Gene expression of adipokines and inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of obese dogs

Background: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have been identified as a possible marker of inflammation in obesity. Understanding the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in PBMCs in obese dogs will help control obesity-related inflammatory diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PBMCs in obesity-associated chronic inflammation by analyzing the expression of adipokines and inflammatory cytokines. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 25 subjects and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction determinations were performed to quantify the gene expression levels of adipokines and inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha, IL-17, leptin, MCP-1, and adiponectin, in the PBMCs. Results: The results showed that the gene expression levels of TNF-alpha (p < 0.001), IL-17 (p < 0.0001), and leptin (p < 0.0001) were strongly upregulated in the PBMCs of obese dogs compared to that in non-obese dogs. Conclusions: The changes in gene expression levels of inflammation-related adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines occur in PBMCs, which may contribute to the low-grade chronic inflammation that is present in obesity.