Topic: Adipose Tissue and Metabolism in Chronic Diseases

Obesity is a recognized condition characterized by a complex physiopathology resulting from intricate interactions between genetic and environmental factors. This leads to a chronic and often relapsing clinical course. Due to its widespread prevalence and role as the most relevant risk factor for several chronic diseases, obesity represents a major challenge for the health systems.

Anthropometric measurements, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), or Waist-To-Hip ratio, are extensively used to indirectly assess the severity of obesity and stratify the cardiometabolic risk of the patient. However, these measurements have limitations in precisely defining visceral adipose tissue (VAT), the fat depot that is closely associated with the development of cardiovascular, metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases, and certain cancers. In addition, obesity status is also linked to several psychological and psychiatric issues, further affecting the quality of life.

The development of obesity-related complications is rooted in the abnormal expansion of adipose tissue due to excess energy intake, which triggers various biological changes in the metabolic and endocrine function of adipocytes. This condition is collectively referred to as "adiposopathy" or adipose tissue dysfunction. It is characterized by the emergence of immune and inflammatory reactions within adipose tissue, which can spread to the peripheral systems and lead to damage in target organs.

Weight management strategies, including behavioral therapy (exercise, cognitive therapy), calorie restriction, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery, have shown effectiveness in ameliorating obesity-associated complications. However, their impact is not always directly proportional to the extent of body weight reduction.

This Special Issue aims to explore the correlation between adipose tissue and the commonly associated chronic systemic diseases, addressing both physiopathological and clinical aspects, as well as considering basic/translational approaches and the role of the available treatments. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
● Adipose tissue dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus;
● Adipose tissue dysfunction and endocrinological disorders;
● Adipose tissue dysfunction and liver diseases;
● Adipose tissue dysfunction and cardiometabolic disorders;
● Adipose tissue dysfunction and musculoskeletal diseases;
● Adipose tissue dysfunction and neurological disease/neurodegenerative disorders;
● Adipose tissue dysfunction and psychological issues/psychiatric disorders;
● Adipose tissue dysfunction and cancer.

30 Sep 2024