Renal sinus adipose tissue: exploratory study of metabolic features and transcriptome compared with omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue

Abstract

Objective

The objective was to study metabolic characteristics and transcriptome of renal sinus adipose tissue (RSAT) located around renal arteries and veins.

Methods

Adipose tissue biopsies from RSAT, omental (OAT), and subcutaneous (SAT) depots were obtained from healthy kidney donors (20 female, 20 male). Adipocyte glucose uptake rate and cell size were measured, and gene expression analyses using transcriptomics were performed.

Results

RSAT adipocytes were significantly smaller, with a higher basal glucose uptake rate, than adipocytes from SAT and OAT. Transcriptomic analyses revealed 29 differentially expressed genes between RSAT and OAT (RSAT: 23 lower, 6 higher) and 1214 differentially expressed genes between RSAT and SAT (RSAT: 859 lower, 355 higher). RSAT demonstrated molecular resemblance to OAT, both exhibiting lower metabolic gene expression and higher expression of immune-related pathways, including IL-17, TNFα, and NF-κB signaling than SAT. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis associated RSAT with immune response and nucleic acid transport processes. Despite its location near the renal hilum, RSAT closely resembled OAT and there was a lack of expression in the classical brown adipose tissue genes. Gene enrichment analyses suggest an inflammatory environment in RSAT compared with SAT and, to some extent, OAT.

Conclusions

The findings suggest specific RSAT functions that could impact renal function and, possibly, the development of renal and cardiometabolic disorders.