We investigate physiological regulations of metabolism and their disorders in obesity and its complications (type 2 diabetes, dislipidaemia...). In order to contribute to the treatment of these diseases, we test influence of pharmaceuticals, diet, and natural compounds, namely n-3 fatty acids of marine origin (omega-3). Our results demonstrate the importance of adipose tissue metabolism for fat accumulation and reveal new possibilities for prevention and treatment of obesity-related disorders by modulation metabolism of the tissue. As a general strategy, experimental findings from studies in mice are complemented by mechanistic studies in vitro, and they are further explored in clinical studies. Collaborations with industrial partners and small companies are essential for effective translational research. In cooperation with the producers of tested compounds in Czech Republic and Norway, we evaluate the potential of omega-3 for enhancement of the effects of selected pharmaceuticals and other compounds.
Job vacancies: Leader of the Department of Adipose Tissue Biology
Projects
Minor dietary components with proven biological effects play an important role in the complex treatment strategy of obesity-related diseases, however our knowledge regarding the mechanisms of their action is relatively limited. The aim of this project is to identify novel mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of omega-3 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), i.e. the only dietary component with clearly demonstrated beneficial effects on dyslipidemia and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in the diabetic patients.
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Metabolic disturbances in obesity are associated with dysregulation of the endocannabinoid (EC) system. We have shown in mice fed an obesogenic high-fat diet that metabolic effects of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids were stronger when supplied in the phospholipid form (omega-3 PL) as compared with triacylglycerols (Rossmeisl et al. 2012. PloS One). These effects were associated with a more efficient modulation of major EC molecules in white adipose tissue (WAT).
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Our previous studies demonstrated beneficial effect of omega-3 in prevention of obesity-related disorders (metabolic syndrome; Flachs et al. 2005. Diabetologia; Flachs et al. 2006. Diabetologia). Currently, we focuse on testing the potential of omega-3 to augment the effects of lifestyle changes in the treatment of obesity-associated disorders.
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Thiazolidinediony (TZD) jsou široce používány při léčbě inzulinové resistence u pacientů s diabetes mellitus 2. typu (DM). Tato léčba je však spojena s některými nežádoucími účinky. Je proto zapotřebí nových léčebných postupů, které by umožnily použít nižších (suboptimálních) dávek TZD v kombinaci s dalšími farmakologickými či dietetickými intervencemi.
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This project focuses on biological activity of modified lignin, which can be isolated from a by-product of paper and cellulose production. Modified lignin could apply to biomedicine as a food supplement with antioxidant effect, which could protect organism against negative environmental factors and diseases of affluence.
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Achievements
Our department is a partner in two EU projects supported through Cooperation program of the European Community (FP7) – BIOCLAMS (2010–2015) and DIABAT (2011–2015).
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Jan Kopecký, MD, PhD won a special prize awarded by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports for a set of his research group’s papers on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids, published in the last 5 years.
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Set of our papers regarding novel possibilities of the use of sea fish lipids for prevention and treatment of obesity and associated disorders was included on the list of most significant results of Academy of Sciences CR in 2009. Our later article dedicated to combination of omega-3 and mild calorie restriction was included on the same list in 2011.
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Among the five most cited publications of Institute of Physiology published in last 10 years are also three papers of our department.
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Publications
Sjövall, P. - Rossmeisl, Martin - Hanrieder, J. - Kuda, Ondřej - Kopecký, Jan - Bryhn, M.
Dietary uptake of omega-3 fatty acids in mouse tissue studied by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS)
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Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2015, Vol. 407, 17, p. 5101-5111
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IF = 3.436
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Masoodi, M. - Kuda, Ondřej - Rossmeisl, Martin - Flachs, Pavel - Kopecký, Jan
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Lipid signaling in adipose tissue: Connecting inflammation & metabolism
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Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta-Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids. 2015, Vol. 1851, 4, p. 503-518
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IF = 5.162
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Duivenvoorde, L. P. M. - van Schothorst, E. M. - Swarts, H. M. - Kuda, Ondřej - Steenbergh, E. - Termeulen, S. - Kopecký, Jan - Keijer, J.
A Difference in Fatty Acid Composition of Isocaloric High-Fat Diets Alters Metabolic Flexibility in Male C57BL/6JOlaHsd Mice
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PLoS ONE. 2015, Vol. 10, 6, e0128515
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IF = 3.234
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Villarroya, J. - Flachs, Pavel - Redondo-Angulo, I. - Giralt, M. - Medříková, Daša - Villarroya, F. - Kopecký, Jan - Planavila, A.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 and the Beneficial Effects of Long-Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
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Lipids 2014, roč. 49, 11, p. 1081-1089. ISSN 0024-4201.
IF = 1.854
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van Schothorst, E. M. - Bunschoten, A. - Hoevenaars, F.P.M. - van der Stelt, I. - Janovská, Petra - Venema, D. - Kopecký, Jan - Hollman, P. C. H. - Keijer, J.
Direct comparison of health effects by dietary polyphenols at equimolar doses in wildtype moderate high-fat fed C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice
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Food Research International 2014, roč. 65, part a, p. 95-102. ISSN 0963-9969.
IF = 2.818
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Young mouse.
Microsurgery on mouse.
