Citations

Clear

57 citation(s) found for "Singh, Prachi".

Effects of Partial Sleep Deprivation on Lipid Profile
Covassin, Naima , Bukartyk, Jan , Čundrle, Ivan , Singh, Prachi , Calvin, Andrew D. , Louis, Erik K. St. , Somers, Virend K.

Mayo Clinic

The FASEB Journal | June 21, 2021 | Volume: 32 | Issue: S1 | Pages: No page available

10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.767.9 Get It

Background Increasing evidence suggests that insufficient sleep is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Studies linking short sleep with metabolic derangements such as obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, are especially persuasive. Nevertheless, the vast majority of these data have been obtained from observational studies. We sought to evaluate the effects of 9 days of partial sleep deprivation compared to normal sleep on lipid profile in healthy subjects undergoing an in‐laboratory, experimental protocol. Methods Eight healthy, nonobese, normolipidemic subjects (4 males, age 25.4±6.8 years, body mass index 25.2±3.9 kg/m 2 ) completed a randomized, controlled, crossover, 16‐day in‐patient study. Each sequence consisted of a 4‐day acclimation period, followed by 9 days of experimental partial sleep deprivation (4 hours of sleep opportunity; 00:30 AM – 4:30 AM); or normal sleep (9 hours of sleep opportunity; 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM), and a subsequent 3‐day recovery segment. Subjects consumed a controlled, weight maintenance diet (15% protein, 55% carbohydrates, and 30% fat) during the study. Fasting blood samples for measures of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were obtained in both study sequences on Days 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16. Results Compared to normal sleep, experimental partial sleep deprivation did not cause significant changes in total cholesterol (partial sleep deprivation vs normal sleep: 160.1±21.8 mg/dL vs 164.9±23.7 mg/dL, P=0.724), HDL cholesterol (54.1±14.7 mg/dL vs 52±12.8 mg/dL, P=0.75), LDL cholesterol (86.5±18.9 mg/dL vs 89.5±19.7 mg/dL, P=0.329), or triglycerides (97.7±26.6 mg/dL vs 96.6±38.3 mg/dL, P=0.633). Analysis of time course of lipid values across study days did not reveal appreciable patterns (all P>0.295). Likewise, body weight was similar during both study sequences (partial sleep deprivation vs normal sleep: 69.6±14.2 kg vs 69.2±13.5 kg, P=0.459). Conclusions Experimental sleep restriction does not alter circulating lipids or weight in healthy subjects. Aberrant metabolic effects of insufficient sleep may be mediated by dietary intake and occur when access to food is unrestricted, or may emerge only after longer exposure to sleep curtailment. Support or Funding Information American Heart Association grant 16SDG27250156; National Institutes of Health R01 grants HL114676 and HL114024; European Union project FNUSA‐ICRC no. CZ.1.05/1.1.00/02.0123. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .
Frequency of Breakfast Consumption, Obesity and Weight Gain
Smith, Kevin L. , Boeve, Angelica, Bukartyk, Jan , Covassin, Naima , Smith, Kevin L., Somers, Virend K. , Singh, Prachi

Mayo Clinic

The FASEB Journal | June 21, 2021 | Volume: 32 | Issue: S1 | Pages: No page available

