Role of Adipocytes in Obesity and Diabetes: Potential Therapeutic Prospects

Obesity is a major public health challenge of the 21st century, while type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally, contributing to escalating health burdens. Both obesity and overweight status elevate the risk of serious chronic conditions, including T2DM, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Adipocytes, traditionally viewed as mere fat storage cells, are now recognized as dynamic endocrine organs that significantly influence systemic metabolism. This paper discusses the dual role of adipocytes in metabolic regulation and their contribution to inflammation and insulin resistance. The serum protein adiponectin, produced exclusively by adipose tissues, decreases as obesity increases, correlating with insulin resistance. Moreover, mesenchymal stem cells, with their immunomodulatory functions, represent a promising avenue for developing transplantable insulin-producing cells, potentially mitigating the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. This review highlights the cellular and molecular alterations in adipocytes during obesity, emphasizing the importance of adipocytes in energy regulation and the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways.