Conclusions
These findings identify proinflammatory CD11c(+) ATMs as markers of insulin resistance in human obesity. In addition, the machinery of CD11c(+) ATMs indicates they metabolize lipid and may initiate adaptive immune responses.
Methods
Adipose tissue was obtained from lean and obese women undergoing bariatric surgery. Metabolic markers were measured in fasting serum and ATMs characterized by immunohistology, flow cytometry, and tissue culture studies.
Objective
Insulin resistance and other features of the metabolic syndrome have been causally linked to adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) in mice with diet-induced obesity. We aimed to characterize macrophage phenotype and function in human subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in relation to insulin resistance in obesity. Research design and