Autophagy in adipose tissue of patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes

J. Kosacka, M. Kern, N. Klöting, S. Paeschke, A. Rudich, Y. Haim, M. Gericke, H. Serke, M. Stumvoll, I. Bechmann, M. Nowicki, M. Blüher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

130 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Pathophysiology of obesity is closely associated with enhanced autophagy in adipose tissue (AT). Autophagic process can promote survival or activate cell death. Therefore, we examine the occurrence of autophagy in AT of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients in comparison to obese and lean individuals without diabetes. Methodology/principal findings: Numerous autophagosomes accumulated within adipocytes were visualized by electron transmission microscopy and by immunofluorescence staining for autophagy marker LC3 in obese and T2D patients. Increased autophagy was demonstrated by higher LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, up-regulated expression of LC3 and Atg5 mRNA, along with decreased p62 and mTOR protein levels. Increased autophagy occurred together with AT inflammation. Conclusions: Our data suggest fat depot-related differences in autophagy regulation. In subcutaneous AT, increased autophagy is accompanied by increased markers of apoptosis in patients with obesity independently of T2D. In contrast, in visceral AT only in T2D patients increased autophagy was related to higher markers of apoptosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-32
Number of pages12
JournalMolecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Volume409
DOIs
StatePublished - 5 Jul 2015

Keywords

  • Adipose tissue
  • Autophagy
  • Inflammation
  • Obesity
  • T2D

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

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