An inflammatory micro-environment promotes human adipocyte apoptosis

► We established an in vitro model of inflamed human adipose tissue. ► Macrophages surround apoptotic adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. ► Macrophages as well as macrophage-secreted factors induce apoptosis of adipocytes. ► Macrophages increase apoptosis sensitivity by decreasing insulin sensitivity. ► By inducing fat cell apoptosis, macrophages might accelerate adipose inflammation.