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Abnormal expression of PPAR gamma isoforms in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of patients with Cushing's disease
Author(s) -
Bogazzi Fausto,
Ultimieri Federica,
Raggi Francesco,
Russo Dania,
Manetti Luca,
Cosci Chiara,
Sardella Chiara,
Costa Aurelio,
Santini Ferruccio,
Locci Teresa,
Bartalena Luigi,
Martino Enio
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2006.02675.x
Subject(s) - medicine , endocrinology , cushing's disease , biology , adipose tissue , disease
Summary Background Obesity is a clinical feature of patients with Cushing's disease. Peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ is the master regulator of adipogenesis; however, the expression of PPARγ isoforms in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of patients with Cushing's disease is unknown. Aim and methods The expression of PPARγ1 and PPARγ2 was evaluated by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunofluorescence (PPARγ2 only) in SAT samples of 7 patients with untreated active Cushing's disease (Cushing UNTR ), 8 with Cushing's disease in remission (Cushing REM ) after pituitary adenomectomy, 15 normal lean subjects (Control LEAN ), and 15 obese patients (Control OBE ). Results Control LEAN had a higher degree of PPARγ1 than PPARγ2 (PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio, 0·55 ± 0·35). PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio decreased in Cushing UNTR (0·10 ± 0·043, P < 0·03 vs. Control LEAN and Control OBE ), because of either increased PPARγ1 or reduced PPARγ2 expression. PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio was 0·48 ± 0·07 in Cushing REM patients ( P < 0·04 vs. Cushing UNTR , P < 0·03 vs. Control OBE ). PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio was higher in Control OBE 0·90 ± 0·38 than in Control LEAN ( P < 0·005 vs. Control LEAN , P < 0·03 vs. Cushing REM , P < 0·009 vs. Cushing UNTR ). PPARγ2/PPARγ1 ratio was related to serum cortisol levels only in patients with Cushing'disease ( r = 0·688, P < 0·02). Conclusions Cushing UNTR patients had an abnormal expression of PPARγ isoforms in SAT related to serum cortisol levels. Although further studies are necessary, it is conceivable that variations in the expression of PPARγ isoforms might have a role in the abnormal adipogenesis of patients with Cushing's disease.