STAT3 but Not ERK2 Is a Crucial Mediator Against Diet-Induced Obesity via VMH Neurons

Leptin plays an important role in the protection against diet-induced obesity (DIO) by its actions ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) neurons. However, little is known about intracellular mechanisms involved these effects. To assess of STAT3 and ERK2 signaling neurons that express steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) VMH energy homeostasis, we used cre-lox technology to generate male female mice with specific disruption or SF1 VMH. We demonstrated conditional knockout did not affect body weight, food intake, expenditure, glucose homeostasis animals on regular chow. high-fat diet (HFD) challenge, loss caused a significant increase efficiency was more remarkable females, which also showed decrease expenditure. In contrast, deletion have any impact both HFD conditions. conclusion, but crucial DIO sex-specific pattern.