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Seasonal regulations of energetics, serum concentrations of leptin, and uncoupling protein 1 content of brown adipose tissue in root voles (Microtus oeconomus) from the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau.

Survival of small mammals in winter requires proper adjustments in physiology, behavior and morphology. The present study was designed to examine the changes in serum leptin concentration and the molecular basis of thermogenesis in seasonally acclimatized root voles (Microtus oeconomus) from the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. In January root voles had lower body mass and body fat mass coupled with higher nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) capacity. Consistently, cytochrome c oxidase activity and mitochondrial uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) protein contents in brown adipose tissues were higher in January as compared to that in July. Circulating level of serum leptin was significantly lower in winter and higher in July. Correlation analysis showed that serum leptin levels were positively related with body mass and body fat mass while negatively correlated with UCP1 protein contents. Together, these data provided further evidence for our previous findings that root voles from the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau mainly depend on higher NST coupled with lower body mass to enhance winter survival. Further, fat deposition was significantly mobilized in cold winter and leptin was potentially involved in the regulation of body mass and thermogenesis in root voles. Serum leptin might act as a starvation signal in winter and satiety signal in summer.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

A new thiazolidinedione, NC-2100, which is a weak PPAR-gamma activator, exhibits potent antidiabetic effects and induces uncoupling protein 1 in white adipose tissue of KKAy obese mice.

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) reduce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes by increasing peripheral uptake of glucose, and they bind to and activate the transcriptional factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma). Studies have suggested that TZD-induced activation of PPAR-gamma correlates with antidiabetic action, but the mechanism by which the activated PPAR-gamma is involved in reducing insulin resistance is not known. To examine whether activation of PPAR-gamma directly correlates with antidiabetic activities, we compared the effects of 4 TZDs (troglitazone, pioglitazone, BRL-49653, and a new derivative, NC-2100) on the activation of PPAR-gamma in a reporter assay, transcription of the target genes, adipogenesis, plasma glucose and triglyceride levels, and body weight using obese KKAy mice. There were 10- to 30-fold higher concentrations of NC-2100 required for maximal activation of PPAR-gamma in a reporter assay system, and only high concentrations of NC-2100 weakly induced transcription of the PPAR-gamma but not PPAR-alpha target genes in a whole mouse and adipogenesis of cultured 3T3L1 cells, which indicates that NC-2100 is a weak PPAR-gamma activator. However, low concentrations of NC-2100 efficiently lowered plasma glucose levels in KKAy obese mice. These results strongly suggest that TZD-induced activation of PPAR-gamma does not directly correlate with antidiabetic (glucose-lowering) action. Furthermore, NC-2100 caused the smallest body weight increase of the 4 TZDs, which may be partly explained by the finding that NC-2100 efficiently induces uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 mRNA and significantly induces UCP1 mRNA in white adipose tissue (WAT). NC-2100 induced UCP1 efficiently in mesenteric WAT and less efficiently in subcutaneous WAT, although pioglitazone and troglitazone also slightly induced UCP1 only in mesenteric WAT. These characteristics of NC-2100 should be beneficial for humans with limited amounts of brown adipose tissue.

Adipose Tissue↗

DHEA administration increases brown fat uncoupling protein 1 levels in obese OLETF rats.

We found that UCP-1 and UCP-3 mRNA expression levels and the UCP-1 protein content in brown adipose tissue (BAT) were reduced in prediabetic OLETF rats than the lean LETO rats. Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for 17 days induced remarkable weight loss, which was in part attributed to an enhanced utilization of ingested energy. DHEA administration significantly increased the levels of BAT UCP-1 and UCP-3 mRNA expression. Among the upstream signals for UCP-1 regulation, expression levels of the beta 3 adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) and PPAR gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) were significantly decreased in the OLETF rats and increased by DHEA administration. The decreased expression levels of UCP-1 and its upstream regulators, beta(3)AR and PGC-1, in BAT may contribute to inefficient energy utilization and obesity in OLETF rats, which was corrected by DHEA treatment.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

Correlation of the -3826A >G polymorphism in the promoter of the uncoupling protein 1 gene with obesity and metabolic disorders in obese families from southern Poland.

