ADIPOSE TISSUE, OBESITY, AND AUTOIMMUNITY

Abstract

The rising prevalence of immune-mediated diseases in technologically advanced nations has sparked interest in the intricate connection between obesity and autoimmunity. This review explores how environmental factors, particularly the Western lifestyle characterized by unhealthy dietary habits, have contributed to an obesity epidemic linked to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. We highlight the significant role of white adipose tissue (WAT) as an endocrine organ that secretes inflammatory mediators known as adipokines. These adipokines, including leptin and adiponectin, play pivotal roles in modulating immune responses, promoting a chronic low-grade inflammatory state that can lead to various immune-related conditions. Additionally, we examine the involvement of immune cells, such as T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and B-regulatory lymphocytes, in the pathophysiological mechanisms by which obesity exacerbates autoimmunity. Clinical evidence correlating obesity with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus is discussed, along with the shared inflammatory pathways and genetic predispositions that underline this relationship. Despite the growing body of evidence, challenges remain in establishing causative links due to the complexity of these interactions. This review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications of the obesity-autoimmunity nexus, aiming to pave the way for novel strategies in managing autoimmune diseases through lifestyle and metabolic interventions.