Expression changes of angiotensin II pathways and bioactive mediators during human preadipocytes-visceral differentiation

Abstract 

Obesity is a worldwide serious health problem; and it may result in a wide range of complications, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. As a consequence, molecular identification on the differentiation of preadipocytes and the generation of bioactive mediators is crucial in understanding the formation and development of obesity and obesity-associated health problems. In addition, exhaustive exhibition and purposeful control of adipocytes formation also play critical roles in the plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures. The primary purpose of this study was to exhibit the expression changes of angiotensin II (Ang II) pathways and 2 vital adipokines, leptin and resistin, during human preadipocytes-visceral differentiation by real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The present result indicated that the generation of Ang II during preadipocytes differentiation was achieved through both renin-angiotensin system pathway and non–renin-angiotensin system pathways, and the latter may be more important in this process. Gene expression of Ang II receptor type 1 and 2 increased in the initial phase of differentiation and then quickly decreased after 9 days. Moreover, the expression of both leptin and resistin increased significantly during preadipocyte-adipocyte conversion. The present work provided a fundamental understanding of human visceral preadipocytes differentiation molecularly. It may promote the understanding of obesity and obesity-associated diseases to some extent. However, there is still a long way to go to treat obesity and its complications effectively; and more efforts should be devoted urgently.