Sleep Fragmentation in Mice Induces Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase 2-Dependent Mobilization, Proliferation, and Differentiation of Adipocyte Progenitors in Visceral White Adipose Tissue

Abstract

Chronic sleep fragmentation (SF) induces obesity in mice and increased proliferation and differentiation of adipocyte progenitors (AP) in visceral white adipose tissue (VWAT) that are mediated by increased Nox2 activity. In addition, enhanced migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from the systemic circulation into VWAT, along with AP differentiation, proliferation, and adipocyte formation occur in SF-exposed wild-type but not in oxidase 2 (Nox2) null mice. Thus, Nox2 may provide a therapeutic target to prevent obesity in the context of sleep disorders.