Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor delta activates fat metabolism to prevent obesity

Cell. 2003 Apr 18;113(2):159-70. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(03)00269-1.

Abstract

In contrast to the well-established roles of PPARgamma and PPARalpha in lipid metabolism, little is known for PPARdelta in this process. We show here that targeted activation of PPARdelta in adipose tissue specifically induces expression of genes required for fatty acid oxidation and energy dissipation, which in turn leads to improved lipid profiles and reduced adiposity. Importantly, these animals are completely resistant to both high-fat diet-induced and genetically predisposed (Lepr(db/db)) obesity. As predicted, acute treatment of Lepr(db/db) mice with a PPARdelta agonist depletes lipid accumulation. In parallel, PPARdelta-deficient mice challenged with high-fat diet show reduced energy uncoupling and are prone to obesity. In vitro, activation of PPARdelta in adipocytes and skeletal muscle cells promotes fatty acid oxidation and utilization. Our findings suggest that PPARdelta serves as a widespread regulator of fat burning and identify PPARdelta as a potential target in treatment of obesity and its associated disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism*
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Body Weight / genetics
  • Dietary Fats / pharmacology
  • Energy Metabolism / genetics*
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Food, Formulated
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Lipid Metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / deficiency
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / agonists*
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / drug effects
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Leptin
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Thiazoles / pharmacology
  • Transcription Factors / agonists*
  • Transcription Factors / drug effects
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transgenes / genetics
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Fatty Acids
  • GW 501516
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Receptors, Leptin
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Thiazoles
  • Transcription Factors
  • Triglycerides
  • peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1