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Molecular Insights into Multifactorial Causes of Insulin Resistance in Obesity

A special issue of Current Issues in Molecular Biology (ISSN 1467-3045). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 4340

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: obesity; diabetes mellitus; aging; oxidative stress

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A Western diet, high in unhealthy macronutrients, increases oxidative stress and inflammation by disturbing cellular redox balance and activating inflammatory signaling molecules, while reducing mitochondrial function. Elevated levels of glucose and free fatty acids worsen oxidative stress and inflammation through a series of molecular reactions that disrupt normal cellular metabolism, contributing to complications like atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In contrast, fiber-rich meals help to reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, possibly by modulating the expression of genes related to insulin signaling, and prevent glycemic spikes. Including fruits, vegetables, and caloric restriction in the diet significantly lowers oxidative and inflammatory stress by influencing the molecular pathways involved in stress responses. Insulin resistance often develops years before type 2 diabetes mellitus and is influenced by genetic factors, physical inactivity, abdominal obesity, and excessive adipokines, which interact with various molecular components in insulin-related signaling cascades. Initially, hyperinsulinemia compensates to maintain normal glucose levels, but prolonged insulin resistance and reduced insulin secretion eventually lead to impaired glucose tolerance. Dietary strategies and bariatric surgery play vital roles in preventing insulin resistance, managing obesity, and maintaining metabolic health by acting on the molecular mechanisms underlying these physiological states.

Dr. Bogdana Virgolici
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • obesity
  • inflammation
  • oxidative stress
  • insulin resistance
  • caloric restriction

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1576 KiB  
Article
Differential Genetic Architecture of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) Based on Obesity Status: Evidence from a Large-Scale GWAS of Koreans
by Ja-Eun Choi, Yu-Jin Kwon and Kyung-Won Hong
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(6), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060461 - 16 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) is a key mechanism underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus and is closely associated with obesity. Although numerous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified variants that influence IR-related traits, it remains unclear whether the genetic architecture of IR differs according to [...] Read more.
Insulin resistance (IR) is a key mechanism underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus and is closely associated with obesity. Although numerous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified variants that influence IR-related traits, it remains unclear whether the genetic architecture of IR differs according to obesity status. We conducted a stratified GWAS of the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in 8906 Korean individuals from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Participants were categorized into a normal-weight group (Body Mass Index (BMI) ≤ 23 kg/m2) and an overweight or obese group (BMI > 23 kg/m2), and the GWAS was performed separately within each group. No significant genome-wide variants were identified in the normal-weight group; however, seven loci showed suggestive associations. In contrast, in the overweight and obese group, two loci, rs662799 in Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) and rs671 in Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), showed genome-wide significance, with seven loci showing suggestive associations. The risk allele of rs662799 was associated with increased HOMA-IR values, with a stronger effect observed in the overweight and obese group. This finding aligns with the known role of APOA5 in triglyceride metabolism, suggesting that a higher BMI may exacerbate its effect on IR. These results highlight obesity-specific genetic susceptibility to IR and the need to consider obesity status in genetic studies of metabolic traits. Full article
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Review

