A, The effects of Dex on TNFα-induced gene expression in preadipocytes. Preadipocytes were treated with 6 nmol/L TNFα and the indicated concentrations of Dex for 8 h. Significant inhibition of ICE and TNFα expression were observed at 10−10 mol/L and above (P< 0.01). B, The effects of Dex and insulin on TNFα-induced gene expression in mature adipocytes. Adipocytes were treated with 6 nmol/L TNFα in the presence or absence of 10−7 mol/L Dex, 10−7mol/L insulin, or both for 24 h. mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-MPCR. Dex inhibited TNFα-induced mRNA expression of ICE and TNFα (P < 0.01). Insulin alone had no significant effect on gene expression, but combined treatment with Dex and insulin synergistically inhibited TNFα-induced ICE, TNFα, and NFκB (P < 0.01).
