Suppression of lipoprotein lipase expression in 3T3-L1 cells by inhibition of adipogenic differentiation through activation of the renin-angiotensin system

Effect of Dietary Strategies on Respiratory Quotient and Its Association with Clinical Parameters and Organ Fat Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The relation between changes in respiratory quotient (RQ) following dietary interventions and clinical parameters and body fat pools remains unknown. In this randomized controlled trial, participants with moderate abdominal obesity or/and dyslipidemia (n = 159) were randomly assigned to a Mediterranean/low carbohydrate (MED/LC, n = 80) or a low fat (LF, n = 79) isocaloric weight loss diet and completed a metabolic assessment. Changes in RQ (measured by indirect calorimeter), adipose-tissue pools (MRI), and clinical measurements were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. An elevated RQ at baseline was significantly associated with increased visceral adipose tissue, hepatic fat, higher levels of insulin and homeostatic insulin resistance. After 6 months, body weight had decreased similarly between the diet groups (−6 ± 6 kg). However, the MED/LC diet, which greatly improved metabolic health, decreased RQ significantly more than the LF diet (−0.022 ± 0.007 vs. −0.002 ± 0.008, p = 0.005). Total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure were independently associated with RQ changes (p = 0.045). RQ was positively associated with increased superficial subcutaneous-adipose-tissue but decreased renal sinus, pancreatic, and intramuscular fats after adjusting for confounders. Fasting RQ may reflect differences in metabolic characteristics between subjects affecting their potential individual response to the diet.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Significantly Increases Serum Lipoprotein Lipase Level in Obese Patients

OBJECTIVES

Obesity is one of the causes of metabolic disorders. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) confers beneficial effects not only on body weight (BW) but also on metabolic disorders. The lipoprotein lipase (LPL) level in preheparin serum is associated with visceral adipose tissue and reflects insulin resistance. However, the change in serum preheparin LPL levels after LSG remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of LSG on preheparin LPL level in obese patients compared with nonsurgical treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a total of 100 obese patients who were treated for obesity and had preheparin LPL levels measured before and 12 months after LSG or after 12 months of nonsurgical treatment. Fifty-six patients received LSG (LSG group), and 44 patients had no surgical treatment (nonsurgical group). We compared clinical parameters such as body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and preheparin LPL level before and 12 months after treatment.

RESULTS

BMI and HbA1c decreased significantly in both groups, but decreases in both parameters were greater in the LSG group than in the nonsurgical group. Estimated glomerular filtration was significantly improved only in the LSG group. Preheparin LPL level increased significantly only in the LSG group (from 45.8 ± 21.6 to 75.0 ± 34.9 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multiple regression identified LSG and decreased BMI as independent predictors of preheparin LPL level increase.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that LSG independently increases pre-heparin LPL level beyond BW reduction in obese patients.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists in animal models of vascular, cardiac, metabolic and renal disease

We have reviewed the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs) in various animal models of hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac function, hypertrophy and fibrosis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and renal function and morphology. Those of azilsartan and telmisartan have been included comprehensively whereas those of other ARBs have been included systematically but without intention of completeness. ARBs as a class lower blood pressure in established hypertension and prevent hypertension development in all applicable animal models except those with a markedly suppressed renin-angiotensin system; blood pressure lowering even persists for a considerable time after discontinuation of treatment. This translates into a reduced mortality, particularly in models exhibiting marked hypertension. The retrieved data on vascular, cardiac and renal function and morphology as well as on glucose and lipid metabolism are discussed to address three main questions: 1. Can ARB effects on blood vessels, heart, kidney and metabolic function be explained by blood pressure lowering alone or are they additionally directly related to blockade of the renin-angiotensin system? 2. Are they shared by other inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, e.g. angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors? 3. Are some effects specific for one or more compounds within the ARB class? Taken together these data profile ARBs as a drug class with unique properties that have beneficial effects far beyond those on blood pressure reduction and, in some cases distinct from those of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The clinical relevance of angiotensin receptor-independent effects of some ARBs remains to be determined.

