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Updated: May 31, 2026
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Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
Adipose tissue remodeling as homeostatic inflammation
Michiko Itoh1, Takayoshi Suganami, Rumi Hachiya
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.
International Journal of Inflammation
|July 15, 2011
Summary
Obesity triggers chronic inflammation via a feedback loop between fat cells and immune cells. This "homeostatic inflammation" drives adipose tissue remodeling and insulin resistance, offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disorders
- Immunology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to chronic, low-grade inflammation.
- Adipose tissue remodeling involves cellular changes in obese individuals.
- Macrophages in adipose tissue contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the paracrine loop between adipocytes and macrophages in obesity-induced inflammation.
- To define "homeostatic inflammation" in the context of adipose tissue remodeling.
- To explore therapeutic strategies for obesity-related complications.
Main Methods:
- Investigated a paracrine loop involving saturated fatty acids and tumor necrosis factor-α.
- Examined the role of saturated fatty acids as ligands for Toll-like receptor 4.
- Analyzed the relationship between adipose tissue remodeling and "homeostatic inflammation".
Main Results:
- A paracrine loop between adipocytes and macrophages exacerbates obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation.
- Saturated fatty acids released from adipocytes activate macrophages via Toll-like receptor 4.
- This interaction promotes chronic inflammation and adipose tissue remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue remodeling in obesity exemplifies "homeostatic inflammation".
- Understanding this mechanism can reveal novel therapeutic targets for obesity complications.
- Targeting this inflammatory loop may prevent or treat metabolic diseases.
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