Biomedical Sciences ETDs
Publication Date
Fall 12-4-2024
Abstract
Obesity, characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, involves pathological adipose tissue expansion that predisposes individuals to a range of medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and immune disorders. This thesis examines the role of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ, emphasizing its secretion of cytokines, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and adiponectin. Studies highlight that intermittent fasting enhances cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in adipocytes, promoting regulatory T cell (Treg) proliferation and improving insulin sensitivity through PGE2 signaling. In contrast, COX-2 deficiency exacerbates obesity and insulin resistance, underscoring its critical role in adipose tissue metabolism. Additionally, investigations into adiponectin signaling in lymphocytes reveal its pivotal function in maintaining immune tolerance, shedding light on the intricate interplay between metabolic regulation and immune function in obesity-related conditions. These findings not only deepen our understanding of intermittent fasting-mediated adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic adaptation as well as obesity-impaired B cell tolerance and autoimmune diseases.
Keywords
Adipose tissue, adipokines, obesity, COX-2/PGE2 axis, intermittent fasting, insulin sensitivity, adipogenesis, adiponectin receptor signaling, BCR signaling, autoimmunity
Sponsors
University of New Mexico
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Degree Name
Biomedical Sciences
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program
First Committee Member (Chair)
Eliseo F. Castillo
Second Committee Member
Meilian Liu
Third Committee Member
Xuexian O. Yang
Fourth Committee Member
Nikki L. Jernigan
Recommended Citation
Wang, Chunqing. "ADIPOCYTE-DERIVED MESSENGERS IN INFLAMMATORY AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/biom_etds/274
