Picture by Lorniepoo.
A new study published in Science is showing that adipocytes, or fat cells, are able to produce large amounts of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides (CAMP) which can kill Staphylococcus aureus and, potentially, other microbial pathogens. Of course, the concept of the humble fat cell producing peptides is not new. We have known for decades now that they produce adipokines to help with signalling, and play a role in the chronic inflammation observed in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
This new study, however, sheds further light on how adipocytes play a role in immunomodulation, particularly upon first breach of skin and in eczema management. This study also provides new avenues for drugs used to manage diabetes as obesity and insulin resistance can reduce CAMP production, leading to frequent infections.
For the less craft-inclined at Easter…
chromogenetic 