Importantly, CCL2 expression did not associate with any genes in the AGE/RAGE/DIAPH1 axis in either tissue and OAT expression levels of the protein it encodes, MCP1, were not different between the two groups, suggesting that MCP1 responses in obesity are likely AGE/RAGE/DIAPH1-independent and suggest novel mechanism(s) by which RAGE is associated with increased macrophage markers (such as CD68 and TNF) in human and mouse obesity. This evidence concerns the gene AGER and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.