Biological Changes in Adipose Tissue Aging and Their Effect on Associated Diseases

doi:10.3870/j.issn.1672-8009.2026.03.017

Abstract

Abstract: Adipose tissue serves as a critical energy storage depot and endocrine organ,and its aging profoundly impacts systemic metabolic homeostasis and multi-organ functions.This review systematically outlines the core features of adipose tissue aging,including macroscopic redistribution,extracellular matrix fibrosis,cellular dysfunction(encompassing adipocytes,progenitor cells,immune cells,and senescent cells),and endocrine dysregulation.Aging leads to ectopic lipid deposition in white adipose tissue,diminished thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue,decreased adiponectin levels,and increased secretion of pro-inflammatory factors,collectively driving chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance.These alterations further exacerbate the development of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disorders,metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease,and tumors.Current intervention strategies targeting adipose tissue aging primarily include caloric restriction,metformin,and PPARγ agonists,yet their clinical application faces limitations.Future research should focus on elucidating the spatiotemporal mechanisms of adipose aging and developing more targeted therapeutic approaches.

Key words: adipose tissue aging, white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue, immunity, metabolic diseases, obesity

CLC Number:

WEI Xiayun, RAO Feng. Biological Changes in Adipose Tissue Aging and Their Effect on Associated Diseases[J]. Journal of Medical Molecular Biology, 2026, 23(3): 353-360.

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