The Role of Kupffer Cells as Mediators of Adipose Tissue Lipolysis

Kupffer cells (KCs) are the resident macrophages of the liver, and they respond to and counteract metabolic stresses, such as those imposed by high-fat diet feeding in mouse models. However, little is known regarding the role of these cells in maintaining metabolic homeostasis under metabolically normal conditions. In this study, we found that depletion of KCs in vivo led to enhanced lipolysis in adipose tissue by increasing the expression of FGF21, a metabolic regulator, in hepatocytes. IL-1 beta secreted from KCs contributed to the suppression of FGF21 expression in hepatocytes. FGF21 overexpression led to a lean phenotype and enhanced lipolysis in mice. KC depletion resulted in a lack of IL-1 beta signaling in the liver, leading to elevated expression of FGF21 in hepatocytes. FGF21 promoted lipolysis in adipose tissue and led to hyperlipidemia and decreased body weight. The secretion of IL-1 beta in KCs was mediated by bacterial products. Antibiotic treatment also led to enhanced lipolysis. Therefore, the current study identified a physiological role of KCs in the regulation of adipose lipolysis.