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Updated: May 25, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
Published on: June 3, 2016
Serum from calorie-restricted rats activates vascular cell eNOS through enhanced insulin signaling mediated by
Fernanda M Cerqueira1, Laura I Brandizzi, Fernanda M Cunha
1Instituto de Química, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract:
eNOS activation resulting in mitochondrial biogenesis is believed to play a central role in life span extension promoted by calorie restriction (CR). We investigated the mechanism of this activation by treating vascular cells with serum from CR rats and found increased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, in addition to enhanced nitrite release. Inhibiting Akt phosphorylation or immunoprecipitating adiponectin (found in high quantities in CR serum) completely prevented the increment in nitrite release and eNOS activation. Overall, we demonstrate that adiponectin in the serum from CR animals increases NO• signaling by activating the insulin pathway. These results suggest this hormone may be a determinant regulator of the beneficial effects of CR.
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