Endocrine regulation of lipolysis in obese subjects: impact of exercise-induced hormones

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Dominique Hansen, Researcher: Dr. Kenneth Verboven

The role of endocrine hormones in the regulation of lipolysis during endurance exercise in obese individuals is unknown, as is the impact of long-term exercise intervention. However, it is important to understand this in order to maximize the impact of exercise intervention on fat loss in individuals with obesity, thereby also contributing to increased primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Within this study, the sensitivity of fat cells for the exercise-induced hormones, which control lipolysis, are examined in healthy and obese men. These subjects are first extensively phenotyped to get an idea of their metabolic and hormonal profile, along with existing cardiovascular risk. This study will show which specific hormones exhibit a flattened lipolytic response in men with obesity.

Findings can be used to optimize lifestyle interventions (behavioral changes), which can be used as a strategy in the future prevention and treatment of obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Publications:

• Verboven K, Hansen D, Moro C, Eijnde BO, Hoebers N, Knol J, Bouckaert W, Dams A, Blaak EE, Jocken JWE. Attenuated atrial natriuretic peptide-mediated lipolysis in subcutaneous adipocytes of obese type 2 diabetic men. Clinical Science, 2016.