Orexin B inhibits viability and differentiation of stromal cells from swine adipose tissue

Adipose tissue is recognized as a fundamental endocrine organ. Nowadays, we are also aware that it contains the highest number of stromal cells (ASCs) per unit of volume. These cells can differentiate between different phenotypes among which the adipocytes. The aim of this work was to verify whether orexin B, crucial mediator of the energy balance, modifies the differentiation of cultured ASCs. We used the pig as a model. Our data demonstrate that swine ASCs express prepro-orexin. Orexin B treatment inhibits ASCs proliferation (P < 0.05) and adipogenic differentiation (P < 0.05). Data collected could be interesting both in animal production field because consumers require lean meat, and in human medicine study about obesity because pig can be considered a valuable animal model for translational studies. •Adipose stromal cells (ASCs) can differentiate in cell types of mesenchymal tissues.•Orexin B (OXB) is involved in metabolic control also with peripheral effects.•We investigated the effect of OXB in adipogenic differentiation of ASCS.•Prepro-orexin is expressed in the swine ASCs.•OXB inhibits swine ASCs growth and adipogenic differentiation.