Expression Patterns of SIRT1, SIRT3, and TFAM in Adipose Tissue: Associations with Adiposity Indices and Insulin Resistance in Women

Samaneh Mohassel  Azadi; Mehrnoosh  Shanaki; Hossein  Zabihi-Mahmoudabadi; Solaleh  Emamgholipour

doi:10.18502/abi.v2i4.19111

Samaneh Mohassel Azadi Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mehrnoosh Shanaki Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hossein Zabihi-Mahmoudabadi Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Solaleh Emamgholipour Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/abi.v2i4.19111

Keywords: SIRT1, SIRT3, And TFAM, Subcutaneous, Visceral, Adipose Tissue, Obesity

Abstract

Objectives: Obesity is linked to metabolic dysfunction, with mitochondrial regulators such as SIRT1, SIRT3, and TFAM playing key roles in adipose tissue health. This study examined the expression of these genes in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues of obese and normal-weight women, and their associations with adiposity indices and insulin resistance.

Methods: Forty-six women (22 obese, 24 normal-weight) were enrolled. Anthropometric, metabolic, and biochemical parameters were measured. mRNA levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, and TFAM were assessed in adipose tissue samples using quantitative real-time PCR.

Results: Obese women had significantly higher adiposity indices and insulin resistance markers. SIRT1 expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue and SIRT3 expression in visceral adipose tissue were lower in obese women compared to controls. SIRT1 and SIRT3 transcript levels showed significant inverse correlations with several adiposity indices and insulin resistance measures. TFAM expression did not differ significantly between groups but was inversely associated with metabolic risk factors in visceral fat.

Conclusion: Reduced SIRT1 and SIRT3 expression in adipose tissue is associated with greater adiposity and insulin resistance in obese women, suggesting a potential role for these genes in obesity-related metabolic disturbances.