Adipose Tissue Dysfunction and Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Vitamin D/Vitamin D Receptor Axis

Abstract

Obesity-associated adipose tissue dysfunction represents a key driver of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and fatty liver disease. Emerging evidence highlights the vitamin D/vitamin D receptor (VD/VDR) axis as an important regulator of adipose tissue homeostasis. Beyond its classical role in mineral metabolism, vitamin D influences adipogenesis, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity, thereby modulating systemic metabolic health. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the VD/VDR axis in adipose tissue biology, from molecular pathways controlling lipid turnover and immune responses to experimental and clinical evidence linking vitamin D status with obesity-related complications. We also discuss the role of genetic variability and tissue-specific VDR signaling in shaping metabolic outcomes. While results from supplementation trials remain inconsistent, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels appears crucial for the prevention of adipose tissue dysfunction and its cardiometabolic consequences. Future studies are warranted to define optimal strategies for harnessing the VD/VDR axis in therapeutic approaches to obesity and metabolic disease.