The aim of the study was to examine the allelic frequency of the -3826A > G mutation of UPC1 in patients with familiar obesity and to investigate putative association of this polymorphism with metabolic disorders. One hundred and eighteen overweight /obese patients participated in the study. The UCP1 polymorphism was determined by RFLP. Glucose, lipid, insulin and leptin levels were measured both during OGTT and OLTT. The majority of patients had a homozygous A/A genotype (51,38%), while 14,68% had a G/G genotype. We found no significant association of the G allele with either BMI or glucose tolerance. Patients with the homozygous G/G genotype had significantly higher fasting levels of TG (p < 0.04) and decreased levels of HDL-cholesterol (p = 0,004). They also had an increased concentration of FFA and the rise of TG levels during the OLTT compared to controls was significant (p = 0,058). In addition, the carriers of the G/G genotype had the lowest insulin levels both during OGTT and OLTT. In our study we have demonstrated that the -3826A > G polymorphism of UCP1 does not play a major role in the development of obesity and/or disturbances of glucose metabolism. However, the increased levels of TG and FFA and decreased levels of HDL observed in carriers of the G allele suggest FFA-induced impairment of the HDL turnover and disturbance of the beta-cell function, both of which are risk factors for endothelial injury.

Adult↗

Association of sets of alleles of genes encoding beta3-adrenoreceptor, uncoupling protein 1 and lipoprotein lipase with increased risk of metabolic complications in obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the polymorphisms of the beta3-AR (Trp64Arg), UCP1 (A-->G) and LPL (HindIII and PvuII) loci and the metabolic complications associated with obesity in a Turkish population. SUBJECTS: 271 unrelated individuals of Turkish origin including obese (body mass index, BMI>30 kg¿m2) and lean (BMI< or =25 kg¿m2) subjects. MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometric (weight, height and blood pressure) and metabolic measurements (plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides), and determination of beta3-AR, UCP1 and LPL genotypes by polymerase chain reaction followed by enzymatic digestion. RESULTS: The distributions of genotypes for each candidate gene (beta3-AR, UCP1 and LPL) were similar between the obese and the lean subjects. The Arg64 allele of the beta3-AR gene was absent from massively obese men. GG carriers of the A-->G variant of the UCP1 gene showed BMI-associated increases of cholesterol levels which were more marked than both AA (P=0.027) and AG (P=0.039) carriers. Obese P+ carriers of the LPL PvuII variant had significantly higher levels of glucose than non-carriers (P=0.011), whereas obese P+P+ carriers did not have significantly different levels of triglycerides than non-carriers (P=0.087). Moreover, carriers of both alleles (G&P+) had higher levels of glucose than non-carriers (P=0.048), but did not have significantly different levels of triglycerides than non-carriers (P=0.125). However, the BMI-associated increase of triglycerides of P+&G carriers was significantly more marked than that of P+ carriers (P=0.0085). CONCLUSION: Our data support the idea that alleles of specific genes (UCP1, LPL and beta3-AR) might play a role in the development of certain metabolic complications of obesity and might have additive effects when combined with each other (as in the case of UCP1 and LPL). International Journal of Obesity (2000)24, 93-100

Adult↗

Molecular phenotyping of the mouse ky mutant reveals UCP1 upregulation at the neuromuscular junctions of dystrophic soleus muscle.

The ky mutant mouse displays a muscular dystrophy that affects almost exclusively slow type muscles in which persistent muscle regeneration, neuromuscular junction instability and an absence of the hypertrophic response are prominent features. In order to gain insights into the pathogenesis of this muscular dystrophy we have undertaken RNA profiling of the extensor digitorum longus, a fast unaffected muscle, and the highly pathological soleus slow muscle, followed by further expression studies to validate the results. In dystrophic soleus, there is a coordinated change in the expression level of genes encoding energy transducing mitochondrial proteins and an increase in the expression of stretch response genes. Upregulation of uncoupling proteins 1 and 2 is a unique molecular signature of the ky muscular dystrophy and was further characterised at the protein level. Our results show a spatial and temporal association between disorganisation of acetylcholine receptor clusters and upregulation of uncoupling protein 1. There is also evidence of a breakdown of neuromuscular junction muscle-specific kinase-dependent signalling in adult mutant soleus. Sarcolemma-associated proteins implicated in muscular dystrophies revealed no differences on microarrays and were confirmed as normally distributed by immunofluorescence. Altogether, the data presented suggest that the ky muscular dystrophy develops by a distinctive pathogenic mechanism.

