Effects of bodyweight reduction on blood adipokines and subcutaneous adipose tissue adipokine mRNA expression profiles in obese ponies

摘要

Several studies in human beings and horses highlight the role of the adipose tissue as a source of adipokines, such as leptin, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), adiponectin or inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour-necrosis factor or interleukin-6 (IL-6). The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in selected blood adipokines and subcutaneous adipose tissue adipokine and macrophage activation marker (CD68) gene expression profiles in overweight or obese insulin resistant ponies during a bodyweight reduction programme (BWRP). Plasma adiponectin appears strongly related to insulin resistance, whereas serum leptin and RBP4 are closely linked to adiposity, independent of insulin sensitivity. Adipose tissue mRNA expression profiles did not clearly reflect these differences; however, the role of subcutaneous adipose tissue in insulin resistance remains open.