Reduction of IL-6 gene expression in human adipose tissue after sleeve gastrectomy surgery

There is increasing evidence that immune cell interactions in adipose tissue contribute to the development of metabolic dysfunction. Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to mediate insulin resistance, and the presence of macrophages is a salient feature in the development of obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate adipocyte size and macrophage activation in women before and 3 months after laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG).

Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from women scheduled to undergo VSG. Histological evaluation of adipocytes and macrophages was performed as well as cytokine expression quantification before and after VSG-induced weight loss.

Weight loss following VSG resulted in a reduction in adipocyte size as well as a decrease in interleukin (IL)-6 cytokine mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue. There was no change in the presence of crownlike structures after weight loss.

Early weight loss after VSG is associated with a reduction in adipocyte size and a decline in IL-6 gene expression in local adipose tissue. Macrophage infiltration and crownlike density structures persist in adipose tissue from tissues impacted by excess body weight 3 months after VSG-induced weight loss.