Expressions of mRNA and encoded proteins of mitochondrial uncoupling protein genes (UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3) in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue and associations with coronary artery disease

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the expression of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissues in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects and methods: We studied 60 patients with CAD and 106 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery (controls). Expression levels of UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA and encoded proteins were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Results: We found increased UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 mRNA levels in the epicardial adipose tissue in the CAD versus the control group, and higher UCP1 and UCP3 mRNA expression in the epicardial compared with the mediastinal tissue in the CAD group. There was also increased expression of UCP1 protein in the epicardial tissue and UCP2 protein in the mediastinum tissue in patients with CAD. Finally, UCP1 expression was associated with levels of fasting plasma glucose, and UCP3 expression was associated with levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in the epicardial tissue. Conclusions: Our study supports the hypothesis that higher mRNA expression by UCP genes in the epicardial adipose tissue could be a protective mechanism against the production of reactive oxygen species and may guard the myocardium against damage. Thus, UCP levels are essential to maintain the adaptive phase of cardiac injury in the presence of metabolic disorders.

Meta‐analysis reveals differential gene expression in tetralogy of Fallot versus controls

“…This discrepancy suggests dysregulation of these signaling pathways in TOF patients resulting in attenuated cardioprotective abilities. UCP1 may exhibit cardioprotective effects in the epicardial adipose tissue to prevent hypoxia‐induced oxidative damage to the myocardium; however, evidence is inconclusive regarding the role of UCP1 in preventing oxidative damage (Cadenas, 2018; Huesca‐Gómez et al, 2023). Copy number variation of SREBF1 has been found in CHD patients, and it is predicted to interact with Nkx2.5 and GATA4 (Glessner et al, 2014), which are both found in the cardiac hypertrophy signaling pathway.…”

“…All three upstream regulators of FBXO32 displayed predicted inhibition with resultant increased expression of FBXO32. Both SIRT1 and UCP1 typically exhibit cardioprotective effects in the setting of hypoxia (Huesca-G omez et al, 2023;Luo et al, 2019). One study noted impaired autophagy and increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis upon inhibition of SIRT1 in hypoxic cardiomyocytes obtained from TOF patients (Luo et al, 2019).…”

Network Meta-Analysis: Effect of Cold Stress on the Gene Expression of Swine Adipocytes ATGL, CIDEA, UCP2, and UCP3

“…ATGL and CIDEA jointly regulate fat metabolism, produce metabolic products, and affect UCP2 and UCP3 expression. The main function of UCP2 and UCP3 in mitochondria is to produce heat [9]. These genes work together to regulate fat metabolism and energy balance, which helps maintain homeostasis in organisms.…”

“…Pigs have a defect in UCP1 that prevents it from synthesizing protein [8]; however, that is not the focus of this study. UCP2 and UCP3 gene-encoded proteins are mainly located in the mitochondria and participate in energy metabolism [9]. They regulate oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and uncoupling, thereby affecting energy balance within cells.…”

Evaluation of the participation of ABCA1 transporter in epicardial and mediastinal adipose tissue from patients with coronary artery disease

“…Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been the target of various investigations due to its relationship with the coronary arteries, the myocardium, and its potential influence on CAD development. EAT comprises visceral fat below the visceral pericardium and is in close contact with the coronary arteries ( 2 ).…”