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Microfibrillar-associated protein 5 is linked with markers of obesity-related extracellular matrix remodeling and

M Vaittinen1, M Kolehmainen, U Schwab

  • 1Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Food and Health Research Centre, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.

Nutrition & Diabetes
|November 17, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (MFAP5) is highly expressed in adipose tissue and linked to insulin resistance. Its expression decreases with weight reduction and correlates with obesity markers, suggesting a role in extracellular matrix remodeling.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Metabolic Syndrome Research
  • Adipose Tissue Biology

Background:

  • Microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (MFAP5) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein found in elastin networks.
  • Its role in adipose tissue (AT) function remains largely unknown.
  • MFAP5 expression is downregulated in AT during weight reduction (WR) in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MFAP5 mRNA expression changes in human AT in response to WR.
  • To correlate these changes with markers of adiposity, glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance.

Main Methods:

  • A 33-week WR intervention study (The Genobin study) involving 46 obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and MetS.
  • Subcutaneous AT biopsies and circulating glucose/insulin measurements were performed before and after intervention.
  • Quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) was used to analyze MFAP5 mRNA expression.

Main Results:

  • MFAP5 is highly expressed in human AT, with expression decreasing during WR.
  • MFAP5 mRNA expression positively correlated with body mass index and body fat mass.
  • MFAP5 expression showed correlations with adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-1β, leptin, insulin, IL-1Ra, and genes involved in AT remodeling.

Conclusions:

  • MFAP5 is highly expressed in human AT and correlates with insulin resistance markers.
  • MFAP5 may play a role in extracellular matrix remodeling during obesity development.
  • Changes in MFAP5 expression during WR are linked to alterations in adiposity and metabolic markers.

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