The role of central ANG 1-7 and melanocortin system for the modulation of sympathetic nerve activity to adipose tissue, lipolysis and thermogenesis

• Grant number: 13/03083-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: September 01, 2013
• End date: August 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Metabolism and Bioenergetics
• Principal Investigator: Fabiana de Sant'Anna Evangelista
• Grantee: Fabiana de Sant'Anna Evangelista
• Host Investigator: Timothy J. Bartness
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Georgia State University, United States

Abstract

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the principal initiator of lipolysis, the hydrolysis of stored triacylglycerol into glycerol and free fatty acids, which action is critical because the severity of the secondary health consequences of obesity are substantially reduced through decreases in lipid stores. The mechanisms involved in the activation of the SNS innervation of adipose tissue (AT) are not totally clear, and the role of some neurochemicals likely involved in this response will be the focus of this study. Previous data showed by the group of Prof. Timothy Bartness revealed that the activation of central melanocortin system increased SNS outflow to white AT and brown AT resulting in improved lipolysis and thermogenesis, and body weight reduction. However, the melanocortins are not the only neurochemicals likely involved in this response, and other evidences in the literature suggest that central renin angiotensin system (RAS) also activates SNS and lipid mobilization. In this regard the non classical RAS such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Angiotensin 1-7(Ang1-7) and the Mas receptor may be involved in body metabolism responses, body weight control and adiposity, however further studies are still need to reveal the involvement of central Ang 1-7 in the modulation of lipolytic and thermogenic AT responses, and to test a possible interaction between melanocortin system and Ang 1-7 to determine the SNS drive pattern to white AT and brown AT, and to control the lipolytic and thermogenic responses. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

EVANGELISTA, F. S.; BARTNESS, T. J.. Central angiotensin 1-7 triggers brown fat thermogenesis. PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS, v. 11, n. 5, p. 10-pg., 2023-03-01. (13/03083-4)