Leptin regulates the expression of genes related to lipid storage in Sertoli cells

DASSO, M.E.; CENTOLA, C.L.; GORGA, A.; RINDONE, G.M.; PELLIZZARI, E.H.; CAMBEROS, M.C.; GALARDO, M.N.; MERONI, S.B.; RIERA, M.F.

Evento Virtual

Congreso; LXI Reunion Anual de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigacion Clinica; 2021

Sociedad Argentina de Investigacion Clinica

Sertoli cells (SC) are necessary to provide an adequate environment for germ cell development. SC actively metabolize glucose but the majority is converted to lactate, an energy source for germ cells. Also, SC can oxidize fatty acids (FA) to sustain their energy status. The presence of numerous lipid droplets (LD) is characteristic in SC and it is assumed that they constitute the storage of FA. In this context, we have demonstrated that leptin (Lep), an adipokine which secretion is increased in obesity, increases triacylglycerols (TAGs) and LD content in SC. Several proteins such as the FA transporter, FAT/CD36, the enzymes of synthesis of TAGs, glycerol-phosphate-acyl-transferases (GPATs) and diacylglycerol-acyl-transferase 1 (DGAT) and the proteins involved in LD formation (PLINs) are involved in lipid storage. The aim of this study was to analyze the regulation by leptin of the expression of proteins involved in FA storage. SC isolated from 20-day-old rats were cultured and maintained under basal conditions (B) or stimulated with Lep (100ng/ml). mRNA levels of FAT/CD36, GPAT1-4, DGAT1 and PLIN1-3 were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Results are expressed as mean±SD, n=3, (* p