White adipose tissue mitochondrial bioenergetics in metabolic diseases

White adipose tissue (WAT) is an important endocrine organ that regulates systemic energy metabolism. In metabolically unhealthy obesity, adipocytes become dysfunctional through hypertrophic mechanisms associated with a reduced endocrine function, reduced mitochondrial function, but increased inflammation, fibrosis, and extracellular remodelling. A pathologic WAT remodelling promotes systemic lipotoxicity characterized by fat accumulation in tissues such as muscle and liver, leading to systemic insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Several lines of evidence from human and animal studies suggest a link between unhealthy obesity and adipocyte mitochondrial dysfunction, and interventions that improve mitochondrial function may reduce the risk of obesity-associated diseases. This review discusses the importance of mitochondrial function and metabolism in human adipocyte biology and intercellular communication mechanisms within WAT. Moreover, a selected interventional approach for better adipocyte mitochondrial metabolism in humans is reviewed. A greater understanding of mitochondrial bioenergetics in WAT might provide novel therapeutic opportunities to prevent or restore dysfunctional adipose tissue in obesity-associated diseases.

Automated summary

White adipose tissue (WAT) is an important organ that regulates energy metabolism. In obese individuals, dysfunctional adipocytes with reduced endocrine and mitochondrial function, increased inflammation and fibrosis, and altered extracellular structure can lead to systemic lipotoxicity and insulin resistance. Mitochondrial dysfunction in adipocytes is linked to unhealthy obesity, and interventions that improve mitochondrial function may reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases. This review discusses the importance of mitochondrial function and metabolism in human adipocyte biology and potential therapeutic approaches for improving adipocyte mitochondrial metabolism.