Controle da adipogênese por ácidos graxos Control of adipogenesis by fatty acids

Obesity is one of the major Public Health problems. Obese individuals are more susceptible to develop cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The obesity results from the increase in size and number of the adipocytes. The balance between adipogenesis and adipos- ity determines the degree of obesity. Mature adipocytes secrete adipokines, such as TNFα, IL-6, leptine and adiponectin, and lipokine, the palmitoleic acid ω-7. The production of adipokines is increased in obesity, contributing to the onset of peripheral insulin resistance. The knowledge about the molecular events that regulate the differentiation of pre-adipocytes and mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes (adipogenesis) is important for the comprehension of the genesis of obesity. Activation of transcription factor PPARγ plays an essential role in the adipogenesis. Cer- tain fatty acids are PPARγ ligands and can control adipogenesis. Moreover, some fatty acids act as signaling molecules regulating their differentiation into adipocytes or death. Accordingly, the lipid composition of the diet and PPARγ agonists can regulate the balance between adipogen- esis and death of adipocytes and, therefore, the obesity.