Jean-Philippe Bastard1, Mustapha Maachi1, Claire Lagathu1, Min Ji Kim1, Martine Caron1, Hubert Vidal2, Jacqueline Capeau1, Bruno Feve3
European Cytokine Network, Vol.17, No.1, pp. 4-12, 2006
Abstract It now appears that, in most obese patients, obesity is associated with a low-grade inflammation of
white adipose tissue (WAT) resulting from chronic activation of the innate immune system and which can
subsequently lead to insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and even diabetes. WAT is the physiological site
of energy storage as lipids. In addition, it has been more recently recognized as an active participant in numerous
physiological and pathophysiological processes. In obesity, WAT is characterized by an increased production and
secretion of a wide range of inflammatory molecules including TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which… More >