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14 pages, 311 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review on the Importance of Gut Microbiota in the Regulation of Type 2 Diabetes Through Physical Activity and Exercise
by Luis Muguerza-Rodríguez, Alba Mier, Jesus G. Ponce-González, Cristina Casals and Juan Corral-Pérez
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070505 - 1 Jul 2025
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Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major global health issue, influenced by sedentary behavior and obesity. Emerging evidence implicates the gut microbiota in T2D pathophysiology through effects on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. This systematic review included eleven studies, six observational and [...] Read more.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major global health issue, influenced by sedentary behavior and obesity. Emerging evidence implicates the gut microbiota in T2D pathophysiology through effects on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. This systematic review included eleven studies, six observational and five interventional, examining the relationship between physical activity, exercise, and gut microbiota in individuals with or at risk of T2D. Observational studies associated low physical activity and high sedentary time with reduced α-diversity and increased abundance of potentially harmful bacteria. Interventional studies showed that structured exercise, including moderate-intensity and sprint interval training, increased beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Veillonella, Lachnospira, and Bifidobacterium, linked to anti-inflammatory effects and improved metabolic profiles. However, overall microbial diversity often remained unchanged unless combined with dietary modifications. Exercise also reduced levels of trimethylamine N-oxide, a metabolite linked to cardiovascular risk. Despite increases in butyrate-producing taxa, most studies did not report significant short-term changes in short-chain fatty acid levels, highlighting the complex interaction between microbiota and host metabolism. These findings support physical activity and exercise as modifiable factors that can influence gut microbiota composition, potentially contributing to improved metabolic regulation and better management of T2D. Full article
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15 pages, 542 KiB  
Review
The Mechanisms of Chronic Inflammation in Obesity and Potential Therapeutic Strategies: A Narrative Review
by Elvira Meni Maria Gkrinia and Andrej Belančić
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(5), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47050357 - 13 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2232
Abstract
Obesity, a global health concern of increasing significance, is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation (LGCI) that significantly contributes to metabolic dysfunction. This narrative review explores the intricate pathophysiological mechanisms driving LGCI in obesity, emphasizing the role of adipose tissue, immune cell activation, and [...] Read more.
Obesity, a global health concern of increasing significance, is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation (LGCI) that significantly contributes to metabolic dysfunction. This narrative review explores the intricate pathophysiological mechanisms driving LGCI in obesity, emphasizing the role of adipose tissue, immune cell activation, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Hypertrophic adipocytes and infiltrating immune cells, particularly macrophages, release a cascade of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation. These mediators disrupt insulin signaling through JNK and NF-κB pathway activation, leading to systemic insulin resistance, cardiovascular complications, gut dysbiosis and other metabolic disorders. The review further discusses therapeutic strategies to mitigate obesity-related LGCI, focusing on lifestyle interventions, nutritional approaches, and pharmacological agents. Physical activity, specific nutrients, and dietary patterns can modulate inflammatory responses, while anti-obesogenic medicines and bariatric procedures offer additional avenues for intervention. By understanding and addressing the root causes of inflammation in obesity, healthcare professionals can develop targeted strategies to improve metabolic health and overall well-being of individuals with obesity and, ultimately, prevent and manage the wide-ranging complications associated with this condition. Full article
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21 pages, 2111 KiB  
Review
Key Roles of Brown, Subcutaneous, and Visceral Adipose Tissues in Obesity and Insulin Resistance
by Maria-Zinaida Dobre, Bogdana Virgolici and Olivia Timnea
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(5), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47050343 - 9 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1139
Abstract
Adipose tissue is a dynamic and heterogeneous organ with distinct depots that play divergent roles in metabolic regulation. This review highlights the functional differences between brown, subcutaneous, and visceral adipose tissue, and their contributions to obesity-related insulin resistance. We explore how chronic low-grade [...] Read more.
Adipose tissue is a dynamic and heterogeneous organ with distinct depots that play divergent roles in metabolic regulation. This review highlights the functional differences between brown, subcutaneous, and visceral adipose tissue, and their contributions to obesity-related insulin resistance. We explore how chronic low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and fibrosis evolve within specific fat depots and how these changes disrupt systemic energy homeostasis. Visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) emerges as a critical site of inflammation and metabolic inflexibility, while subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) may retain protective features in early obesity. The endocrine roles of adipokines and batokines are also discussed, emphasizing depot-specific signaling and systemic effects. Furthermore, we examine emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating immune responses, enhancing mitochondrial function, and reprogramming adipose progenitor cells (APCs) to restore healthy tissue remodeling. A deeper understanding of adipose-depot-specific biology and progenitor cell dynamics offers promising avenues for personalized interventions in metabolic diseases. Full article
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