Dynamic cross talk between metabolic organs in obesity and metabolic diseases

During evolution, living organisms have adapted to utilize various nutrient sources, including carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. In particular, carbohydrates and lipids are the two major macromolecules serving as key components of intracellular storage products for energy generation. Importantly, anabolism and catabolism of these macromolecules are closely interwoven in organs involved in nutrient regulation, including the brain, liver, adipose tissue, pancreas and muscle. Among numerous organs and tissues, adipose tissues have key regulatory roles in survival, reproduction and adaptation to nutritional stresses by way of their functioning as a storage depot. For instance, adipose tissues actively expand in response to excess energy intake and generate energy sources in response to nutrient deficit, promptly engaging in the control of systemic energy balance. In addition, adipose tissues communicate with other metabolic organs through secreting various adipokines, exerting multiple impacts on the regulation of systemic energy homeostasis.