Adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression in subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in children.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the expression levels of the adiponectin and peroxisome proliferator -activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SC) and omental adipose tissue (OM) in children with relation to age and anthropometric variables.


METHODS
Paired biopsies (SC and OM) were obtained from 53 children (age 0.2-14 years, BMI 12.5-25.8 kg/m(2)). Adiponectin and PPARgamma mRNA levels in adipose tissue were measured by real-time PCR.


RESULTS
In overweight, but not in normal weight children, the median adiponectin mRNA level was significantly lower in OM [0.51 (0.1-2.17)] compared to SC [1.29 (0.16-5.08)], (p = 0.03). Adiponectin mRNA levels were strongly associated with PPARgamma mRNA levels in both SC (r = 0.73, p < 0.001) and OM (r = 0.78, p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The lower adiponectin expression in OM relative to SC in overweight children indicates that metabolic-endocrine alterations begin already in childhood. The close association between adiponectin and PPARgamma expression supports the hypothesis this transcription factor is involved in adiponectin gene regulation.
Li
Xiaonan
X
Department of Clinical Sciences, Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. xiaonan.li@pediatri.umu.se
Lindquist
Susanne
S
Angsten
Gertrud
G
Yi
Jun
J
Olsson
Tommy
T
Hernell
Olle
O
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000378:metabolism*; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D052242:Adiponectin; D047495:PPAR gamma; D012333:RNA, Messenger