Because inflammatory cytokines are thought to play a critical role in the genesis of muscle atrophy associated with obesity, we monitored the plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in the obese rats treated with mangiferin, and compared the results with both obese placebo and lean rats (F. 3C). The gene discussed is IFNG; the disease is obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.