Objective: The development of obesity is inseparable from genetic and epigenetic factors, and transcription factors (TFs) play an essential role in these two mechanisms. This review analyzes the interaction of TFs with epigenetic modifications and the epigenetic mechanisms underlying peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, an important transcription factor, in the development of obesity. Methods: We describe the relationship between TFs and different epigenetic modifications and illustrate the several mechanisms described. Next, we summarize the epigenetic mechanisms of PPARs, an important class of transcription factors involved in obesity, that induce obesity with different triggering factors. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms of epigenetic modification of PPAR-related ligands in lipid metabolism and propose future avenues of research. Results: TFs participate in epigenetic modifications in different forms, causing changes in gene expression. The interactions between the different epigenetic modifications and PPARs are important biological developments that affect fat tissue differentiation, lipogenesis, and lipid metabolism, thereby inducing or inhibiting the development of obesity. We then highlight the need for more research to understand the role of epigenetic modifications and PPARs. Conclusions: Epigenetic mechanisms involved in the regulation of PPARs may be excellent therapeutic targets for obesity treatment. However, there is a need for a deeper understanding of how PPARs and other obesity-related transcription factors interact with epigenetic modifications.

Many researchers have suggested that the -174G>C polymorphism in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter region contributes to the risk of obesity; however, this hypothesis is still inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to combine the data from several studies to arrive at a conclusion regarding the association between -174G>C polymorphism and the risk of obesity. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to February 20, 2018. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity were also performed. Ten eligible studies involving 7210 cases were performed to identify the association strength. The association strength was measured by the ORs and 95% CIs. By pooling the eligible studies, we found a significant association between the -174G>C polymorphism and obesity risk (C vs G: OR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08–1.74; Pheterogeneity < .01). Overall, individuals with the variant CC (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.09–2.28; Pheterogeneity < 0.01) and GC/CC (OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.13–2.29; Pheterogeneity < .01) were associated with a significantly increased risk of obesity. The meta-analysis results suggested that the polymorphism -174G>C in the IL-6 promoter region was associated with a significantly increased risk of obesity.

It is generally accepted that metainflammation, a state of chronic and low‐grade inflammation in obesity, plays a great role in metabolic disorder like insulin resistance. To gain further insight into the mechanism of metainflammation and find feasible therapy of obesity, diet‐induced obesity (DIO) rats model and Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment were established in this trail. The results indicated that rising Lee’s index, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and increasing inflammation factors including NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and Macrophages 1 were determined in DIO rats while EA is exhibiting an effective intervention. Furthermore, to clarify this phenomenon and provide new recognition of alternative medicine for the treatment of metainflammation, we found that EA activating Sirt1 and Sirt1‐dependent deacetylation of histone (H3K9) was the key of modulation. It should be noted that, while possible, the activating of Sirt1 could lead to deacetylation of NF‐κB also. In this study, the deacetylation of NF‐κB depended on higher level of Sirt1 than H3K9, which suggested that the deacetylation via Sirt1 in metainflammation could be specific and programmed.

Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years and concerned as a typical alternative medicine in inflammatory diseases nowadays. The nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) transcription factor is an important regulator of inflammation. In this article, we discuss the role of acupuncture in NF‐κB pathways and also present the acupoints selection, acupuncture administration, and related inflammation diseases and models from previous studies to bring readers close to a more complete understanding of the mechanisms between acupuncture and NF‐κB in inflammatory diseases.