Regulation of global gene expression by ovariectomy and estrogen in female adipose tissue.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and estrogen replacement on global gene expression in white adipose tissue.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Female mice were randomly divided into four groups: 1) intact, 2) OVX, 3) OVX plus estradiol (E2) injection 3 hours before death (E(2)-3 hours), and 4) E(2)-24 hours. The serial analysis of gene expression was performed to detect the transcriptomic changes.

RESULTS

A total of 15 transcripts, including several novel transcripts, were found to be modulated by OVX or E2 (p<0.05). Secreted acidic cysteine-rich glycoprotein, which regulates the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, was increased after OVX. Moreover, OVX up-regulated several transcripts involved in ECM, such as procollagen types Ialpha1 and 2. In cell defense, glutathione peroxidase 3 was lower in OVX than in intact mice. Cytochrome c oxidase I and three novel transcripts were up-regulated by estrogen treatment.

DISCUSSION

This study underlines the importance of cell shape and ECM regulation by OVX on adiposity. Moreover, some novel transcripts may also play a relevant role in OVX-induced obesity and estrogen therapy.