Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α-isoform deficiency leads to progressive dyslipidemia with sexually dimorphic obesity and steatosis

The alpha-isoform of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR alpha) is a nuclear transcription factor activated by structurally diverse chemicals referred to as peroxisome proliferators. Activators can be endogenous molecules (fatty acids/steroids) or xenobiotics (fibrate lipid-lowering drugs). Upon pharmacological activation, PPAR alpha modulates target genes encoding lipid metabolism enzymes, lipid transporters, or apolipoproteins, suggesting a role in lipid homeostasis. Transgenic mice deficient in PPAR alpha were shown to lack hepatic peroxisomal proliferation and have an impaired expression and induction of several hepatic target genes. Young adult males show hypercholesterolemia but normal triglycerides. Using a long term experimental set up, we identified these mice as a model of monogenic, spontaneous, late onset obesity with stable caloric intake and a marked sexual dimorphism. Serum triglycerides, elevated in aged animals, are higher in females that develop a more pronounced obesity than males. The latter show a marked and original centrilobular-restricted steatosis and a delayed occurrence of obesity. Fat cells from their liver express substantial levels of PPAR gamma 2 transcripts when compared with lean cells. These studies demonstrate, in rodents, the involvement of PPAR alpha nuclear receptor in lipid homeostasis, with a sexually dimorphic control of circulating lipids, fat storage, and obesity. Characterization of this pathological link may help to delineate new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention and could lead to new insights into the etiology and heritability of mammalian obesity.