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Human acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in peroxisomal fatty acids β-oxidation and its deficiency is associated with a lethal, autosomal recessive disease, called pseudoneonatal-adrenoleukodystrophy. Two mRNA variants, transcribed from a single gene encode ACOX1a or ACOX1b isoforms, respectively. Recently, a mutation in a splice site has been reported [H. Rosewich, H.R. Waterham, R.J. Wanders, S. Ferdinandusse, M. Henneke, D. Hunneman, J. Gartner, Pitfall in metabolic screening in a patient with fatal peroxisomal β-oxidation defect, Neuropediatrics 37 (2006) 95–98.], which results in the defective peroxisomal fatty acids β-oxidation. Here, we show that these mRNA splice variants are expressed differentially in human liver. We investigated the biochemical role of the two human ACOX1 isoforms by heterologous expression of the catalytically active ACOX1a and ACOX1b enzymes in Escherichia coli. ACOX1a seems to be more labile and exhibits only 50% specific activity toward palmitoyl-CoA as compared to ACOX1b.

Brown (BAT) and white (WAT) adipose tissues play a key role in the body energy balance orchestrated by the central nervous system. Hibernators have developed a seasonal obesity to respond to inhospitable environment. Jerboa is one of the deep hibernator originated from sub-desert highlands. Thus, this animal represents an excellent model to study cold adaptation mechanism. We report that the adipogenic factor PPARgamma exhibits a differential expression between BAT and WAT at mRNA level. A specific induction was only seen in WAT of pre-hibernating jerboa. Interestingly, PPAR beta/delta is specifically induced in BAT and brain of pre-hibernating jerboa, highlighting for the first time the possible key role of this ubiquitous isoform in the cold adaptation of this true hibernator. Inductions of PPARgamma(2) in WAT and PPAR beta/delta in BAT are blunted by a hypolipemic drug, the ciprofibrate. These changes may be correlated with hibernation arrest and death of treated jerboa. Mitochondrial acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase activities in brown and white adipose tissues are decreased up to 85% during cold acclimatization (without food privation). These enzyme activities are subject to a strong induction in BAT and in WAT (3.4-7.5 fold) during the hibernation period. The BAT thermogenesis marker is also largely induced (approximately 4 fold of UCP1 mRNA level) during pre-hibernation period. Unexpectedly, treatment with ciprofibrate deeply affects lipolysis in BAT by increasing acyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity (3.4 fold) and acyl-CoA oxidase at both activity and mRNA levels (2.8 and 3.8 fold, respectively) and enhances strongly UCP1 mRNA level (9.5 fold) during pre-hibernation.