Inflammation and macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue: A link between diabetes and atherosclerosis

Obesity is associated with macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue, resulting in the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. MCP-1 is involved in monocyte recruitment to both early atherosclerotic lesion and adipose tissue. We recently described two possible mechanisms upstream MCP-1 activation. The first involved insulin dependent phosphorylation of GATA2, a transcription factor crucial for adipogenesis and inflammatory program. In the second we showed that an increased expression of several inflammation markers, including MCP-1 in metabolic and vascular tissues might due to a deregulation of TNF-alpha Converting Enzyme (TACE). GATA-2 and TACE could be new targets in the treatment of obesity related inflammation and its complications.