Effect of exercise training on adipocyte-size-dependent expression of leptin and adiponectin

AimsOur aim was to evaluate the effect of exercise training (TR) on adipocyte-size-dependent expression of leptin and adiponectin.Main methodsMale Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups, sedentary control (CR) and TR group, and both monitored for 9 weeks. Adipocytes isolated from epididymal, retroperitoneal, and inguinal fat depots were independently separated into 3 fractions of different cell size, and the relationships between adipocyte size and either leptin or adiponectin mRNA were determined by real-time RT-PCR analysis.Key findingsIn epididymal and inguinal adipose tissue, positive relationships between adipocyte size and both leptin and adiponectin mRNA expression were found. Comparison of TR and CR rats showed no significant effect of TR on the slopes of the linear regression lines of correlation between leptin mRNA and adipocyte size in either adipose tissue, whereas the slopes of the regression line of correlation between adipocyte size and adiponectin mRNA were greater in TR group. Leptin levels per milliliter of plasma were significantly lower in TR than CR rats, whereas leptin levels adjusted to the 3 fat depots did not differ. TR did not affect adiponectin levels in plasma, whereas adiponectin levels adjusted to the 3 fat depots were significantly greater in TR than CR group.SignificanceTR-induced reduction in leptin mRNA expression was closely associated with smaller adipocyte size. However, TR amplified the adipocyte-size-dependent expression of adiponectin mRNA, suggesting that TR-induced alterations in adiponectin mRNA may also be mediated by factor(s) other than adipocyte size.     

瘦素诱导体外培养大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞凋亡

为观察瘦素诱导体外培养大鼠脂肪间充质干细胞凋亡的作用, 采用胶原酶消化法分离培养大鼠附睾脂肪垫间充质干细胞, 第3代细胞用于实验。细胞免疫荧光化学方法鉴定CD105、Vimentin表达阳性率约80%以上, 10-6 mol/L的瘦素作用细胞48 h、72 h后激光共聚焦显微镜观察分别可见早期及中晚期特征表现; 0 mol/L、10-8 mol/L、10-7 mol/L、10-6 mol/L瘦素分别作用于细胞48 h后, 应用AnnexinⅤ/PI双染色法流式细胞仪检测早期凋亡率分别为2.50%±0.72%、6.78%±1.99%、11.99%±1.58%、17.93%±4.82% (P<0.05); 随着瘦素浓度的增加和作用时间的延长, Caspase-3的活性逐渐增高, 至48 h时达到高峰。说明瘦素可以直接诱导脂肪间充质干细胞凋亡, 从数量上减少脂肪组织的含量。     

Human mesenchymal adipose stromal cells from mature adipocyte fraction

More effective techniques should be employed for isolation of human mesenchymal stromal cells derived from adipose tissue (ADSC), seeking to make adipose tissue biopsies smaller in volume and thus less invasive. In this study, we compared properties of ADSC isolated by several different methods from the same samples of adipose tissue in order to enhance yields of potential ADSC. The mature adipocyte fraction was investigated using the ceiling culture method, including both ceiling and bottom cell fractions, and the control culture method with standard amount of medium. The results were also compared using the stromal vascular fraction from the same samples. The most efficient was the bottom cell population isolated from the mature adipocyte fraction by ceiling culture method. These cells readily differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages and, similar to stromal vascular fraction cells, displayed high proliferation potential. Cultures of mature adipocyte fractions with standard amount of medium were considerably less effective. Mature adipocyte fractions yields large quantities of adipose-derived stem cells that have properties comparable with stromal vascular fraction cells suitable for tissue regeneration, especially when only small biopsies can be taken.     

