Human adipose tissue expresses angiotensinogen and enzymes required for its conversion to angiotensin II.

• Angiotensin II regulates blood pressure and may affect adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism. Angiotensin II is produced by cleavage of angiotensinogen by renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme in the circulation. In addition, angiotensin II may be produced in various tissues by enzymes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) or the nonrenin-angiotensin system (NRAS). We have analyzed the expression of angiotensinogen and enzymes required for its conversion to angiotensin II in human adipose tissue. Northern blot demonstrated angiotensinogen expression in adipose tissue from nine obese subjects. Western blot revealed a distinct band of expected size of the angiotensinogen protein (61 kDa) in isolated adipocytes. RT-PCR, followed by Southern blot, demonstrated renin expression in human adipose tissue. Angiotensin-converting enzyme messenger RNA was detected by RT-PCR, and the identity of the PCR products was verified by restriction enzyme cleavage. Transcripts for cathepsin D and cathepsin G, components of the NRAS, were detected by RT-PCR, verified by restriction enzyme cleavage. We conclude that human adipose tissue expresses angiotensinogen and enzymes of RAS and NRAS. This opens the possibility that angiotensinogen-derived peptides, produced in adipose tissue itself, may affect adipogenesis and play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Cell- och molekylärbiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Cell and Molecular Biology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Adipose Tissue

enzymology

metabolism

Adult

Angiotensin II

metabolism

Angiotensinogen

biosynthesis

metabolism

Cathepsin D

metabolism

Cathepsin G

Cathepsins

metabolism

Female

Humans

Middle Aged

Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A

genetics

metabolism

RNA

Messenger

analysis

Renin

genetics

Renin-Angiotensin System

physiology

Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Serine Endopeptidases

metabolism

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)