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Cytokine release from adipose tissue of nonobese individuals

Abstract

Explants of human adipose tissue from nonobese subjects were cultured for 24 h with or without the presence of 20 ng/ml TNFα. Gene expression and/or medium concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 RA), TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, resistin, PAI-1 and leptin were analysed. TNFα increased the mRNA levels of TNFα itself as well as IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and PAI-1, but not leptin. The medium concentrations of IL-1 RA, IL-6 and IL-8 were markedly increased by TNFα while no measurable release of TNFα, resistin or IL-1β to the medium was found. Thus, human adipose tissue from nonobese individuals releases substantial amounts of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1 RA and the gene expression of these cytokines, like that of IL-1β and PAI-1, is regulated by TNFα. However, since neither TNFα, resistin or IL-1β was found in the culture medium, such a regulatory effect by TNFα on adipose tissue in vivo is likely to be mediated through a paracrine mechanism where invaded inflammatory cells may play a critical role.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the grants from the Swedish Research Council (K2004-72X-03506-33A), the Torsten and Ragnar Söderbergs Foundation, the European Community (QLG1-1999-CT-00674), the Swedish Diabetes Association, the Sonya Hedenbratt Memorial Fund and the IngaBritt and Arne Lundberg Foundation.

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Correspondence to V R Sopasakis.

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Sopasakis, V., Nagaev, I. & Smith, U. Cytokine release from adipose tissue of nonobese individuals. Int J Obes 29, 1144–1147 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803002

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