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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2015 Feb 1.
Published in final edited form as: Gastroenterology. 2013 Dec 6;146(2):357–373. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.11.051

Figure 2. Inflammation and Adipocytes.

Figure 2

Interactions among circulating and local factors contribute to obesity-associated inflammation. Adipocytes are cells specialized for storage of nutrients in the form of triglyceride and cholesterol. Leptin and adiponectin are examples of adipokines produced in response to adipocyte size and overall energy balance. After reaching an undefined trigger (adipocyte size, hypoxia, insulin resistance), immune cells, including macrophages, are recruited to adipocytes. This activates an inflammatory signaling response that leads to secretion of TNFα, IL6, PA1, MCP1, IFNγ and VEGF. Resulting chronic inflammation leads to insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, and different cancers.