Expression of TNF-α protein in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue in obesity

Abstract

Background During the last several years the role of adipose tissue in contributing to obesity-associated cardiovascular and metabolic risk has gained much attention. Aim To examine the expression of TNF-α protein in omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue in correlation with plasma PAI-1 and other clinical parameters in obesity subjects. Material and methods Paired biopsies of omental and subcutaneous fat were collected during surgery in 32 obesity subjects. The expression of TNF-α protein in omental and subcutaneous fat was quantified by using Western blot method, and correlations with plasma PAI-1, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and lipid were investigated. Results TNF-α protein expression was higher in omental than in subcutaneous adipose tissue ( P < 0.01). Significant positive linear correlations were found between TNF-α protein in omental adipose tissue and plasma PAI-1 in obesity subjects. TNF-α protein in omental fat was positively associated with HOMA-IR, triglycerides and negatively with HDL-cholesterol. Conclusion TNF-α expression in omental adipose tissue could play a key role in contributing to cardiovascular risk in central obesity subjects.