Angiotensin II Reduces Lipoprotein Lipase Expression in Visceral Adipose Tissue via Phospholipase C β4 Depending on Feeding but Increases Lipoprotein Lipase Expression in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue via c-Src

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, high triglyceride (TG)- and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-levels, hypertension, and diabetes-all of which often cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It remains unclear, however, why visceral adiposity but not subcutaneous adiposity causes insulin resistance and other pathological situations. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) catalyzes hydrolysis of TG in plasma lipoproteins. In the present study, we investigated whether the effects of angiotensin II (AngII) on TG metabolism are mediated through an effect on LPL expression. Adipose tissues were divided into visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) for comparison. AngII accelerated LPL expression in SAT but, on the contrary, suppressed its expression in VAT. In both SAT and VAT, AngII signaled through the same type 1 receptor. In SAT, AngII increased LPL expression via c-Src and p38 MAPK signaling. In VAT, however, AngII reduced LPL expression via the Gq class of G proteins and the subsequent phospholipase C β4 (PLCβ4), protein kinase C β1, nuclear factor κB, and inducible nitric oxide synthase signaling pathways. PLCβ4 small interfering RNA experiments showed that PLCβ4 expression is important for the AngII-induced LPL reduction in VAT, in which PLCβ4 expression increases in the evening and falls at night. Interestingly, PLCβ4 expression in VAT decreased with fasting, while AngII did not decrease LPL expression in VAT in a fasting state. In conclusion, AngII reduces LPL expression through PLCβ4, the expression of which is regulated by feeding in VAT, whereas AngII increases LPL expression in SAT. The different effects of AngII on LPL expression and, hence, TG metabolism in VAT and SAT may partly explain their different contributions to the development of metabolic syndrome.

Glycerol Production from Glucose and Fructose by 3T3-L1 Cells: A Mechanism of Adipocyte Defense from Excess Substrate

Cultured adipocytes (3T3-L1) produce large amounts of 3C fragments; largely lactate, depending on medium glucose levels. Increased glycolysis has been observed also in vivo in different sites of rat white adipose tissue. We investigated whether fructose can substitute glucose as source of lactate, and, especially whether the glycerol released to the medium was of lipolytic or glycolytic origin. Fructose conversion to lactate and glycerol was lower than that of glucose. The fast exhaustion of medium glucose was unrelated to significant changes in lipid storage. Fructose inhibited to a higher degree than glucose the expression of lipogenic enzymes. When both hexoses were present, the effects of fructose on gene expression prevailed over those of glucose. Adipocytes expressed fructokinase, but not aldolase b. Substantive release of glycerol accompanied lactate when fructose was the substrate. The mass of cell triacylglycerol (and its lack of change) could not justify the comparatively higher amount of glycerol released. Consequently, most of this glycerol should be derived from the glycolytic pathway, since its lipolytic origin could not be (quantitatively) sustained. Proportionally (with respect to lactate plus glycerol), more glycerol was produced from fructose than from glucose, which suggests that part of fructose was catabolized by the alternate (hepatic) fructose pathway. Earlier described adipose glycerophophatase activity may help explain the glycolytic origin of most of the glycerol. However, no gene is known for this enzyme in mammals, which suggests that this function may be carried out by one of the known phosphatases in the tissue. Break up of glycerol-3P to yield glycerol, may be a limiting factor for the synthesis of triacylglycerols through control of glycerol-3P availability. A phosphatase pathway such as that described may have a potential regulatory function, and explain the production of glycerol by adipocytes in the absence of lipolytic stimulation.

