Cathepsin K Null Mice Show Reduced Adiposity during Rapid Fat Accumulation
Author Information
Author(s): Funicello Marcella, Novelli Michela, Ragni Maurizio, Vottari Teresa, Cocuzza Cesare, Soriano-Lopez Joaquin, Chiellini Chiara, Boschi Federico, Marzola Pasquina, Masiello Pellegrino, Saftig Paul, Santini Ferruccio, St-Jacques Rene, Desmarais Sylvie, Morin Nicolas, Mancini Joseph, Percival M. David, Pinchera Aldo, Maffei Margherita
Primary Institution: Dulbecco Telethon Institute at Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Hypothesis
What is the role of cathepsin K in adipose tissue and obesity?
Conclusion
Cathepsin K deficiency in mice leads to reduced body fat content and a partial resistance to obesity when exposed to a high-fat diet.
Supporting Evidence
- Young ctsk−/− mice showed significantly lower body weight and fat mass compared to wild type mice.
- Adult ctsk−/− mice gained significantly less weight on a high-fat diet than wild type mice.
- Plasma triglycerides, cholesterol, and leptin levels were significantly lower in ctsk−/− mice compared to wild type.
- Adipocyte lipolysis rates were increased in ctsk−/− mice compared to wild type.
- Carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 activity was higher in ctsk−/− mice on a high-fat diet.
- ctsk−/− mice displayed a significant reduction in body fat percentage as assessed by MRI.
Takeaway
Mice without cathepsin K don't get as fat as normal mice when they eat a lot of fat, which means cathepsin K helps store fat.
Methodology
The study used cathepsin K deficient mice and compared their growth, fat accumulation, and metabolic parameters to wild type mice under normal and high-fat diet conditions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the genetic background of the mice used in the study.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on male mice and may not fully represent female responses.
Participant Demographics
C57Bl6 and sv129/C57Bl6 male and female mice were used.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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