Castration-induced changes in mouse epididymal white adipose tissue

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Research
• Adipose Tissue Biology

Background:

• White adipose tissue (WAT) plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation.
• The influence of sex hormones, particularly androgens, on WAT function is increasingly recognized.
• Dietary fat content significantly impacts adipose tissue characteristics and metabolic profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of surgical castration on epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) in mice.
• To determine how diet (regular vs. high-fat) modulates the impact of castration on WAT.
• To analyze changes in WAT morphology, lipolysis, serum hormone levels, and specific protein expressions post-castration.

Main Methods:

• C57BL/6J mice were subjected to surgical castration and fed either a regular or high-fat diet.
• WAT wet weight, WAT/body weight ratio, adipocyte morphology, and stromal compartment were analyzed.
• Serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and triglyceride levels were measured. Immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis were performed.

Main Results:

• Castration led to reduced WAT wet weight and WAT/body weight ratio, smaller adipocytes, and increased lipolysis in both diet groups.
• Serum leptin decreased independently of diet, while adiponectin and resistin showed diet-dependent reductions. Triglycerides were lower in castrated high-fat fed mice.
• Increased smooth muscle actin, Mac-3, Cxcl5, and fatty-acid synthase expression were observed in castrated mice. Androgen receptor expression decreased in WAT from castrated mice on a regular diet.

Conclusions:

• Castration significantly reduces the tissue mass and alters the biological function of epididymal white adipose tissue in mice.
• Diet composition modulates some castration-induced metabolic and molecular changes in WAT.
• These findings highlight the role of androgens in maintaining WAT mass and function, with implications for metabolic health.