REACTING TO FAT Being overweight may make immune cells called macrophages (shown in red) embedded in fat tissue more sensitive to high-fat diets. When the macrophages encounter lots of dietary fat or the high levels of fatty acids associated with obesity, the cells release PAI-1 and inflammatory proteins, a new study shows. PAI-1 (shown in green) has been linked to heart disease and inflammatory proteins are implicated in diabetes. Blue spots indicate cell nuclei. Image courtesy of Science/AAAS
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In the heavyweight division, immune cells embedded in fat pack some extra disease-causing punches, a new study shows.