10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.604.2 Get It

Background Numerous studies have identified an association between frequency of breakfast consumption and body weight in children and adolescents, indicating that those who skip this meal are more likely to gain weight and develop obesity in adulthood. However, few studies have examined the implications of infrequent breakfast consumption for obesity risk in the adult population, and available data are mixed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of breakfast consumption on obesity indices and weight gain in a sample of healthy adults. Methods The study sample was drawn from a cohort of consecutive subjects who were recruited for research studies at the Cardiovascular/Sleep Laboratory at Mayo Clinic from 2005 to 2017 and consisted of 347 healthy adults (215 males, mean age 35.5±15.4 years, ranging from 18 to 87 years old). Physical examination and review of medical records were conducted to ensure absence of overt disease. Measures of height, weight, waist and hip circumference were obtained. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m 2 ) and waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) were computed. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 . Weight gain over the past year was quantified from self‐report. Frequency of breakfast consumption (times/week, range 0 to 7) was collected from questionnaire and coded as “never” (0 times/week), “infrequent” (1 to 4 times/week), and “frequent” (5 to 7 times/week). Only those who reported the same breakfast routine for ≥2 years were included in the analysis. Results Four percent of the sample (n=15) reported never consuming breakfast and 24% (n=85) reported eating it infrequently. Compared to the individuals who consumed it frequently, those who never or infrequently had breakfast were predominately men (P=0.049) and older (P=0.001). Waist circumference was larger in those who skipped breakfast in comparison to those who consumed it 1–4 times/week or 5–7 times/week (97.5±17.9 cm vs. 85.6±11 cm vs. 87.7±15 cm, respectively; P=0.017). There were no significant differences in hip circumference, WHR, or BMI across breakfast eating patterns. Prevalence of obesity tended to be higher among those who skipped breakfast than in those who ate it frequently (26.7% vs. 10.9%, P=0.074). Individuals who did not consume breakfast reported the greatest weight gain, followed by those who consumed it 1–4 times/week, while the lowest weight gain was reported by those who had breakfast 5–7 times/week (3.6±6.9 kg vs. 2±2.3 kg vs. 1.3±2.2 kg; P=0.002). In a multivariable model, skipping breakfast predicted weight gain independently of age, gender, and BMI (P=0.004). Conclusions Infrequent breakfast consumption is associated with indices of central obesity and weight gain, with these associations being more evident in individuals who never eat breakfast. Our findings on healthy adults are consistent with prior observations in the young, corroborating the concept that regular consumption of this meal is an important and independent contributor of healthy weight at all ages. Support or Funding Information American Heart Association grant 16SDG27250156; National Institutes of Health grants RO1 HL 114676 and HL 114024; CCaTS Early Stage Investigator Award. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1 after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Svatikova, Anna , Gami, Apoor S., Singh, Prachi , Kuniyoshi, Fatima H. Sert , Somers, Virend K.

Mayo Clinic

The FASEB Journal | June 21, 2021 | Volume: 32 | Issue: S1 | Pages: No page available

10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.572.1 Get It

Background Acute cardiac and vascular events, including myocardial infarction (MI) exhibit a peak onset between 6 AM and 11 AM. Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is a main inhibitor of tissue‐plasminogen activator and a key indicator of prothrombotic state. Elevated levels of PAI‐1 have been linked to increased cardiac and vascular risk. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has also been associated with increased risk of MI. Hypoxemia, as well as OSA, increase PAI‐1. We tested the hypothesis that the early morning after awakening is associated with higher PAI‐1 activity in subjects with acute MI who also have OSA. Methods We studied 56 subjects after acute myocardial infarction (mean age 60±2 years; BMI 28±1 kg/m 2 ). All subjects underwent complete overnight sleep polysomnography within 2 weeks after MI to assess for presence and severity of OSA. PAI‐1 activity was measured in all 56 subjects, first before sleep (at 9 PM), and then immediately after awakening in the morning (at 6 AM). A third measurement of PAI‐1 was obtained in all subjects at 11 AM. Results For the group, PAI‐1 activity almost doubled from 12.5±1.6 U/mL at 9 PM to 22.5±2.5 U/mL after waking at 6 AM and decreased to 14.2±2.4 U/mL by 11 AM (P<0.0001). Fifty seven percent of patients were observed to have OSA, with apnea hypopnea index of >10 events/hour. Sleep apnea did not contribute to further elevation of morning PAI‐1 activity level in acute MI patients (9 PM, 6 AM and 11 AM PAI‐1 activity respectively: no OSA 11.6±2.5 U/mL, 24.1±3.8 U/mL and 15.2±3.5 U/mL; OSA 13.3±2.1 U/mL, 21.1±3.3 U/mL and 13.3±3.3 U/mL; P=0.8 for between group comparison). Conclusions Increased PAI‐1 activity in acute MI patients may be an important mechanism underlying the early morning peak in cardiovascular events. The presence of OSA however does not appear to further accentuate the already elevated PAI‐1 activity in acute MI patients. In patients after acute MI, the diurnal variation in PAI‐1, rather than apnea, may drive the impaired fibrinolysis. Support or Funding Information ‐‐R01 grant HL65176‐‐This study was also supported in part by a gift to the Mayo Foundation by the Philips Respironics Foundation. This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .
Leptin induces adiponectin expression: Implications in obesity
Sahakyan, Karine , Romero‐Corral, Abel, Delacroix, Sinny , Davison, Diane E., Jensen, Michael D. , Singh, Prachi , Kuniyoshi, Fatima H. Sert , Somers, Virend K.

