Potential therapeutic strategy for obesity

Medical University of Vienna | 11-17-2020
blood pressure, obesity
Potential therapeutic strategy for obesity. Credit: © belchonock – Depositphotos

Obesity is a serious global health problem and a risk factor for diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. A central element in the development of obesity is adipose tissue, which is comprised of fat-storing cells (adipocytes) and macrophages (immune system scavenger cells). Together with researchers from Poland, Germany, Australia and Austria, a team of MedUni Vienna scientists has now discovered the signaling pathways responsible for the development of a valuable type of adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) that prevents the toxic effects  (lipotoxicity) of fat deposition in non-adipose tissues. This study has now been published in the top journal Nature Metabolism.

In this study, the researchers, including some from CeMM (Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences) and the University of Graz, specifically studied the PI3K signaling pathway. This is a major metabolic regulator of fat storage that plays a central role in the cellular reaction to the hormone insulin. In obesity, diminished insulin action or insulin resistance leads to type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by high blood glucose levels.

Gernot Schabbauer from the Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research at MedUni Vienna’s Center for Physiology and Pharmacology and senior author of the study has been studying the PI3K signaling pathway in immune cells for several years now: “The key role of PI3K in metabolic processes is proven but its role in adipose tissue macrophages was hitherto unclear.” Julia Brunner, co-lead author of the study, adds: “ATMs are like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – in obesity, they can either be good or bad. We assumed that an active PI3K signaling pathway could tip the balance in favor of ‘good’.”

Using techniques such as multicolor flow cytometry, lipidomics, cellular respiration tests, and several animal models, the scientists discovered that sustained activity of the PI3K signaling pathway can tip the balance within macrophages for the better. This results in the production of specialized ATMs that have increased numbers of MARCO (macrophage receptor with collagenous structure) scavenger receptors on their surface.

“We discovered that these MARCO-expressing ATMs are professional lipid scavengers. These cells absorb fat and break it down, thereby preventing it from finding its way into the bloodstream,” explains Andrea Vogel, co-lead author of the study and PhD student in immunology at MedUni Vienna. Omar Sharif, co-senior author of the study, adds: “Metabolic syndrome and lipotoxicity are characteristic features of obesity. Our work indicates that a higher lipid intake and improved energy metabolism of the ATMs helps to maintain systemic metabolic health. This can have far-reaching impacts for a number of metabolic diseases.”

Subsequent studies will now be conducted to establish whether PI3K signaling can also have a lasting influence on the ATM population in humans as well. “Although moderate inhibition of PI3K has already been discussed as a therapeutic strategy for treating metabolic diseases, our data point to potential unexpected side-effects. These might include altered blood lipid levels, caused by the reduced fat absorption of the ATMs,” says Schabbauer.


Source:

Materials provided by the Medical University of Vienna. Content may be edited for clarity, style, and length.


 

Scholarly Search Results

 

Related Videos

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, risk factors, symptoms, treatment.

GCSE Biology – Why Do We Get Heart Disease and How to Treat It? – Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) #20

Diabetes mellitus (type 1, type 2) & diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) – Osmosis

Pathophysiology – Type I diabetes | Endocrine system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy

How does your immune system work? – Emma Bryce (TED-Ed