Adiposity and its metabolic disturbances could be regulated by adipocyte-specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and fatty acid-binding protein4. Although these two proteins are mainly expressed in adipose tissues, they can also be expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which could be useful for predicting body composition and blood parameters. Thus, this cross-sectional study was performed during January 2013-January 2014 with 229 women (age range, 22-52 years) who were classified as obese or nonobese. Serum glucose, insulin, lipids, and body composition were measured in the fasting state. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated to extract ribonucleic acid (RNA) and to determine gene expression by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All serum parameters and components of body composition were significantly higher in obese than in nonobese women. Gene expression analysis showed that serum levels of glucose and lipids, except high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were higher in the group that expressed high fatty acid-binding protein4. Increased expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma was associated with a significant reduction of blood sugar and increased HDL and other lipids and visceral fat. Therefore, it seems that the level of expression of these genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may indicate metabolic status.
Keywords: Adipose tissue; body composition; body mass index; metabolic disorders; obesity; visceral fat.