Role of leukotriene B4 receptor signaling in human preadipocyte differentiation

We investigated the role of leukotriene B4 (LTB4)–leukotriene receptor (BLT) signaling in preadipocyte differentiation into mature adipocytes. Blockade of BLT signaling by treatment with lipoxygenase inhibitors, a BLT antagonist, and small interfering RNAs for BLTs in human and mouse preadipocytes isolated from adipose tissues showed acceleration of differentiation into mature adipocytes. DNA microarray analysis revealed regulation of transforming growth factor, beta-induced 68 kDa (TGFBI) expression through the BLT signaling pathway during adipocyte differentiation. Knockdown of TGFBI also showed acceleration of preadipocyte differentiation. The LTB4–BLT signaling pathway may negatively regulate preadipocyte differentiation via induction of TGFBI expression as a rate-limiting system to control adipocyte differentiation.

► There have been reported the involvement of various inflammatory mediators on obesity and insulin resistance.
► Blockade of BLT signaling accelerates human preadipocyte differentiation into mature adipocytes.
► LTB4–BLT signaling pathway negatively regulates excessive adipocyte differentiation as a brake system.
► BLT signaling pathway might be a potential target for control of adipocyte differentiation.