Abstract
Adipose tissue is a metabolically dynamic organ that is the primary site of
storage for excess energy, but it serves as an endocrine organ capable of
synthesizing a number of biologically active compounds that regulate metabolic
homeostasis. However, when the capacity of expansion of this tissue exceeds,
dysfunction occurs, favoring ectopic accumulation of fat in the visceral, which
has been implicated in several disease states, most notably obesity. This review
highlights the mechanisms involved in the structure of adipose tissue, tissue
expandability, adipocyte dysfunction, as well as the impact of these events on
the manifestation of important metabolic disorders associated with adipose
tissue dysfunction. A literature search using Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus,
and Cochrane databases were used to identify relevant studies, using clinical
trials, experimental studies in animals and humans, case-control studies, case
series, letters to the editor, and review articles published in English, without
restrictions on year of publication. The excessive ectopic lipid accumulation
leads to local inflammation and insulin resistance. Indeed, overnutrition
triggers uncontrolled inflammatory responses white adipose tissue, leading to
chronic low-grade inflammation, therefore fostering the progression of important
metabolic disorders. Thus, it is essential to advance the understanding of the
molecular mechanisms involved in adipose tissue dysfunction in order to mitigate
the negative metabolic consequences of obesity.
Key words
structure of adipose tissue - adipose tissue dysfunction - metabolic dysfunction -
tissue expandability
