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Related Concept Videos

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Human Mature Adipocytes Using Membrane Mature Adipocyte Aggregate Cultures (MAAC)
06:28

Isolation and Culture of Human Mature Adipocytes Using Membrane Mature Adipocyte Aggregate Cultures (MAAC)

Published on: February 13, 2020

An inflammatory micro-environment promotes human adipocyte apoptosis.

Michaela Keuper1, Matthias Blüher, Michael R Schön

  • 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University, Eythstr. 24, 89075 Ulm, Germany.

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|April 20, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Macrophages in obesity worsen inflammation by inducing insulin resistance and fat cell (adipocyte) apoptosis. This creates a harmful cycle, increasing local and systemic inflammation.

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Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

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Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis
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An Adipocyte Cell Culture Model to Study the Impact of Protein and Micro-RNA Modulation on Adipocyte Function
09:20

An Adipocyte Cell Culture Model to Study the Impact of Protein and Micro-RNA Modulation on Adipocyte Function

Published on: May 4, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology
  • Metabolic Disease

Background:

  • Obesity involves macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue, driving inflammation.
  • Fat cell apoptosis is implicated in initiating macrophage recruitment.
  • Understanding the inflammatory micro-environment's impact on fat cells is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between macrophages and adipocytes in an inflammatory context.
  • To determine how macrophage-secreted factors affect adipocyte insulin signaling and survival.
  • To explore the link between insulin resistance and adipocyte apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Co-culture of human THP-1 macrophages and SGBS adipocytes.
  • Analysis of insulin signaling pathways, including Akt phosphorylation.
  • Assessment of adipocyte apoptosis induction.

Main Results:

  • Macrophage factors induced insulin resistance and inhibited insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in adipocytes.
  • Adipocyte apoptosis was induced by macrophage-secreted factors, especially in direct co-culture.
  • Inhibition of Akt2 sensitized adipocytes to macrophage-induced apoptosis, linking insulin resistance and apoptosis sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages induce adipocyte apoptosis, representing a novel interaction.
  • A feed-forward cycle exists where macrophages exacerbate inflammation by promoting insulin resistance and adipocyte death.
  • This interaction highlights a mechanism contributing to obesity-associated inflammation.