Measurement of Ectopic Fat Accumulation
InquiryOverview of Ectopic Fat Accumulation
Protheragen has been involved in Preclinical Studies of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics for many years, providing clients with Obesity Modeling, Pharmacodynamic Study, Pharmacokinetic Study, and Safety Assessment. In light of the growing global challenge of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases, we provide an ectopic fat accumulation measurement service. Our company aims to accurately quantify and analyze the extent and distribution of abnormal fat deposition in obesity model animals, especially in non-adipose tissues (e.g., liver, muscle, heart, etc.). On a special note, we provide sophisticated Quantitative Analysis of Body Fat Distribution.
Unlocking the Hidden Codes of Ectopic Fat Accumulation
Ectopic fat accumulation in non-adipose tissue promotes tissue deterioration and dysfunction. Therefore it is essential to measure ectopic fat accumulation in anti-obesity therapies before clinical use. Our pharmacologists provide our clients with a high-quality ectopic fat accumulation measurement service.
Modeling
Our company mainly provides cellular and animal models for the measurement of ectopic fat accumulation. We often use cellular models such as alveolar epithelial type II cells, lung mesenchyme, and lung macrophages. For animal models, we use a variety of advanced analytical tools to measure ectopic fat accumulation.
Measurement
Tissue biopsy: Our researchers took non-adipose tissue from executed animals for pathologic examination to ectopic fat deposits and their extent.
Computed tomography (CT): CT has a high spatial resolution and shows tissue structure clearly. Our company evaluates fat content indirectly through densitometry.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Our researchers use MRI to non-invasively quantify fat deposition in other non-adipose tissues.
Serum and urine measurement: We indirectly reflect ectopic fat deposition by detecting certain biomarkers in the blood (e.g., insulin sensitivity index, inflammatory factors, etc.).
Workflow
Our reliable pharmacodynamics experts provide you with experimental protocol design (setup of control and experimental groups, experimental time, sample size, feeding conditions), model design and construction, drug administration, tissue sample processing, staining, image acquisition and analysis, quantitative analysis, and data statistics services.
Applications
- Ectopic fat accumulation plays a key role in the analysis of the interrelated roles of visceral fat deposition in aging, obesity, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
- Analysis of ectopic fat deposits can be used to screen anti-obesity drug targets with potential therapeutic effects.
- The extent and distribution of ectopic fat accumulation provide critical data to support the assessment of the effect of drug intervention, exploration of disease mechanisms, and development of novel therapeutic strategies.
- Ectopic fat accumulation measurement plays an important role in the pharmacodynamics of anti-obesity therapies.
Advantages of Us
- Our advanced analysis technology accurately distinguishes between different types of adipose tissue and quantifies the volume and distribution of ectopic fat.
- Our company uses advanced image processing and analysis software to ensure the accuracy and reliability of analysis results.
- We have a professional pharmacology research team to provide personalized solutions based on client's needs.
Move Your Project Forward with Us
Our research team focuses on the discovery of anti-obesity targets, utilizing cutting-edge genetic and molecular biology techniques to pinpoint key points in the regulation of obesity. On this basis, we design and develop therapies and validate their potential effects through in vitro experiments and precise animal models. Moreover, we conduct rigorous preclinical studies to comprehensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of these therapies.
Obesity is strongly associated with a variety of metabolic and health risks. Our specialized obesity research services cover the investigation of disease mechanisms based on obesity models, the exploration of obesity-inducing genes, the discovery and validation of obesity-related biomarkers, and the development and implementation of personalized weight management. In addition, these services contribute to advances in the fields of nutrition, exercise physiology, and public health policy.
Publication Data
Technology: Immunoblot analysis, RNA sequencing, Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fluorescence imaging, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence (IF)
Journal: Nature Communications
Published: 2023
IF: 14.7
Results: This article focuses on the potential adverse effects of long-term statin use in diabetic mice on diabetic nephropathy (DN), particularly through changes in ectopic fat accumulation. The study found that long-term statin administration significantly exacerbated pathological changes in diabetic nephropathy, including glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and increased proteinuria, in a diabetic mouse model. This effect may lead to abnormal deposition of fatty acids in tissues such as the kidneys, which in turn may trigger a range of deleterious effects.
Fig.1 Imaging of lipid accumulation in mice. (Huang, et al., 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Type 3 fat, ectopic fat? What are the first two types of fat?
Subcutaneous fat accumulates between the skin and the muscles excess diet, insufficient exercise, etc., cause excess energy to remain and turn into subcutaneous fat accumulation. Visceral fat accumulates in the internal organs. Excess energy that exceeds the saving capacity of subcutaneous fat is transferred to visceral fat accumulation. Ectopic fat is fat that accumulates in organs other than the original reservoir and becomes ectopic when it exceeds the excess energy of the visceral fat storage capacity.
What are the effects of ectopic fat accumulation in the body?
Ectopic fat accumulates in the body and attacks tissues and cells, gradually inducing diabetes, heart disease, dementia, fatty liver, and even cancer. The effects vary depending on where the fat accumulates, for example, fatty liver is a typical manifestation. Accumulation around the heart interferes with heart function, affects nutrient and oxygen delivery to blood vessels, and leads to coronary artery sclerosis and arrhythmia. Accumulation in the pancreas may trigger diabetes.
With state-of-the-art instrumentation and a highly trained team, Protheragen provides accurate measurement of ectopic fat accumulation. Our team of experts is constantly optimizing the analysis pathway to provide the fastest and most accurate solution to our clients. Please feel free to contact us for assistance.
Reference
- Huang, T.; et al. Long-term statins administration exacerbates diabetic nephropathy via ectopic fat deposition in diabetic mice. Nature Communications. 2023, 14(1): 390.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.