Adipogenic and lipolytic effects of chronic glucocorticoid exposure

Glucocorticoids have been proposed to be both adipogenic and lipolytic in action within adipose tissue, although it is unknown whether these actions can occur simultaneously. Here we investigate both the in vitro and in vivo effects of corticosterone (Cort) on adipose tissue metabolism. Cort increased 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not increase lipogenesis in adipocytes. Cort increased lipolysis within adipocytes in a concentration-dependent manner (maximum effect at 1-10 μM). Surprisingly, removal of Cort further increased lipolytic rates (～320% above control, P < 0.05), indicating a residual effect on basal lipolysis. mRNA and protein expression of adipose triglyceride lipase and phosphorylated status of hormone sensitive lipase (Ser563/Ser660) were increased with 48 h of Cort treatment. To test these responses in vivo, Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously implanted with wax pellets with/without Cort (300 mg). After 10 days, adipose depots were removed and cultured ex vivo. Both free fatty acids and glycerol concentrations were elevated in fed and fasting conditions in Cort-treated rats. Despite increased lipolysis, Cort rats had more visceral adiposity than sham rats (10.2 vs. 6.9 g/kg body wt, P < 0.05). Visceral adipocytes from Cort rats were smaller and more numerous than those in sham rats, suggesting that adipogenesis occurred through preadipocyte differentiation rather than adipocyte hypertrophy. Visceral, but not subcutaneous, adipocyte cultures from Cort-treated rats displayed a 1.5-fold increase in basal lipolytic rates compared with sham rats (P < 0.05). Taken together, our findings demonstrate that chronic glucocorticoid exposure stimulates both lipolysis and adipogenesis in visceral adipose tissue but favors adipogenesis primarily through preadipocyte differentiation.     

Necdin controls proliferation of white adipocyte progenitor cells

White adipose tissues are composed mainly of white fat cells (adipocytes), which play a key role in energy storage and metabolism. White adipocytes are terminally differentiated postmitotic cells and arise from their progenitor cells (preadipocytes) or mesenchymal stem cells residing in white adipose tissues. Thus, white adipocyte number is most likely controlled by the rate of preadipocyte proliferation, which may contribute to the etiology of obesity. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that regulate preadipocyte proliferation during adipose tissue development. Necdin, which is expressed predominantly in postmitotic neurons, is a pleiotropic protein that possesses anti-mitotic and pro-survival activities. Here we show that necdin functions as an intrinsic regulator of white preadipocyte proliferation in developing adipose tissues. Necdin is expressed in early preadipocytes or mesenchymal stem cells residing in the stromal compartment of white adipose tissues in juvenile mice. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of endogenous necdin expression in vivo in adipose tissues markedly increases fat mass in juvenile mice fed a high-fat diet until adulthood. Furthermore, necdin-null mutant mice exhibit a greater expansion of adipose tissues due to adipocyte hyperplasia than wild-type mice when fed the high-fat diet during the juvenile and adult periods. Adipose stromal-vascular cells prepared from necdin-null mice differentiate in vitro into a significantly larger number of adipocytes in response to adipogenic inducers than those from wild-type mice. These results suggest that necdin prevents excessive preadipocyte proliferation induced by adipogenic stimulation to control white adipocyte number during adipose tissue development.     

Increased adipogenesis of osteoporotic human-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) characterizes by impaired leptin action

The bone marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that differentiate to the osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. The fact that the decrease in bone volume of age-related osteoporosis is accompanied by an increase in marrow adipose tissue implies the importance that the adipogenic process may have in bone loss. We previously observed that MSCs from control and osteoporotic women showed differences in their capacity to differentiate into the osteogenic and adipogenic pathways. In vitro studies indicate that bone marrow stromal cells are responsive to leptin, which increases their proliferation, differentiation to osteoblasts, and the number of mineralized nodules, but inhibits their differentiation to adipocytes. The aim of the present report was to study the direct effect of leptin on control and osteoporotic MSCs analyzing whether the protective effect of leptin against osteoporosis could be expressed by inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. MSCs from control, and osteoporotic donors were subjected to adipogenic conditions, in the absence or in the presence of 62.5 nM leptin. The number of adipocytes, the content of PPARgamma protein, and mRNA, and leptin mRNA were measured by flow cytometry, Western blot, and RT-PCR, respectively. Results indicate that control and osteoporotic MSCs differ in their adipogenic potential as shown by expression of active PPARgamma protein. Leptin exerted an antiadipogenic effect only on control MSCs increasing the proportion of inactive phosphorylated PPARgamma protein. Finally, results obtained during adipogenesis of osteoporotic cells suggest that this process is abnormal not only because of increased adipocyte number, but because of impaired leptin cells response.     

