The Association of Daily Physical Activity and Apelin Gene Expression and Serum Concentration in Omental and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues of Obese and Morbid Obese Adults

Adipose tissue affects body hemostasis by secreting a variety of proteins named adipokines. Plasma levels of apelin decreases after exercise; however, the evidence on gene regulation in adipocytes is rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of daily physical activity and applein gene expression and its serum levels in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues in non-obese and morbid obese subjects.

In this cross-sectional study, samples of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues were collected from patients (64) undergoing abdominal surgery. Data on physical activity was gathered using a valid and reliable International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the metabolic equivalent (MET) was calculated. Apelin expression in fats was evaluated using the qRT-Real Time PCR method.

Mean age for non-obese and morbid obese groups was 45.6 and 39.6 years, and total physical activity was 1093 and 894 (MET), respectively. The expression of apelin was significantly higher in subcutaneous fat in morbid obese subjects, compared to non-obese adults (P=0.038). After controling age, waist circumference and insulin levels, total MET was significantly associated with subcutaneous adipose tissue (β=0.519 and β=0.395) in both, the non-obese and obese groups. Among obese individuals, occupational-related activity was associated with apelin expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (β=0.391).

The association of physical activity and adipose tissue gene expression in non-obese and obese individuals indicates the positive effects of active lifestyles on adipokines secreted from adipose tissues.