Genistein Stimulation of White Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis Is Partially Dependent on GPR30 in Mice

Genistein increases whole body energy expenditure by stimulating white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and thermogenesis. G-Coupled receptor GPR30 can mediate some actions of genistein, however, it is not known whether it is involved in the activation of WAT-thermogenesis. Thus, the aim of the study is to determine whether genistein activates thermogenesis coupled to an increase in WAT browning and mitochondrial activity, in GPR30^+/+ and GPR30^-/- mice.

GPR30^+/+ and GPR30^-/- mice are fed control or high fat sucrose diets containing or not genistein for 8 weeks. Body weight and composition, energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, and browning markers in WAT, and oxygen consumption rate, 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration and browning markers in adipocytes are evaluated. Genistein consumption reduces body weight and fat mass gain in a different extent in both genotypes, however, energy expenditure is lower in GPR30^-/- compared to GPR30^+/+ mice, accompanied by a reduction in browning markers, maximal mitochondrial respiration, cAMP concentration, and browning markers in cultured adipocytes from GPR30^-/- mice. Genistein improves glucose tolerance in GPR30^+/+ , but this is partially observed in GPR30^-/- mice.

The results show that GPR30 partially mediates genistein stimulation of WAT thermogenesis and the improvement of glucose tolerance.