Valsartan ameliorates the constitutive adipokine expression pattern in mature adipocytes: a role for inverse agonism of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor in obesity

Angiotensin (Ang) II receptor blockers (ARBs) alleviate obesity-related insulin resistance, which suggests an important role for the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in the regulation of adipocytokines. Therefore, we treated mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes with 50 μmol l(-1) of valsartan, a selective AT1R blocker without direct agonism to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ. In the absence of effective concentrations of Ang II, unstimulated mature adipocytes expressed and secreted high levels of interleukin (IL)-6. This constitutive proinflammatory activity was attenuated by the suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation by valsartan but was unaffected by the Ang II type 2 receptor blocker PD123319. COS7 cells co-transfected with AT1R and IL-6, which expressed NF-κB but lacked PPAR-γ, showed no constitutive but substantial ligand-dependent IL-6 reporter activity, which was counteracted by valsartan. Valsartan preserved cytosolic IκB-α and subsequently reduced nuclear NF-κB1 protein expression in mature adipocytes. Interestingly, valsartan did not increase PPAR-γ messenger RNA expression per se but enhanced the transcriptional activity of PPAR-γ in mature adipocytes; this enhancement was accompanied by upregulation of the PPAR coactivator (PGC)-1α. Moreover, T0090907, a PPAR-γ inhibitor, increased IL-6 expression, and this increase was attenuated by valsartan. Indeed, addition of valsartan without direct PPAR-γ agonism increased adiponectin production in mature adipocytes. Together, the findings indicate that valsartan blocks the constitutive AT1R activity involving the NF-κB pathway that limits PPAR-γ activity in mature adipocytes. Thus, inverse agonism of AT1R attenuates the spontaneous proinflammatory response and enhances the constitutive insulin-sensitizing activities of mature adipocytes, which may underlie the beneficial metabolic impacts of ARBs.

Adipose tissue renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and progression of insulin resistance

This review focuses on the expression of the key components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis in fat tissue. At the center of this report is the role of RAAS in normal and excessive fat mass enlargement, the leading etiology of insulin resistance. Understanding the expression and regulation of RAAS components in various fat depots allows insight not only into the processes by which these complex patterns are modified by the enlargement of adipose tissue, but also into their impact on local and systemic response to insulin.

Fat utilization and arterial hypertension in overweight/obese subjects

Background

The Respiratory Quotient is a parameter reflecting the utilization of the nutrients by a subject. It is associated with an high rate of subsequent weight gain and with the atherosclerosis. Subjects tending to burn less fat have an increased Respiratory Quotient. Aim of this study was to investigate on the relationship between the Respiratory Quotient and the cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study we enrolled 223 individuals of both sexes aged 45–75 ys that were weight stable, receiving a balanced diet, and not affected by debilitating disease or cardiovascular disease. The Respiratory Quotient was measured by Indirect Calorimetry. The measurement of the Blood Pressure was obtained by a mercury sphygmomanometer.

Results

We enrolled 133 female and 90 male. Systolic blood pressure only was positively correlated to the Respiratory Quotient in univariate and multivariate regression analysis (p=0,017). The prevalence of hypertension was significatively different between the quartiles of the Respiratory Quotient, with the highest prevalence in the IV quartile (p=0,024).

Conclusion

High value of the Respiratory Quotient, an index of nutrients utilization, is associated to an high prevalence of Hypertension. It is possible that in the subjects with high Respiratory Quotient and high body mass index, the activation of the renin angiotensin system, in concert to the reduction of the utilization of the endogenous fat stores, could increase the risk of hypertension.

The use of Transwells™ improves the rates of differentiation and growth of cultured 3T3L1 cells

The use of Transwells™ for routine cultures of 3T3L1 cells results in a much improved rate of differentiation of fibroblasts to adipocytes (100% in 9 of 10 tests) compared with bottom-well layer cultures. Mean size of cells was not different, but the cell number and overall cell mass was 3× larger in transwell in spite of a smaller surface area. The difference between both models was the accessibility in transwells of both sides of the cells to the medium (and oxygen). Cells were counted, and their size estimated using a handheld cell counter, Scepter™, designed for blood cells, but adjusted to the larger size of adipocytes. Finally, the effect of nitric oxide was tested using spermineNONOate, a nitric oxide (NO·) donor. The product was released to cultures at a constant 1 μl/h rate for up to 3 days using osmotic Alzet™ minipumps held in wells with water and discharging their contents to the cultured cell-laden wells through a short capillary tube. A rate of 0.3 pmol/min/ml of medium did not affect the cells' size, but 0.4 pmol/min/ml significantly increased cell mass. The methodological improvements presented here allow for more uniform cultured cell yields and a more flexible environment for control of cell size and administration of signaling agents.

