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

Science. 1993 Jan 1;259(5091):87-91. doi: 10.1126/science.7678183.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been shown to have certain catabolic effects on fat cells and whole animals. An induction of TNF-alpha messenger RNA expression was observed in adipose tissue from four different rodent models of obesity and diabetes. TNF-alpha protein was also elevated locally and systemically. Neutralization of TNF-alpha 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-alpha in obesity and particularly in the insulin resistance and diabetes that often accompany obesity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Adipose Tissue / physiology
  • Adipose Tissue / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / physiopathology
  • Glucose Clamp Technique
  • Homeostasis
  • Immunoglobulin G / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin G / pharmacology
  • Insulin / pharmacology
  • Insulin Infusion Systems
  • Insulin Resistance / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Obese
  • Obesity / chemically induced
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA / isolation & purification
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Messenger / isolation & purification
  • Rats
  • Rats, Zucker
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / pharmacology
  • Reference Values
  • Sodium Glutamate
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Insulin
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • RNA
  • Sodium Glutamate