Distribution of nesfatin-1 expression in Bactrian camels and its impact on adipocyte glucose metabolism

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to investigate the distribution and expression of nesfatin-1 in Bactrian camels and its impact on adipocyte glucose metabolism. Polyclonal antibodies against a single antigenic epitope of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 protein were prepared. Nesfatin-1 expression was detected in various adipose tissues, including the hypothalamus, humps, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, rectum, pancreas, liver, and abdomen, using Western blot and qRT-PCR. Glucose uptake levels, pyruvic acid content, and hexokinase and phosphofructokinase activities were measured in cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocytes treated with nesfatin-1 in a high glucose state using a non-radiofluorimetric assay. The results showed that nesfatin-1 was found in all Bactrian camel tissues, with higher adipose tissue and pancreas expression. However, qRT-PCR analysis revealed higher expression of nesfatin-1 mRNA in the abdominal fat and liver. After nesfatin-1 treatment, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in glucose uptake levels, hexokinase, and phosphofructokinase activities in 3T3-L1 cells, with a significant increase (p<0.05) in their pyruvic acid content. These findings suggest that nesfatin-1 is expressed at high levels in the abdominal fat of Bactrian camels and significantly affects adipocyte glucose metabolism by regulating blood glucose levels, inhibiting adipocyte differentiation, and promoting lipid droplet hydrolysis to provide energy for the organism, which may relate to the Bactrian camel’s ability to adapt to harsh environments.

Keywords

• Bactrian camel
• nesfatin-1
• polyclonal antibody
• adipocyte
• glucose metabolism