Autocrine effect of vascular endothelial growth factor-A is essential for mitochondrial function in brown adipocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The obesity epidemic in the United States, as well as the accompanying condition of type 2 diabetes, puts a majority of the population at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction. In contrast to white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) is well vascularized, rich in mitochondria, and highly oxidative. While it is known that the angiogenic factor VEGF-A is required for brown adipocyte development, the functional consequences and exact mechanism remain to be elucidated. Here, we show that VEGF-A plays an essential autocrine role in the function of BAT.

Materials and methods

Mouse models were generated with an adipose-specific and macrophage-specific ablation of VEGF-A. Ad

SUBMITTER: Mahdaviani K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4684900 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature