A Brain-Melanocortin-Vagus Axis Mediates Adipose Tissue Expansion Independently of Energy Intake.

ABSTRACT: The melanocortin system is a brain circuit that influences energy balance by regulating energy intake and expenditure. In addition, the brain-melanocortin system controls adipose tissue metabolism to optimize fuel mobilization and storage. Specifically, increased brain-melanocortin signaling or negative energy balance promotes lipid mobilization by increasing sympathetic nervous system input to adipose tissue. In contrast, calorie-independent mechanisms favoring energy storage are less understood. Here, we demonstrate that reduction of brain-melanocortin signaling actively promotes fat mass gain by activating the lipogenic program and adipocyte and endothelial cell proliferation in white fat depots independently of caloric intake via efferent nerve fibers conveyed by the common hepatic bra

SUBMITTER: Holland J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6550338 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature