Impact of Estradiol on Thermogenesis Markers in Adipose Tissue in Female Mice

• Grant number: 23/03879-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: João Paulo Gabriel Camporez
• Grantee: Bruna Maria Fantini Trinca
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The sedentary lifestyle as well as high-fat diets contribute to the development of obesity and, consequently, other disorders associated with excessive weight gain such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The set of these abnormalities can be attributed to metabolic syndrome and, generally, insulin resistance is the central factor related to the syndrome. In recent decades, both experimental and clinical studies demonstrate the role of estradiol going beyond the reproductive and sexual function, being able to also exert control over glycemic homeostasis, in the reduction of body weight and no increase in insulin sensitivity. In this sense, it is questionable whether estradiol can also influence the "browning" of adipose tissue. This process is characterized by the biogenesis of beige adipocytes, cells similar in function and morphology to brown adipose tissue (BAT) adipocytes, which can be derived from white adipose tissue (WAT) adipocytes or adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs). Furthermore, studies in animals and humans have shown that the induction of greater BAT activity resulted in an increase in energy expenditure, a reduction in the concentration of glucose and blood triglycerides as well as a reduction in body weight. Thus, the mechanisms that stimulate "browning" can become therapeutic targets for weight control and maintenance of metabolic health. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate the effects of estradiol on the browning of adipose tissue in an experimental model of ovariectomized female mice.