Age and Sex: Impact on adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation

Mech Ageing Dev. 2021 Oct:199:111563. doi: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111563. Epub 2021 Aug 30.

Abstract

Age associated chronic inflammation is a major contributor to diseases with advancing age. Adipose tissue function is at the nexus of processes contributing to age-related metabolic disease and mediating longevity. Hormonal fluctuations in aging potentially regulate age-associated visceral adiposity and metabolic dysfunction. Visceral adiposity in aging is linked to aberrant adipogenesis, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity and altered adipokine secretion. Age-related inflammatory phenomena depict sex differences in macrophage polarization, changes in T and B cell numbers, and types of dendritic cells. Sex differences are also observed in adipose tissue remodeling and cellular senescence suggesting a role for sex steroid hormones in the regulation of the adipose tissue microenvironment. It is crucial to investigate sex differences in aging clinical outcomes to identify and better understand physiology in at-risk individuals. Early interventions aimed at targets involved in adipose tissue adipogenesis, remodeling and inflammation in aging could facilitate a profound impact on health span and overcome age-related functional decline.

Keywords: Adipose tissue; Adipose tissue inflammation; Aging; Macrophages; Metabolism; Sex differences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue* / immunology
  • Adipose Tissue* / metabolism
  • Aging* / immunology
  • Aging* / metabolism
  • Body Fat Distribution
  • Cellular Senescence / immunology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Longevity / physiology
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways*