Aging, Obesity, and Inflammatory Age-Related Diseases

Abstract

The increase in the prevalence of obesity represents a worldwide phenomenon in all age groups and is pathologically and genetically correlated with several metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, representing the most frequent age-related diseases. Obesity superimposed on aging drastically increases chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), which is an important link between obesity, insulin resistance, and age-associated diseases. Immune cells of both the innate and the adaptive immune systems infiltrate the adipose tissue (AT) and during obesity induce inflammatory responses associated with metabolic switches and changes in phenotypes and function of immune cell subsets. Obesity poses new health problems especially when it occurs in the context of other diseases, many of them frequently affect elderly subjects. An emerging problem is the decreased proportion of patients with obesity achieving clinical response to therapy. In this review, we will discuss the reciprocal influences of immune cell and AT inflammation in aging and age-associated diseases and the complex relationship of nutrient and energy-sensing homeostatic checkpoints, which contribute to shape the phenotype of the AT. We will specifically examine type-2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cognitive impairment, and dementia, where obesity plays a significant role, also in shaping some clinical aspects.

The clock is ticking: the impact of ageing on T cell metabolism

“…First, chronic infections such as CMV and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) can stimulate the production of these cytokines . Secondly, increased adiposity is observed with age and adipose tissue can be a major source of TNF, IL‐6, IFNγ and IL‐1β, as well as indicative of broader metabolic dysfunction . Thirdly, ageing of the gut can cause dysbiosis and leakiness of bacterial products to drive chronic immune activation .…”

A holistic approach to healthy ageing: how can people live longer, healthier lives?

“…Levels of obesity have a direct impact on conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, whereas smoking impacts on a wide range of conditions (78,79) . Obesity has also been shown to impact on immunity and inflammation (80) . In addition, the consumption of alcohol or drugs may have a broad impact on health.…”

Lipidomics of human adipose tissue reveals diversity between body areas

“…Adipocytes are cells that form and store lipids in adipose tissue, they play a major role in energy homeostasis [1,2]. Obesity, which is characterized by increased storage of lipids in adipose tissue and modification of the metabolic functions of adipocytes, is a risk factor for several metabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular ischemic disease, hypertension, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes[1, 3,4,5,6,7]. The molecular composition of adipose tissue may reveal its functionality and links to metabolic disease [8,2].…”