Too much body fat isn’t healthy, but some kinds can be beneficial
DR RAY CLARK & MERVYN GOFF/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Recent research has highlighted the intricate role that body fat plays in our overall health, challenging the notion that it is simply a passive storage unit for excess calories. Two groundbreaking studies have unveiled new insights into the complexity of fat and its impact on various physiological processes.
There are different types of fat in the body, each with distinct functions. White fat stores energy and releases hormones that regulate metabolism, brown fat generates heat, and beige fat acts as a hybrid between white and brown fat. The location of fat deposits also influences their effects on health, with visceral fat in the abdomen being particularly linked to inflammation, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Recent research has shown that adipose tissue, or fat, actively contributes to regulating blood pressure and coordinating immune responses in key areas of the body. A study conducted by Jutta Jalkanen and her team at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden focused on the cellular composition of visceral fat surrounding the large intestine. They discovered that epiploic fat, which encases the large intestine, contains a high concentration of immune cells and specialized fat cells that produce inflammatory proteins in response to gut-derived microbial products.
Jalkanen explains, “Our findings suggest that fat depots exhibit specialized functions based on their anatomical location, and those in close proximity to the intestine appear to be uniquely adapted for immune interactions.” This immune-fat interaction could play a crucial role in protecting the body from external threats and maintaining immune balance.
Another study led by Mascha Koenen at The Rockefeller University in New York uncovered a surprising link between fat and blood pressure regulation. They found that beige fat cells surrounding blood vessels help control vascular tone and prevent hypertension. When these beige fat cells were depleted in mice, blood vessels became stiffer and more reactive, leading to elevated blood pressure levels.
The research team identified an enzyme called QSOX1 released by dysfunctional fat cells as a key player in this process. Blocking this enzyme restored normal blood pressure levels in mice, regardless of their body weight. These findings underscore the critical role of communication between different organ systems in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Both studies emphasize the multifaceted nature of fat tissue and its involvement in various physiological functions beyond energy storage. The implications of these findings could pave the way for targeted therapies that focus on preserving the beneficial aspects of fat and restoring its healthy functions. However, further research is needed to translate these discoveries into clinical applications.
Overall, the evolving understanding of fat as a dynamic and diverse tissue challenges traditional views of it as a mere reservoir for excess nutrients. The intricate interplay between different types of fat cells and their roles in physiological processes highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to studying fat and its implications for human health.
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In the ever-evolving world of technology, new advancements are constantly being made to improve the way we live and work. One such advancement that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the use of artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
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