Fat cell metabolism in different regions in women. Effect of menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and lactation.

Abstract

Adipose tissue lipolysis and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity were studied in biopsies from the femoral and abdominal depots in healthy women during early or late menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the lactation period.When the differences in cell size were taken into account, basal lipolysis was similar in both regions in nonpregnant women. During lactation, however, lipolysis was significantly higher in the femoral region. The lipolytic effect of noradrenaline (10-' M) was significantly less in the femoral region in the nonpregnant women and during early pregnancy. However, the lipolytic response was the same in both regions in lactating women. LPL activity was higher in the femoral than in the abdominal region except during lactation when a marked decrease in the LPL activity was seen in the femoral region. The LPL activity in the abdominal region remained unchanged in all patient groups.The results imply that in both nonpregnant and pregnant women lipid assimilation is favored in the femoral depot. During lactation, however, the metabolic pattern changes; the LPL activity decreases and lipid mobilization increases in this depot. These changes are much less pronounced in the abdominal region. Thus, fat cells from different regions show a differential response during pregnancy and lactation. These results suggest that the adipose tissue in different regions may have specialized functions.

Independent and opposite associations of waist and hip circumferences with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia: the AusDiab Study

“…22 Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity has been shown to be greater in femoral subcutaneous adipose fat compared to visceral fat. 23 These regions are therefore more likely to buffer the circulation of FFA after a meal, by taking them up and suppressing lipolytic release into the circulation. 24 A diminished entrapment capacity of adipose tissue leads to increased lipid fluxes in the circulation leading to ectopic fat storage in liver, skeletal muscle and pancreas, leading to insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction.…”

Association of waist and hip circumference with 12-year progression of carotid intima-media thickness in elderly women

“…28 Moreover, the favorable metabolic effect of large hip circumference may be owing to increased gluteal muscle mass, partly because of improved insulin sensitivity 29 and a high lipoprotein lipase activity. 30 BMI does not take into account body fat distribution. Also, BMI may not be the most appropriate measure of body composition in the elderly, in whom body height diminishes gradually after middle-age owing to posture changes and osteoporosis and lean body mass declines because of sarcopenia.…”

Lower-body fat mass as an independent marker of insulin sensitivity—the role of adiponectin

“…18 However, a relationship with fat distribution as a primary factor affecting insulin sensitivity is also very plausible. It is well established that lower-body fat is less sensitive to lipolytic stimulation than subcutaneous abdominal fat, [19][20][21] which may result in less circulatory release of NEFA in individuals with a high level of lower-body fat. However, it may also be hypothesized that secretion of substances which may affect insulin action may vary between the different fat depots.…”