Horm Metab Res 2005; 37(7): 455-459
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-870240
Original Clinical
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Aldosterone Inhibits Uncoupling Protein-1, Induces Insulin Resistance, and Stimulates Proinflammatory Adipokines in Adipocytes

D.  Kraus*1 , J.  Jäger*1 , B.  Meier1 , M.  Fasshauer2 , J.  Klein1
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck, Germany
  • 2Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Leipzig, Germany
* Both authors contributed equally to this work.
Further Information

Publication History

Received 17 March 2005

Accepted after revision 28 April 2005

Publication Date:
21 July 2005 (online)

Abstract

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that regulates blood pressure and salt/water balance. Increased aldosterone levels are found in states of disturbed energy balance such as the metabolic syndrome. Adipose tissue has been recognized to play a pivotal role in the regulation of energy homeostasis. We investigated direct aldosterone effects on brown adipocyte function. Aldosterone dose-dependently inhibited expression of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) by 30 % (p < 0.01). Furthermore, aldosterone dose-dependently impaired insulin-induced glucose uptake by about 25 % (p < 0.01). On a transcriptional level, mRNA of the proinflammatory adipokines leptin and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was increased by 5,000 % and 40 %, respectively, by aldosterone exposure (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that aldosterone directly impacts on major adipose functions including stimulation of proinflammatory adipokines.

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J. Klein, M. D.

Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Lübeck

Ratzeburger Allee 160 · 23538 Lübeck · Germany

Fax: +49 451 500 4193

Email: j.klein@uni-luebeck.de