Effects of different oxygen tensions on differentiated human preadipocytes lipid storage and mobilisation

Adipose tissue expansion has been suggested to impair oxygen (O-2) diffusion in the adipose tissue and cause hypoxia. This study aimed at characterising the effects of hypoxia on adipocyte lipid storage and mobilisation functions. Human preadipocytes were exposed to different O-2 tensions (3, 10 and 21%) either acutely for 24 h after differentiation (acute exposure) or during differentiation (14d, chronic hypoxia). Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was decreased dose-dependently by both acute and chronic hypoxia (p < .05). Acute exposure to 3, and 10% O-2 stimulated the expression of lipid storage gene, while chronic exposure to 3% O-2 inhibited the expression of genes involved in lipid storage and mobilisation (p < .05). Acute hypoxia dose-dependently stimulated basal lipolysis. Conversely, chronic hypoxia did not affect basal lipolysis but significantly decreased isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis (p < .05). In conclusion, the effects of hypoxia on human adipocyte lipid storage and mobilisation functions are complex but could favour ectopic fat deposition.