High fat diet-induced obesity alters mitochondrial dynamics in mouse white adipose tissue: effects of anthocyanins

D. E. IGLESIAS; M. MARINO; P. I. OTEIZA; E. CREMONINI; C. G. FRAGA

Ferrara

Congreso; Society for Free Radical Research-Europe (SFRR-E) Annual Meeting; 2019

SFRR-E

A dynamic process of fusion and fission sustains mitochondria functionality.Excess nutrient availability can cause alterations in mitochondrialdynamics and function. This study investigated the potentialalterations in mitochondrial dynamics occurring in subcutaneous whiteadipose tissue (sWAT) as a consequence of high fat diet (HF)-inducedobesity in mice. The protective effects of anthocyanins (AC) supplementationwas also characterized. C57BL/6J male mice were fed for 14 wcontrol (C) or HF diets, with or without 40 mg AC/kg body weight (HFA).Transmission electron microscopy showed altered sWAT mitochondriamorphology, with a large number of elongated mitochondria, in HFcompared to C and HFA mice. Drp1, a cytosolic dynamin GTPase, isphosphorylated, recruited to the mitochondria, and bound to receptors(e.g. Mff, Fis1) to initiate fission. This can target damaged mitochondriafor mitophagy, which involves Parkin and NIX. Total Drp1, Fis1, Mff,Parkin and NIX content; and Drp1 phosphorylation (Ser 616) levels weremarkedly lower in HF sWAT compared to controls. AC prevented thedecrease in Drp1, Drp1 phosphorylation, Parkin and NIX levels. Resultssuggest that HF-induced obesity impairs mitochondria fission and theirdisposal by mitophagy, which can be in part mitigated by AC intake.