Fig. 4

Alterations of adipocyte homeostasis and systemic metabolism during SIV infection of rhesus macaques. a, b mRNA expression of major adipogenic and immunological factors by visceral adipocytes of uninfected healthy (N = 3), acutely infected (N = 3) and chronically infected (N = 5) monkeys at necropsy. Adipose tissue samples were digested with collagenase, then washed and centrifuged as described in “Methods” section to harvest mature adipocytes (floater fraction). mRNA was extracted from adipocytes and gene expression measured by real-time PCR (a indicates p < 0.05 compared to uninfected monkeys, and b indicates p < 0.05 comparing chronic versus acute infection monkeys). c–h Mean ± SEM bodyweights and serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, leptin, and adiponectin of acutely infected (eight females) and chronically infected (four females and four males) monkeys at baseline (prior to infection) and at necropsy