A framework of biomarkers for adipose tissue aging: a consensus statement by the Aging Biomarker Consortium

Adipose tissue serves as a crucial energy storage and metabolic organ in the human body. With the surging of elderly population in China comes significant challenges in preventing and managing age-associated diseases, while adipose tissue aging represents one of the pivotal initiating events for multi-organ senescence. To address these challenges, the Aging China Biomarkers Consortium (ABC) has established an expert consensus on biomarkers of adipose tissue aging by digesting literature and collecting insights from scientists and clinicians. This consensus provides a comprehensive evaluation of the key changes and characteristics, as well as biomarkers related to adipose tissue aging and proposes a systematic framework categorizing these biomarkers into functional, structural and humoral dimensions. Within each dimension, the ABC recommends clinically and empirically validated biomarkers and parameters for assessing both physiological and pathological changes in adipose tissue during aging, which aims to establish a foundation for future prediction, diagnosis, early warning and treatment for adipose tissue aging and its related diseases, with the ultimate goal of improving adipose tissue health and promoting healthy aging in elderly populations both in China and worldwide.