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Systemic inflammation, adipose tissue tumor necrosis factor, and leptin expression
Monica Bulló1, Pilar García-Lorda, Isabel Megias
1Unitat de Nutrició Humana, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut de Reus, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.
Obesity Research
|April 12, 2003
Summary
Adipose tissue expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and leptin is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation. This inflammation is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Background:
- Low-grade systemic inflammation is a hallmark of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
- Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in regulating systemic inflammation.
- Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and leptin are key adipokines implicated in metabolic and inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between TNFalpha and leptin expression in adipose tissue and markers of low-grade systemic inflammation.
- To determine how inflammation correlates with adiposity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-one women were stratified by C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
- Serum and plasma levels of inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, leptin) were measured.
- Adipose tissue expression of TNFalpha and leptin was assessed using RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue TNFalpha and leptin expression were elevated in individuals with higher CRP levels.
- Higher systemic levels of inflammatory markers and leptin were observed in the most inflamed group.
- Obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were more prevalent in the highest CRP tertile.
- Adipose TNFalpha mRNA levels, BMI, and type 2 diabetes predicted serum CRP levels.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue TNFalpha and leptin synthesis may drive the production of acute-phase reactants, contributing to chronic inflammation.
- This chronic inflammation is implicated in the progression of obesity and its associated comorbidities.