Aging and Immunometabolic Adaptations to Thermogenesis

Area of Science:

• Adipose tissue biology
• Immunometabolism
• Aging research

Background:

• Thermogenic adipose tissues (brown and subcutaneous) are crucial for non-shivering thermogenesis, energy expenditure, and protection against metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes (T2D).
• T2D is characterized by low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance.
• Age-related decline in thermogenic adipose tissues impacts the immune system, but mechanisms linking this to T2D are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the metabolic rewiring of adipocytes during thermogenesis.
• To provide insights into the anti-inflammatory role of thermogenic adipose tissues.
• To delineate how age-related decline in these tissues contributes to inflammation and T2D.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on metabolic rewiring during thermogenesis.
• Analysis of nutrient competition between adipocytes and immune cells.
• Discussion of adipokines' role in immune cell modulation.
• Outline of experimental procedures for investigating thermogenic adipose tissue impairment.

Main Results:

• Thermogenic adipose tissue activation promotes type 2 immunity and limits type 1 inflammation.
• Metabolic substrates used for thermogenesis can be competed for by immune cells.
• Adipokines secreted by thermogenic adipocytes modulate immune cell activation.

Conclusions:

• The decline of thermogenic adipose tissues with age may promote low-grade inflammation, predisposing to T2D.
• Understanding adipocyte metabolic rewiring is key to appreciating the anti-inflammatory functions of thermogenic fat.
• Investigating these immunometabolic processes can reveal pathways to combat age-related metabolic decline.