Direct and indirect effects of leptin on adipocyte metabolism

Leptin is hypothesized to function as a negative feedback signal in the regulation of energy balance. It is produced primarily by adipose tissue and circulating concentrations correlate with the size of body fat stores. Administration of exogenous leptin to normal weight, leptin responsive animals inhibits food intake and reduces the size of body fat stores whereas mice that are deficient in either leptin or functional leptin receptors are hyperphagic and obese, consistent with a role for leptin in the control of body weight. This review discusses the effect of leptin on adipocyte metabolism. Because adipocytes express leptin receptors there is the potential for leptin to influence adipocyte metabolism directly. Adipocytes also are insulin responsive and receive sympathetic innervation, therefore leptin can also modify adipocyte metabolism indirectly. Studies published to date suggest that direct activation of adipocyte leptin receptors has little effect on cell metabolism in vivo, but that leptin modifies adipocyte sensitivity to insulin to inhibit lipid accumulation. In vivo administration of leptin leads to a suppression of lipogenesis, an increase in triglyceride hydrolysis and an increase in fatty acid and glucose oxidation. Activation of central leptin receptors also contributes to the development of a catabolic state in adipocytes, but this may vary between different fat depots. Leptin reduces the size of white fat depots by inhibiting cell proliferation both through induction of inhibitory circulating factors and by contributing to sympathetic tone which suppresses adipocyte proliferation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Modulation of Adipose Tissue in Health and Disease.     

Leptin induces elongation of cardiac myocytes and causes eccentric left ventricular dilatation with compensation

One of the major manifestations of obesity is an increased production of the adipocyte-derived 16-kDa peptide leptin, which acts mainly on hypothalamic leptin receptors. Leptin receptors are widely distributed in various tissues, including the heart. Whereas increased plasma leptin levels have been reported in patients with congestive heart failure, systemic alterations induced by obesity can affect cardiac hypertrophy, and the direct effects of leptin on cardiac structure and function still remain to be determined. We first exposed primary cardiac myocytes from neonatal rats to leptin for 48 h. This resulted in a significant increase in myocyte long-axis length (P < 0.05 at 50 ng/ml) but not in the short-axis width. Leptin induced the rapid phosphorylation of STAT3 and its DNA binding in cardiac myocytes. Administration of a JAK2 inhibitor, AG-490, completely inhibited all of these effects by leptin. Furthermore, we examined the effect of continuous infusion of leptin for 4 wk following myocardial infarction in mice. Echocardiography demonstrated that left ventricular fractional shortening in the leptin-infused group (28.4 +/- 2.8%) was significantly higher than that in the PBS-infused group (18.4 +/- 2.2%) following myocardial infarction. Interestingly, left ventricular diastolic dimension in the leptin-infused group (4.56 +/- 0.12 mm) was also higher than that in the PBS-infused group (4.13 +/- 0.09 mm). These results demonstrate that leptin induces the elongation of cardiac myocytes via a JAK/STAT pathway and chronic leptin infusion causes eccentric dilatation with augmented systolic function after myocardial infarction.     

Injections of leptin into rat ventromedial hypothalamus increase adipocyte apoptosis in peripheral fat and in bone marrow

