PPAR-γ Gene Expression in Human Adipose Tissue Is Associated with Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma plays a key role in adipose tissue differentiation and fat metabolism. However, it is unclear which factors may regulate its expression and whether obese patients have changes in adipose tissue expression of PPAR-gamma or potential regulators such as miR-27. Thus, our aims were to analyze PPAR-gamma and miR-27 expression in adipose tissue of obese patients, and to correlate their levels with clinical variables. Subjects and Methods. We included 43 morbidly obese subjects who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (31 of them completed 1-year follow-up) and 19 non-obese subjects. mRNA expression of PPAR-gamma 1 and PPAR-gamma 2, miR-27a, and miR-27b was measured by qPCR in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Clinical variables and serum adipokine and hormone levels were correlated with PPAR-gamma and miR-27 expression. In addition, a systematic review of the literature regarding PPAR-gamma expression in adipose tissue of obese patients was performed. Results We found no differences in the expression of PPAR-gamma and miR-27 in adipose tissue of obese patients vs. controls. The literature review revealed discrepant results regarding PPAR-gamma expression in adipose tissue of obese patients. Of note, we described a significant negative correlation between pre-operative PPAR-gamma 1 expression in adipose tissue of obese patients and post-operative weight loss, potentially linked with insulin resistance markers. Conclusion PPAR-gamma 1 expression in adipose tissue is associated with weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy and may be used as a biomarker for response to surgery.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the expression of PPAR-gamma and miR-27 in adipose tissue of obese patients, finding no significant differences compared to non-obese subjects. The research also identified a negative correlation between pre-operative PPAR-gamma 1 expression and post-operative weight loss, suggesting PPAR-gamma 1 expression as a potential biomarker for response to surgery.