The
"Adipocyte secretions, Obesities
and associated Pathologies"
Research Team
About us…
adipÔlab is located in Rangueil Hospital, Toulouse, south west of France (see the Map Page).
Our research activity focuses on adipocyte bioactive secretions in normal and obese states and their involvement in obesity associated disorders. Our aim is to work from molecular studies in cells to physiological integration in animal models and humans. We first described the secretion of Autotaxin and the production of Lyso-Phosphatidic Acid (LPA) by adipocytes, its role in adipogenesis process, its link with obesity associated diabetes and more recently its effect in the development of renal fibrosis. We also studied the roles and regulations of amine oxidases such as the Semi-carbazide Sensitive one (SSAO). We described the presence of this enzyme in the plasma membrane of adipocytes and its ability to generate H2O2. Such a production by the fat cell is able to provoke insulino-mimetic responses like the stimulation of glucose transport, the inhibition of lipolysis, adipogenesis and to improve glucose tolerance. The last adipokine we described is named Apelin. We showed that this peptide is secreted by adipocytes in response to insulin and/or TNFa in vitro and in vivo. We studied its regulation during obesity-weight loss and its involvement in angiogenic process within adipose tissue. Apelin is involved in glucose utilization in adipose tissue and muscle by activating an intracellular pathway independant of the insulin one. Insulin-resistant mice are still apelin sensitive which makes apelin a promissing target in diabetes. Studies to precise long term metabolic effects are going on. Stay tunned!!!
