Sex Differences in Endothelial Cell Angiogenic Capacity

There is a sex-specific difference in susceptibility to develop obesity-related disorders. Our labs previous study on high-fat fed mice indicated higher angiogenesis in visceral adipose tissue of female mice, which accompanied preserved metabolic function of adipose tissue and better systemic glucose metabolism. The goal of this study was to determine if there are sex-related differences in endothelial cells (EC) angiogenic capacity that may contribute to higher adipose tissue angiogenesis in females. To achieve this, visceral adipose tissue explants as well as cultured EC of male and female mice were used. Female EC showed higher sprouting success ex-vivo. Furthermore, female EC had higher proliferation in vitro. Protein levels of FoxO1 and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK were higher in females. Inhibition of PFKFB3 decreased proliferation only in males. This project provided evidence for inherent sex-related differences in EC angiogenic capacity that may be related to the higher adipose tissue angiogenesis in females.