Insights into the roles of the inflammatory mediators IL-1, IL-18 and PGE2 in obesity and insulin resistance.

Body weight homeostasis is regulated by central and peripheral mechanisms, in which cytokines appear to have an important role.The circulating levels of the cytokines interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 18 (IL-18), and of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), amongst others, are elevated in obese individuals. The low-grade inflammation associated with obesity may contribute to the development of insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. This review highlights results of studies in mice which indicate important roles for these proinflammatory cytokines during the development of obesity and insulin resistance, and in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.