Adipose expression of tumor necrosis factor-α: direct role in obesity-linked insulin resistance

GS Hotamisligil, NS Shargill, BM Spiegelman - Science, 1993 - science.org
Science, 1993science.org
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has been shown to have certain catabolic effects on fat cells
and whole animals. An induction of TNF-α messenger RNA expression was observed in
adipose tissue from four different rodent models of obesity and diabetes. TNF-α protein was
also elevated locally and systemically. Neutralization of TNF-α in obese fa/fa rats caused a
significant increase in the peripheral uptake of glucose in response to insulin. These results
indicate a role for TNF-α in obesity and particularly in the insulin resistance and diabetes …
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has been shown to have certain catabolic effects on fat cells and whole animals. An induction of TNF-α messenger RNA expression was observed in adipose tissue from four different rodent models of obesity and diabetes. TNF-α protein was also elevated locally and systemically. Neutralization of TNF-α in obese fa/fa rats caused a significant increase in the peripheral uptake of glucose in response to insulin. These results indicate a role for TNF-α in obesity and particularly in the insulin resistance and diabetes that often accompany obesity.
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