Low-Frequency Intermittent Hypoxia Promotes Subcutaneous Adipogenic Differentiation

Figure 8

Schematic diagram summarizing the role of intermittent hypoxia (IH) in adipogenesis in in vivo and in vitro model. Low-frequency IH exposure could activate insulin growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)/Akt to promote adipogenic differentiation of subcutaneous preadipocytes. In addition, the enhanced inflammation elicited by IH exposure could be another possible mechanism responsible for intensified adipogenesis of subcutaneous adiposity. The accelerative subcutaneous adiposity may be a compensatory response to IH-stimulated metabolic disorders.