Differences in adipose tissue inflammation and oxidative status in C57BL/6 and ApoE−/− mice fed high fat diet

Abstract

Apolipoprotein E deficient (Apo E−/−) mice are more resistant to the development of obesity compared to C57BL/6 wild type mice. They also hold a high basal oxidative status due to the loss of antioxidant action of apolipoprotein E. Since obesity is also an inducer of inflammation, we studied the effect of high‐fat diet on obesity and oxidative stress in C57BL/6 and Apo E−/− mice for 9 weeks. The results confirmed that Apo E−/− mice fed high‐fat diet are more resistant to the increase of both body weight and adiposity compared to C57BL/6 mice. Despite this, Apo E−/− mice presented a higher basal oxidative stress that was enhanced by high‐fat diet. Macrophage infiltration, macrophage forming crown‐like structures and proinflammatory adipokines (interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were all higher in adipose tissue from Apo E−/− compared to C57BL/6 mice, regardless of diet type. In conclusion, although Apo E−/− mice are more resistant to becoming obese, they develop more severe adipose tissue inflammation companied by its consequences.