An increased circulating angiotensin II concentration is associated with hypoadiponectinemia and postprandial hyperglycemia in men with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Insulin resistance, a common pathogenesis of NAFLD and T2D, is partially caused by alterations in angiotensin II (Ang II) and is accompanied by hypoadiponectinemia. We aimed to investigate whether the circulating Ang II and adiponectin concentrations are related to hyperglycemia in male NAFLD patients.

METHODS

Thirty-five controls and 85 NAFLD patients without prior known T2D were enrolled. All participants were non-smoking men who performed 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria, the NAFLD patients were divided into the euglycemia and hyperglycemia groups. The NAFLD patients with hyperglycemia were further divided into the isolated impaired fasting glucose (I-IFG) and postprandial hyperglycemia subgroups. The fasting serum Ang II and adiponectin concentrations were measured.

RESULTS

Among the 85 NAFLD patients, 40 (47%) had hyperglycemia, including I-IFG (18%) and postprandial hyperglycemia (29%). The serum Ang II concentrations in the euglycemia and hyperglycemia groups were significantly higher than those observed in the control and euglycemia groups, respectively; whereas the serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower. The serum Ang II concentrations were significantly higher in the postprandial hyperglycemia subgroup than in the I-IFG subgroup. The serum Ang II and adiponectin concentrations were found to be independent predictors of hyperglycemia in the NAFLD patients. The serum Ang II concentration was significantly associated with the serum adiponectin and 2-hour postprandial glucose concentrations in the NAFLD patients.

CONCLUSION

An increased circulating Ang II concentration is associated with hypoadiponectinemia and postprandial hyperglycemia in male NAFLD patients and may be involved in the pathogenesis of T2D in NAFLD patients.

Increased cord blood angiotensin II concentration is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity in the offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To determine cord blood angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration and assess its relationship to fetal insulin sensitivity in the offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at birth.

STUDY DESIGN

Thirty women with GDM and 30 healthy women were evaluated at elective cesarean delivery. Cord blood was obtained for measurement of Ang II, glucose and insulin. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated and used to estimate fetal insulin sensitivity.

RESULT

The offspring of mothers with GDM had higher ponderal index (PI), HOMA-IR and cord Ang II and insulin concentrations than the offspring of healthy mothers. Cord insulin concentration and HOMA-IR were positively associated with PI in all the offspring. Cord Ang II concentration was positively associated with HOMA-IR in the offspring of mothers with GDM.

CONCLUSION

Increased cord Ang II concentration is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity in the offspring of mothers with GDM.

Deficiency of angiotensin type 1a receptors in adipocytes reduces differentiation and promotes hypertrophy of adipocytes in lean mice

Adipocytes express angiotensin receptors, but the direct effects of angiotensin II (AngII) stimulating this cell type are undefined. Adipocytes express angiotensin type 1a receptor (AT1aR) and AT2R, both of which have been implicated in obesity. In this study, we determined the effects of adipocyte AT1aR deficiency on adipocyte differentiation and the development of obesity in mice fed low-fat (LF) or high-fat (HF) diets. Mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the aP2 promoter were bred with AT1aR-floxed mice to generate mice with adipocyte AT1aR deficiency (AT1aR(aP2)). AT1aR mRNA abundance was reduced significantly in both white and brown adipose tissue from AT1aR(aP2) mice compared with nontransgenic littermates (AT1aR(fl/fl)). Adipocyte AT1aR deficiency did not influence body weight, glucose tolerance, or blood pressure in mice fed either LF or high-fat diets. However, LF-fed AT1aR(aP2) mice exhibited striking adipocyte hypertrophy even though total fat mass was not different between genotypes. Stromal vascular cells from AT1aR(aP2) mice differentiated to a lesser extent to adipocytes compared with controls. Conversely, incubation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with AngII increased Oil Red O staining and increased mRNA abundance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) via AT1R stimulation. These results suggest that reductions in adipocyte differentiation in LF-fed AT1aR(aP2) mice resulted in increased lipid storage and hypertrophy of remaining adipocytes. These results demonstrate that AngII regulates adipocyte differentiation and morphology through the adipocyte AT1aR in lean mice.