Mayo Clinic

The FASEB Journal | June 16, 2021 | Volume: 27 | Issue: S1 | Pages: No page available

10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.1192.7 Get It

Background Expression of adiponectin, an anti‐atherogenic and insulin‐sensitizing adipokine, is decreased in obesity. Mechanisms underlying this reduction are not well understood. Increased adiponectin in obesity may protect against development of cardiac and metabolic disorders. Objective To investigate the role of leptin in regulating adiponectin expression in humans. Design 1) determining the relationship between leptin and adiponectin in healthy humans during modest weight gain; 2) in‐vitro validation of the role of leptin in adiponectin expression. Results Modest weight gain of 3.8 ± 1.2 kg over 8 weeks of overfeeding in normal weight healthy subjects (n=33, 22 men, 30±7 years) increased both leptin and adiponectin. Changes in leptin during weight gain correlated with changes in adiponectin (rho=0.35, p=0.045), suggesting that leptin may regulate adiponectin expression. In cultured differentiated human white preadipocytes, leptin increased adiponectin mRNA and protein expression. Conclusions Leptin induces adiponectin expression. In obesity, adipose tissue may be resistant to leptin signaling thus preventing increases in adiponectin. Therefore, impaired leptin signaling may contribute to low adiponectin in obesity. Targeting leptin resistance may be beneficial in preventing obesity‐associated cardiac and metabolic disorders. Support : AHA 11SDG7260046, R21 DK81014
Modest weight gain and weight loss alter expression of sex hormone binding globin in healthy men: implications for endothelial function (680.15)
Covassin, Naima , Romero‐Corral, Abel, Davison, Diane E., Lopez‐Jimenez, Francisco, Jensen, Michal, Singh, Prachi , Singh, Ravinder , Čundrle, Ivan , Kuniyoshi, Fatima H. Sert , López-Jiménez, Francisco , Somers, Virend K.

Mayo Clinic

The FASEB Journal | June 16, 2021 | Volume: 28 | Issue: S1 | Pages: No page available

10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.680.15 Get It

Background: Decreased testosterone (TTST) and sex hormone binding globin (SHBG) contribute to development of cardiometabolic disorders in obese men. We aimed to determine the effect of weight gain and weight loss on TTST and SHBG in healthy men and to examine their relationship with endothelial function. Method: 25 normal weight healthy men underwent an overfeeding protocol to gain 5% body weight over 8 weeks. Following weight gain, they underwent 8 weeks of weight loss. TTST, SHBG and endothelial function (brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation, FMD) were measured at baseline (T1), after weight gain (T2) and after weight loss (T3). Results: Volunteers gained 4 ± 1.3 kg and subsequently lost 3.2 ± 1.5 kg of body weight. TTST levels did not change (T1: 18.85 ± 6.2 nmol/L, T2: 19.3 ± 6.9 nmol/L, T3: 20.3 ± 7.6 nmol/L). However, SHBG decreased during weight gain (p=0.04) and increased during weight loss (p=0.0005) (T1: 22.8 ± 10.5 nmol/L, T2: 20.8 ± 11.1 nmol/L, T3: 25.58 ± 11.5 nmol/L). Furthermore, SHBG reduction during weight gain tended to correlate with decreases in FMD (p=0.06; R 2 =0.15). During weight loss, increases in SHBG correlate negatively with changes in FMD (p=0.008; R 2 =0.32). Conclusion : In normal weight healthy men, SHBG decreases with modest weight gain and increases with weight loss. TTST does not change. Changes in SHBG partly predict improvements in endothelial function with weight loss. Grant Funding Source : Supported by AHA 11SDG7260046, R21 DK81014, AHA 13POST16420009
Self‐Reported Daytime Sleepiness is Associated with Telomere Shortening
Covassin, Naima , Druliner, Brooke R. , Boardman, Lisa, Bock, Joshua M. , Singh, Prachi , Boardman, Lisa, Somers, Virend K.

