Modulation of Adipocyte Biology by Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2010

Authors

Diana Teixeira (Author) Other; Diogo Pestana (Author) Other; Ana Faria (Author) FCNAUP; Conceicao Calhau (Author) FMUP; Isabel Azevedo (Author) Other; Rosario Monteiro (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Obesity

Vol. 18

Pages: 2077-2085

ISSN: 1930-7381

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 18 Citations

Scopus - 24 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Clinical medicine

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-1MA

DOI: 10.1038/oby.2010.100

Abstract (EN): It is recognized that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in the modulation of food intake and other aspects of energy metabolism. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on adipocyte biology. 3T3-L1 cells were used to evaluate proliferation by sulforhodamine B (SRB) staining and methyl-H-3-thymidine incorporation after 48 or 72 h of treatment with THC (1-500 nmol/l). Cells were differentiated in the presence or absence of the cannabinoid, and adipogenesis was determined by measuring lipid accumulation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) transcription through reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR). Lipolysis was quantified under basal conditions or after isoproterenol (IP, 100 nmol/l) or insulin (INS, 100 nmol/l) treatment. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), diacylglycerol lipase alpha, and N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine-specific phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD) transcriptions were determined by RT-PCR in preadipocytes and adipocytes and adiponectin only in adipocytes. THC treatment increased culture protein content and reduced methyl-H-3-thymidine incorporation. Cells treated with THC underwent adipogenesis shown by the expression of PPAR gamma and had increased lipid accumulation. Basal and IP-stimulated lipolyses were inhibited by THC and there was no effect on lipolysis of INS-treated adipocytes. The effects on methyl-H-3-thymidine incorporation and lipolysis seem to be mediated through CB1- and CB2-dependent pathways. THC decreased NAPE-PLD in preadipocytes and increased adiponectin and TGF beta transcription in adipocytes. These results show that the ECS interferes with adipocyte biology and may contribute to adipose tissue (AT) remodeling. Although these observations point toward increased AT deposition, the stimulation of adiponectin production and inhibition of lipolysis may be in favor of improved INS sensitivity under cannabinoid influence.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9