The accumulation of fat cells (adipocytes) in bone marrow is now thought to be a factor contributing to age-related bone loss. Women with osteoporosis have higher numbers of marrow adipocytes than women with healthy bone, and bone formation rate is inversely correlated with adipocyte number in bone tissue biopsies from both men and women. Adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells increases with age, but the factors regulating populations of mature adipocytes are not well understood. Leptin is thought to regulate adipose tissue mass via its receptors in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). We have therefore tested the hypothesis that stimulation of leptin receptors in the VMH regulates adipocyte number in bone marrow. Results indicate that unilateral twice-daily injections of leptin into the rat VMH for only 4 or 5 days cause a significant reduction in the number of adipocytes in peripheral fat pads and bone marrow and indeed eliminate adipocytes almost entirely from bone marrow of the proximal tibia. Osteoblast surface is not affected with leptin treatment. Apoptosis assays performed on bone marrow samples from control and treated rats have revealed a significant increase in protein concentration of the apoptosis marker caspase-3 with leptin treatment. We conclude that stimulation of leptin receptors in the VMH significantly decreases the adipocyte population in bone marrow, primarily through apoptosis of marrow adipocytes. Elimination of marrow adipocytes via this central pathway may represent a useful strategy for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.     

In vitro effects of leptin on human adipocyte metabolism

OBJECTIVE: Leptin receptors are expressed in adipocytes, suggesting potential autocrine/paracrine effects. Studies on the direct effects of leptin on adipose tissue metabolism in different species have yielded controversial data. To assess the in vitro effects of leptin on human adipocyte metabolism: lipolysis, the insulin-induced inhibition of lipolysis and lipogenesis were studied in adipocytes obtained from infants and adults. METHODS: Lipolysis was studied by incubating adipocytes with increasing concentrations of leptin or isoprenaline. Glycerol in the incubation medium was measured as an indicator of lipolysis. For the lipogenesis and insulin-induced inhibition of lipolysis experiments, the cells were preincubated with 0, 25, or 250 ng/ml of leptin for 2 h. RESULTS: Leptin did not stimulate lipolysis in human adipocytes, either in children or adults. Preincubation with leptin did not affect the insulin-induced inhibition of lipolysis, but decreased the insulin-induced lipogenesis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that leptin has no direct lipolytic effect in human adipocytes. The lack of effect on the insulin-induced inhibition of lipolysis and the negative effect on lipogenesis indicates that the effect of leptin is not at the proximal insulin-signalling pathway but further downstream.     

YAP1 regulates PPARG and RXR alpha expression to affect the proliferation and differentiation of ovine preadipocyte

Adipose tissue development is regulated by a serial of developmental signaling pathways. The Hippo pathway is a novel signaling cascade closely associated with adipogenesis. While most of Hippo pathway components had been verified that have a vital role in preadipocytes proliferation and differentiation, little is known about the function of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) in mammalian adipose tissue development. Therefore, we investigated the role of YAP1 in ovine adipose tissue development by in vitro and in vivo experiments. We observed that the adipocyte size in subcutaneous adipose tissue increased with development. YAP1 expression increased during adipose tissue development, while decreased during the differentiation of ovine preadipocytes in vitro. YAP1 knockdown notably promoted lipid accumulation and suppressed ovine preadipocyte proliferation. In addition, we observed that YAP1 deficiency significantly upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR alpha) expression. By contrast, overexpression of YAP1 led to the suppression of preadipocyte differentiation, lipid droplets formation, and PPARG expression. In brief, our findings demonstrated that YAP1 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of ovine preadipocyte via altering PPARG and RXR alpha expression.     

The effect of leptin on mouse trophoblast cell invasion

The hormone leptin is produced by adipose tissue and can function as a signal of nutritional status to the reproductive system. The expression of leptin receptor and, in some species, leptin, in the placenta suggests a role for leptin in placental development, but this role has not been elucidated. Leptin is required at the time of embryo implantation in the leptin-deficient ob/ ob mouse and has been shown to upregulate expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in trophoblast invasion, in cultured human trophoblast cells. This led us to the hypothesis that leptin promotes the invasiveness of trophoblast cells crucial to placental development. We found that leptin stimulated mouse trophoblast cell invasion through a matrigel-coated insert on Day 10, but not Day 18 of pregnancy. Optimal stimulation occurred at a concentration of 50 ng/ml leptin, similar to the peak plasma leptin concentration during pregnancy in the mouse. Leptin treatment did not stimulate proliferation of mouse trophoblast cells in primary culture. Leptin stimulation of invasion was prevented by 25 muM GM6001, an inhibitor of MMP activity. Our results suggest that leptin may play a role in the establishment of the placenta during early pregnancy and that this function is dependent on MMP activity. This effect of leptin may represent one mechanism by which body condition affects placental development.     

