Mechanisms Linking Inflammation to Insulin Resistance

Figure 3

Inflammasome pathway and macrophages are involved in development of insulin resistance. The secretion of IL-β and IL-18 can be regulated by inflammasome pathway. Inflammasome consists of a large group of cytosolic protein complexes including NLRP3 and caspase-1. NLRP3 can be activated by mitochondrial dysfunction through causing ROS accumulation, and NLRP3 is also a novel molecular link between saturated FFA and chronic inflammation. Caspase-1 mediates macrophages that infiltrate into adipose tissues. Dietary saturated fatty acids lead to activation of TLR2 and TLR4 in ATMs, giving rise to the activation of IRF3, JNK, and NF-κB.