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Published on: July 21, 2017
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to influence adipose tissue function
Jan Westerink1, Frank L J Visseren
1Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Obesity causes metabolic issues due to adipose tissue dysfunction. Interventions like weight loss and certain drugs can improve adipose tissue function, potentially reducing risks for vascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Adipose Tissue Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to metabolic problems like insulin resistance and inflammation, stemming from adipose tissue dysfunction.
- Adipose tissue-derived cytokines and adipokines play a role in vascular disease and diabetes development.
- Clinical strategies to modulate adipose tissue function are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions impact adipose tissue function.
- To explore the mechanisms by which these interventions affect adipose tissue inflammation and adipokine levels.
- To assess the potential of improving adipose tissue function in managing vascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on interventions affecting adipose tissue.
- Analysis of how weight loss, fat distribution changes, and direct anti-inflammatory actions influence adipokines and cytokines.
- Examination of specific drug classes, including PPAR-γ agonists, thiazolidinediones, salicylates, CB1-antagonists, and angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Main Results:
- Weight loss interventions (diet, drugs, surgery) improve plasma adipokines and reduce systemic inflammation.
- Certain drug classes exert direct anti-inflammatory effects on adipose tissue.
- PPAR-γ agonism shows positive effects on adipose tissue inflammation across various interventions.
- Differential effects on adipose tissue function exist within drug classes.
Conclusions:
- Common interventions can unintentionally alter adipose tissue function.
- Modulating adipose tissue function is a promising therapeutic target.
- Improving adipose tissue health may lower the risk of vascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.
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