Gene activity in fat tissue linked to health in hospitalized dogs

Abstract

Obesity is one of the risk factors for the onset of various metabolic diseases in dogs. Energy expenditure in brown/beige adipocytes, which is partially regulated by the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, is a key factor determining systemic energy balance. Here, we examined gene expression in the fat depots of 129 hospitalized dogs, and the relationship between the relative levels of gene expression and profiles of dogs. We evaluated the expression levels of 23 genes such as regulatory genes of adipocyte differentiation and function, adipokines, genes related to brown adipogenesis and uncoupling protein (Ucp), and genes involved in BMP signaling. A reliable equation of multiple regression was not obtained to explain the body condition score (BCS), which is an index of adiposity. Positive relationships were detected between the expression levels of many genes, except for Ucp1 or Ucp3. BCS was found to increase with age. BCS was negatively correlated to the expression levels of Pparγ and Fasn, and positively correlated to Leptin and Opn3 expression. Aging decreased the expression levels of genes related to adipocyte differentiation and function (Pparγ, Fabp4, Fasn, Hsl, and Insr) and Adipoq. In addition, age was negatively correlated with the expression of genes involved in brown adipogenesis and BMP signaling components (Prdm16, Bmp4, Alk3, Actr2a, and Actr2b). In contrast, the expression levels of Leptin and Ucp2 were found to increase with age. The present study clarifies BCS- and age-related gene expressions in the adipose tissue, which potentially contribute to elucidating the etiology of canine obesity.