To determine the change of gene expressions in human perirenal adipose tissue (PAT) and oblique abdomen subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of overweight and obese subjects.

Ninety-seven patients, including 35 overweight/obese patients and 62 non-obese patients, who underwent renal surgery were included. The clinical data and various gene expressions in PAT and SAT of two groups were analyzed.

Body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, fasting blood glucose, and serum creatinine were significantly higher in overweight/obese patients than those in non-obese patients(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with non-obese patients, PAT adipocytes showed bigger, and the expressions of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) mRNA and protein were markedly lower in overweight/obese patients. The mRNA expressions of CIDEA and adiponectin in PAT of overweight/obese patients were significantly lower, while leptin, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 mRNA expressions were significantly higher. There were no significant differences in the related gene expressions of SAT between the two groups.

Different parts of adipose tissue reveal various characteristics, and play different roles in the occurrence and development of obesity. UCP1 expression is decreased in PAT of overweight/obese patients, with the changes of adipocytokine expressions. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2018, 34: 567-572)

Uncoupling protein 1; Perirenal adipose tissue; Subcutaneous adipose tissue; Obesity