Investigation of effect of high fat diet on some adipokines gene expression in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) heterozygous mice

BDNF is a neurotrophin involved in the central control of energy metabolism. In animals with low BDNF expression, hyperphagia, obesity and diabetes are observed. Adipose tissue functions in many physiological events such as food intake, insulin resistance, and inflammation through secreted adipokines. When fat mass increases, synthesis of adipokines changes, which leading to many complications with obesity. BDNF, whose effects are not known at the periphery, is also synthesized in fat tissue and has its receptor. In our study, we aimed to investigate effect of this protein on adipokine synthesis of adipose tissue in mice fed with standard and high fat diets. Because of their different metabolic effects, the expression of adipokines identified in both subcutaneous and visceral fat tissues was investigated. Four groups were generated by C57BL/6J wild type and BDNF (+/-) mice . These groups were fed on standard and high fat diets for 4 months. Insulin, BDNF, leptin, resistin, PAI-1 levels were measured by ELISA kits at the end of the feeding period. Leptin, resistin, adiponectin and PAI-1 gene expressions were measured in adipose tissues. Serum leptin, insulin levels were high in the BDNF (+/-) group fed with high fat and standard diet, and adiponectin levels were low in these groups. Serum resistin levels were higher in the groups fed the high fat diet. Leptin and PAI-1 expressions were higher and resistin expression was lower than control in epididymal adipose tissue. Adiponectin expression was found to be low in the BDNF (+/-) group fed on a high fat diet. Leptin and PAI-1 expressions were high in subcutaneous adipose tissue (p <0.05). It has been concluded that BDNF may play a protective role in obesity by regulating the synthesis and secretion of some adipokines and affecting fatty tissue function.