Transcription profiling by array of human adipose tissue from hypopituitary men before and after growth hormon (GH) treatment

Adipose tissue is a major target of GH action. GH stimulates lipolysis and reduces fat mass. The molecular mechanism underlying cellular and metabolic effects of GH in adipose tissue is not well understood. The aim of this study is to identify GH-responsive genes that regulate lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. Eight men with GH deficiency underwent measurement of plasma free fatty acid (FFA), whole body lipid oxidation and fat biopsies before and after one month of GH treatment (0.5mg/day). Gene expression profiling was performed using Agilent 44K G4112F arrays utilising a two-colour design. Differentially expressed genes were identified using an empirical Bayes, moderate t-test, with a false discovery rate of < 5%. Genes involved in GH receptor signalling, lipolysis, triglyceride biosynthesis, adipocyte differentiation and function were analysed. Target genes were validated by quantitative RT-PCR. GH increased circulating IGF-I and FFA and stimulated fat oxidation. A total of 246 genes were differentially expressed, of which 135 were up-regulated and 111 down-regulated. GH enhanced adipose tissue expression of IGF-I and SOCS3. It did not change expression of key enzymes governing lipolysis, but differentially regulated genes promoting diacylglycerol syntheses. GH repressed hydroxysteroid (11-beta) dehydrogenase 1, which activates local cortisol production, and genes encoding components of extracellular matrix that regulate inflammation. GH induced concordant change in circulating IGF-I and expression in adipose tissue. GH stimulation of lipolysis is mediated at a translational and/or post-translational level. GH suppressed genes encoding local factors regulating adipocyte differentiation, function and inflammation.