Adipocyte-specific overexpression of retinol-binding protein 4 causes hepatic steatosis in mice.

ABSTRACT: There is considerable evidence that both retinoids and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) contribute to the development of liver disease. To understand the basis for this, we generated and studied transgenic mice that express human RBP4 (hRBP4) specifically in adipocytes. When fed a chow diet, these mice show an elevation in adipose total RBP4 (mouse RBP4 + hRBP4) protein levels. However, no significant differences in plasma RBP4 or retinol levels or in hepatic or adipose retinoid (retinol, retinyl ester, and all-trans-retinoic acid) levels were observed. Strikingly, male adipocyte-specific hRBP4 mice fed a standard chow diet display significantly elevated hepatic triglyceride levels at 3-4 months of age compared to matched littermate controls. When mice were fed a high-fat diet, this hepati

SUBMITTER: Lee SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5074895 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature