Sex Differences in Angiogenic Ligand and Receptor Protein Expression during Adipose Tissue Expansion and Regression

Yet, key cellular and molecular regulators of AT angiogenesis remain largely unidentified. This study sought to identify the dysregulated elements within the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) systems during obesity progression.

We employ a mouse model, comprising both male and female mice, to investigate the changes in the VEGF/PDGF concentration and their receptor distribution in gonadal AT during short- and long-term weight gain and weight loss. Our results reveal pronounced sex-specific differences in the concentrations of VEGF and PDGF ligands and receptors in gonadal AT under identical dietary interventions. This data also lays the groundwork for developing computational models of VEGF/PDGF signaling networks in AT, allowing for the simulation of complex biological interactions and the prediction of therapeutic outcomes.