Effects of Exercise Training on Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in Obese Humans

Abstract

Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is a dynamic organ that has a tremendous ability to remodel in the face of increased energy intake. In obesity, alterations to SAT may lead to metabolic dysfunction and increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Decrements in SAT mitochondrial function and the adipogenic capacity of SAT have been identified in previous investigations in obese humans. However, exercise training has been shown to improve metabolic function partly due to changes in SAT function. In this dissertation report we investigated the effects of an aerobic interval training (AIT) exercise intervention in obese humans and its ability to modulate SAT function. The first main objective of the study was to delineate the impact of AIT on the mitochondrial content and function in SAT. The second main objective was to characterize the effects of AIT on the adipogenic capacity of preadipocytes isolated from SAT. AIT was effective at increasing complex I-linked mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in lower but not upper body SAT independent of changes to mitochondrial content. Increased complex I-linked flux may indicate an increased ability to oxidize fuels that may provide cytoprotection to adipocytes. Additionally, AIT reduced the adipogenic capacity in preadipocytes isolated from SAT. This finding may help explain the ability of exercise to prevent weight gain and weight regain after weight loss.