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Subramanian N, Wiik A, Rullman E, Melin M, Lundberg TR, Flanagan J, Holmberg M, Dekanski A, Dhejne C, Arver S, Gustafsson T, Laurencikiene J, Andersson DP. Adipokine secretion and lipolysis following gender-affirming treatment in transgender individuals. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02323-4. [PMID: 38460092 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The organ-specific effects of gender-affirming sex hormone treatment (GAHT) in transgender women (TW) and transgender men (TM) are insufficiently explored. This study investigated the effects of GAHT on adipose tissue function. METHODS In a single-center interventional prospective study, 32 adults undergoing GAHT, 15 TW and 17 TM, were examined with anthropometry and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies obtained before initiation of treatment, 1 month after endogenous sex hormone inhibition and three and 11 months after initiated GAHT. Fat cell size, basal/stimulated lipolysis and cytokine secretion in adipose tissue were analyzed. RESULTS TW displayed an increase in complement component 3a and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) secretion after sex hormone inhibition, which returned to baseline following estradiol treatment. No changes in lipolysis were seen in TW. TM showed downregulation of RBP4 after treatment, but no changes in basal lipolysis. In TM, the estrogen suppression led to higher noradrenaline stimulated (NA) lipolysis that was normalized following testosterone treatment. At 11 months, the ratio of NA/basal lipolysis was lower compared to baseline. There were no significant changes in fat cell size in either TW or TM. CONCLUSION In TW, gonadal hormone suppression results in transient changes in cytokines and in TM there are some changes in NA-stimulated lipolysis following testosterone treatment. However, despite the known metabolic effects of sex hormones, the overall effects of GAHT on adipose tissue function are small and likely have limited clinical relevance, but larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02518009, Retrospectively registered 7 August 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Subramanian
- Lipid Laboratory, Department of Medicine Huddinge (H7), Karolinska Institutet, C2:94, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - A Wiik
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Rullman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Melin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Heart and Vascular Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T R Lundberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Flanagan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Holmberg
- Lipid Laboratory, Department of Medicine Huddinge (H7), Karolinska Institutet, C2:94, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
- ANOVA, Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Transgender Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Dekanski
- Lipid Laboratory, Department of Medicine Huddinge (H7), Karolinska Institutet, C2:94, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - C Dhejne
- ANOVA, Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Transgender Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Arver
- ANOVA, Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Transgender Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Gustafsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, and Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Laurencikiene
- Lipid Laboratory, Department of Medicine Huddinge (H7), Karolinska Institutet, C2:94, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - D P Andersson
- Lipid Laboratory, Department of Medicine Huddinge (H7), Karolinska Institutet, C2:94, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Huddinge, Sweden.
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kuryłowicz A. Estrogens in Adipose Tissue Physiology and Obesity-Related Dysfunction. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030690. [PMID: 36979669 PMCID: PMC10045924 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Menopause-related decline in estrogen levels is accompanied by a change in adipose tissue distribution from a gynoid to an android and an increased prevalence of obesity in women. These unfavorable phenomena can be partially restored by hormone replacement therapy, suggesting a significant role for estrogen in the regulation of adipocytes' function. Indeed, preclinical studies proved the involvement of these hormones in adipose tissue development, metabolism, and inflammatory activity. However, the relationship between estrogen and obesity is bidirectional. On the one hand-their deficiency leads to excessive fat accumulation and impairs adipocyte function, on the other-adipose tissue of obese individuals is characterized by altered expression of estrogen receptors and key enzymes involved in their synthesis. This narrative review aims to summarize the role of estrogen in adipose tissue development, physiology, and in obesity-related dysfunction. Firstly, the estrogen classification, synthesis, and modes of action are presented. Next, their role in regulating adipogenesis and adipose tissue activity in health and the course of obesity is described. Finally, the potential therapeutic applications of estrogen and its derivates in obesity treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Kuryłowicz
- Department of Human Epigenetics, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre PAS, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of General Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education, 00-401 Warsaw, Poland
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Alemany M. Estrogens and the regulation of glucose metabolism. World J Diabetes 2021; 12:1622-1654. [PMID: 34754368 PMCID: PMC8554369 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v12.i10.1622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The main estrogens: estradiol, estrone, and their acyl-esters have been studied essentially related to their classical estrogenic and pharmacologic functions. However, their main effect in the body is probably the sustained control of core energy metabolism. Estrogen nuclear and membrane receptors show an extraordinary flexibility in the modulation of metabolic responses, and largely explain gender and age differences in energy metabolism: part of these mechanisms is already sufficiently known to justify both. With regard to energy, the estrogen molecular species act essentially through four key functions: (1) Facilitation of insulin secretion and control of glucose availability; (2) Modulation of energy partition, favoring the use of lipid as the main energy substrate when more available than carbohydrates; (3) Functional protection through antioxidant mechanisms; and (4) Central effects (largely through neural modulation) on whole body energy management. Analyzing the different actions of estrone, estradiol and their acyl esters, a tentative classification based on structure/effects has been postulated. Either separately or as a group, estrogens provide a comprehensive explanation that not all their quite diverse actions are related solely to specific molecules. As a group, they constitute a powerful synergic action complex. In consequence, estrogens may be considered wardens of energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marià Alemany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Catalonia, Spain