Effects of estrogen on serum leptin levels and leptin mRNA expression in adipose tissue in rats

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined changes in serum leptin levels during the estrus cycle and the role of estrogen in these changes. METHODS: We measured serum leptin levels during normal estrus cycles in intact rats and estradiol-17beta (E2)-induced artificial estrus cycles in ovariectomized rats. RESULTS: Serum leptin levels increased 1.6-fold from 4.2 +/- 0.2 ng/ml during diestrus stage 2 to 6.7 +/- 0.9 ng/ml during proestrus stage during the 4-day estrus cycle. During the E2-induced estrus cycle, serum leptin levels increased 2.3-fold from 2.3 +/- 0.1 ng/ml at estrus to 5.4 +/- 1.2 ng/ml at proestrus. E2 also increased serum leptin concentrations and leptin mRNA expression in adipose tissue of immature rats. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that increased serum leptin induced by estrogen during proestrus may trigger the preovulatory release of luteinizing hormone. Furthermore, our findings indicate that estrogen has a positive effect on leptin production in adipose tissue.     

The primary culture of mouse adipocyte precursor cells in defined medium.

1. A defined medium supporting the proliferation and differentiation of adipocyte precursors isolated from inguinal fat pads of 8-12-day-old mice was developed. 2. It consists of a 1:1 mixture of DME and WAJC404A media supplemented with insulin (10 micrograms/ml), transferrin (10 micrograms/ml), fibroblast growth factor (10 ng/ml) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) (90 micrograms protein/ml). 3. DME-F12 medium (1:1 mixture) used as a nutrient mixture in the defined medium of rat and human adipocyte precursors was inadequate for cultivating mouse adipocyte precursors. 4. HDL had a definite beneficial effect on both preadipocyte growth and differentiation. 5. Differentiation was enhanced by addition of dexamethasone (10(-9) M) but could be almost completely inhibited by transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1). 6. TGF-beta 1 was shown to be effective only when present in the early stages of differentiation.     

Adipogenesis-related increase of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase and monoamine oxidase in human adipocytes

A strong induction of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) has previously been reported during murine preadipocyte lineage differentiation but it remains unknown whether this emergence also occurs during adipogenesis in man. Our aim was to compare SSAO and monoamine oxidase (MAO) expression during in vitro differentiation of human preadipocytes and in adipose and stroma-vascular fractions of human fat depots. A human preadipocyte cell strain from a patient with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome was first used to follow amine oxidase expression during in vitro differentiation. Then, human preadipocytes isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissues were cultured under conditions promoting ex vivo adipose differentiation and tested for MAO and SSAO expression. Lastly, human adipose tissue was separated into mature adipocyte and stroma-vascular fractions for analyses of MAO and SSAO at mRNA, protein and activity levels. Both SSAO and MAO were increased from undifferentiated preadipocytes to lipid-laden cells in all the models: 3T3-F442A and 3T3-L1 murine lineages, human SGBS cell strain or human preadipocytes in primary culture. In human subcutaneous adipose tissue, the adipocyte-enriched fraction exhibited seven-fold higher amine oxidase activity and contained three- to seven-fold higher levels of mRNAs encoded by MAO-A, MAO-B, AOC3 and AOC2 genes than the stroma-vascular fraction. MAO-A and AOC3 genes accounted for the majority of their respective MAO and SSAO activities in human adipose tissue. Most of the SSAO and MAO found in adipose tissue originated from mature adipocytes. Although the mechanism and role of adipogenesis-related increase in amine oxidase expression remain to be established, the resulting elevated levels of amine oxidase activities found in human adipocytes may be of potential interest for therapeutic intervention in obesity.     

