Pro-inflammatory CD11c CD206 adipose tissue macrophages are associated with insulin resistance in human obesity

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - Insulin resistance and other features of the metabolic syndrome have been causally linked to adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) in mice with diet-induced obesity. We aimed to characterize macrophage phenotype and function in human subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in relation to insulin resistance in obesity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Adipose tissue was obtained from lean and obese women undergoing bariatric surgery. Metabolic markers were measured in fasting serum and ATMs characterized by immunohistology, flow cytometry, and tissue culture studies. RESULTS - ATMs comprised CD11c +CD206+ cells in "crown" aggregates and solitary CD11c-CD206+ cells at adipocyte junctions...