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Published on: May 19, 2023
TNF-alpha and obesity
T Tzanavari1, P Giannogonas, Katia P Karalis
1Division of Developmental Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Ephessiou, Athens, Greece.
Current Directions in Autoimmunity
|February 23, 2010
Summary
Obesity causes chronic inflammation, particularly through Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Targeting TNF-alpha offers a promising therapeutic strategy for obesity and related insulin resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Obesity is a global epidemic linked to numerous comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, cancers, and degenerative brain conditions.
- Obesity is a primary driver of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, characterized by a state of chronic low-grade inflammation.
- Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, releasing factors influenced by adiposity, and in obesity, it becomes infiltrated by macrophages, increasing proinflammatory cytokines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in obesity and related conditions.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting TNF-alpha for obesity and insulin resistance.
- To summarize recent clinical data and findings on the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on TNF-alpha in obesity.
- Analysis of studies investigating the correlation between TNF-alpha levels, adiposity, and insulin resistance.
- Inclusion of recent clinical data and pathogenetic findings.
Main Results:
- Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, with adipose tissue releasing increased proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha.
- TNF-alpha expression in adipose tissue correlates with the degree of adiposity and associated insulin resistance.
- Targeting TNF-alpha and its receptors is a potential therapeutic avenue for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- TNF-alpha plays a critical role in the inflammatory processes underlying obesity and insulin resistance.
- Modulating TNF-alpha activity presents a promising therapeutic strategy for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Further research into TNF-alpha's role can lead to novel treatment approaches for these widespread metabolic disorders.
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