Summary
This 2023 narrative review in Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology examines white adipocyte dysfunction as a central mechanism linking obesity to metabolic and systemic disease. The authors synthesise evidence on how compromised adipocyte function—including impaired lipid storage, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation—drives obesity-associated pathologies. The review integrates cellular and molecular mechanisms to contextualise adipocyte biology within broader cardiometabolic disease aetiology.
Regional applicability
The findings are applicable to United Kingdom clinical practice and public health policy, as obesity-related metabolic dysfunction represents a substantial disease burden in the UK population. Review-level evidence of this type informs understanding of obesity pathophysiology across high-income countries with similar metabolic disease prevalence.
Key measures
Adipocyte morphology, function, inflammatory markers, metabolic parameters, and associated systemic pathologies as discussed in the literature
Outcomes reported
The paper reviews mechanisms of white adipocyte dysfunction and its role in obesity-associated pathologies. It synthesises current understanding of how impaired adipocyte function contributes to metabolic and systemic disease.
Topic tags
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