Depot-specific adiposity changes in ovariectomized mice on high-fat diet

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic research
• Obesity studies

Background:

• Ovariectomized (OVX) mice model postmenopausal metabolic changes, including obesity.
• Limited understanding exists on hormonal and dietary impacts on distinct adipose tissues.
• Reproducible research requires precise documentation of experimental effects on fat depots.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate depot-specific adiposity development in OVX mice on a high-fat diet (HFD).
• Examine the effects of reduced estrogen and diet on distinct white adipose tissue (WAT) depots.
• Understand tissue-specific responses to estrogen deficiency and HFD.

Main Methods:

• Compared sham-operated (Sham) and OVX female mice on regular diet (RD) and HFD for 20 weeks.
• Analyzed weight gain and adiposity in subcutaneous (sWAT) and visceral (prWAT, mWAT) depots.
• Assessed adipocyte morphology and cross-sectional areas.

Main Results:

• OVX mice on HFD showed significantly greater weight gain than Sham controls.
• Adiposity increased in abdominal sWAT and perirenal WAT (prWAT) of OVX mice, but not mesenteric WAT (mWAT).
• OVX mice exhibited enlarged adipocytes, suggesting enhanced adipogenesis in estrogen deficiency.

Conclusions:

• Low estrogen conditions accelerate adiposity in a depot-specific manner.
• Estrogen deficiency promotes adipogenesis, contributing to increased fat accumulation.
• Findings are crucial for understanding menopausal metabolic changes and obesity.