Adipose tissue adaptive response to trans-10,cis-12–conjugated linoleic acid engages alternatively activated M2 macrophages

In mice, nutritional supplementation with the trans-10,cis-12 isomer of linoleic acid (t10,c12-CLA) promotes lipoatrophy, hyperinsulinemia, and macrophage infiltration in white adipose tissue (WAT). We explored the dynamics of these interrelated responses over 2 consecutive 7 d periods of t10,c12-CLA administration and withdrawal. t10,c12-CLA down-regulated lipogenic and lipolytic gene expression and increased collagen deposition, but with no evidence of cross-linking. An abundant CD45+ cell infiltrate, comprising prominently CD206+CD11c− macrophages, was found in WAT in association with an anti-inflammatory gene signature. Infiltration of natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells contributed to WAT’s innate immune response to t10,c12-CLA. Less abundant adaptive immune cells colonized WAT, including B, NK T, γδ T, and αβ T cells. By contrast, T-regulatory cell abundance was not affected. Interruption of treatment allowed recovery of WAT mass and normalization of insulinemia, coincident with regain of WAT ho...