Gene Expression in Obesity and Insulin Resistance

The objective of the study is to examine the expression of genes and gene regions involved in obesity, insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. We aim to identify new genes which are involved in the development of metabolic aberrations characteristic of metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are increasing medical and public health problems globally. Low HDL cholesterol and elevated triglyceride concentrations, and altered cholesterol metabolism are common in these states. More knowledge is urgently needed of the role of genetics in obesity, insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism and their mutual relationship. This would enable the early detection of subjects at increased risk of developing obesity and the common abnormalities related to it, i.e. insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism, as well as identification of subjects with genotypes associated with increased risk for above mentioned metabolic states and atherosclerotic vascular diseases and decreased responsiveness to conventional treatment. Because both weight loss and regular physical exercise result in substantial changes in glucose, insulin and lipid metabolism, studies aiming to explore the function of relevant genes are highly interesting. In this study, gene expression will be measured in adipose tissue and leucocytes before and after weight loss or period of regular physical exercise.

Originally, the Genobin study included 75 middle-aged (mean age 60±7 years) overweight or obese (mean BMI 32.9±2.8 kg/m2) men and women with impaired fasting glucose (fasting plasma glucose concentration 5.6-7.0 mmol/l) or impaired glucose tolerance (2-hour plasma glucose concentration 7.8-11.0 mmol/l and fasting plasma glucose <7.1 mmol/l) and two additional features of metabolic syndrome according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria [49] (for details see [50]). Subjects were randomized to one of the following groups: weight reduction (WR) (n=28), aerobic exercise training (n=15), resistance exercise training (n=14) or control group (n=18). Subjects were matched for age, sex and the status of glucose metabolism. In addition, 11 normal-weight subjects (mean age 48±9 years, mean BMI 23.7±1.9 kg/m2) were recruited. The intervention was performed in accordance with the standards of the Helsinki Declaration. The Ethics Committee of the District Hospital Region of Northern Savo and Kuopio University Hospital approved the study plan, and all participants gave written informed consent.

At the beginning of the study and after 9-11 months the following measurements were performed: plasma/serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, total and lipoprotein lipids, free fatty acids, non-cholesterol sterols, glycerol, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor α, and C-reactive protein, waist and hip circumferences, body composition and resting energy expenditure. A DNA sample were drawn and an adipose tissue biopsy was performed. A frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) was performed to assess insulin sensitivity and secretion. Given biochemical measurements were performed also at 3 months.

Inclusion criteria

• The subjects had impaired fasting glycemia (fasting plasma glucose concentration 5.6-7.0 mmol/L) or impaired glucose tolerance (2-hour plasma glucose concentration 7.8-11.0 mmol/L)
• AND at least 2 other features of the metabolic syndrome according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria as modified by the AHA:
• waist circumference >102 cm (males)/ >88 cm (females)
• fasting serum triacylglycerol concentration >1.7 mmol/L
• fasting serum HDL-cholesterol <1.0 mmol/L (males) / <1.3 mmol/L (females)
• blood pressure >130/80 mmHg.

Exclusion criteria

• liver, kidney and thyroid dysfunction