PDGF Signaling And Obesity

Here is a study suggesting that Platelet-derived growth factors and signaling related to that factors plays an important role in obesity by promoting blood vessel growth associated with “white fat” – thus promoting obesity and subsequent obesity-related disorders.  Abstract:

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a key factor of angiogenesis; however, its role in adult obesity remains unclear. In order to clarify its pathophysiological role, we investigated the significance of a PDGF receptor β on adipose tissue expansion and glucose metabolism. Mature vessels in the epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) were tightly wrapped with pericytes in normal mice. Pericytes desorption from vessels and the subsequent proliferations of endothelial cells were markedly increased in the eWAT of diet-induced obese mice. Analyses with flow cytometry and adipose tissue cultures indicated that PDGF-B caused the detachment of pericytes from vessels in a concentration-dependent manner. M1-macrophages were a major type of cells expressing PDGF-B in obese adipose tissue. In contrast, pericyte detachment was attenuated and vascularity within eWAT was reduced in tamoxifen-inducible conditional Pdgfrb-knockout mice with decreases in adipocyte size and chronic inflammation. Furthermore, Pdgfrb-knockout mice showed enhanced energy expenditure. Consequently, diet-induced obesity and the associated deterioration of glucose metabolism in wild-type mice were absent in Pdgfrb-knockout mice. Therefore, PDGF-B-PDGFRβ signaling plays a significant role in the development of adipose-tissue neovascularization, and appears to be a fundamental target for the prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Note the last sentence.  One assumes that this signaling can be at some point targeted by drugs, but one can also assume side-effects (never mind cost).  Maybe it would be better to control obesity through diet?  Note in the study, obesity in the mice was “diet-induced.”  That says something, doesn’t it? Diet or drugs?  I’ll pick diet.