Modulation of type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase activity in white adipose tissue by nutrition: possible involvement of leptin.

Adipose tissue is an important target for thyroid hormones (TH). However, the metabolism of TH in white adipose tissue is poorly characterized. Our objective was to describe possible changes in activities of TH-metabolizing enzymes in white adipose tissue, and the role of TH metabolism in the tissue during obesogenic treatment, caloric restriction and in response to leptin in mice. Activity of type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase (D1) in white fat was stimulated by a high-fat diet, which also increased plasma leptin levels, while brown adipose tissue D1 activity did not change. Caloric restriction decreased the activity of D1 in white fat (but not in the liver), reduced leptin levels, and increased the expression of stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), a marker and mediator of the effect of leptin on tissue metabolism. Leptin injections increased D1 activity and down-regulated SCD-1 in white fat. Our results demonstrate changes in D1 activity in white adipose tissue under the conditions of changing adiposity, and a stimulatory effect of leptin on D1 activity in the tissue. These results suggest a functional role for D1 in white adipose tissue, with D1 possibly being involved in the control of adipose tissue metabolism and/or accumulation of the tissue.