Molecular analysis of human adipocytes during glucose restriction and (re)feeding: A proteomics approach towards understanding weight regain

Studies in this thesis investigated the molecular changes of human in vitro adipocytes during glucose restriction (GR) and (re)feeding (RF) by using a proteomics approach aiming to better understand the weight cycling effect, more specifically the weight regain. In addition, the relation between several parameters of the glucose/lipid metabolism, including adipocyte volume, with weight regain was studied in vivo. Meanwhile, advantages and disadvantages of the in vitro hypertrophic adipocyte model as well as the GR plus RF model is provided. The results of our in vitro and in vivo research, including the ECM remodelling, TG as well as IR are discussed in relation to their influence on weight regain. This insight can be used as a valuable first step to obtain leads on possible proteins for prevention of weight regain.