Obesity-Associated Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Promotes a Macrophage Phenotype Similar to Tumor-Associated Macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Obesity is associated with adipose inflammation, defined by macrophages encircling dead adipocytes, as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and increased risk of breast cancer. Whether ECM affects macrophage phenotype in obesity is uncertain. A better understanding of this relationship could be strategically important to reduce cancer risk or improve outcomes in the obese. Using clinical samples, computational approaches, and in vitro decellularized ECM models, this study quantified the relative abundance of pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages in human breast adipose tissue, determined molecular similarities between obesity and tumor-associated macrophages, and assessed the regulatory effect of obese versus lean ECM on macrophage phenotype. Our results sug

SUBMITTER: Springer NL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6880774 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature