Mast cell protease-4 mediates obesity-related metabolic dysregulation via negative effect on adiponectin levels

Objectives: Mast cells were recently found as key players in obesity-related metabolic dysregulation. Our study addresses the role of mast cell protease-4 (mcpt4 – the mouse counterpart of human chymase) in obesity and insulin resistance development. Methods: Mcpt4 defficient mice (mcpt4-/-) and control mice were fed a high fat diet in diet-induced obesity (DIO) experiment or a normal diet. Mice were tested for glucose tolerance and insuline resistance and levels of several obesity related markers were measured in serum or plasma. Adipose tissue (AT) was tested for inflammation by qPCR and flow cytometry. In vit…