Proteomics analysis of adipose depots after intermittent fasting reveals visceral fat preservation mechanisms

Intermittent fasting is a beneficial dietary treatment for obesity. But the response of each distinct adipose depot is currently poorly defined. Here we explore the response of key adipose depots to every-other-day fasting (EODF) in mice using proteomics. A key change in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) and visceral WAT (vWAT) depots is an increase in mitochondria! protein content after EODF. This effect is correlated with increased fatty acid synthesis enzymes in both WAT depots but not in brown adipose tissue. Strikingly, EODF treatment downregulates lipolysis specifically in vWAT, mediated by a large decrease in the abundance of the catecholamine receptor (ADRB3). Together, these changes are important for preservation of the visceral lipid store during EODF. Enrichment analysis highlights downregulation of inflammatory collagen IV specifically in vWAT, allowing improved insulin sensitivity. This resource for adipose-depot-specific fasting adaptations in mice is available using a web-based interactive visualization.

Automated summary

Intermittent fasting, particularly every-other-day fasting, results in increased mitochondria protein content and fatty acid synthesis enzymes in subcutaneous and visceral white adipose tissue in mice. It also downregulates lipolysis specifically in visceral WAT and reduces inflammatory collagen IV, leading to improved insulin sensitivity.