Animals↗

Immortal brown adipocytes from p53-knockout mice: differentiation and expression of uncoupling proteins.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is the specific site for metabolic heat production in mammals. To establish a novel immortal brown adipocyte cell line, the stromal-vascular fraction containing preadipocytes was obtained from interscapular BAT of mice deficient of a tumor-suppressor gene p53. The p53-deficient cells, tentatively named as HB2 cells, could be cultured in vitro after repeated passages and differentiated into adipocytes in the presence of insulin, T3 and/or troglitazone, expressing some adipocyte-specific genes and accumulating intracellular lipid droplets. The mRNA level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a mitochondrial protein specifically present in brown adipocytes, was undetectable in HB2 preadipocytes, but increased after adipose differentiation. In HB2 adipocytes, UCP1 mRNA expression was markedly activated after stimulation of the beta-adrenergic receptor pathway. The mRNA of UCP2 and UCP3, recently cloned isoforms of UCP1, were also detected in HB2 adipocytes, but their levels were not influenced by adrenergic stimulation. Thus HB2 cells seem useful for in vitro studies of BAT and UCP functions.

Adipocytes↗

Orexin-A regulates body temperature in coordination with arousal status.

Orexins, hypothalamic neuropeptides, are involved in modulation of food intake and arousal status. To further examine their physiological roles in brain function, the effect of centrally administered orexin-A on body temperature was investigated in rats. Assessed by a telemetry sensor system implanted into the abdominal cavity, infusion of orexin-A into the third cerebroventricle (i3vt) increased body temperature in a dose-responsive manner. Expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) mRNA in brown adipose tissue (BAT), as a marker for peripheral thermogenesis, failed to increase after the infusion. Expression of UCP3 mRNA in skeletal muscle was up-regulated, whereas UCP2 in white adipose tissue was unchanged after the infusion. The resulting information indicates that orexin neurons regulate body temperature in coordination with arousal status independently of peripheral thermogenesis, which is regulated by BAT UCP1.

Adipose Tissue↗

Rat brown adipose tissue thermogenic features are altered during mid-pregnancy.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis is inhibited during late-pregnancy and lactation in the rat. However, scarce information concerning BAT functionality during mid-pregnancy is available. The aim of this work was to investigate uncoupling proteins and leptin expression during placentation in rat BAT as well as other key parameters in the thermogenic function of the tissue. BAT mitochondrial content was found to be reduced 50% in 11 and 13 day pregnant rats as compared to nonpregnant controls, although uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content was not modified. Furthermore, UCP3 mRNA levels were found to be highly increased during this period. beta3-adrenergic receptor (beta3-AR) decreased expression resulted in a higher alpha2/beta3 ratio. Finally, leptin mRNA levels in BAT were found to be 3-fold up-regulated in pregnant animals. In conclusion, we show the existence of profound changes in thermogenic features in BAT during gestational days 11 and 13, pointing to the importance of this tissue during mid-pregnancy.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

Physiological effects of variants in human uncoupling proteins: UCP2 influences body-mass index.

The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence from more than 40 studies that naturally occurring variants of uncoupling proteins 1-3 (UCP1-3) have detectable physiological effects in humans. Although UCP1 is known to influence mitochondrial proton leak in vitro and core body temperature in mice, genetic studies in humans have produced only weak evidence for association of naturally occurring variants with body-mass index (BMI); the best-reported P value is 0.01. In contrast, current evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that UCP2 and 3 influence BMI, since the best reported P values are better: four studies report associations of 0.001 (2 studies) to 0.002 (1 study) and 0.005 (1 study) for a UCP2 insertion/deletion variant, while the best P values for association of UCP3 with BMI are 0.003 (1 study) and 0.0037 (1 study). UCP2 and 3 are adjacent to each other on chromosome 11 and variants in each are in linkage disequilibrium. Thus, variants in UCP2 or 3 may influence results from association studies of variants in the other. Since UCP2 has a greater influence on BMI in humans than UCP3, then the two most likely hypotheses are that only UCP2 affects BMI, and positive results for UCP3 result from linkage disequilibrium to UCP2, or both UCP2 and 3 affect BMI. It is unlikely that only UCP3 influences BMI. UCP2 associations have been observed in a variety of ethnic groups, including Caucasians, African Americans, South Indians and Chinese. Consistent results from diverse ethnic groups are concordant with the hypothesis that the UCP2 insertion/deletion variant itself underlies the association with BMI.

