Macrophage function in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance

Pflugers Arch. 2017 Apr;469(3-4):385-396. doi: 10.1007/s00424-017-1955-5. Epub 2017 Feb 23.

Abstract

The steadily increasing obesity epidemic affects currently 30% of western populations and is causative for numerous disorders. It has been demonstrated that immune cells such as macrophages reside in or infiltrate metabolic organs under obese conditions and cause the so-called low-grade inflammation or metaflammation that impairs insulin action thus leading to the development of insulin resistance. Here, we report on data that specifically address macrophage biology/physiology in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance.

Keywords: Macrophage; Metaflammation; Polarization.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology*
  • Insulin Resistance / physiology*
  • Macrophages / physiology*
  • Obesity / pathology*