Interleukin-18 protein level is upregulated in adipose tissue of obese mice

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2009 Feb;17(2):393-5. doi: 10.1038/oby.2008.535. Epub 2008 Nov 27.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the regulation of Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and caspase-1 mRNA and protein levels in adipose and liver tissue of obese (ob/ob) mice compared with ob/+ mice. In ob/ob mice, which have a twofold higher IL-18 plasma level as compared with lean mice, IL-18 mRNA expression was significantly reduced by 1.6-fold in adipose tissue, whereas protein level was enhanced fourfold as compared with ob/+ mice. However, caspase-1 mRNA expression and activity were significantly enhanced in adipose tissue of ob/ob mice. Conversely, both IL-18 mRNA and protein levels were slightly enhanced, but caspase-1 activity was reduced in liver of ob/ob mice as compared with lean mice. In conclusion, we show that adipose and hepatic IL-18 protein expressions are increased in obese mice. However, in contrast to liver, the adipose IL-18 protein level appears to be upregulated through a post-transcriptional mechanism probably involving caspase-1.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Caspase 1 / genetics
  • Caspase 1 / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Interleukin-18 / genetics
  • Interleukin-18 / metabolism*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Obese
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation*

Substances

  • Interleukin-18
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Caspase 1