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D-Chiro-Inositol and Myo-Inositol Induce WAT/BAT Trans-Differentiation in Two Different Human Adipocyte Models (SGBS
Giovanni Monastra1,2, Riccardo Gambioli3, Vittorio Unfer2,4
1Systems Biology Group Lab, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
White adipose tissue/brown adipose tissue trans-differentiation is one of the main study targets for therapies against obesity and metabolic diseases. In recent years, numerous molecules able to induce such trans-differentiation have been identified; however, their effect in obesity therapies has not been as expected. In the present study, we investigated whether myo-inositol and its stereoisomer D-chiro-inositol could be involved in the browning of white adipose tissue. Our preliminary results clearly indicate that both, at 60 μM concentration, induce the upregulation of uncoupling protein 1 mRNA expression, the main brown adipose tissue marker, and increase mitochondrial copy number as well as oxygen consumption ratio. These changes demonstrate an activation of cell metabolism. Therefore, our results show that human differentiated adipocytes (SGBS and LiSa-2), assume the features typical of brown adipose tissue after both treatments. Furthermore, in the cell lines examined, we proved that D-chiro-inositol and myo-Inositol induce an increase in the expression of estrogen receptor mRNAs, suggesting a possible modulation by these isomers. We also found an increase in the mRNA of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, a very important target in lipid metabolism and metabolic diseases. Our results open new opportunities for the use of inositols in therapeutic strategies to counteract obesity and its metabolic complications.
Insights
Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol promote the browning of white adipose tissue, enhancing cell metabolism. These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Cellular biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- White adipose tissue browning is a key target for obesity and metabolic disease therapies.
- Previous molecular inducers of adipose tissue trans-differentiation have shown limited therapeutic success.
- Investigating the role of inositols in adipose tissue browning is crucial for developing novel treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol can induce white adipose tissue browning.
- To explore the effects of these inositols on adipocyte metabolism and gene expression.
- To assess the potential of inositols as therapeutic agents for metabolic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of human differentiated adipocytes (SGBS and LiSa-2) with myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol at 60 μM.
- Measurement of uncoupling protein 1 mRNA expression, a marker for brown adipose tissue.
- Assessment of mitochondrial copy number and oxygen consumption ratio to evaluate cell metabolism.
- Analysis of estrogen receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma mRNA levels.
Main Results:
- Both myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol significantly upregulated uncoupling protein 1 mRNA expression.
- Inositols increased mitochondrial copy number and oxygen consumption ratio, indicating enhanced cell metabolism.
- Adipocytes treated with inositols exhibited characteristics of brown adipose tissue.
- Increased expression of estrogen receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma mRNAs was observed.
Conclusions:
- Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol promote the browning of white adipose tissue in human adipocytes.
- These inositols activate cell metabolism and influence key gene expression related to lipid metabolism and hormonal pathways.
- Inositols represent a promising therapeutic avenue for combating obesity and associated metabolic complications.
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