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Hormonal regulation of interleukin-6 production in human adipocytes

International Journal of Obesity volume 26, pages 905–911 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the hormonal regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) production by human adipose tissue and its relation to leptin.

Design: In vitro study. Human adipocytes were incubated with dexamethasone (with or without RU486), norepinephrine and epinephrine (with or without propranolol), or insulin.

Measurements: IL-6 and leptin secretion by human adipocytes.

Results: A gradual increase in IL-6 secretion by adipocytes during differentiation was observed. A positive correlation was found between basal IL-6 release and both glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity—a marker of adipocyte differentiation—and leptin release. Dexamethasone decreased IL-6 secretion and increased leptin secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Both catecholamines increased IL-6 and leptin secretion. The effects of dexamethasone and catecholamines on IL-6 and leptin were abrogated by RU486 and propranolol, respectively. Incubation with insulin resulted in a dose-dependent stimulation of IL-6 and leptin secretion.

Conclusions: IL-6 is produced by human adipocytes and is a potential marker of adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore it is a hormonally regulated cytokine, suppressed by glucocorticoids, and stimulated by catecholamines and insulin in physiological concentrations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Endocrine Unit, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    V Vicennati

  2. Pediatric and Reproductive Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

    A Vottero & C Friedman

  3. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    DA Papanicolaou

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  1. V Vicennati
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  2. A Vottero
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  3. C Friedman
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  4. DA Papanicolaou
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Correspondence to DA Papanicolaou.

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Vicennati, V., Vottero, A., Friedman, C. et al. Hormonal regulation of interleukin-6 production in human adipocytes. Int J Obes 26, 905–911 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802035

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