ARS | Publication request: Adiponectin in Hamster: Characterization and Functions in Soluble Dietary Fiber Mediated Lipid Homeostatis

Submitted to: Journal of Diabetes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 14, 2009
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Methods: Hamsters were treated with HPMC (2% and 4% in high fat diet) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, control diet) for eight consecutive weeks. Plasma glucose, insulin, lipids, adiponectin, leptin, and hepatic lipid levels were assessed. Results: After eight consecutive weeks of feeding, plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the animals with the 4% HPMC supplement diet were significantly lower than the control diet in which microcrystalline cellulose was used as a control fiber. Moreover, a significant increase in adiponectin levels and lower leptin levels was observed in the HPMC supplement. Hamster adiponectin is comprised of 244 amino acid residues with an apparent molecular weight of 30 kDa, consistent with the adiponectin reported in other species. Conclusion: Reductions of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels were correlated with a decrease of plasma leptin as well as an increase in adiponectin. These results suggest that adipocytokines were regulated by HPMC and may play a pivotal role in the hypocholesterolemic effect.

Technical Abstract: Aim: The hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic effects of various natural and semisynthetic dietary fibers have been studied in the past for their potential use in the prevention and improvement of metabolic syndrome. Among these dietary fibers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) has been shown to lower plasma cholesterol and reduce weight gain. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet understood. In this study, we examined the associations of lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity with plasma adipocytokine levels upon HPMC intake using the Golden Syrian Hamster as an animal model. Additionally, endogenous adiponectin from hamster plasma was purified and characterized.