# The Role of Airborne PCBs in Adipogenesis, Adipose Function, and Metabolic Syndrome

> **NIH NIH P42** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2021 · $260,537

## Abstract

SUMMARY: Project 2 – Metabolic Syndrome
PCBs accumulate in fat and are associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), yet the
specific role of PCB-induced disruption of adipose endocrine signaling in the development of MetS is unknown.
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between exposure to PCBs and MetS, a cluster of
conditions including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, which increase the risk of heart
disease, stroke, and type II diabetes. The Iowa Superfund Research Program (ISRP) has shown children are
exposed to high levels of airborne PCBs in schools, putting them at potential risk for the development of MetS.
In addition, the ISRP demonstrated that airborne PCB exposure results in the accumulation of PCBs in adipose
tissue. We have shown that dioxin-like PCBs can disrupt adipogenesis, leading to aberrant adipocyte function.
How volatile PCBs affect adipose tissue to contribute to the development of MetS is unknown. We hypothesize
that airborne PCBs and their metabolites contribute to the development of MetS via a mechanism that involves
disruption of adipogenesis and adipocyte endocrine function. We have developed unique tools, including
multiple unique immortal human preadipocyte cell lines and a 3D organoid model system, that enable the study
of PCB-induced alterations in the maturation and function of human adipose tissue in culture. Human
preadipocytes cultured in the 3D organoid model system can mature, store lipids, and secrete adipokines more
efficiently than those in 2D cultures. This system challenges the status quo of 2D culture with a culture model
that is more relevant to human exposure. In Aim 1, we will utilize the 3D system to elucidate the functional
consequences of exposure to PCBs (individual congeners and relevant mixtures) on adipogenesis and
adipocyte function. In Aim 2, we will develop a human adipose-liver biomimetic on-chip that allows for human-
liver specific metabolism of PCBs for facile testing of the effects of PCB and PCB-metabolites on adipose
function. In Aim 3, we will assess how PCB11 and PCB52, two PCBs commonly found in air, affect adipose
function, adiposity, and metabolism in vivo using a rat model, comparing our results to those found with our 3D
system. The studies will be guided by other ISRP projects to determine which PCBs are most prevalent in air
and which PCBs and PCB-metabolites are present in adipose tissue. Further, our work will rely on ISRP cores
for synthesis and analytical assessment of PCBs in study samples. Our project is relevant to the SRP
mandates because it will result in the development of an innovative technology to assess how PCBs act as
endocrine disruptors through their effects on adipose tissue, which, in turn, will be important for assessment of
exposure risk to the development of MetS. Our findings will be of significant interest to regulatory agencies and
communities concerned about how PCB exposure affects MetS in...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10135995
- **Project number:** 5P42ES013661-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** ALOYSIUS John KLINGELHUTZ
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $260,537
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2006-05-12 → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10135995

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10135995, The Role of Airborne PCBs in Adipogenesis, Adipose Function, and Metabolic Syndrome (5P42ES013661-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10135995. Licensed CC0.

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