Maternal Obesity in Pregnancy Developmentally Programs Adipose Tissue Inflammation in Young, Lean Male Mice Offspring

Females are, in general, more insulin sensitive than males. To investigate whether this is a direct effect of sex-steroids (SS) in white adipose tissue (WAT), we developed a male mouse model overexpressing the aromatase enzyme, converting testosterone (T) to estradiol (E2), specifically in WAT (Ap2-arom mice). Adipose tissue E2 levels were increased while circulating SS levels were unaffected in male Ap2-arom mice. Importantly, male Ap2-arom mice were more insulin sensitive compared with WT mice and exhibited increased serum adiponectin levels and upregulated expression of Glut4 and Irs1 in WAT. The expression of markers of macrophages and immune cell infiltration was markedly decreased in WAT of male Ap2-arom mice. The adipogenesis was enhanced in male Ap2-arom mice, supported by elevated Pparg expression in WAT and enhanced differentiation of preadipocyte into mature adipocytes. In summary, increased adipose tissue aromatase activity reduces adipose tissue inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity in male mice. We propose that estrogen increases insulin sensitivity via a local effect in WAT on adiponectin expression, adipose tissue inflammation, and adipogenesis.

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A Metalloporphyrin Superoxide Dismutase Mimetic Attenuates Adiposity, Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Cell Death but does not Rescue Glucose Intolerance in Male Mice Fed High Fat Diet

Free Radical Biology and Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.10.178 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. S97

Author(s):

Karla Maria Pires⁎ ◽

Yong-Hwan Han⁎ ◽

Shaobo Pei ◽

Sihem Boudina

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Superoxide Dismutase ◽

Adipose Tissue ◽

Glucose Intolerance ◽

High Fat Diet ◽

Adipose Tissue Inflammation ◽

Male Mice ◽

High Fat ◽

Tissue Inflammation

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Flavonoids in adipose tissue inflammation and atherosclerosis: one arrow, two targets

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20200356 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 134 (12) ◽

pp. 1403-1432 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Manal Muin Fardoun ◽

Dina Maaliki ◽

Nabil Halabi ◽

Rabah Iratni ◽

Alessandra Bitto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adipose Tissue ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

Adipose Tissue Inflammation ◽

Cellular Mechanisms ◽

Tissue Inflammation ◽

Cholesterol Levels ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, in addition to beverages such as tea and coffee. Flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic agents for cardiovascular as well as metabolic diseases. Several studies corroborated an inverse relationship between flavonoid consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Flavonoids exert their anti-atherogenic effects by increasing nitric oxide (NO), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, flavonoids alleviate ATI by decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as by attenuating inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, flavonoids inhibit synthesis of fatty acids and promote their oxidation. In this review, we discuss the effect of the main classes of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones, on atherosclerosis and ATI. In addition, we dissect the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of action for these flavonoids. We conclude by supporting the potential benefit for flavonoids in the management or treatment of CVD; yet, we call for more robust clinical studies for safety and pharmacokinetic values.

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