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Localization, Identification, and Excision of Murine Adipose Depots
Published on: December 4, 2014
Macrophage elastase (MMP-12) in expanding murine adipose tissue
D Bauters1, M Van Hul, H R Lijnen
1Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|January 9, 2013
Summary
Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) deficiency did not impact overall adipose tissue mass in obese mice. However, MMP-12 absence reduced crown-like structures (CLS) formation around dying fat cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) influence adipose tissue development.
- Adipose tissue expansion correlates with increased macrophage content.
- Macrophage elastase (MMP-12) is implicated in macrophage infiltration and inflammation in adipose tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MMP-12 in adipose tissue during obesity.
- To determine if MMP-12 deficiency affects adipose tissue mass, composition, or macrophage infiltration.
Main Methods:
- Mice deficient in MMP-12 and wild-type controls were fed a high-fat diet for 15 weeks.
- Adipose tissue mass, adipocyte size, blood vessel density, and macrophage infiltration were analyzed.
- Elastin content and crown-like structures (CLS) were quantified.
Main Results:
- MMP-12 deficiency did not alter body weight or adipose tissue mass.
- Adipocyte and blood vessel characteristics were similar between groups.
- Macrophage infiltration was unaffected, but CLS formation was significantly reduced in MMP-12 deficient mice.
Conclusions:
- MMP-12 deficiency does not significantly affect adipose tissue mass or composition in diet-induced obesity.
- MMP-12 is not essential for macrophage infiltration but contributes to CLS formation around dead adipocytes.
