The regulation of adipokines related to obesity and diabetes is sensitive to BDNF levels and adipose tissue location

Purpose The role of BDNF in adipose tissue metabolism is poorly understood. We investigated the effects of decreased levels of BDNF on the expression of major adipokines in different fat depots (e.g., subcutaneous and epididymal) of mouse groups fed three different diet protocols. Methods BDNF heterozygous (+ / -) mice were used to evaluate the effect of reduced BDNF levels. Six groups of C57BL/6 J breed wild type (WT) and BDNF (+ / -) mice were formed. These groups were fed, respectively, a control diet (CD), a high-fat diet (HFD), and a high-sucrose diet (HSD) for 4 months. Serum samples and adipose tissues were used for biochemical assays. The serum concentrations and tissue expression levels of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were measured. Results Compared to the CD-fed WT group (control group), serum leptin and leptin expression levels were found to be higher in all experimental groups. Serum adiponectin levels were lower in the BDNF (+ / -) groups and HFD-fed WT group than in the control group. Epididymal adiponectin expression was found to be lower in the HFD-fed BDNF (+ / -) group and higher in HSD-fed groups than in the control group. Compared to the control group, adiponectin expression increased in the WT groups in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Serum resistin levels were elevated in the HFD-fed groups. Resistin expression in epididymal adipose tissue was lower in the CD-fed and HFD-fed groups than in the control group. Conclusions BDNF levels and diet differentially affect the expression of adipokines in different fat tissues in the body. BDNF may play a protective role in obesity and diabetes.