Original Article

International Journal of Obesity (2006) 30, 447–452. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803147; published online 1 November 2005

ALOX5AP expression, but not gene haplotypes, is associated with obesity and insulin resistance

M Kaaman1, M Rydén1, T Axelsson2, E Nordström1, A Sicard3, A Bouloumié3,4,5, D Langin3,4, P Arner1 and I Dahlman1

  1. 1Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
  2. 2Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
  3. 3Obesity Research Unit Inserm U586, Toulouse, France
  4. 4Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
  5. 5Cardiovascular Physiology Department, J-W Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Correspondence: Dr I Dahlman, Department of Medicine M63, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. E-mail: ingrid.dahlman@medhs.ki.se

Received 22 March 2005; Revised 19 July 2005; Accepted 10 September 2005; Published online 1 November 2005.

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Abstract

Objective:

 

Inflammation in adipose tissue may link obesity to insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (ALOX5AP) gene is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated ALOX5AP expression in adipose tissue, and association of gene polymorphisms with obesity and insulin resistance.

Design:

 

For gene expression analysis in adipose tissue, we studied 12 lean and 36 obese women, eight lean and 13 obese men, and nine women before and 2–4 years after gastric banding surgery. For genetic analysis, we studied 231 nonobese and 350 obese men.

Results:

 

The ALOX5AP protein, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP), as well as 5-lipoxygenase (5LO) itself, were detected in adipocytes. The mRNA expression of ALOX5AP in subcutaneous adipose tissue was increased in obesity and normalized following weight reduction. High adipose tissue mRNA expression of ALOX5AP is associated with insulin resistance as measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMAIR). ALOX5AP haplotypes that associate with CVD are not associated with obesity or insulin resistance.

Conclusion:

 

ALOX5AP is present in adipose tissue, where its expression is associated with body weight and HOMAIR, and may provide a link between adipose tissue, inflammation and insulin resistance. Investigated ALOX5AP haplotypes are not major primary risk factors for obesity and insulin resistance.

Keywords:

fat cell, atherosclerosis, adipocity, inflammation, leukotrienes

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