Experimental & Molecular Medicine  2009;41(3):208-216

doi:10.3858/emm.2009.41.3.024

B cell activation factor (BAFF) is a novel adipokine that links obesity and inflammation.

Yu Hee KIM 1 ; Bong Hyuk CHOI ; Hyae Gyeong CHEON ; Myoung Sool DO

Affiliations

+expand

Keywords

adipokine; B-cell maturation antigen; obesity; rosiglitazone; TNFRSF13C protein, human; TNFSF13B protein, human; transmembrane activator and CAML Interactor protein

Country

Republic 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.