Study the regulatory role of angiotensin peptides in brown adipocyte differentiation

Abstract

Obesity, which is increased prevalence worldwide, is a kind of metabolic disorder that fats excessively accumulate in the body. Research has shown that obesity has become a primary global health problem, especially because obesity is strongly related with atherosclerosis, type II diabetes, and insulin resistance. The discovery of brown adipocytes and brite adipocytes in humans provide the potential to reduce obesity and hence prevent metabolic sequelae, especially diabetes and insulin resistance. However, the level of brown adipocytes is low in human adults, particularly in obese patients. Therefore, it is important to identify the regulatory pathways to stimulate the development of brown adipocyte. This research aims to explore and discover the relationship between renin-angiotensin system (RAS) which has been discovered as a crucial regulator of energy metabolism, and the “browning” process of BAT by using angiotensin. We studied the regulatory effect of exogenous Ang II and Ang (1-7). Besides, we also investigated the influences of Angotensin receptors. Overall, our results reveal exogenous application of Ang II has a positive effect on brown adipogenesis and it works mainly by AT2 receptor. This study may contribute the potential therapeutic target for obesity and related metabolic disorders.