Leptin stimulates human osteoblastic cell proliferation, de novo collagen synthesis, and mineralization: Impact on differentiation markers, apoptosis, and osteoclastic signaling

Anabolic hormones, mechanical loading, and the obese protein leptin play separate roles in maintaining bone mass. We have previously shown that leptin, as well as its receptor, are expressed by normal human osteoblasts. Consequently, we have investigated how leptin affects proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of human osteoblasts. Iliac crest osteoblasts, incubated with either leptin (100 ng/ml), calcitriol (1,25(OH)(2)D(3); 10(-9) M) or 1-84 human parathyroid hormone (PTH; 10(-8) M), were cultured for 35 consecutive days and assayed for expression of various differentiation-related marker genes (as estimated by RT-PCR), de novo collagen synthesis, proliferation, in vitro mineralization, and osteoclast signaling. The effects of leptin on protection against retinoic acid (RA; 10(-7) M) induced apoptosis, as well as transition into preosteocytes, were also tested. Leptin exposure enhanced cell proliferation and collagen synthesis over both control condition and PTH exposure. Leptin inhibited in vitro calcified nodule production after 1-2 weeks in culture, however, subsequent to 4-5 weeks, leptin significantly stimulated mineralization. The mineralization profile throughout the entire incubation period was almost undistinguishable from the one induced by PTH. In comparison, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) generally reduced proliferation and collagen production rates, whereas mineralization was markedly enhanced. Leptin exposure (at 2 and 5 weeks) significantly enhanced the expression of TGFbeta, IGF-I, collagen-Ialpha, ALP, and osteocalcin mRNA. Leptin also protected against RA-induced apoptosis, as estimated by soluble DNA fractions and DNA laddering patterns subsequent to 10 days of culture. The expression profiles of Bax-alpha and Bcl-2 mRNAs indicated that leptin per se significantly protected against apoptosis throughout the entire incubation period. Furthermore, the osteoblast marker OSF-2 was diminished, whereas the CD44 osteocyte marker gene expression was stimulated, indicating a transition into preosteocytes. In terms of osteoclastic signaling, leptin significantly augmented the mRNA levels of both interleukin-6 (IL-6) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). In summary, continuous leptin exposure of iliac crest osteoblasts, promotes collagen synthesis, cell differentiation and in vitro mineralization, as well as cell survival and transition into preosteocytes. Leptin may also facilitate osteoblastic signaling to the osteoclast.     

Adiposity profile in the dwarf rat: an unusually lean model of profound growth hormone deficiency

This study describes the previously uncharacterized ontogeny and regulation of truncal adipose reserves in the profoundly GH-deficient dwarf (dw/dw) rat. We show that, despite normal proportionate food intake, dw/dw rats develop abdominal leanness and hypoleptinemia (circulating leptin halved in dw/dw males, P < 0.05) during puberty. This contrasts with the hyperleptinemia seen in moderately GH-deficient Tgr rats (circulating leptin doubled at 6 wk of age, P < 0.05) and in GH receptor-binding protein (GHR/BP)-null mice (circulating leptin doubled; P < 0.05). This lean/hypoleptinemic phenotype was not completely normalized by GH treatment, but dw/dw rats developed abdominal obesity in response to neonatal MSG treatment or maintenance on a high-fat diet. Unlike Tgr rats, dw/dw rats did not become obese with age; plasma leptin levels and fat pad weights became similar to those in wild-type rats. In contrast with truncal leanness, tibial marrow adiposity was normal in male and doubled in female dwarves (P < 0.01), this increase being attributable to increased adipocyte number (P < 0.01). Neonatal MSG treatment and high-fat feeding elevated marrow adiposity in dw/dw rats by inducing adipocyte enlargement (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that, despite lipolytic influence of GH, severe GH deficiency in dw/dw rats is accompanied by a paradoxical leanness. This lean/hypoleptinemic phenotype is not solely attributable to reduced GH signaling and does not appear to result from a reduction in nutrient intake or the ability of dw/dw adipocytes to accumulate lipid. Disruption of preadipocyte differentiation or adipocyte proliferation in the dw/dw rat may lead to the development of this unusually lean/hypoleptinemic phenotype.