Deficiency in interferon-γ results in reduced body weight and better glucose tolerance in mice

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease caused by increased energy intake and reduced energy expenditure. Studies using animal models with deletion of inflammatory cytokines have produced conflicting results with some showing increased weight gain and others showing no effect or even reduced body weights. Clearly, more work is necessary to understand the role of cytokines on body weight control. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of interferon-γdeletion (IFNγ-/-)onbody weight regulation and glucose metabolism. Male IFNγ-/- and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were fed a low-fat chow diet, and body weight, food intake, and energy expenditure were monitored over 20 wk. At the ..