Deficiency of Cbl-b Gene Enhances Infiltration and Activation of Macrophages in Adipose Tissue and Causes Peripheral Insulin Resistance in Mice

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE—c-Cbl plays an important role in whole-body fuel homeostasis by regulating insulin action. In the present study, we examined the role of Cbl-b, another member of the Cbl family, in insulin action. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—C57BL/6 (Cbl-b+/+) or Cbl-b-deficient (Cbl-b−/−) mice were subjected to insulin and glucose tolerance tests and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp test. Infiltration of macrophages into white adipose tissue (WAT) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. We examined macrophage activation using co-cultures of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and peritoneal macrophages. RESULTS—Elderly Cbl-b−/− mice developed glucose intolerance and peripheral insulin resistance; serum insulin concentrations after a glucose challenge were always higher in elderly Cbl-b−/− mice than age-matched Cbl-b+/+ mice. Deficiency of the Cbl-b gene significantly decreased the uptake of 2-deoxyglucose into WAT and glucose infusion rate, whereas fatty liver was apparent in elderly Cbl-b−/− mice. Cbl-b deficiency was associated with infiltration of macrophages into the WAT and expression of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. Co-culture of Cbl-b−/− macrophages with 3T3-L1 adipocytes induced leptin expression and dephosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, leading to impaired glucose uptake in adipocytes. Furthermore, Vav1, a key factor in macrophage activation, was highly phosphorylated in peritoneal Cbl-b−/− macrophages compared with Cbl-b+/+ macrophages. Treatment with a neutralizing anti–MCP-1 antibody improved peripheral insulin resistance and macrophage infiltration into WAT in elderly Cbl-b−/− mice. CONCLUSIONS—Cbl-b is a negative regulator of macrophage infiltration and activation, and macrophage activation by Cbl-b deficiency contributes to the peripheral insulin resistance and glucose intolerance via cytokines secreted from macrophages.