Effects of obesity/fatty acids on the expression of GPR120

Abstract

Scope: The effects that fatty acids (FAs) exert on G protein-coupled receptor-120 (GPR120) levels, a receptor for FAs, are still unknown. We analyzed the association between GPR120 and obesity, and the FA effects on its expression.

Methods and results: GPR120 levels were analyzed in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) from nonobese and morbidly obese subject. VAT GPR120 mRNA and protein levels were lower in morbidly obese subjects (p = 0.004). After, these subjects underwent a high-fat meal. GPR120 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the fasting state was lower in morbidly obese subjects (p = 0.04), with a decrease 3 h after a high-fat meal only in morbidly obese subjects (p = 0.043). Also, incubations of visceral adipocytes from these subjects were made with different FAs. In nonobese subjects, palmitic, oleic, linoleic, and docosahexaenoic acids produced an increase in GPR120 mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.05). In morbidly obese subjects, only linoleic acid produced an increase in GPR120 mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Morbidly obese subjects had lower GPR120 mRNA and protein levels in VAT and a lower mRNA expression after a high-fat meal in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The FAs effect on GPR120 mRNA and protein levels in visceral adipocytes was lower in morbidly obese subjects.

Keywords: Adipocyte; Adipose tissue; Fatty acids; GPR120; High-fat meal.