Abstract 414: Key Role of STAT4 Deficiency in the Hematopoietic Compartment on Insulin Resistance and Adipose Tissue Inflammation

Adipose tissue inflammation is a hallmark of obesity and contributes to insulin resistance (IR). Recent data from our lab showed that STAT4 global deficiency reduces inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity in obese mice. STAT4 is expressed in adipocytes and cells of hematopoietic lineage. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of selective STAT4 deficiency in adipocyte vs hematopoietic cells to IR and adipose tissue inflammation. For this purpose we sub-lethally irradiated Stat-4-/-C57Bl6 mice and reconstituted them with bone marrow cells (BMC) from Stat-4+/+C57Bl6 congenic donors to restore STAT4 expression in BM- derived cells (STAT4-/- recipients). These mice were compared to irradiated C57Bl6 wild-type mice reconstituted with Stat-4-/-C57Bl6 BMCs to produce STAT4 deletion selectively in BM-derived cells (STAT4+/+ recipients). Mice received a HFD (60%kcal fat) for 12 weeks (n=7 mice/group). Body weights, plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids were not differ...