Obesity-Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Insulin Resistance

Abstract

Obesity-induced chronic systemic inflammation has been considered as a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, the development of inflammation in adipose tissue has been speculated to be the main resource to initialize systemic inflammation and insulin resistance in the state of obesity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of adipose tissue inflammation are not yet completely characterized, which will be of clinical importance to clarify the potential drug targets for the prevention and treatment of obesity-associated T2DM. Thereby, the aim of this chapter will focus on reviewing the recent progress and prospective related to the understanding of obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. The content of this chapter will highlight the possible contributing factors and interplay during the different developmental stages of obesity and associated insulin resistance. Accordingly, the possible roles of adipocytes, T cells, macrophages and endothelial cells in the initiation, propagation and exacerbation of adipose tissue inflammation will be further discussed. The cross-talk between cell types in the pathogenesis of inflamed adipose tissue and adipokine overproduction will also be extensively debated. Moreover, the important molecular mediators and/or chemokine and cytokine receptors in the development of obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and associated insulin resistance would also be added in the text. Finally, based on the recent advances in the relevant research field, the therapeutic strategies in the treatment of obesity-associated insulin resistance and T2DM will be discussed in this chapter.