ASGR1 deficiency diverts lipids toward adipose tissue but results in liver damage during obesity

Asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1), primarily expressed on hepatocytes, promotes the clearance and the degradation of glycoproteins, including lipoproteins, from the circulation. In humans, loss-of-function variants of ASGR1 are associated with a favorable metabolic profile and reduced incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The molecular mechanisms by which ASGR1 could affect the onset of metabolic syndrome and obesity are unclear. Therefore, here we investigated the contribution of ASGR1 in the development of metabolic syndrome and obesity.

ASGR1 deficient mice (ASGR1^-/-) were subjected to a high-fat diet (45% Kcal from fat) for 20 weeks. The systemic metabolic profile, hepatic and visceral adipose tissue were characterized for metabolic and structural alterations, as well as for immune cells infiltration.

ASGR1^-/- mice present a hypertrophic adipose tissue with 41% increase in fat accumulation in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), alongside with alteration in lipid metabolic pathways. Intriguingly, ASGR1^-/- mice exhibit a comparable response to an acute glucose and insulin challenge in circulation, coupled with notably decreased in circulating cholesterol levels. Although the liver of ASGR1^-/- have similar lipid accumulation to the WT mice, they present elevated levels of liver inflammation and a decrease in mitochondrial function.

ASGR1 deficiency impacts energetic homeostasis during obesity leading to improved plasma lipid levels but increased VAT lipid accumulation and liver damage.