Acylation stimulating protein: a female lipogenic factor?

Abstract

Acylation stimulating protein (ASP) is a potent lipogenic factor produced from adipocytes. Plasma ASP levels were shown to increase in obesity, diabetes mellitus type II and dyslipidemia, and decrease after weight loss and fasting. Growing evidence suggests that ASP may significantly contribute to subcutaneous fat storage in females. In vitro, ASP stimulated triglyceride synthesis to a larger extent in subcutaneous compared with omental adipocytes. The ASP receptor binding affinity to plasma membranes prepared from adipose tissue showed higher binding affinity to plasma membranes from female adipose tissue compared with male adipose tissue, and was more pronounced to subcutaneous compared with omental plasma membranes. Human studies demonstrated that postprandial triglyceride clearance predicted by ASP levels was more efficient in women than in men. In mice, postprandial triglyceride clearance, with intraperitoneal ASP administration, was faster in females compared with males. The ASP deficient mice were resistant to weight gain and had reduced fat mass that was more pronounced in females. Recent findings in humans and mice point to a significant association between progesterone and ASP variations in females. In this review, we highlight findings, to date, linking ASP to physiological and hormonal alterations that may contribute to subcutaneous fat distribution typical to females.

Plasma Levels of Acylation-Stimulating Protein Are Strongly Predicted by Waist/Hip Ratio and Correlate with Decreased LDL Size in Men

“…Furthermore, functional studies showed that ASP-mediated triglyceride synthesis was markedly lower in omental adipocytes compared to subcutaneous adipocytes [30]. In vivo studies showed a decreased response to ASP-mediated triglyceride clearance in males compared to females in humans and mice [31]. …”

The regulation of food intake in mammalian hibernators: a review

“…The purpose of this second estrous is unclear, but it may be involved in preliminary follicle development (the follicle is 'primed' and then arrested prior to entry into torpor). Alternatively, it has been hypothesized that the presence of the reproductive hormones progesterone and prolactin [which are typically considered lipogenic (reviewed in Saleh et al 2011)] allow pre-hibernatory females to build fat stores rapidly following the energetically expensive process of lactation (Strauss et al 2009). Similarly, in the arctic ground squirrel (U. parryii) androgen levels are elevated in the autumn during the prehibernation period.…”

Cross‐sectional associations of acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and adipose tissue gene expression with estradiol and progesterone in pre‐ and postmenopausal women

“…Previous human studies have shown gender and regional differences in ASP levels and function (both binding and activity) in adipose tissue in mice and humans (reviewed by Saleh et al …”