Gene expression of adipokines and inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of obese dogs

Abstract

Abstract Background Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have been identified as a possible marker of inflammation in obesity. Understanding the expression of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs in obese dogs will help control obesity‐related inflammatory diseases. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PBMCs in obesity‐associated chronic inflammation by analyzing the expression of adipokines and inflammatory cytokines. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 25 subjects and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction determinations were performed to quantify the gene expression levels of adipokines and inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α, IL‐17, leptin, MCP‐1, and adiponectin, in the PBMCs. Results The results showed that the gene expression levels of TNF‐α (p < 0.001), IL‐17 (p < 0.0001), and leptin (p < 0.0001) were strongly upregulated in the PBMCs of obese dogs compared to that in non‐obese dogs. Conclusions The changes in gene expression levels of inflammation‐related adipokines and pro‐inflammatory cytokines occur in PBMCs, which may contribute to the low‐grade chronic inflammation that is present in obesity.

Keywords

• adipokine
• canine
• obesity
• peripheral blood mononuclear cell
• pro‐inflammatory cytokine