B cell activating factor in obesity is regulated by oxidative stress in adipocytes

Adipose tissue functions as a key endocrine organ by releasing multiple bioactive substances, and plays a key role in the integration of systemic metabolism. We have previously shown that B cell activating factor is produced mainly in visceral adipose tissue and affects insulin sensitivity in obese individuals. In this study, we identified the signals that lead to production of B cell activating factor in adipocytes. 3T3-L1 and C3H/10T 1/2-clone 8 cells showed increased B cell activating factor expression upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide, and these changes were inhibited by treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine. B cell activating factor levels in both serum and visceral adipose tissue were increased in high fat diet-fed mice, and these increases were correlated with oxidative stress. In addition, serum BAFF levels in high fat diet-fed mice were reduced by N-acetyl-cysteine treatment. We also found that oxidative stress-induced B cell activating factor expression in adipocytes was regulated by NF-κB activation. These data indicate that control of the redox state in visceral adipose tissue is a potentially useful target for treating metabolic syndromes through regulation of adipokine production.