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Inhibitory role of oxytocin on TNFα expression assessed in vitro and in vivo

S Garrido-Urbani1, N Deblon2, A L Poher2

  • 1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University Medical Center, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.

Diabetes & Metabolism
|November 14, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Oxytocin treatment reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese mice. It also decreased TNFα production in macrophages and adipose tissue, suggesting a role in metabolic health.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Metabolic Science
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Oxytocin administration reduces body weight and fat mass in diet-induced obese (DIO) models and humans.
  • Oxytocin exhibits immunomodulatory effects in various conditions, including atherosclerosis, injury, and sepsis.
  • The impact of oxytocin on macrophage polarization and cytokine production in adipose tissue of DIO mice remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of oxytocin on macrophage polarization and cytokine production.
  • To determine the impact of oxytocin on adipose tissue macrophage populations and cytokine expression in DIO mice.
  • To assess the influence of oxytocin on body weight, composition, and glucose metabolism in DIO mice.

Main Methods:

  • Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages were treated with oxytocin to assess proliferation, cytokine secretion, and polarization.
  • Diet-induced obese mice received oxytocin treatment for two weeks to evaluate body weight, composition, and glucose tolerance.
  • Adipose tissue macrophage populations, plasma cytokine levels, and adipose tissue cytokine expression were analyzed post-treatment.

Main Results:

  • Oxytocin induced an anti-inflammatory phenotype in bone marrow-derived macrophages, decreasing the M1/M2 ratio and TNFα secretion.
  • In DIO mice, oxytocin treatment led to reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance, without altering plasma cytokine levels.
  • Oxytocin decreased TNFα expression in adipose tissue but did not alter the M1/M2 macrophage ratio in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • Oxytocin treatment effectively reduces TNFα production in both macrophages and adipose tissue of DIO mice.
  • These anti-inflammatory effects of oxytocin may contribute to the observed improvements in glucose metabolism.
  • Oxytocin holds potential as a therapeutic agent for managing metabolic dysfunction associated with obesity.
Keywords:
Adipose tissueInflammationOxytocinTNFα

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