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Yeh JH, Tung YT, Yeh YS, Chien YW. Effects of Dietary Fatty Acid Composition on Lipid Metabolism and Body Fat Accumulation in Ovariectomized Rats. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062022. [PMID: 34208400 PMCID: PMC8231186 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Obesity is a state of excess energy storage resulting in body fat accumulation, and postmenopausal obesity is a rising issue. In this study using ovariectomized (OVX) rats, we mimicked low estrogen levels in a postmenopausal state in order to investigate the effects of different amounts and types of dietary fatty acids on body fat accumulation and body lipid metabolism. Methods: At 9 weeks of age, rats (n = 40) were given an ovariectomy, eight of which were sham-operated to serve as a control group (S). We then divided OVX rats into four different intervention groups: diet with 5% soybean oil (C), and diet with 5% (L), 15% (M), and 20% (H) (w/w) experimental oil, containing 60% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and with a polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio of 5. Results: After OVX, compared to the S group, the C group showed significantly higher body weight, and insulin and leptin levels. Compared to the C group, the H group had lower hepatic triglyceride level and FAS enzyme activity, and higher hepatic ACO and CPT-1 gene expressions and enzyme activities. Conclusions: An OVX leads to severe weight gain and lipid metabolism abnormalities, while according to previous studies, high fat diet may worsen the situation. However, during our experiment, we discovered that the experimental oil mixture with 60% MUFAs and P/S = 5 may ameliorate these imbalances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhih-Han Yeh
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Tang Tung
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan;
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Yeh
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA;
| | - Yi-Wen Chien
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Research Center of Geriatric Nutrition, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 6556); Fax: +886-2-2737-3112
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Cervone DT, Sheremeta J, Kraft EN, Dyck DJ. Acylated and unacylated ghrelin directly regulate ß-3 stimulated lipid turnover in rodent subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue ex vivo but not in vivo. Adipocyte 2019; 8:1-15. [PMID: 30265180 PMCID: PMC6768250 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2018.1528811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin has garnered interest as a gut-derived regulator of lipid metabolism, beyond its classical roles in driving appetite and growth hormone release. Ghrelin’s circulating concentrations follow an ultradian rhythm, peak immediately before a meal and point towards a potential metabolic role in reducing the mobilization of fatty acid stores in preparation for the storage of ingested food. Here, we demonstrate that both acylated and unacylated ghrelin have physiological roles in attenuating lipolysis in mature subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue depots of rats. Ghrelin blunted the ß3-induction (CL 316, 243) of glycerol release (index of lipolysis) which coincided with a reduced activation of the key lipid hydrolase HSL at two of its serine residues (Ser563/660). Furthermore, ghrelin appeared to inhibit fatty acid reesterification in the presence of CL such that fatty acid concentrations in the surrounding media were maintained in spite of a reduction in lipolysis. Importantly, these aforementioned effects were not observed following ghrelin injection in vivo, as there was no attenuation of CL-induced glycerol release. This highlights the importance of exercising caution when interpreting the effects of administering ghrelin in vivo, and the necessity for uncovering the elusive mechanisms by which ghrelin regulates lipolysis and fatty acid reesterification. We conclude that both acylated and unacylated ghrelin can exert direct inhibitory effects on lipolysis and fatty acid reesterification in adipose tissue from rats. However, these effects are not observed in vivo and outline the complexity of studying ghrelin’s effects on fatty acid metabolism in the living animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Cervone
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Justin Sheremeta
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily N. Kraft
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J. Dyck
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Immunometabolic Links between Estrogen, Adipose Tissue and Female Reproductive Metabolism. BIOLOGY 2019; 8:biology8010008. [PMID: 30736459 PMCID: PMC6466614 DOI: 10.3390/biology8010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The current knowledge of sex-dependent differences in adipose tissue biology remains in its infancy and is motivated in part by the desire to understand why menopause is linked to an increased risk of metabolic disease. However, the development and characterization of targeted genetically-modified rodent models are shedding new light on the physiological actions of sex hormones in healthy reproductive metabolism. In this review we consider the need for differentially regulating metabolic flexibility, energy balance, and immunity in a sex-dependent manner. We discuss the recent advances in our understanding of physiological roles of systemic estrogen in regulating sex-dependent adipose tissue distribution, form and function; and in sex-dependent healthy immune function. We also review the decline in protective properties of estrogen signaling in pathophysiological settings such as obesity-related metaflammation and metabolic disease. It is clear that the many physiological actions of estrogen on energy balance, immunity, and immunometabolism together with its dynamic regulation in females make it an excellent candidate for regulating metabolic flexibility in the context of reproductive metabolism.
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