Adipose Tissue and Metabolic Health

Abstract

In this review, we provide a brief synopsis of the connections between adipose tissue and metabolic health and highlight some recent developments in understanding and exploiting adipocyte biology. Adipose tissue plays critical roles in the regulation of systemic glucose and lipid metabolism and secretes bioactive molecules possessing endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine functions. Dysfunctional adipose tissue has a detrimental impact on metabolic health and is intimately involved in key aspects of metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, lipid overload, inflammation, and organelle stress. Differences in the distribution of fat depots and adipose characteristics relate to divergent degrees of metabolic dysfunction found in metabolically healthy and unhealthy obese individuals. Thermogenic adipocytes increase energy expenditure via mitochondrial uncoupling or adenosine triphosphate-consuming futile substrate cycles, while functioning as a metabolic sink and participating in crosstalk with other metabolic organs. Manipulation of adipose tissue provides a wealth of opportunities to intervene and combat the progression of associated metabolic diseases. We discuss current treatment modalities for obesity including incretin hormone analogs and touch upon emerging strategies with therapeutic potential including exosome-based therapy, pharmacological activation of brown and beige adipocyte thermogenesis, and administration or inhibition of adipocyte-derived factors.

Visceral Adipose Tissue: The Hidden Culprit for Type 2 Diabetes

“…Differences in types of adipose tissue and the location of their deposit can vastly change its impact on the body. Visceral adipose tissue is a type of white adipose tissue characterized by large adipocytes and is linked to poor metabolic health and worse health outcomes overall [39]. It is found in the abdominal cavity near organs such as the intestines, liver, and pancreas, which makes it more involved in metabolic processes.…”

“…This is contrasted by subcutaneous adipose tissue ("subcutaneous fat"), the other type of white adipose tissue, which is viewed as much more metabolically healthy. This adipose tissue is characterized by smaller adipocytes found directly below the skin that store energy and insulate the body [39]. Brown adipose tissue ("brown fat") is the final type of adipose tissue and is seen as the most metabolically healthy overall due to its active role in thermogenesis [39].…”

“…This adipose tissue is characterized by smaller adipocytes found directly below the skin that store energy and insulate the body [39]. Brown adipose tissue ("brown fat") is the final type of adipose tissue and is seen as the most metabolically healthy overall due to its active role in thermogenesis [39]. It is termed "brown" due to the high abundance of mitochondria, which give it a darker appearance [39].…”

“…Brown adipose tissue ("brown fat") is the final type of adipose tissue and is seen as the most metabolically healthy overall due to its active role in thermogenesis [39]. It is termed "brown" due to the high abundance of mitochondria, which give it a darker appearance [39]. This type of adipose tissue is often found in the smallest quantities in select regions scattered around the human body but is still associated with more favorable health outcomes [39].…”

“…It is termed "brown" due to the high abundance of mitochondria, which give it a darker appearance [39]. This type of adipose tissue is often found in the smallest quantities in select regions scattered around the human body but is still associated with more favorable health outcomes [39].…”