Body Mass Index↗

Ghrelin action in the brain controls adipocyte metabolism.

Many homeostatic processes, including appetite and food intake, are controlled by neuroendocrine circuits involving the CNS. The CNS also directly regulates adipocyte metabolism, as we have shown here by examining central action of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin. Chronic central ghrelin infusion resulted in increases in the glucose utilization rate of white and brown adipose tissue without affecting skeletal muscle. In white adipocytes, mRNA expression of various fat storage-promoting enzymes such as lipoprotein lipase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 was markedly increased, while that of the rate-limiting step in fat oxidation, carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1alpha, was decreased. In brown adipocytes, central ghrelin infusion resulted in lowered expression of the thermogenesis-related mitochondrial uncoupling proteins 1 and 3. These ghrelin effects were dose dependent, occurred independently from ghrelin-induced hyperphagia, and seemed to be mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. Additionally, the expression of some fat storage enzymes was decreased in ghrelin-deficient mice, which led us to conclude that central ghrelin is of physiological relevance in the control of cell metabolism in adipose tissue. These results unravel the existence of what we believe to be a new CNS-based neuroendocrine circuit regulating metabolic homeostasis of adipose tissue.

Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase↗

Differential regulation of leptin expression and function in A/J vs. C57BL/6J mice during diet-induced obesity.

Obesity-resistant (A/J) and obesity-prone (C57BL/6J) mice were weaned onto low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diets and studied after 2, 10, and 16 wk. Despite consuming the same amount of food, A/J mice on the HF diet deposited less carcass lipid and gained less weight than C57BL/6J mice over the course of the study. Leptin mRNA was increased in white adipose tissue (WAT) in both strains on the HF diet but to significantly higher levels in A/J compared with C57BL/6J mice. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and UCP2 mRNA were induced by the HF diet in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and WAT of A/J mice, respectively, but not in C57BL/6J mice. UCP1 mRNA was also significantly higher in retroperitoneal WAT of A/J compared with C57BL/6J mice. The ability of A/J mice to resist diet-induced obesity is associated with a strain-specific increase in leptin, UCP1, and UCP2 expression in adipose tissue. The findings indicate that the HF diet does not compromise leptin-dependent regulation of adipocyte gene expression in A/J mice and suggest that maintenance of leptin responsiveness confers resistance to diet-induced obesity.

Adipose Tissue↗

Leptin selectively reduces white adipose tissue in mice via a UCP1-dependent mechanism in brown adipose tissue.

We tested the hypothesis that leptin, in addition to reducing body fat by restraining food intake, reduces body fat through a peripheral mechanism requiring uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Leptin was administered to wild-type (WT) mice and mice with a targeted disruption of the UCP1 gene (UCP1 deficient), while vehicle-injected control animals of each genotype were pair-fed to each leptin-treated group. Leptin reduced the size of white adipose tissue (WAT) depots in WT mice but not in UCP1-deficient animals. This was accompanied by a threefold increase in the amount of UCP1 protein and mRNA in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of WT mice. Leptin also increased UCP2 mRNA in WAT of both WT and UCP1-deficient mice but increased UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA only in BAT from UCP1-deficient mice. These results indicate that leptin reduces WAT through a peripheral mechanism requiring the presence of UCP1, with little or no involvement of UCP2 or UCP3.

Adipose Tissue↗

Tissue-specific expression and cold-induced mRNA levels of uncoupling proteins in the Djungarian hamster.

The uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a mitochondrial transmembrane protein, is responsible for adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Two UCP1 homologues, UCP2 and UCP3, were recently discovered, but it is controversial whether they also play a role in energy homeostasis. Djungarian hamster UCPs were found to exhibit high similarity with homologues known in other species. UCP1 mRNA was restricted to BAT, UCP2 mRNA was expressed in multiple tissues, and UCP3 mRNA was detected mainly in BAT and skeletal muscles. We examined the cold-induced regulation of hamster UCP mRNA levels and tested their correlation with serum free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations. In BAT UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 expression was upregulated in the cold, but the increase and time course of increase differed. In skeletal muscle, UCP2 and UCP3 mRNA levels were not altered. Cold-induced changes of serum FFA levels correlated with the stimulation of UCP1 mRNA in BAT but not with UCP2 and UCP3.

Adaptation, Physiological↗