Role of Adipocytes in Obesity and Diabetes: Its Potential Therapeutic Prospects

Obesity is the epidemic of the 21st century while type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and increasing global burdens of disease day by day. Obesity and overweight increase the risk of several serious chronic diseases, such as T2DM, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. Adipocytes have a capability of a metabolic control and endocrine organs that have both good as well as bad effects. This is more clearly define the role adipocytes play in obesity and how inflammatory mediators act as signaling molecules in this process. Adiponectin is a serum protein produced and secreted exclusively by adipose tissues. In humans, plasma adiponectin concentrations fall with increasing obesity and reduced adiponectin concentrations correlate with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Adipocytes undergoes molecular and cellular alterations affecting systemic metabolism when an individual have enlarged adipocytes and become obese. Mesenchymal stem cells possess immunomodulatory activities (acting on both innate and acquired immunity effectors) which should result in a reduction of the immunogenicity of transplanted cells which lead to the destruction of beta cells. Currently stem cell of various source are under investigation for transplantable insulin-producing cells. In conclusion, it is now apparent that adipocytes are not simply a storage reservoir of fat but are active endocrine organs that play multiple roles in the body. Increases in inflammation and various cytokines from the adipose tissue, activate monocytes enhancing insulin resistance which increasing the risk for diabetes. Finally, the intracellular mechanisms by which these factors affect energy intake, utilization and metabolism are being better understood and we are developing therapies that manipulate these pathways.