Omental Adipose Tissue Type 1 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Oxoreductase Activity, Body Fat Distribution, and Metabolic Alterations in Women

Context: Modulation of adipose tissue exposure to active glucocorticoids by type 1 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD1) is involved in abdominal obesity of rodent models, but only a few studies have related 11β-HSD1 oxoreductase activity to fat distribution in humans. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the link between 11β-HSD1 oxoreductase activity, fat distribution patterns, and the metabolic profile in women. Methods: Omental (OM) and sc adipose tissue samples were obtained from 36 lean to obese women (aged 47.2 ± 5.3 yr; body mass index 29.1 ± 5.2 kg/m2) undergoing gynecological surgery. Measures of body composition, fat distribution, blood lipids, and insulin sensitivity were obtained. 11β-HSD1 oxoreductase activity was measured over a 24-h period by the reduction of [14C]cortisone in adipose tissue homogenates. Results: 11β-HSD1 oxoreductase activity was higher in OM compared with sc adipose tissue (9.6 ± 4.9 vs. 7.9 ± 4.2 pmol/mg · h, P < 0.01). OM 11β-HSD1 oxoreductase act...