Effect of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition on adipose tissue development

Diego Demeulemeester1, Désiré Collen, H Roger Lijnen

  • 1Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, Belgium.

Insights

A matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, Ro 28-2653, moderately affected adipose tissue development in mice on a high-fat diet. This led to reduced body weight gain and fat mass, with altered adipocyte size and number.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play roles in tissue remodeling, including adipose tissue development.
  • Obesity, often exacerbated by high-fat diets (HFD), involves complex changes in adipose tissue.
  • Understanding the impact of MMP inhibition on adipose tissue is crucial for metabolic research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of a synthetic MMP inhibitor, Ro 28-2653, on adipose tissue development in mice fed a HFD.
  • To assess the impact of MMP inhibition on body weight, fat deposition, adipocyte characteristics, and extracellular matrix composition.

Main Methods:

  • Male C57Bl/6J mice were fed a HFD and treated daily with Ro 28-2653 (30 mg/kg) or vehicle for 15 weeks.
  • Body weight, adipose tissue weights (subcutaneous and gonadal), adipocyte number and diameter were measured.
  • In situ zymography, collagen content analysis, and gene expression (mRNA) for MMPs were performed.

Main Results:

  • Ro 28-2653 treatment resulted in lower body weight gain and reduced weights of subcutaneous and gonadal fat depots.
  • Adipose tissue showed a higher number of smaller adipocytes in inhibitor-treated mice.
  • Gelatinolytic activity was reduced, collagen content increased, and MMP-2 and MMP-14 were upregulated, while MMP-9 was unaffected.

Conclusions:

  • Partial inhibition of gelatinolytic activity by Ro 28-2653 has moderate effects on adipose tissue development and cellularity in vivo.
  • Upregulation of MMP expression may partially counteract the inhibitory effects of Ro 28-2653 in adipose tissue.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of specific MMPs in diet-induced obesity.