Emerging research is revealing intriguing variations in gene expression linked to inflammation and metabolism, along with implications for cardiovascular health.
These findings hold promise for developing targeted approaches to combat obesity-related health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
Understanding Adipose Tissue
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 40% of Americans face obesity, significantly increasing their risk of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
In light of this alarming trend, a team from the University of Delaware is examining obesity through a genetic perspective.
Ibra Fancher, an assistant professor in the College of Health Sciences, heads this investigation.
His team has discovered striking differences in how genes behave within adipose tissue, more commonly recognized as fat.
Traditionally viewed as mere fat storage, adipose tissue has gained recognition as an important endocrine organ.
When its function is compromised, it can lead to numerous cardiovascular and metabolic issues.
Genetic Insights and Findings
Published in the journal Physiological Genomics, the study analyzed how diet influences gene expression in adipose tissue using an animal model.
One group of animals consumed a diet mimicking a typical high-calorie Western diet for over a year, while the control group was fed standard chow.
As anticipated, results showed significant changes in the fat of the high-fat diet group.
Detailed analysis uncovered that more than 300 genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT)—a less dangerous fat type—exhibited altered expression levels.
In contrast, nearly 700 genes were found to vary in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which surrounds vital organs and poses higher health risks.
The comparison between these two types of fat highlighted the detrimental role visceral fat plays in inflammation, which is critical in the context of obesity and metabolic disorders.
Fancher pointed out that this research shines a light on the dire impact of obesity, primarily fueled by unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles.
It also suggests that the different types of adipose tissue could be strategic targets for health interventions.
Future Directions and Implications
Among the multitude of genes studied, four stood out due to their links to metabolism, calcium balance, and inflammation, sparking interest for deeper investigation.
Fancher is excited about the potential clinical applications of these findings, envisioning that these identified genes could help enhance the function of adipose tissue in people with obesity.
This could lead to the utilization of existing medications or the creation of new treatment options specifically aimed at these genetic targets.
Collaboration was crucial throughout this research process.
Bruce Kingham, director of UD’s Sequencing and Genotyping Center, and Shawn Polson, leader of the Bioinformatics Data Science Core, played essential roles.
Their expertise in RNA sequencing and bioinformatics was instrumental in pinpointing the genes and pathways associated with obesity.
Doctoral researcher Malak Alradi made significant contributions by organizing the genes into relevant biological pathways.
This process revealed the complex role of fat in the body, showing that visceral fat is far more susceptible to the effects of obesity than subcutaneous fat.
Recognizing these interconnected pathways underscores the potential for targeted obesity treatments.
The study validated its findings about changes in metabolism and inflammation using robust statistical analyses, reinforcing the significance of the identified genes.
Looking ahead, Fancher intends to apply this research to human adipose tissue.
Working with Dr. Caitlin Halbert, director of bariatric surgery at ChristianaCare, he plans to investigate whether these animal model insights hold true for humans.
Additionally, Fancher aims to explore possible differences in how obesity affects males and females, recognizing that gender may play a crucial role in the disease’s presentation.
Understanding these differences is vital for developing personalized and targeted treatment interventions.
Source: ScienceDaily