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While there is no standardised protocol for the differentiation of human adipocytes in culture, common themes exist in the use of supra-physiological glucose and hormone concentrations, and an absence of exogenous fatty acids. These factors can have detrimental effects on some aspects of adipogenesis and adipocyte function. Here, we present methods for modifying the adipogenic differentiation protocol to overcome impaired glucose uptake and insulin signalling in human adipose-derived stem cell lines derived from the stromovascular fraction of abdominal and gluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue. By reducing the length of exposure to adipogenic hormones, in combination with a physiological glucose concentration (5 mM), and the provision of exogenous fatty acids (reflecting typical dietary fatty acids), we were able to restore early insulin signalling events and glucose uptake, which were impaired by extended use of hormones and a high glucose concentration, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous fatty acids greatly increased the storage of triglycerides and removed the artificial demand to synthesise all fatty acids by de novo lipogenesis. Thus, modifying the adipogenic cocktail can enhance functional aspects of human adipocytes in vitro and is an important variable to consider prior to in vitro investigations into adipocyte biology.

Original publication

DOI

10.1080/21623945.2023.2179339

Type

Journal article

Journal

Adipocyte

Publication Date

10/02/2023

Keywords

Adipogenic cocktail, adipocyte, adipose stem cell, cell model, glucose uptake, insulin signalling