Mayo Clinic

The FASEB Journal | June 10, 2021 | Volume: 35 | Issue: S1 | Pages: No page available

10.1096/fasebj.2021.35.s1.04165 Get It

Traditionally regarded as a consequence of sleep‐disordered breathing, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is now recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Evidence also links the shortening of telomeres, responsible for protecting DNA, with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Interestingly, recent data illustrate telomere lengthening in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, whether EDS is associated with telomere length independently of OSA remains unknown. To examine this potential relationship, we studied 169 subjects with polysomnography assessment who answered “yes” or “no” to experiencing EDS; 70 subjects (41%) reported EDS (59M, 44±12yrs, 30.3±5.5kg/m 2 ) whereas 99 did not (59%, 71M, 40±15yrs, 28.6±7.5kg/m 2 ). Telomere length was quantified via qPCR of genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples and did not differ between individuals reporting EDS compared to those who did not (4,856±280 vs. 4,880±340bp, respectively, P =0.31). However, 50% of subjects reporting EDS had moderate‐to‐severe OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index ≥15events/hr) compared to 28% of the non‐EDS group ( P <0.01). To account for the confounding effects of OSA on telomere length, we conducted a series of subgroup analyses. Subjects without OSA who reported EDS (n=35, 27M, 39±11yrs, 27.4±5.0kg/m 2 ) had shorter telomeres (4,805±165 vs. 4,875±231bp, P =0.05) than those not reporting EDS (n=71, 47M, 35±11yrs, 26.8±5.4kg/m 2 ). Interestingly, within the OSA subgroup, there were no differences in telomere length (4,897±235 vs. 4,858±251bp, P =0.45) between those with (n=35, 32M, 48±11yrs, 33.2±4.5kg/m 2 ) and without EDS (n=28, 24M, 53±16yrs, 33.1±9.7kg/m 2 ). These effects do not appear to be influenced by subject demographics as no differences were found between compared groups (EDS‐OSA vs. nEDS‐OSA and OSA+EDS vs. OSA‐EDS). Collectively, our data suggest individuals reporting EDS may be at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to accelerated telomere shortening. It also appears OSA and EDS exert differential effects on telomere length.
0277 Sleep Restriction does not Alter the Transcription of Adipose Tissue Insulin-Signaling Regulators
Covassin, Naima , Bukartyk, Jan , Davison, Diane E., Svatikova, Anna , Somers, Virend K., Singh, Prachi , Louis, Erik K. St.

Mayo Clinic

Sleep | May 27, 2020 | Volume: 43 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: A105-A105

