B cell activation factor (BAFF) is a novel adipokine that links obesity and inflammation.
10.3858/emm.2009.41.3.024
- Author:
Yu Hee KIM
1
;
Bong Hyuk CHOI
;
Hyae Gyeong CHEON
;
Myoung Sool DO
Author Information
1. School of Life and Food Sciences, Handong Global University, Pohang 791-708, Korea. msdo@handong.edu
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
adipokine;
B-cell maturation antigen;
obesity;
rosiglitazone;
TNFRSF13C protein, human;
TNFSF13B protein, human;
transmembrane activator and CAML Interactor protein
- MeSH:
Adipocytes/cytology;
Adipokines/biosynthesis/*physiology;
Animals;
B-Cell Activating Factor/biosynthesis/*physiology;
B-Cell Activation Factor Receptor/metabolism;
Cell Differentiation;
Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology;
Inflammation/*metabolism;
Mice;
Obesity/*metabolism;
Thiazolidinediones/pharmacology;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology
- From:Experimental & Molecular Medicine
2009;41(3):208-216
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
B cell activation factor (BAFF) is a novel member of the TNF ligand superfamily, mainly produced by myeloid cells. BAFF has been shown to participate in B-cell survival and B- and T-cell maturation. BAFF expression in adipocytes has been recently demonstrated. In the current study, we verified that BAFF expression is increased during adipocyte differentiation. BAFF expression was augmented by TNF-alpha treatment and was decreased by rosiglitazone treatment. BAFF secretion in lean and in ob/ob mice sera were compared and smaller amount of BAFF was secreted in ob/ob mice. mRNA and protein expression were different between epididymal and visceral adipose tissue. BAFF expression was also increased in ob/ob mouse adipose tissue. We sought to identify known BAFF receptors (BAFF-R, BCMA, and TACI) in adipocytes, and determined that all three were present and upregulated during adipocyte differentiation. However, the expression of TACI was distinct from that of BAFF-R and BCMA under TNF-alpha and BAFF ligand treatment. BAFF-R and BCMA expression levels were upregulated under pro-inflammatory conditions, but TACI was reduced. Conversely, BAFF-R and BCMA expression levels were downregulated by rosiglitazone treatment, but TACI was increased. Taken together, our results suggest that BAFF may be a new adipokine, representing a link between obesity and inflammation.
