Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been shown to have certain catabolic 
effects on fat cells and whole animals. An induction of TNF-alpha messenger RNA 
expression was observed in adipose tissue from four different rodent models of 
obesity and diabetes. TNF-alpha protein was also elevated locally and 
systemically. Neutralization of TNF-alpha in obese fa/fa rats caused a 
significant increase in the peripheral uptake of glucose in response to insulin. 
These results indicate a role for TNF-alpha in obesity and particularly in the 
insulin resistance and diabetes that often accompany obesity.