Scientists from the University of Michigan discovered cells in fat tissue that can cause inflammation. In this respect reports EurekAlert.
Panniculitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of fatty tissue. Pain and swelling occur in areas where subcutaneous fat is present. Although most cases of panniculitis are not harmful to health, some can cause damage to the musculoskeletal system and internal organs.
Scientists tried to find out which types of immune cells interact with fat tissue and what role they play in the inflammatory process. Researchers conducted an experiment using laboratory mice. Rodents were placed on a high-fat diet for 14 weeks. After this time, the scientists analyzed the mice’s fat tissue using spatial transcriptomics, which allows you to measure gene activity in a tissue sample and map its localization.
Researchers have found that inflammation may be a result of the activity of certain types of macrophages. Macrophages are cells that can absorb and digest foreign or harmful particles. Scientists have identified five types, which they call Mac1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Mac2 and Mac3 appeared to be pro-inflammatory macrophages. They reached maximum concentrations during the eighth week of the rodents’ high-fat diet. Towards the end of the experiment, Mac4 and Mac5 came into play. A large number of Mac4 and Mac5 macrophages indicates that the body is trying to slow down the active inflammatory process caused by Mac2 and Mac3.
Most likely, fatty tissue hypertrophy occurs when Mac4 and Mac5 cannot cope with inflammation.
Previous scientists discoveredBlocking the function of a particular gene is effective in weight loss.
Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.