Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an essential role in remodeling aging adipose tissue

Aging is characterized by several physiological changes in the human body, such as the remodeling/redistribution of body fat, highlighted by the increase in fat in the abdominal region due to reduced fat in the peripheral limbs. Abdominal fat is related to metabolic complications and an increased risk for developing diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Understanding this process is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies able to mitigate its impact. This redistribution of fat has been associated with lower activation of brown adipose tissue over the years of life. Brown adipose tissue differs from white adipose tissue, mainly because it produces heat, increasing energy expenditure. Current evidence points to morphological and functional changes in mitochondria during aging, a key mechanism for understanding the dysmetabolic and proinflammatory phenotype associated with senescence. Therefore, this minireview will focus on how aging-induced mitochondrial changes are involved in the remodeling/redistribution of body fat.

Automated summary

The redistribution of body fat induced by aging is associated with changes in mitochondria, leading to metabolic and inflammatory issues. Studying this process is crucial for mitigating the health problems associated with aging.