Adipose overexpression of desnutrin promotes fatty acid use and attenuates diet-induced obesity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE-To investigate the role of desnutrin in adipose tissue triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acid metabolism. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-We generated transgenic mice overexpressing desnutrin (also called adipose triglyc- eride lipase [ATGL]) in adipocytes (aP2-desnutrin) and also performed adenoviral-mediated overexpression of desnutrin in 3T3-L1CARA1 adipocytes. RESULTS-aP2-desnutrin mice were leaner with decreased adipose tissue TAG content and smaller adipocyte size. Overex-pression of desnutrin increased lipolysis but did not result in increased serum nonesterified fatty acid levels or ectopic TAG storage. We found increased cycling between diacylglycerol (DAG) and TAG and increased fatty acid oxidation in adipocytes from these mice, as well as improved insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS-We show that by increasing lipolysis, desnutrin overexpression causes reduced adipocyte TAG content and attenuation of diet-induced obesity. Desnutrin-mediated lipolysis promotes fatty acid oxidation and re-esterification within adipocytes. © 2009 by the American Diabetes Association.