New Updates in Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Physiology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2025 | Viewed by 16785

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
Interests: brown adipose tissue; thermogenesis; beige adipocytes; irisin; autophagy; adipokines; interleukin-6
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
Interests: proteomics; metabolomics; serum metabolites; obesity; insulin resistance; system biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The first edition of this Special Issue was a great success. Now, we invite you to publish in the second edition. (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/life/special_issues/Adipo_Life)

Obesity is one of the major risk factors of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, and cancer, which are all leading causes of mortality today. Although the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased continuously up to 40–50% in most developed countries, effective therapeutic approaches, including behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, or bariatric surgery, against this threat are very limited. Adipose tissue is a complex organ with profound effects on the homeostasis of the entire body. White adipocytes function as long-term energy storage by accumulating a single large lipid vacuole, which is surrounded by a thin rim of cytoplasm that contains only small amounts of mitochondria. They also produce metabolites and signaling lipids and secrete protein factors (adipokines). Brown and beige adipocytes accumulate numerous small lipid droplets in a multilocular arrangement, contain a large amount of mitochondria-rich cytoplasm, and convert glucose and fatty acids into heat. The production of adipocyte-derived factors changes under different nutritional and pathological conditions that contribute to the pathophysiology of several comorbidities. This Special Issue focuses on metabolic changes and novel molecular pathways observed in obesity with a high emphasis on adipose tissues that can be targeted in the fight against obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Kristóf Endre Károly
Dr. Éva Csősz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • adipose tissue
  • obesity
  • inflammation
  • thermogenesis
  • adipokines
  • insulin resistance

