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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Published on: June 3, 2016

Adipokines and aging.

Yasumichi Arai¹, Michiyo Takayama, Yukiko Abe

¹Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. yasumich@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp

Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis

|May 10, 2011

Summary

Adipokine dysregulation links obesity to metabolic issues, but aging causes lipoatrophy and similar problems. Healthy aging in centenarians shows preserved insulin sensitivity and specific adipokine profiles, highlighting adipose tissue

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Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Published on: June 3, 2016

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Metabolic Health
Aging Research

Background:

Adipokines, bioactive molecules from adipose tissue, are key in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Dysregulation of adipokines is linked to obesity, but paradoxically also to age-related lipodystrophy and lipoatrophy.
LMNA gene mutations causing lipodystrophy highlight adipose tissue's role in metabolism, aging, and longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of adipose tissue dysfunction and adipokine profiles in aging and longevity.
To compare adipokine profiles in obesity versus healthy aging (centenarians).
To elucidate the relationship between adipose tissue aging, adipokine regulation, insulin sensitivity, and lifespan.

Main Methods:

Analysis of adipokine profiles (leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin) in different age groups and conditions.
Assessment of insulin sensitivity in centenarians and individuals with lipodystrophy.
Correlation of adipose tissue function with metabolic health markers and longevity.

Main Results:

Centenarians exhibit preserved insulin sensitivity and favorable adipokine profiles, notably high adiponectin.
Adipose tissue dysfunction in centenarians, marked by dysregulated leptin, TNF-α, and adiponectin, correlates with poor prognosis.
Unlike obesity-related dysregulation, centenarian adipokine issues are associated with low leptin, suggesting age-related lipoatrophy is critical.

Conclusions:

Adipose tissue dysfunction, whether from excess (obesity) or aging (lipoatrophy), significantly impacts adipokine regulation.
Adipokine profiles and insulin sensitivity are crucial determinants of metabolic health and lifespan.
Maintaining adipose tissue function is vital for healthy aging and longevity.