Serotonin transporter deficiency drives estrogen-dependent obesity and glucose intolerance.

ABSTRACT: Depression and use of antidepressant medications are both associated with increased risk of obesity, potentially attributed to a reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) function. However, how SERT deficiency promotes obesity is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that SERT -/- mice display abnormal fat accumulation in both white and brown adipose tissues, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance while exhibiting suppressed aromatase (Cyp19a1) expression and reduced circulating 17?-estradiol levels. 17?-estradiol replacement in SERT -/- mice reversed the obesity and glucose intolerance, supporting a role for estrogen in SERT deficiency-associated obesity and glucose intolerance. Treatment of wild type mice with paroxetine, a chemical inhibitor of SERT, also resulted in Cyp19a1 suppression, decreased circulating 17?-estradiol levels, abnormal fat accumulation, and glucose intolerance. Such effects were not observed in paroxetine-treated SERT -/- mice. Conversely, pregnant SERT -/- mice displayed normalized estrogen levels, markedly reduced fat accumulation, and improved glucose tolerance, which can be eliminated by an antagonist of estrogen receptor ? (ER?). Together, these findings support that estrogen suppression is involved in SERT deficiency-induced obesity and glucose intolerance, and suggest approaches to restore 17?-estradiol levels as a novel treatment option for SERT deficiency associated obesity and metabolic abnormalities.

SUBMITTER: Zha W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5430688 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature