Adipose tissue senescence: Biological changes, hallmarks and therapeutic approaches

• Published in: Mechanisms of ageing and development Vol. 222; p. 111988
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yajuan, Jiang, Yaoyao, Yang, Xiaoyue, Huang, Yumei, Pan, An, Liao, Yunfei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Adipose tissue; Aging; Anti-aging strategies; Hallmarks; Senescence; Aging; Senescence; Adipose tissue; Anti-aging strategies; Hallmarks
• ISSN: 0047-6374; 1872-6216; 1872-6216
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111988

Adipose tissue (AT), the largest energy storage reservoir and endocrine organ, plays a crucial role in regulating systemic energy metabolism. As one of the most vulnerable tissues during aging, the plasticity of AT is impaired. With age, AT undergoes redistribution, characterized by expansion of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and reduction of peripheral subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Additionally, age-related changes in AT include reduced adipogenesis of white adipocytes, decreased proliferation and differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), diminished thermogenic capacity in brown/beige adipocytes, and dysregulation of immune cells. Specific and sensitive hallmarks enable the monitoring and evaluation of the biological changes associated with aging. In this study, we have innovatively proposed seven characteristic hallmarks of AT senescence, including telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, disabled macroautophagy, cellular senescence, and chronic inflammation, which are intricately interconnected and mutually regulated. Finally, we discussed anti-aging strategies targeting AT, offering insights into mitigating or delaying metabolic disturbances caused by AT senescence. •Age-related adipose tissue senescence leads to impaired function of various cells.•The aging of adipose tissue exhibits seven typical characteristics, which are intricately interconnected and mutually regulated.•Strategies against adipose tissue aging include caloric restriction, physical exercise, drug therapy and gene therapy.