Fibroblast growth factor induced Ucp1 expression in preadipocytes requires PGE2 biosynthesis and glycolytic flux

Fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF-8b) enhances myogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis in rotator cuff muscle cell populations in vitro

Fatty expansion is one of the features of muscle degeneration due to muscle injuries, and its presence interferes with muscle regeneration. Specifically, poor clinical outcomes have been linked to fatty expansion in rotator cuff tears and repairs. Our group recently found that fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF-8b) inhibits adipogenic differentiation and promotes myofiber formation of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. This led us to hypothesize that FGF-8b could similarly control the fate of muscle-specific cell populations derived from rotator cuff muscle involved in muscle repair following rotator cuff injury. In this study, we isolate fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) and satellite stem cells (SCs) from rat rotator cuff muscle tissue and analyzed the effects of FGF-8b supplementation. Utilizing a cell plating protocol, we successfully isolate FAPs-rich fibroblasts (FIBs) and SCs-rich muscle progenitor cells (MPCs). Subsequently, we demonstrate that FIB adipogenic differentiation can be inhibited by FGF-8b, while MPC myogenic differentiation can be enhanced by FGF-8b. We further demonstrate that phosphorylated ERK due to FGF-8b leads to the inhibition of adipogenesis in FIBs and SCs maintenance and myofiber formation in MPCs. Together, these findings demonstrate the powerful potential of FGF-8b for rotator cuff repair by altering the fate of muscle undergoing degeneration.

Adipose tissue-derived lipokines in metabolism

Adipose tissue is a crucial regulator of metabolism with functions that include energy storage and dissipation as well as the secretion of bioactive molecules. As the largest endocrine organ in the body, the adipose tissue produces diverse bioactive molecules, including peptides, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles, which communicate with and modulate the function of other organs. In recent years, lipid metabolites, also known as lipokines, have emerged as key signaling molecules that actively participate in multiple metabolic processes. This review highlights the latest advances in adipose tissue-derived lipokines and their underlying cellular and molecular functions. Furthermore, we offer our perspective on the future directions for adipose-derived bioactive lipids and potential therapeutic implications for obesity and its associated complications.

Remodeling of Adipose Tissues by Fatty Acids: Mechanistic Update on Browning and Thermogenesis by n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Enhancing thermogenesis by increasing the amount and activity of brown and brite adipocytes is a potential therapeutic target for obesity and its associated diseases. Diet plays important roles in energy metabolism and a myriad of dietary components including lipids are known to regulate thermogenesis through recruitment and activation of brown and brite adipocytes. Depending on types of fatty acids (FAs), the major constituent in lipids, their health benefits differ. Long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), especially n-3 PUFAs remodel adipose tissues in a healthier manner with reduced inflammation and enhanced thermogenesis, while saturated FAs exhibit contrasting effects. Lipid mediators derived from FAs act as autocrine/paracrine as well as endocrine factors to regulate thermogenesis. We discuss lipid mediators that may contribute to the differential effects of FAs on adipose tissue remodeling and hence, cardiometabolic diseases. We also discuss current understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms through which n-3 PUFAs enhance thermogenesis. Elucidating molecular details of beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs on thermogenesis is expected to provide information that can be used for development of novel therapeutics for obesity and its associated diseases.