Lycopene Alleviates Obesity-Induced Inflammation and Insulin Resistance by Regulating M1/M2 Status of Macrophages

Guanliang Chen1, Yinhua Ni1, Naoto Nagata1

  • 1Department of Cell Metabolism and Nutrition, Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences Research Center, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-8640, Japan.

Abstract

Insights

Lycopene, an antioxidant, reduces inflammation and improves insulin resistance in obese mice by shifting adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) to an anti-inflammatory M2 state.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition and Metabolism
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) polarization is critical in insulin resistance development.
  • Current treatments targeting ATMs are limited.
  • Lycopene is an antioxidant carotenoid with potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of lycopene on adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance.
  • To examine lycopene's impact on ATM recruitment and polarization in high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity.

Main Methods:

  • C57BL/6J mice were fed either an HF diet or an HF diet supplemented with lycopene (HF+LY) for 8 weeks.
  • Glucose tolerance, insulin levels, adipose tissue, and liver tissues were analyzed.
  • Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to assess ATM polarization and signaling pathways (STAT6, Akt).

Main Results:

  • Lycopene attenuated HF-diet-induced glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, adipocyte hypertrophy, and macrophage infiltration.
  • HF+LY mice showed reduced M1 ATMs and increased M2 ATMs in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and liver.
  • Lycopene promoted IL-4-induced M2 polarization in macrophages by enhancing STAT6 and Akt phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene shifts ATM polarization towards an M2-dominant phenotype.
  • This M2-dominant polarization attenuates HF diet-induced inflammation and insulin resistance in adipose tissue and the liver.

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