Protective mechanism in fat cells: A key to liver health!

Protective mechanism in fat cells: A key to liver health!

Scientists have discovered a remarkable protective mechanism in fat cells that protects them from premature death under stressful conditions. This could significantly explain why some people with obesity or diabetes are affected by fatty liver disease, while others have healthy liver function. According to information from the University of Cologne This mechanism is called linear ubiquitination and works via the so-called Linear Ubiquitin Assembly Complex (LUBAC). An intact LUBAC helps fat cells survive and consequently promote liver health.

The study results, published in the journal Science Advances, revealed that failure of this mechanism leads to fat cell death. These death processes can result in tissue damage, inflammation and a variety of metabolic diseases. Research also shows that the protective mechanism also plays an important role during the aging process.

The role of fat cell size

In addition to the knowledge about the protective mechanism of fat cells, there is also extensive research on the size of fat cells and their influence on metabolic diseases. The Technical University of Munich reports that severely overweight people often have enlarged fat cells, which is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer. The study of fat cell size traces the connection between gene expression in adipose tissue and the risks of metabolic health problems.

The study, led by Dr. Julius Honecker and Prof. Hans Hauner, large fat cells were sequenced for their RNA. The results show that gene expression changes from an energy-consuming state to an energy-storing and pro-inflammatory state. This suggests that the size of fat cells has a decisive influence on metabolism.

A holistic approach to disease prevention

The importance of the research could have far-reaching consequences. Over 650 million people worldwide are affected by obesity, which is considered the leading cause of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. The findings could help prevent the consequences of fat cell loss, especially in groups of people with lipodystrophies. An analysis of more than 1,000 obese patients found that individuals with a better protected fat cell system had healthier livers and better blood sugar control.

Additionally, a non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy method was developed to determine fat cell size. This allows a comprehensive analysis of the fatty acid composition in adipose tissue without the need for a biopsy. Advances in fat cell research could be crucial to better diagnose metabolic diseases and possibly treat them earlier.

A holistic approach that looks at both the size of fat cells and the protective mechanisms within these cells could help to significantly improve the health of society in the future.