PARP1 deficiency exacerbates diet-induced obesity in mice

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) regulates gene expression as a transcriptional cofactor and protein functions via poly (ADP-ribosyl)ation. This study was aimed to determine the effect of Parp1 gene deficiency on diet-induced obesity and energy metabolism. Parp1-knockout (Parp-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice on the same genetic background were fed either normal chow or high-fat (HF) diet. Food intake and weight gain were monitored weekly. Plasma levels of glucose, leptin, and insulin were monitored monthly. At 19 weeks, locomotor activity, body composition, respiratory quotient and heat production, glucose and insulin tolerance, and fat reabsorption were analyzed. Parp-KO mice are highly susceptible to diet-induced obesity, accumulation of fat tissue, and they develop hyperleptinemia and insulin resistance and glucose intolerance compared with their WT counterparts. The increased weight gain is due to decreased metabolic rate, heat production, and total energy expenditure (EE). Paradoxically, food intake is less, and the motor activity and oxidation of fat are higher in Parp-KO mice. Absorption of fatty acids is not altered between the groups after HF diet. These results suggest that malfunction of PARP1 signaling exacerbates diet-induced obesity, hyperleptinemia, and insulin resistance, and that it decreases EE in 129 mice.