10.1093/sleep/zsaa056.275 Get It

Abstract Introduction Voluntary sleep curtailment decreases insulin sensitivity. However, molecular mechanisms underlying impaired insulin signaling are not completely understood. To gain molecular insights, we examined the transcription of known cellular insulin-signaling regulators in adipose tissue obtained from subjects undergoing experimental sleep restriction. Methods Nineteen healthy subjects (males: 11; age: 19 - 36 years; BMI: 24.5 ± 3.6 kg/m2) underwent a normal (9 hours/night) and a restricted sleep (4 hours/night) sequence in a random order. Each inpatient stay included a screen visit followed by 4 days of acclimation and 9 days of experimental phase consisting of a controlled sleep opportunity. Eucaloric diet was provided to ensure weight maintenance. Abdominal fat sample was obtained at the screen and end of the experimental phase. mRNA was quantified by RT-PCR. Fasting morning blood draws were obtained at the end of acclimation and experimental phases. Mixed models were used for analysis. Results mRNA expression did not differ in normal and restricted sleep condition for SOCS3 [changes in normal Vs. restricted sleep, 0.02 (0.11, -0.01) Vs. 0.01 (0.12, -0.07), p=0.33], PTEN [-0.22 (0.18, -0.39) Vs. -0.10 (0.21, -0.20), p=0.22], PTB1B [-0.003 (0.04, -0.07) Vs. -0.01 (0.06, -0.06), p=0.74] and Cav-1 [-2.45 (0.78, -8.39) Vs. -6.31 (1.68, -8.29), p=0.34]. Further, transcription of insulin-receptor also did not change [0.01 (0.07, -0.06) Vs. -0.03 (0.09, -0.07), p=0.92]. However, within group analysis show significant decreases in Cav-1 mRNA only during sleep restriction (normal: p=0.09; restricted: p=0.003). Importantly, restricting sleep duration was associated with lowering of insulin (0.6 ± 1.9 Vs. -1.6 ± 1.7 uIU/ml; p=0.003), no change in glucose (-1.5 ± 3.8 Vs. -3.7 ± 4.12 mg/dl, p=0.06) and improvement in HOMA-IR index (0.12 ± 0.44 Vs -0.42 ± 0.43, p=0.002). Conclusion Chronic sleep restriction does not alter the transcription of cell-signaling regulators in abdominal adipose tissue. Moreover, restricting sleep duration without increasing calorie intake did not seem to decrease insulin sensitivity as determined by HOMA-IR. Support NIH grants HL114676, Mayo Clinic CCaTS UL1 TR002377; AHA grant 13POST16420009 to NC
Association between Frequency of Breakfast Consumption and Regional Body Fat Distribution
Pfeifer, M. R., Danyluk, Alexandria , Smith, Kevin L. , Sompalli, Sreeja , Covassin, Naima , Smith, Kevin L., Singh, Prachi

Mayo Clinic

The FASEB Journal | April 20, 2020 | Volume: 34 | Issue: S1 | Pages: 1-1

10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.09509 Get It

Background Dietary habits are critical determinants of health and especially of cardiometabolic risk status. Previous studies have examined the relationship between breakfast consumption and indices of obesity, with conflicting findings. Such discrepancy may be owed to the use of surrogate measures of adiposity such as body mass index. Furthermore, it is unknown whether frequency of breakfast consumption is associated with different patterns of regional body fat distribution. Objective In this study, we aimed at investigating the association between frequency of breakfast consumption and body fat distribution. Methods We compiled data from 184 individuals (64% males, mean age 35.8±12.6 years, ranging from 18 to 63 years old) who participated in research studies performed in the Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular/Sleep Laboratory from 2005 to 2019 and underwent whole body dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) for body composition. Breakfast eating habits were assessed by questionnaire and frequency of consumption was determined as number of times per week (range 0 to 7). Responses were recoded as low frequency (0 to 2 times/week), middle frequency (3 to 4 times/week), and high frequency (5 to 7 times/week). Measures of height and weight were collected to compute body mass index (BMI, kg/m 2 ). Total body fat percentage, fat mass, and lean mass were obtained from DXA. Regions of interest were manually adjusted with the DXA software to quantify abdominal fat and lower body fat. Abdominal fat/total body fat and lower body fat/total body fat ratios were calculated. Results Low frequency of breakfast consumption was reported by 14% of the subjects (n=26), while 18% (n=34) reported middle‐frequency of consumption. The proportion of men/women (p=0.1) and BMI values (p=0.78) were similar across breakfast eating categories. Compared to those who had breakfast with high‐frequency, those who ate it less frequently were younger (p=0.038). In age, sex, and BMI‐adjusted analysis, low‐frequency of breakfast consumption was significantly associated with greater abdominal fat mass (standardized beta=0.11, 95% CI 0.09‐ 1.29, p=0.024) and higher abdominal fat/total body fat ratio (standardized beta=0.16, 95% CI 0.003–0.024, p=0.013). Total body fat percentage (p=0.26), fat mass (p=0.26), and lean mass (p=0.22) were not associated with frequency of breakfast consumption. Similarly, no relations were seen with lower body fat (p=0.85) or lower body fat/total body fat ratio (p=0.51). Conclusion Our study showed that infrequent breakfast consumption is selectively associated with greater abdominal fat mass. As accumulation of fat in the abdominal depot is a more robust predictor of adverse outcomes than total adiposity, these findings suggest that abdominal fat may mediate the increased cardiometabolic risk previously observed in conjunction with infrequent breakfast consumption.
Telomere Length and Risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events and Cancer in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Polonis, Katarzyna , Sompalli, Sreeja , Becari, Christiane , Xie, Jiang , Covassin, Naima , Schulte, Phillip J. , Druliner, Brooke R., Johnson, Ruth, Narkiewicz, Krzysztof , Boardman, Lisa A, Singh, Prachi , Johnson, Ruth A, Singh, Prachi , Druliner, Brooke R. , Boardman, Lisa A, Somers, Virend K.

