Molecular mechanism underlying nutritional control of inflammatory responses

Abstract

Storage of excessive energy as triglycerides is a fundamental function of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue also secrets a number of hormones termed “adipocytokines” or “adipokines” in response to the systemic nutritional status, thereby constituting a feedback mechanism of metabolic homeostasis. In this regard, adipose tissue senses systemic nutritional conditions and regulates systemic metabolic homeostasis. During the past decade, there has been remarkable progress in the molecular mechanism underlying obesity-induced adipose tissue dysfunction. Accumulating evidence has suggested that a variety of stromal cells induce adipose tissue remodeling, which impairs adipose tissue function such as lipid storage and adipocytokine production, thereby leading to systemic metabolic derangements. Namely, chronic inflammation provides a molecular basis underlying obesity-induced adipose tissue dysfunction. In contrast, nutritional deprivation or malnutrition results in immune dysfunction, at least partly, through adipocytokine dysregulation. Thus, adipose tissue links nutritional conditions and inflammatory responses.