Failure of subcutaneous lipectomy to combat metabolic dysregulations in ovariectomy-induced obesity in young female rats

PURPOSE: The deleterious effect of visceral adipose tissue accumulation is well known. However, the recent trend in liposuction is mal-directed toward easily accessible subcutaneous fat for the purpose of body shaping. The aim of the present study is to probe the metabolic effects of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue lipectomy in ovariectomized obese rats as well as the role of adipokines in these changes. METHODS: The study was conducted on young female rats randomized into two main groups according to the duration of the experiment, namely, 5-week and 10-week. Both groups were subdivided as follows: sham-operated, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized lipectomized rat groups. The rats underwent measurement of body weight (BW) and determination of body mass index (BMI). Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, liver function, plasma malondialdehyde, leptin, and adiponectin were estimated, and the content of both blood and hepatic tissue of reduced glutathione was assessed. In addition, histological study of the liver, aorta, and perirenal fat of all rat groups was performed. RESULTS: Ovariectomy-induced obesity is marked by a significant increase in BW and BMI. Following subcutaneous lipectomy, the rats exhibited significant weight gain accompanied by fasting hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, deterioration of synthetic function of the liver, and disturbed oxidant/antioxidant status. Histological examination revealed fatty infiltration of aortic and hepatic tissues. CONCLUSION: Despite the immediate positive effect of subcutaneous lipectomy for weight loss and/or body shaping, multiple delayed hazards follow the procedure, which should be carefully considered.