Hormone sensitive lipase expression and adipose tissue metabolism show gender difference in obese subjects after weight loss.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of weight reduction on hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene expression and their relationship with adipose tissue metabolism were studied in massively obese men and women.

SUBJECTS

Seventeen obese subjects (eight men, nine women) participated in the study (age 44+/-2 y, weight 145+/-8 kg, fat 40+/-2% of body mass, mean+/-s.e.m.), who were going through a gastric-banding operation for weight reduction.

MEASUREMENTS

HSL and LPL mRNA expressions were analyzed using the reverse transcription competitive polymerase chain reaction. Subcutaneous fat lipolysis was measured in vivo by microdialysis and in vitro in isolated subcutaneous abdominal adipocytes. Measurements were done before and after 1 y of weight reduction.

RESULTS

Significant reductions in weight (for men -20.3+/-2.5%, for women -18.3+/-2.1% (mean+/-s.e.m.) and fat mass (for men -27.6+/-7.9%, for women -21.8+/-3.9%) were observed in both genders. In women HSL mRNA expression decreased by 31% (P=0.008) and LPL expression increased slightly, but nonsignificantly (42%, P=0.110). These changes were not observed in men. In men, inhibition of lipolysis with alpha(2)-adrenergic and adenosine agonist was improved (P=0.001) in isolated adipocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study uncovers new differences between genders in adipocyte metabolism along with weight reduction. In women, the observed changes in HSL and LPL gene expression suggest that deposition of lipids into adipose tissue might be favored after weight reduction. In men, the results indicate improved responsiveness to inhibition in adipose tissue metabolism along with weight reduction.