Metabolically unhealthy adipose tissue is characterized by reductions in mitochondrial size and function.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Adipose function, not mass, underpins metabolic health. Lean and obese nonhuman primates (NHPs) naturally develop metabolic syndrome. Mitochondria-related measures in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SQ AT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells may elucidate differences that transcend adiposity measures.

Methods

Obesity statuses ranged from very lean to severely obese (<9%->50%, n = 44), which were equivalent in healthy or unhealthy NHPs (metabolic syndrome score difference, p < 0.001). We evaluated SQ AT histology, electron microscopy, tissue proteins, and bioenergetics.

Results

Unhealthy adipocytes had mitochondria one-half the size of healthy adipocytes (p < 0.01), whereas adipocyte cell sizes were comparable. Consistent with small mitochondria, we saw defic

SUBMITTER: DeStephanis D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11897863 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature