Lipodystrophy as a target to delay premature aging

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2024 Feb;35(2):97-106. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.10.006. Epub 2023 Nov 15.

Abstract

Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare diseases characterized by low levels and an abnormal distribution of adipose tissue, caused by diverse genetic or acquired causes. These conditions commonly exhibit metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and adipose tissue dysfunction. Moreover, genetic lipodystrophic laminopathies exhibit a premature aging phenotype, emphasizing the importance of restoring adipose tissue distribution and function. In this opinion, we discuss the relevance of adipose tissue reestablishment as a potential approach to alleviate premature aging and age-related complications in genetic lipodystrophy syndromes.

Keywords: adipose tissue; aging; laminopathies; lipodystrophy; progeria.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging, Premature* / complications
  • Aging, Premature* / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance* / genetics
  • Lipodystrophy* / genetics
  • Lipodystrophy* / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease*