Diurnal Variation of Human Adipose Transcriptome and Metabolic Disease Link
Author Information
Author(s): Loboda Andrey, Kraft Walter K, Fine Bernard, Joseph Jeffrey, Nebozhyn Michael, Zhang Chunsheng, He Yudong, Yang Xia, Wright Christopher, Morris Mark, Chalikonda Ira, Ferguson Mark, Emilsson Valur, Leonardson Amy, Lamb John, Dai Hongyue, Schadt Eric, Greenberg Howard E, Lum Pek Yee
Primary Institution: Rosetta Inpharmatics, LLC (A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.)
Hypothesis
The diurnal transition of the expression of energy metabolism genes reflects the shift in the adipose tissue from an energy-expending state in the morning to an energy-storing state in the evening.
Conclusion
Diurnal rhythm plays an important role in the physiology and regulation of energy metabolism in the adipose tissue and should be considered in the selection of novel targets for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders.
Supporting Evidence
- More than 25% of the genes in human adipose tissue are regulated by the time of day.
- Core clock genes showed consistent expression patterns across multiple subjects.
- Fasting and treatment with sibutramine delayed the diurnal transition of gene expression.
Takeaway
Our body has a daily rhythm that affects how our fat cells work, changing from burning energy in the morning to storing it in the evening.
Methodology
The study involved a controlled clinical trial with adipose biopsies taken at different times of the day from overweight to mildly obese healthy individuals, examining the effects of diurnal rhythm on gene expression.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the controlled clinical setting and the specific characteristics of the participant group.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size and specific demographic, which may not be generalizable to all populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants were overweight to moderately obese (BMI = 27 to 35 kg/m2), healthy, male volunteers, ages 21 to 45 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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