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 265 KiB  
Article
Muscle, Fat, Bone, and Lungs: Unlocking the Fitness and Health Equation of Firefighters in Porto, Portugal
by Giorjines Boppre, João Pedro Rocha Nunes, David Gomes Fernandes, Bruno João de Castro Sousa e Ribeiro Carlos, João Miguel Neves Barros, Aline Teixeira Maia de Freitas, José Augusto Rodrigues dos Santos and Rodrigo Zacca
Life 2025, 15(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030334 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 647
Abstract
Background: Firefighters face significant physical demands, necessitating optimal fitness and health monitoring. This study examined the relationships between body composition, bone mineral density, handgrip strength, and pulmonary function in professional firefighters in Porto, Portugal. Methods: Sixty-eight firefighters underwent assessments, including anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray [...] Read more.
Background: Firefighters face significant physical demands, necessitating optimal fitness and health monitoring. This study examined the relationships between body composition, bone mineral density, handgrip strength, and pulmonary function in professional firefighters in Porto, Portugal. Methods: Sixty-eight firefighters underwent assessments, including anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for body composition and bone density, handgrip dynamometry, and spirometry for lung function. Results: 36.5% of participants were overweight, and 33.3% had obesity (Grade 1). Men exhibited greater muscle mass, bone density, and handgrip strength (48.7 ± 7.8 kg vs. 31.6 ± 3.6 kg) compared to women. Spirometry revealed normal lung function in 95.2% of participants, though 20.6% demonstrated handgrip strength values below the risk threshold, indicating vulnerability to reduced physical fitness and an increased risk of injury. Significant correlations were observed between lean mass and both handgrip strength (ρ = 0.551, p < 0.001) and pulmonary function, including forced vital capacity (ρ = 0.465, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study underscores the role of body composition, muscle strength, and pulmonary function in firefighters’ health and safety. These findings suggest that these factors are linked to physical fitness and may influence overall health outcomes. Interventions focusing on improving strength and managing body weight could help to reduce health risks and enhance firefighter well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Updates in Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue: 2nd Edition)
26 pages, 4885 KiB  
Article
Inflammation and Physical Performance in Overweight and Obese Schoolchildren
by Cristina Popescu, Daniela Matei, Anca Maria Amzolini and Magdalena Rodica Trăistaru
Life 2024, 14(12), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121583 - 1 Dec 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 974
Abstract
Obesity represents a critical public health concern, often linked to low-grade chronic inflammation starting in childhood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week kinesiotherapy program on physical performance and levels of leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in overweight and obese [...] Read more.
Obesity represents a critical public health concern, often linked to low-grade chronic inflammation starting in childhood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week kinesiotherapy program on physical performance and levels of leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) in overweight and obese children. Methods: Conducted at the Filantropia Municipal Clinical Hospital, 160 children aged 6 to 15 were randomly assigned to a study group (SG, n = 80) and a control group (CG, n = 80). The SG engaged in a tailored kinesiotherapy program, while the CG maintained their usual activities. All children and their families learned five key principles for preventing and managing obesity. Results: Results indicated significant improvements in the SG, with enhancements in the 6 min walking distance, Timed Up and Go test, and walking cadence (all p-values < 0.001). Notably, leptin and CRP levels (23.02 ± 7.17 to 16.62 ± 7.83, 4.13 ± 1.00 to 3.90 ± 0.95 mg/l, respectively) decreased significantly in the SG, contrasting with no significant changes in the CG. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between leptin levels and physical activity in the SG (coefficient: 0.5642, R-squared: 0.266). Conclusions: These findings suggest that targeted exercise programs can effectively enhance physical performance and reduce inflammation markers in overweight children, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions in managing obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Updates in Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3464 KiB  
Article
Effects of Flavanone Derivatives on Adipocyte Differentiation and Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Cells
by Yasuhito Nobushi, Taira Wada, Motofumi Miura, Rikuto Onoda, Ryuta Ishiwata, Naoki Oikawa, Karin Shigematsu, Toshinori Nakakita, Masaharu Toriyama, Shigeki Shimba and Yukinaga Kishikawa
Life 2024, 14(11), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14111446 - 7 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1383
Abstract
Flavanones, a class of flavonoids, are abundant in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They are known to have several biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, but their effects on obesity remain unclear. Obesity is closely associated with adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation [...] Read more.
Flavanones, a class of flavonoids, are abundant in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They are known to have several biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, but their effects on obesity remain unclear. Obesity is closely associated with adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in adipose tissue. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effects of flavanone derivatives on adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation by using 3T3-L1 cells. Among the 15 flavanone derivatives studied, 4′-phenylflavanone (4PF), with a biphenyl structure, significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation-related lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells; this inhibition of lipid accumulation was dose-dependent. Gene expression analysis showed that 4PF suppressed the expression of adipogenic marker genes. Although the induction of peroxisome proliferator activator γ2 (Pparγ2), a master regulator of adipocyte differentiation, and its target genes during adipocyte differentiation was attenuated in 4PF-treated cells, 4PF did not directly regulate Pparγ2 gene expression and its activation. In contrast, 4PF suppressed mitotic clonal expansion (MCE), which is associated with changes in the expression of proliferation-related genes at the early stages of adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that 4PF inhibits lipid accumulation because it suppresses MCE during adipocyte differentiation. Thus, our findings may help in the development of anti-obesity drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Updates in Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1264 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Body Cold Exposure (Cryolipolysis) on Fat Mass and Plasma Cholesterol
by Rodrigo Alvaro Brandão Lopes-Martins, Ludymilla Vicente Barbosa, Mirian Martins Barbosa Sousa, Anna Beatriz Lobo, Elize Leonice da Rocha Santos, Alberto Souza de Sá Filho, Matheus Bernardes Souza, Jivago Carneiro Jaime, Constanza Thaise Xavier da Silva, Carlos Ruiz-Silva and Patrícia Sardinha Leonardo
Life 2024, 14(9), 1082; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091082 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3756
Abstract
Introduction: This study investigates the impact of cryolipolysis on reducing localized fat and altering plasma lipid profiles in 30 overweight and obese women. Conducted at the Health Technology Laboratory of the Evangelical University of Goiás, this clinical research adhered to stringent ethical guidelines. [...] Read more.
Introduction: This study investigates the impact of cryolipolysis on reducing localized fat and altering plasma lipid profiles in 30 overweight and obese women. Conducted at the Health Technology Laboratory of the Evangelical University of Goiás, this clinical research adhered to stringent ethical guidelines. Methods: Participants underwent three cryolipolysis sessions, with comprehensive assessments of body composition and plasma lipids performed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Significant findings include a reduction in abdominal fat mass by an average of 4.1 kg and a decrease in BMI by 0.7 points (p < 0.05). Notably, total cholesterol levels decreased by an average of 15.7 mg/dL, and LDL cholesterol saw a reduction of 10.2 mg/dL (p < 0.01), with no significant changes in HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels. These results suggest that cryolipolysis, in conjunction with standardized dietary control, offers a non-invasive alternative to surgical fat reduction, potentially mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with obesity. Conclusions: The study confirms the efficacy of cryolipolysis in targeted fat reduction and underscores its role in improving key cardiovascular risk factors. These findings warrant further exploration into the long-term benefits of cryolipolysis in metabolic health management and not only for aesthetic treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Updates in Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 2061 KiB  
Review
The Interplay between Obesity and Inflammation
by Ilinca Savulescu-Fiedler, Razvan Mihalcea, Serban Dragosloveanu, Cristian Scheau, Radu Octavian Baz, Ana Caruntu, Andreea-Elena Scheau, Constantin Caruntu and Serban Nicolae Benea
Life 2024, 14(7), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14070856 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 9394
Abstract
Obesity is an important condition affecting the quality of life of numerous patients and increasing their associated risk for multiple diseases, including tumors and immune-mediated disorders. Inflammation appears to play a major role in the development of obesity and represents a central point [...] Read more.
Obesity is an important condition affecting the quality of life of numerous patients and increasing their associated risk for multiple diseases, including tumors and immune-mediated disorders. Inflammation appears to play a major role in the development of obesity and represents a central point for the activity of cellular and humoral components in the adipose tissue. Macrophages play a key role as the main cellular component of the adipose tissue regulating the chronic inflammation and modulating the secretion and differentiation of various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation also involves a series of signaling pathways that might represent the focus for new therapies and interventions. Weight loss is essential in decreasing cardiometabolic risks and the degree of associated inflammation; however, the latter can persist for long after the excess weight is lost, and can involve changes in macrophage phenotypes that can ensure the metabolic adjustment. A clear understanding of the pathophysiological processes in the adipose tissue and the interplay between obesity and chronic inflammation can lead to a better understanding of the development of comorbidities and may ensure future targets for the treatment of obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Updates in Adipocytes and Adipose Tissue: 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop