LAUSR

Adipose tissue secretions are depot-specific and vary based on anatomical location. Considerable attention has been focused on visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue with regards to metabolic disease, yet our knowledge of the secretome from these depots is incomplete. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of VAT and SAT secretomes in the context of metabolic function. Conditioned media generated using SAT and VAT explants from individuals with obesity was analyzed using proteomics, mass spectrometry, and multiplex assays. Conditioned media was administered in vitro to rat hepatocytes and myotubes to assess the functional impact of adipose tissue signaling on insulin responsiveness. VAT secreted more cytokines (IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8), adipokines (MCP-1, PAI-1), and prostanoids (TBX2, PGE2) compared to SAT. Secretome proteomics revealed differences in immune/inflammatory response and extracellular matrix components. In vitro, VAT conditioned media decreased hepatocyte and myotube insulin sensitivity, hepatocyte glucose handling, and increased basal activation of inflammatory signaling in myotubes compared to SAT. Depot-specific differences in adipose tissue secretome composition alter paracrine and endocrine signaling. The unique secretome of VAT has distinct and negative impact on hepatocyte and muscle insulin action.