Adipose tissue depots and inflammation: effects on plasticity and resident mesenchymal stem cell function

Area of Science:

• Adipose tissue biology
• Stem cell research
• Metabolic disease mechanisms

Background:

• Adipose tissue (AT) is a heterogeneous organ influenced by various factors, including obesity and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs).
• Obesity induces a pro-inflammatory state that disrupts AT metabolism and function.
• Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) contribute to AT plasticity and homeostasis but are affected by inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review how inflammation impacts different adipose tissue depots and exacerbates obesity-related metabolic disturbances.
• To elucidate the mechanisms by which obesity-induced inflammation affects ASC properties.
• To highlight the consequences of impaired ASC plasticity on regenerative potential.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on inflammation, adipose tissue depots, and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs).
• Analysis of mechanisms linking obesity, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction.
• Examination of the impact of inflammation on ASC proliferation, differentiation, and regenerative capacity.

Main Results:

• Obesity-induced inflammation alters AT composition and function across various depots.
• Inflammation negatively affects ASC proliferation and differentiation, compromising their regenerative potential.
• Impaired ASC plasticity contributes to the metabolic disturbances associated with obesity.

Conclusions:

• Inflammation is a key mediator linking obesity to adipose tissue dysfunction and impaired ASC regenerative capacity.
• Understanding these inflammatory mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
• Further research into modulating inflammation could restore ASC function and enhance regenerative medicine applications.