Biliverdin reductase (BVR) is an enzymatic and signaling protein that has multifaceted roles in physiological systems. Despite the wealth of knowledge about BVR, no data exist regarding its actions in adipocytes. Here, we generated an adipose-specific deletion of biliverdin reductase-A (BVRA) (Blvra^FatKO) in mice to determine the function of BVRA in adipocytes and how it may impact adipose tissue expansion. The Blvra^FatKO and littermate control (Blvra^Flox) mice were placed on a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Body weights were measured weekly and body composition, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were quantitated at the end of the 12 weeks. The data showed that the percent body fat and body weights did not differ between the groups; however, Blvra^FatKO mice had significantly higher visceral fat as compared to the Blvra^Flox. The loss of adipocyte BVRA decreased the mitochondrial number in white adipose tissue (WAT), and increased inflammation and adipocyte size, but this was not observed in brown adipose tissue (BAT). There were genes significantly reduced in WAT that induce the browning effect such as Ppara and Adrb3, indicating that BVRA improves mitochondria function and beige-type white adipocytes. The Blvra^FatKO mice also had significantly higher fasting blood glucose levels and no changes in plasma insulin levels, which is indicative of decreased insulin signaling in WAT, as evidenced by reduced levels of phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and Glut4 mRNA. These results demonstrate the essential role of BVRA in WAT in insulin signaling and adipocyte hypertrophy.

Heme oxygenase (HO) plays an important role in the cardiovascular system. It is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes in all organs of the cardiovascular system. From the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow to the adaptive response to end-organ injury, HO plays a critical role in the ability of the cardiovascular system to respond and adapt to changes in homeostasis. There have been great advances in our understanding of the role of HO in the regulation of blood pressure and target organ injury in the last decade. Results from these studies demonstrate that targeting of the HO system could provide novel therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of several cardiovascular and renal diseases. The goal of this review is to highlight the important role of HO in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function and protection from disease and to highlight areas in which targeting of the HO system needs to be translated to help benefit patient populations.