On the role of macrophages in the control of adipocyte energy metabolism

• The crosstalk between macrophages (MF) and adipocytes within white adipose tissue (WAT) influences obesity-associated insulin resistance and other associated metabolic disorders, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. MF infiltration is increased in WAT during obesity, which is linked to decreased mitochondrial content and activity. The mechanistic interplay between MF and mitochondrial function of adipocytes is under intense investigation, as MF and inflammatory pathways exhibit a pivotal role in the reprogramming of WAT metabolism in physiological responses during cold, fasting and exercise. Thus, the underlying immunometabolic pathways may offer therapeutic targets to correct obesity and metabolic disease. Here, I review the current knowledge on the quantity and the quality of human adipose tissue macrophages (ATM phi) and their impact on the bioenergetics of human adipocytes. The effects of ATM phi and their secreted factors on mitochondrial function of white adipocytes are discussed, including recent research on MF as part of an immune signaling cascade involved in the 'browning' of WAT, which is defined as the conversion from white, energy-storing adipocytes into brown, energy-dissipating adipocytes.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

inflammation

oxidative phosphorylation

glycolysis

cellular energy metabolism

obesity

diabetes

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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