Does interference with the renin-angiotensin system protect against diabetes? Evidence and mechanisms

Agents interfering with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) were consistently shown to lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as compared to other antihypertensive drugs, in hypertensive high-risk populations. The mechanisms underlying this protective effect of RAS blockade using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers on glucose metabolism are not fully understood. In this article, we will review the evidence from randomized controlled trials and discuss the proposed mechanisms as to how RAS interference may delay the onset of T2DM. In particular, as T2DM is characterized by β-cell dysfunction and obesity-related insulin resistance, we address the mechanisms that underlie RAS blockade-induced improvement in β-cell function and insulin sensitivity.

The renin-angiotensin system: a link between obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is classically known for its role in regulation of blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance. Recently, several local RASs in organs such as brain, heart, pancreas and adipose tissue have also been identified. Evidence from clinical trials suggests that in addition to anti-hypertensive effects, pharmacological inhibition of RAS also provides protection against the development of type-2 diabetes. Moreover, animal models with targeted inactivation of RAS genes exhibit improved insulin sensitivity and are protected from high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. Because there is evidence for RAS overactivation in obesity, it is possible that RAS is a link between obesity and insulin resistance. This review summarizes the evidence and mechanistic insights on the associations between RAS, obesity and insulin resistance, with special emphasis on the role of adipose tissue RAS in the pathogenesis of metabolic derangements in obesity.

The renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes

Increased activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been related to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Most randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that RAS blockade reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes, which has been explained by improved insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. In this review, an overview of the mechanisms that may underlie the association between the RAS and type 2 diabetes will be provided, with focus on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue function. This will include discussion of several human studies performed in our laboratory to investigate the metabolic and hemodynamic effects of the RAS, combining in vivo measurements of whole-body and tissue metabolism with molecular and immunohistochemical approaches. Available data suggest that the detrimental effects of the RAS on insulin secretion are mediated by a reduction in pancreatic blood flow and induction of islet fibrosis, oxidative stress as well as inflammation, whereas both impaired skeletal muscle function and adipose tissue dysfunction may underlie RAS-induced insulin resistance. Thus, although future studies in humans are warranted, current evidence supports that targeting the RAS in intervention studies may improve metabolic and cardiovascular function in conditions of insulin resistance like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside improves obesity and triglyceride metabolism in KK-Ay mice by regulating lipoprotein lipase activity

BACKGROUND

Cyanidin-3-O-β-glucoside (Cy-3-g)-rich foods have been reported to inhibit the onset of obesity, but whether the pure anthocyanin supplementation affects obesity remains uncertain.

RESULTS

Cy-3-g supplementation significantly reduced obesity, accumulation of fat in visceral adipose and liver tissues, and plasma triglyceride levels. Furthermore, adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase phosphorylation (pAMPK) in the skeletal muscle and visceral adipose were significantly increased by Cy-3-g consumption. This was followed by the activation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in plasma and skeletal muscle but the suppression of this enzyme in visceral adipose. LPL activation in skeletal muscle cells and its suppression in adipocytes by Cy-3-g were blocked by inhibition of pAMPK.

CONCLUSION

Our present data thus demonstrate that Cy-3-g improves obesity and triglyceride metabolism in KK-Ay mice. The underlying mechanism is found to be partly related to the activation of LPL in plasma and skeletal muscle, and inhibition of LPL in adipose tissue following the activation of pAMPK.

