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Impaired epidermal growth factor production in genetically obese ob/ob mice
Abstract:
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent inhibitor of adipose differentiation in vitro and delays adipose tissue development in vivo. Here we show that in the homozygous male obese mice the level of EGF in the submaxillary gland and plasma is significantly lower than in the glands and plasma of age-matched control littermates. This EGF deficiency in ob/ob mice was observed as early as 5 wk of age when obesity had just become apparent and was also found in adult mice. The level of prepro-EGF mRNA expression in the submaxillary gland was also lower in obese mice than in control littermates. However, the level of kidney prepro-EGF mRNA was the same in mice with both phenotypes, suggesting that the regulation of prepro-EGF mRNA expression is different in both tissues. These results indicate that genetic obesity in mice is accompanied by a decrease in the production of EGF.
Insights
Obesity in mice is linked to lower levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a key factor inhibiting fat cell development. This reduced EGF production occurs early in obesity development and suggests a connection between EGF and genetic obesity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Physiology
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to inhibit adipose differentiation in vitro and delay adipose tissue development in vivo.
- Obesity is a complex metabolic disorder with various contributing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the context of genetic obesity in mice.
- To determine if EGF levels or production are altered in obese mice compared to control littermates.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of EGF levels in the submaxillary gland and plasma of homozygous male obese (ob/ob) mice and age-matched control littermates.
- Analysis of prepro-EGF mRNA expression levels in the submaxillary gland and kidney of both obese and control mice.
Main Results:
- Homozygous male obese mice exhibited significantly lower levels of EGF in both the submaxillary gland and plasma compared to control littermates.
- This reduction in EGF was observed as early as 5 weeks of age, coinciding with the onset of apparent obesity.
- Prepro-EGF mRNA expression was also lower in the submaxillary gland of obese mice, but kidney prepro-EGF mRNA levels remained unchanged, indicating tissue-specific regulation.
Conclusions:
- Genetic obesity in mice is associated with a significant decrease in the production of epidermal growth factor (EGF).
- The observed EGF deficiency may play a role in the development or progression of obesity.
- Differential regulation of prepro-EGF mRNA expression in various tissues suggests complex control mechanisms in obesity.