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Related Concept Videos

Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
Cellular Adaptation I: Introduction and Atrophy01:23

Cellular Adaptation I: Introduction and Atrophy

Cells can adapt to environmental changes to maintain function and avoid injury, a process called cellular adaptation. Adapted cells exist in a reversible intermediate state with changes in size, number, phenotype, metabolism, or function. These responses help cells meet altered physiological or pathological demands; for example, enlargement of breast and uterine tissues during pregnancy. Early adaptations may enhance function, but persistent stress eventually causes tissue damage.Types of...
Cellular Adaptation III: Hyperplasia01:26

Cellular Adaptation III: Hyperplasia

Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ due to enhanced cell division. It is an adaptive, controlled response to stimuli such as injury, hormones, or stress, involving mitosis to produce genetically identical cells and support tissue repair and regeneration.Tissue CapacityCertain tissues, including the epidermis, intestinal epithelium, bone marrow, and fibroblasts, have a high potential for hyperplasia. Others, such as bone, cartilage, and smooth muscle, show...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice
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White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice

Published on: September 9, 2025

Obesity accelerates thymic aging.

Hyunwon Yang1, Yun-Hee Youm, Bolormaa Vandanmagsar

  • 1Laboratory of Neuroendocrine-Immunology, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA.

Blood
|September 2, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Obesity accelerates aging of the thymus, impairing T-cell generation and diversity. This immune aging in obesity impacts health span and increases risks for infections and cancer.

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Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
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Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation

Published on: April 3, 2017

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2026

White and Brown Adipose Grafts: An Approach to Correct Reproductive, Metabolic, and Renal Deficits in Black and Tan Brachyury (BTBR) Obese Mice
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Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
07:46

Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation

Published on: April 3, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Aging Research
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Obesity is a growing global health concern, particularly in aging populations.
  • Obesity is linked to increased susceptibility to infections and cancer, suggesting immune dysfunction.
  • Successful immunologic aging is crucial for health span in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of obesity on T-cell generation and thymic function.
  • To determine if obesity accelerates age-related thymic involution.
  • To explore the consequences of obesity-induced thymic defects on T-cell diversity.

Main Methods:

  • Diet-induced obesity model in mice.
  • Analysis of thymocyte counts, apoptosis, and T-cell receptor (TCR) excision circles.
  • Flow cytometry to assess progenitor cell populations (lymphoid-primed multipotent progenitor, common lymphoid progenitor).
  • TCR spectratyping to evaluate T-cell repertoire diversity.
  • Human studies in middle-aged individuals with varying adiposity and diabetes status.

Main Results:

  • Diet-induced obesity led to reduced thymocyte counts and increased apoptosis.
  • Obesity accelerated the loss of recent thymic emigrants (TCR excision circle+ lymphocytes).
  • Obese mice showed decreased naive T cells and increased effector-memory T cells.
  • Obesity reduced progenitor cell pools and compromised T-cell receptor (TCR) V-beta repertoire diversity.
  • Human studies indicated that adiposity negatively impacts thymic output.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity accelerates thymic involution, a key process in immunologic aging.
  • Compromised thymopoiesis in obesity leads to reduced T-cell diversity and impaired immune surveillance.
  • These findings highlight a mechanism by which obesity negatively affects health span and immune function.