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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Semi-Automated Isolation of the Stromal Vascular Fraction from Murine White Adipose Tissue Using a Tissue Dissociator
Published on: May 19, 2023
Pioglitazone reduces tumor necrosis factor-alpha serum concentration and mRNA expression of adipose tissue in
Zhi-hong Wu1, Shui-ping Zhao, Luo-xiang Chu
1Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Middle Ren-Min road No 139, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China.
Background:
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an inflammatory cytokine involved in atherogenesis. Adipose tissue is an important source of endogenous TNF-alpha production. Pioglitazone, a member of the thiazolidinediones (TZDs), has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties, while underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pioglitazone on TNF-alpha serum concentration and mRNA expressions of subcutaneous adipose tissue in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
Methods:
Ten rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: (1) high cholesterol group (n=5): maintained high cholesterol diet for 4 weeks; (2) pioglitazone group (n=5): the same cholesterol diet plus pioglitazone (3 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Control group (n=5) was fed with normal diet for 12 weeks. Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected for RNA analysis. The direct effect of pioglitazone on TNF-alpha release was assayed in primary rabbit adipocytes. TNF-alpha levels in serum and adipocytes culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. RT-PCR was used to evaluate TNF-alpha mRNA expressions in adipose tissue and adipocytes.
Results:
Compared with control group, rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet showed significantly higher levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and TNF-alpha. Though having no effect on serum glucose level and lipid profile, pioglitazone administration significantly reduced circulating TNF-alpha concentrations, which were positively correlated with TNF-alpha mRNA expressions of adipose tissue (r=0.53, P<0.01). Pioglitazone dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF-alpha secretion and mRNA expression in cultured adipocytes.
Conclusion:
Pioglitazone significantly reduced serum TNF-alpha level in hypercholesterolemic rabbits independent of its metabolic actions, which may at least partly be due to its direct inhibition of TNF-alpha expression and secretion of adipocytes. This may help to explain the mechanism by which pioglitazone exert anti-atherosclerotic effects.
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