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Downregulation of uncoupling protein 2 mRNA in women treated with glucocorticoids

International Journal of Obesity volume 25, pages 1615–1618 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoids are well-known regulators of energy turnover and adipose tissue metabolism. We investigated the effect of glucocorticoids on the expression of the human uncoupling protein 2 (UCP 2) gene, which has been implicated in energy expenditure.

DESIGN: Prednisolone (25 mg) was administered orally daily for 7 days. Subcutaneous adipose tissue UCP 2 mRNA was measured before and after treatment.

SUBJECTS: Eight healthy female subjects (age 52–63 y; body mass index 25–34 kg/m2).

RESULTS: No differences in body weight, waist-to-hip ratio or plasma-values of FFA or glucose were found after prednisolone treatment, as compared to pre-treatment values under these conditions. In contrast, plasma insulin levels were significantly increased by glucocorticoid administration, 54±6 before vs 70±12 (mean±sem) pmol/l after treatment (P=0.028). Furthermore, using RT-competitive-PCR, the UCP 2 mRNA level in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was found to be down-regulated by half (6.3±0.4 vs 3.1±0.8 amol/µg RNA, P=0.012) after glucocorticoid treatment. No difference in expression levels of the reference gene 18SrRNA was observed before, as compared to after prednisolone exposure (249±11 vs 248±30 amol/µg RNA, P=0.87).

CONCLUSION: These data suggest that glucocorticoids may play a role in the regulation of UCP 2 mRNA expression in human adipose tissue in vivo.

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Acknowledgements

The skilful technical assistance of Eva Sjölin is highly appreciated. This study was supported by grants from the Foundation of Thuring and the Swedish Society of Medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine and Neurotec, Centre for Metabolism and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

    J Uddén & J Hoffstedt

  2. Department of Experimental Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet of Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

    R Folkesson

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  1. J Uddén
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Correspondence to J Hoffstedt.

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Uddén, J., Folkesson, R. & Hoffstedt, J. Downregulation of uncoupling protein 2 mRNA in women treated with glucocorticoids. Int J Obes 25, 1615–1618 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801801

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