mass. We examined the effect of increased day length on body mass, food intake, apparent digestive efficiency, body composition, de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue in cold-acclimated (8 degrees C) male field voles by transferring them from a short (SD, 8 h:16 h L:D) to long day photoperiod (LD, 16 h:8 h L:D). During the first 4 weeks of exposure to LD, voles underwent a substantial increase in body mass, after which the average difference between body masses of LD and SD voles stabilized at 7.5 g. This 24.8% increase in body mass reflected significant increases in absolute amounts of all body components, including dry fat mass, dry lean mass and body water mass. After correcting body composition and organ morphology data for the differences in body mass, only gonads (testes and seminal vesicles) were enlarged due to photoperiod treatment. To meet energetic demands of deposition and maintenance of extra tissue, voles adjusted their food intake to an increasing body mass and improved their apparent digestive efficiency. Consequently, although mass-corrected food intake did not differ between the photoperiod groups, the LD voles undergoing body mass increase assimilated on average 8.4 kJ day(-1) more than animals maintained in SD. The majority (73-77%) of the fat accumulated as adipose tissue had dietary origin. The rate of de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue were not affected by photoperiod. The most important characteristics of the photoperiodic regulation of energy balance in the field vole are the clear delineation between phases where animals regulate body mass at two different levels and the rate at which animals are able to switch between different levels of energy homeostasis. Our data indicate that the field vole may provide an attractive novel animal model for investigation of the regulation of body mass and energy homeostasis at both organism and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Król
- Aberdeen Centre for Energy Regulation and Obesity (ACERO), School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.
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Peacock WL, Król E, Moar KM, McLaren JS, Mercer JG, Speakman JR. Photoperiodic effects on body mass, energy balance and hypothalamic gene expression in the bank vole. J Exp Biol 2004; 207:165-77. [PMID: 14638843 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
We examined the effect of increasing photoperiod, at a constant low temperature, on the body mass and energy budget of the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus. Simultaneously, we determined the hypothalamic gene expression of neuropeptides and receptors known to be involved in short-term energy balance. Despite an increase in body mass(approximately 10% of initial mass), we found no significant changes in any energetic parameters (food intake, energy assimilation rate, resting metabolic rate and total daily energy expenditure by doubly-labelled water). Apparent energy assimilation efficiency was higher in voles exposed to long-days (LD)compared to short-days (SD). Surprisingly, gene expression of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF; in the paraventricular nucleus), and the melanocortin-3 receptor (in the arcuate nucleus), both known to be involved in appetite suppression and elevation of energy expenditure in short-term energy balance,were higher in voles kept in LD compared to SD. CRF expression was also elevated in females compared to males. These paradoxical data suggest an alternative mechanism for the control of seasonal body mass changes compared to short-term body mass changes, and between male and female voles. Furthermore, they highlight the need for studies to perform simultaneous measurements at both the molecular and whole animal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- W L Peacock
- Aberdeen Centre for Energy Regulation and Obesity (ACERO), School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK.
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Hunter HL, Nagy TR. Body composition in a seasonal model of obesity: longitudinal measures and validation of DXA. OBESITY RESEARCH 2002; 10:1180-7. [PMID: 12429883 DOI: 10.1038/oby.2002.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Collared lemmings, Dicrostonyx groenlandicus, show rapid changes in body mass on a seasonal basis. The objective of this study was to measure longitudinal changes in body composition in animals undergoing photoperiod-induced weight gain and loss using DXA. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES Adult, female collared lemmings exposed to either long (LD; 22 hours light/2 hours dark) or short (SD; 8 hours light/16 hours dark) photoperiods were anesthetized, and DXA was used to determine fat mass, lean tissue mass (LTM), total-body bone mineral content, and total-bone mineral density. After a baseline scan, one-half of the animals were transferred to the alternate photoperiod (SD-LD, weight loss; LD-SD, weight gain) and one-half remained on the same photoperiod (controls; SD-SD, LD-LD). Body composition was determined by DXA after 4 and 8 weeks. Animals were killed, and body composition was determined by carcass analysis. DXA-derived data were validated by comparing with carcass analysis. RESULTS Body composition by DXA was highly related to body composition measured by chemical analysis, thereby justifying the use of DXA. Lemmings in the SD-LD group lost weight, and this was reflected in measurable losses of fat and LTM. Lemmings in the LD-SD group gained weight, which was shown by measurable increases in fat, LTM and total-body bone mineral content. DISCUSSION Comparison of body composition determined by DXA to that by chemical extraction revealed that DXA is useful for measuring body composition. The longitudinal analysis revealed that collared lemmings undergo rapid changes in body composition when exposed to changes in photoperiod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Hunter
- Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-3360, USA
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