Effects of colchicine on lipolysis and adipose tissue inflammation in adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome

Objective The aim of this study was to examine whether colchicine's anti-inflammatory effects would improve measures of lipolysis and distribution of leukocyte populations in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Methods A secondary analysis was conducted for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study in which 40 adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were randomized to colchicine 0.6 mg or placebo twice daily for 3 months. Non-insulin-suppressible (l(0)), insulin-suppressible (l(2)), and maximal (l(0)+l(2)) lipolysis rates were calculated by minimal model analysis. Body composition was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. SAT leukocyte populations were characterized by flow cytometry analysis from biopsied samples obtained before and after the intervention. Results Colchicine treatment significantly decreased l(2) and l(0)+l(2) versus placebo (p < 0.05). These changes were associated with a significant reduction in markers of systemic inflammation, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, resistin, and circulating monocytes and neutrophils (p < 0.01). Colchicine did not significantly alter SAT leukocyte population distributions (p > 0.05). Conclusions In adults with obesity and MetS, colchicine appears to improve insulin regulation of lipolysis and reduce markers of systemic inflammation independent of an effect on local leukocyte distributions in SAT. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms by which colchicine affects adipose tissue metabolic pathways in adults with obesity and MetS.