SOCS3 Ablation in Leptin Receptor-Expressing Cells Causes Autonomic and Cardiac Dysfunctions in Middle-Aged Mice despite Improving Energy and Glucose Metabolism

Author(s)

Pedroso, Joao A. B. ; da Silva, Ivson B. ; Zampieri, Thais T. ; Totola, Leonardo T. ; Moreira, Thiago S. ; Taniguti, Ana P. T. ; Diniz, Gabriela P. ; Barreto-Chaves, Maria Luiza M. ; Donato, Jose, Jr.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES; v. 23, n. 12, p. 19-pg., 2022-06-01.

Abstract

Leptin resistance is a hallmark of obesity. Treatments aiming to improve leptin sensitivity are considered a promising therapeutical approach against obesity. However, leptin receptor (LepR) signaling also modulates several neurovegetative aspects, such as the cardiovascular system and hepatic gluconeogenesis. Thus, we investigated the long-term consequences of increased leptin sensitivity, considering the potential beneficial and deleterious effects. To generate a mouse model with increased leptin sensitivity, the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) was ablated in LepR-expressing cells (LepR( increment SOCS3) mice). LepR( increment SOCS3) mice displayed reduced food intake, body adiposity and weight gain, as well as improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and were protected against aging-induced leptin resistance. Surprisingly, a very high mortality rate was observed in aging LepR( increment SOCS3) mice. LepR( increment SOCS3) mice showed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, increased myocardial fibrosis and reduced cardiovascular capacity. LepR( increment SOCS3) mice exhibited impaired post-ischemic cardiac functional recovery and middle-aged LepR( increment SOCS3) mice showed substantial arhythmic events during the post-ischemic reperfusion period. Finally, LepR( increment SOCS3) mice exhibited fasting-induced hypoglycemia and impaired counterregulatory response to glucopenia associated with reduced gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, although increased sensitivity to leptin improved the energy and glucose homeostasis of aging LepR( increment SOCS3) mice, major autonomic/neurovegetative dysfunctions compromised the health and longevity of these animals. Consequently, these potentially negative aspects need to be considered in the therapies that increase leptin sensitivity chronically. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/15517-6 - Involvment of molecular factors in metabolic changes during pregnancy: role of SOCS3
• Grantee: Thais Tessari Zampieri
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 11/12893-4 - Role of Type 2 Angiotensin II Receptor on the cardioprotective effect of Thyroid Hormone in Ischemia/Reperfusion Experimental Model.
• Grantee: Ivson Bezerra da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 10/18086-0 - Molecular basis of leptin resistance
• Grantee: Jose Donato Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/04703-6 - Subcellular renin angiotensin system as mediator of the cardioprotective effector of thyroid hormone in ischemia reperfusion model
• Grantee: Ivson Bezerra da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 13/25032-2 - The role of SOCS3 in the control of hyperphagia, body weight regain and gluconeogenesis after a period of food restriction
• Grantee: João Alfredo Bolivar Pedroso
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate