Dysfunction of lipid metabolism in lipodystrophic Seipin-deficient mice

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) is characterized by a complete loss of body adipose tissue accompanying dyslipidemia, severe hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. However, the mechanisms of dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis are unclear. Here using the lipodystrophic Seipin-deficient mouse (Seipin−/−) model, we found Seipin−/− mice were unable to respond appropriately to a long time fasting and developed postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. Impaired very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion and enhanced triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) clearance were also observed in our Seipin−/− mice. To identify the association between upregulation of hepatic LDL receptor and enhanced TRL clearance, we crossed Seipin−/− mice with Ldlr−/− mice to generate Seipin−/−Ldlr−/− mice. Seipin−/−Ldlr−/− mice displayed increased TRL clearance only after 24 h-fast rather 6 h-fast. In contrast to Seipin−/− mice, Seipin−/−Ldlr−/− mice displayed hypertriglyceridemia as observed in human CGL patients. Furthermore, in this study, we demonstrated hepatic steatosis in lipodystrophy Seipin−/− mice is a metabolic adaptation of dysfunctional adipose tissue. This study using lipodystrophic model established the importance of adipose tissue in energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism.