Beyond Calories: Redox Interactions in Adipose Tissue that Lead to Metabolic Pathologies

Adipose tissue is an organ with a high metabolic rate, functioning as a storage site for potential energy derived from food. It is a heterogeneous tissue composed of various cell types that respond differently to stimuli. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are lipids characterized by the presence of multiple double bonds in their molecular structure. These fatty acids are particularly vulnerable to oxidation by Reactive Oxygen Species, a process known as lipoperoxidation. While the oxidized lipids can serve important physiological roles within adipose tissue, they can also enter the bloodstream, where they associate with lipoproteins, leading to cellular damage and increased systemic oxidative stress. In cases of obesity, adipose tissue displays an exaggerated inflammatory and immune response that can affect multiple body systems, contributing to the onset of chronic degenerative diseases. Therefore, adipose tissue is a complex organ in which metabolic, endocrine, and immune response processes are intricately regulated and coordinated. This paper aims to elucidate the role of imbalances in endocrine, lipogenic, and inflammatory functions as significant risk factors for the development of chronic degenerative diseases, including those affecting the central nervous system. For this study, we searched multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and Medscape, from 2015 to the present.