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(PTFS07-03-26) Proposal of a Molecular Fingerprint From Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Adipose Tissue as a Possible Biomarker of Early Insulin Resistance in an Experimental Model

Sunday, July 26, 2026
11:08 AM - 11:12 AM ET
Location: Prince George's Hall B-E (The Hub) - Poster Theater 1 / Poster Board Number: PT1-3
Disclosure(s):
Humberto Astiazaran-Garcia, PhD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Objectives: Obesity is a major risk factor affecting adipose tissue (AT) function and, consequently, may modulate insulin sensitivity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles released by cells that facilitate communication between them. In this context, EVs and their contents could serve as potential biomarkers of insulin resistance (IR). The objective was to analyze the metabolic role of the proteome contained in EV of AT in the early stages of obesity.

Methods: Diet-induced obesity rat model was established. Subsequently, the proteome of adipose tissue-derived EVs (ADVEs) was analyzed to identify a molecular signature that distinguishes the obesity/RI group.

Results: The experimental group with obesity showed increased levels of the triacylglycerol-glucose (T&G) index and the triacylglycerol/HDL-c ratio, which estimate insulin resistance, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). For ADEVs, size was related to T&G (r=0.63; p< 0.02). In multiple linear regression models, we were able to predict T&G from ADEV diameter (p < 0.05). In the second phase, we conducted a "label-free quantitative proteomic analysis" to identify potential biomarkers. In the obesity and insulin resistance group, we identified molecular signatures of proteins involved in catabolic processes, increased secretion of extracellular vesicles, and proteins related to the development of insulin resistance. An initial exploratory phosphoproteomic analysis identified several phosphoproteins that play a role in regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and the assembly of proteins associated with the insulin signaling pathway. Notably, only the group with obesity and insulin resistance displayed the GLUT4 transporter protein and protein phosphatase 1 as distinct molecular signatures.

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a larger size of the ADEV is associated with a greater degree of systemic insulin resistance (IR) as measured by the T&G method. In addition to size, the molecular composition of proteins and phosphoproteins within the ADEV can be utilized to identify early signs of insulin resistance and to monitor its progression in individuals consuming high-fat diets or experiencing weight gain that increases their waist circumference.

Funding Sources: Grant-251744 SECIHTI