Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
08:34
Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
Intermittent hypoxia suppresses adiponectin secretion by adipocytes
U J Magalang1, J P Cruff, R Rajappan
1Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. magalang.1@osu.edu
Summary
Intermittent hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnea disrupts adiponectin secretion, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. This study reveals a novel mechanism linking sleep apnea to heart issues via adiponectin dysregulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) involves cyclic intermittent hypoxia (IH), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Adiponectin (APN), particularly its high-molecular-weight (HMW) form, has antiatherogenic properties, and low levels are linked to increased CVD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that IH dysregulates APN expression and secretion.
- To explore a potential mechanism linking OSA to CVD through APN.
Main Methods:
- 3T3-L1 adipocytes were exposed to simulated IH (12 cycles/h for 6 h/d) for 48 hours.
- Control adipocytes were maintained under identical conditions with normal oxygen levels (21% O2).
- APN mRNA expression and APN secretion (total and HMW) were measured.
Main Results:
- IH significantly upregulated APN mRNA expression in adipocytes.
- Despite increased mRNA, IH caused a significant decrease in the secretion of both total and HMW APN.
- This suggests a post-transcriptional or post-translational dysregulation of APN secretion.
Conclusions:
- Cyclic hypoxia in OSA dysregulates APN secretion from adipocytes, potentially contributing to cardiovascular disease risk.
- This study identifies a novel mechanism involving impaired APN release in OSA pathophysiology.
- Further research is required to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying IH-induced reduction in APN release.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
01:23Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate oxygen supply to body tissues. It typically manifests as a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucosae, especially in fair-skinned individuals, when hemoglobin (Hb) saturation drops below 75%.
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
Types of Hypoxia
There are four primary types of hypoxia, each resulting from a different cause:
1. Anemic hypoxia: This type occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery caused by a lack of red blood cells (RBCs) or RBCs with abnormal or...
01:18Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
The postabsorptive state usually starts about four hours after a meal and lasts until the next meal is eaten. During this time, the digestive system stops absorbing nutrients, and the body uses stored energy reserves to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...