Mayo Clinic

Cells | April 26, 2019 | Volume: 8 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 381

10.3390/cells8050381 | PMID 31027347 Get It

Telomere length (TL) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also linked to higher risk of CVD and cancer, and to TL. We investigated the association between TL and risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and cancer in OSA patients. We studied 210 individuals undergoing sleep-related studies between 2000 and 2007. Baseline characteristics and follow-up data (available in 164 subjects) were obtained from clinic records. Incidence rates were calculated for the entire group and by OSA status. Hazard ratios were calculated to estimate effects of OSA and TL on risk of MACE and cancer. In total, 32 individuals (20%) developed MACE and/or cancer during 12.7-year follow-up. The OSA group had a higher likelihood of cancer (16.0 vs. 4.9 events per 1000 person-years, P = 0.044) but no clear evidence of an elevated incidence of MACE (10.8 vs. 4.8 events per 1000 person-years, P = 0.293) compared to the non-OSA group. There was no association between TL and MACE- (HR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.78–1.28), or cancer-risk (HR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.96–1.43). Our study warrants further investigation of any modulating effect of OSA on TL and the risk of MACE and cancer.
Abstract 604: Anti-apoptotic Role of Leptin in Adipose Tissue
Zhang, Yuebo , Dong, Yu , Somers, Virend K. , Singh, Prachi

Mayo Clinic

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology | March 12, 2019 | Volume: 38 | Issue: Suppl_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1161/atvb.38.suppl_1.604 Get It

Background: Leptin contributes to obesity-related cardiometabolic pathology. While the role of adipose tissue dysfunction in altering metabolic profile in obesity is recognized, the direct effects of leptin signaling in adipose tissue are not completely understood. Among factors impacting adipose tissue function in obesity, adipocyte death is associated with increased inflammation with consequent adipose tissue insulin-resistance. Furthermore, apoptosis of adipocyte progenitor cells (preadipocytes) is important as it lowers adipose tissue capacity to maintain and expand fat storage. Objective: To determine the effects of leptin on regulation of proteins important to apoptotic pathways in cultured human white preadipocytes (HWP) and differentiated HWP (dHWP). Methods: Cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of leptin to evaluate the role of leptin on regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl2, and pro-apoptotic Bax and CD95 expression. Next, we examined if pre-exposure to leptin attenuated TNF-α and FasL induced apoptosis. Results: Leptin upregulated transcription of Bcl2 (p=0.02) and down-regulated transcription of Bax (p=0.02) and CD95 (p=0.04) in a leptin-concentration dependent manner in dHWP. Leptin dependent increases in Bcl2 (p=0.004) and decreases in Bax (p=0.003) and CD95 (P=0.03) protein expression were also observed. Furthermore, 24 hour pre-exposure to leptin protected cells from TNF-α (p=0.01; p=0.006) and FasL (p=0.03; p=0.007) induced apoptosis in dHWP and HWP respectively. Additionally, leptin attenuated TNF-mediated activation of the p53 pathway, suggesting another mechanism by which leptin mediates its inhibitory effects on TNF-induced apoptosis. Conclusion: Leptin regulates the expression of proteins involved in the apoptotic pathway such that it decreases the apoptotic potential of adipose tissue by increasing anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and decreasing pro-apoptotic Bax and CD95 protein expression. In contrast to our in-vitro findings, prior studies in adipose tissue from obese humans report decreased Bcl2 and increased Bax protein expression, along with high leptin expression. This suggests that increased adipose tissue apoptosis in obesity may at least in part be secondary to altered leptin signaling.