Polychlorinated biphenyl 153 in lipid medium modulates differentiation of human adipocytes

Emerging evidence indicates that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are involved in the development of diabetes mellitus in the obese. The purpose of this study was to determine mechanisms by which PCB 153 (2,2´,4,4´,5,5´-hexachloro-biphenyl) could influence diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance during adipogenesis. Lineage of h-ADMSCs was differentiated either as control (differentiation medium only), or with lipid vehicle modeling high fat nutrition (NuTRIflex) or lipid free vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide) for 28 days with or without PCB 153 daily co-exposure (in three concentrations 0.1, 1, and 10 microM). Gene expression analyses were performed using RT-qPCR at days 4, 10, 21, 24, 28; protein levels Akt and phosphorylated Akt (Phospho-Akt) by Western blot at days 4, and 21. PCB 153 treatment of h-ADMSCs only in lipid vehicle was associated with down regulation of key master genes of adipogenesis: PPARgamma, SREBP-1, PPARGC1B, and PLIN2 during the whole process of differentiation; and with increased Akt and decreased Phospho-Akt protein level at day 21. We have shown that PCB 153, in concentration 0.1 microM, has a potential in lipid rich environment to modulate differentiation of adipocytes. Because European and U.S. adults have been exposed to PCB 153, this particular nutrient-toxicant interaction potentially impacts human obesity and insulin sensitivity.