The development and endocrine functions of adipose tissue

White adipose tissue is a mesenchymal tissue that begins developing in the fetus. Classically known for storing the body's fuel reserves, adipose tissue is now recognized as an endocrine organ. As such, the secretions from adipose tissue are known to affect several systems such as the vascular and immune systems and play major roles in metabolism. Numerous studies have shown nutrient or hormonal manipulations can greatly influence adipose tissue development. In addition, the associations between various disease states, such as insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, and disregulation of adipose tissue seen in epidemiological and intervention studies are great. Evaluation of known adipokines suggests these factors secreted from adipose tissue play roles in several pathologies. As the identification of more adipokines and determination of their role in biological systems, and the interactions between adipocytes and other cells types continues, there is little doubt that we will gain a greater appreciation for a tissue once thought to simply store excess energy.

Knockdown of angiotensinogen by shRNA-mediated RNA interference inhibits human visceral preadipocytes differentiation

OBJECTIVE

The immediate cause of obesity is the massive deposition of subcutaneous and visceral fat attributing to the continuous proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes. The identification of the underlying molecular mechanisms of preadipocytes differentiation is urgent, and will have an important role in plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures.

METHODS

Two small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated RNA interference plasmids have been constructed on the basis of the activity of H1 promoter-driven expression vector psiRNA-hH1neo to suppress the expression of angiotensinogen (AGT) in human preadipocytes-visceral (HPA-v). Subsequently, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) activity and intracytoplasmic lipids content were detected during the process of HPA-v differentiation.

RESULTS

Small hairpin RNA-expressing vectors have been successfully constructed to suppress the expression of AGT significantly. Both intracytoplasmic lipids content and G3PDH activity decreased to a certain extent compared with that in the control group in the whole process of HPA-v differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Two shRNA-mediated AGT-targeting plasmids inhibited the process of HPA-v differentiation to a certain extent. However, the accumulation of intracytoplasmic lipids was not exclusively determined by the expression of AGT, and it may also be regulated by other factors. In conclusion, this study provided a method to inhibit the process of preadipocytes differentiation, and it may have a role in obesity treatment and adipose tissue engineering application.

Circulating angiotensin II is associated with body fat accumulation and insulin resistance in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Adipocytes express all components of the renin-angiotensin system, and the renin-angiotensin system is involved in obesity and insulin resistance. Circulating angiotensin II (Ang II) is detectable in blood, but its significance in human obesity remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma Ang II in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and the change during weight loss. Fifty Japanese obese subjects with T2D (body weight, 75.0 +/- 14.1 kg; body mass index, 29.1 +/- 3.7 kg/m(2); visceral fat area [VFA], 169.3 +/- 54.3 cm(2); hemoglobin A(1c), 7.6% +/- 1.5%) were enrolled. The subjects were prescribed a diet of daily caloric intake of 20 kcal/kg for 24 weeks. Plasma Ang II was measured by radioimmunoassay. Leptin, adiponectin, and lipoprotein lipase mass in preheparin serum were also measured as adipocyte-derived factors. After 24 weeks of weight reduction diet, the mean body weight, VFA, and hemoglobin A(1c) decreased significantly by 2.3%, 7.0%, and 8.3%, respectively. The mean plasma Ang II decreased by 24% (P < .0001) and correlated with body weight both at baseline (r = 0.425, P = .0018) and at 24 weeks (r = 0.332, P = .0181). The change in Ang II correlated with changes in body weight (r = 0.335, P = .0167) and VFA (r = 0.329, P = .0191). The change in Ang II also correlated positively with change in leptin (r = 0.348, P = .0127) and tended to correlate negatively with change in lipoprotein lipase mass in preheparin serum (r = -0.260, P = .0683), which is a marker of insulin sensitivity. Plasma Ang II is associated with body weight, decreases during weight loss, and is associated with markers of insulin resistance in obese subjects with T2D.