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Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads
Published on: July 21, 2017
Splanchnic lipolysis in human obesity
Soren Nielsen1, ZengKui Guo, C Michael Johnson
1Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|June 3, 2004
Summary
Visceral fat significantly increases free fatty acid (FFA) delivery to the liver in obese individuals, with a greater impact observed in women. This highlights a key metabolic abnormality in obesity.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic physiology
- Obesity research
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Elevated free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations are linked to metabolic dysfunction in obesity.
- Visceral adipose tissue lipolysis is hypothesized to increase portal vein FFA delivery to the liver.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if intra-abdominal fat contributes more to hepatic FFA delivery in visceral obesity.
- To quantify the relationship between visceral fat and hepatic FFA delivery in men and women.
Main Methods:
- Utilized isotope dilution and hepatic vein catheterization techniques.
- Measured systemic, splanchnic, and leg FFA kinetics in lean and obese men and women.
- Assessed FFA concentrations and splanchnic lipolysis contribution to hepatic FFA delivery.
Main Results:
- Obese individuals exhibited approximately 20% higher plasma FFA concentrations.
- Splanchnic lipolysis contribution to hepatic FFA delivery increased with visceral fat in both sexes.
- This contribution was significantly greater in women than in men.
Conclusions:
- Visceral adipose tissue lipolysis significantly contributes to hepatic FFA delivery, increasing with visceral fat accumulation.
- The impact of visceral fat on hepatic FFA delivery is more pronounced in women than in men.
- These findings elucidate a sex-specific mechanism contributing to obesity-related metabolic abnormalities.
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