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Published on: June 30, 2017
Androgens inhibit adipogenesis during human adipose stem cell commitment to preadipocyte formation
Gregorio Chazenbalk1, Prapti Singh, Dana Irge
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States. gchazenbalk@mednet.ucla.edu
Steroids
|May 28, 2013
Summary
Androgens impair the commitment of human adipose stem cells (ASCs) to preadipocytes and reduce early adipocyte differentiation. This suggests androgens may limit adipocyte numbers and fat storage in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Androgens regulate body fat distribution.
- Adipogenesis involves stem cell commitment and differentiation into adipocytes.
- Androgens inhibit preadipocyte differentiation but their effect on stem cell commitment is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if androgens impair human adipose stem cell (hASC) commitment to preadipocytes.
- To determine if androgens affect subsequent adipocyte differentiation.
- To explore the role of androgen receptors and BMP4 signaling.
Main Methods:
- Human SC abdominal ASCs were cultured with testosterone (T) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
- Adipogenesis was assessed via lipid acquisition and gene expression (PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ).
- BMP4 signaling effects on ASC commitment were analyzed in the presence of androgens.
Main Results:
- T and DHT exposure impaired lipid acquisition and reduced key adipogenic gene expression.
- Androgen effects on differentiation were partially/fully reversed by flutamide.
- Androgens inhibited BMP4-induced ASC commitment to preadipocytes.
Conclusions:
- Androgens, partly via androgen receptors, impair BMP4-induced hASC commitment to preadipocytes.
- Androgens reduce early adipocyte differentiation, potentially limiting adipocyte numbers and fat storage.
