Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
06:50
Isolation of Adipogenic and Fibro-Inflammatory Stromal Cell Subpopulations from Murine Intra-Abdominal Adipose Depots
Published on: August 16, 2020
Fat tissue and long life
1Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Germany. bluma@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Obesity Facts
|January 8, 2010
Summary
Reduced body fat and leanness are linked to increased longevity across species. This suggests that managing adipose tissue is crucial for extending lifespan and preventing age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Metabolic research
- Genetics of aging
Background:
- Body fat content, caloric intake, and insulin/IGF-1 signaling impact lifespan.
- Adipose tissue plays a pivotal role in aging and longevity determination.
- Leanness and caloric restriction are associated with increased longevity in various organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between adipose tissue and lifespan.
- To investigate how reduced adiposity influences longevity and metabolic health.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms linking fat mass to aging.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on longevity genes and aging pathways.
- Analysis of model organisms with genetic modifications affecting fat mass (e.g., FIRKO mice, Drosophila with dFOXO).
- Examination of physiological characteristics of centenarians and risk factors for reduced life expectancy.
Main Results:
- Reduced adiposity, even with normal food intake, extends lifespan (e.g., FIRKO mice).
- Specific fat body reduction in Drosophila (dFOXO) increases longevity.
- Centenarians exhibit enhanced insulin sensitivity, contrasting with obesity-associated decreased lifespan.
- Reduced fat mass may prevent metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue is a key determinant of lifespan.
- Maintaining a lean body mass and preventing obesity are crucial for longevity.
- Targeting metabolic pathways related to adipose tissue may offer strategies for extending healthy lifespan.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:02Hypodermis
The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...
01:06Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
01:06Fats as Energy Storage Molecules
Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
01:19The 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...