Similar VLDL-TG Storage in Visceral and Subcutaneous Fat in Obese and Lean Women

OBJECTIVE-Excess visceral fat accumulation is associated with the metabolic disturbances of obesity. Differential lipid redistribution through lipoproteins may affect body fat distribution. This is the first study to investigate VLDL-triglyceride (VLDL-TG) storage in visceral fat. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-Nine upper-body obese (UBO; waist circumference >88 cm) and six lean (waist circumference <80 cm) women scheduled for elective tubal ligation surgery were studied. VLDL-TG storage in visceral, upper-body subcutaneous (UBSQ), and lower-body subcutaneous (LBSQ) fat were measured with [9,10-H-3]-triolein-labeled VLDL. RESULTS-VLDL-TG storage in visceral fat accounted for only similar to 0.8% of VLDL-TG turnover in UBO and lean women, respectively. A significantly larger proportion of VLDL-TG turnover was stored in UBSQ (similar to 5%) and LBSQ (similar to 4%) fat. The VLDL-TG fractional storage was similar in UBO and lean women for all regional depots. VLDL-TG fractional storage and VLDL-TG concentration were correlated in UBO women in UBSQ fat (r = 0.68, P = 0.04), whereas an inverse association was observed for lean women in visceral (r = -0.89, P = 0.02) and LBSQ (r = -0.87, P = 0.02) fat. CONCLUSIONS-VLDL-TG storage efficiency is similar in all regional fat depots, and trafficking of VLDL-TG into different adipose tissue depots is similar in UBO and lean women. Postabsorptive VLDL-TG storage is unlikely to be of major importance in the development of preferential upper-body fat distribution in obese women. Diabetes 60:2787-2791, 2011