Lipedema and the Potential Role of Estrogen in Excessive Adipose Tissue Accumulation

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Lipedema and the Potential Role of Estrogen in Excessive Adipose Tissue Accumulation
Abstract
Lipedema is a painful fat disorder that affects ~11% of the female population. It is characterized by bilateral, disproportionate accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue predominantly in the lower body. The onset of lipedema pathophysiology is thought to occur during periods of hormonal fluctuation, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Although the identification and characterization of lipedema have improved, the underlying disease etiology remains to be elucidated. Estrogen, a key regulator of adipocyte lipid and glucose metabolism, and female-associated body fat distribution are postulated to play a contributory role in the pathophysiology of lipedema. Dysregulation of adipose tissue accumulation via estrogen signaling likely occurs by two mechanisms: (1). altered adipocyte estrogen receptor distribution (ERα/ERß ratio) and subsequent metabolic signaling and/or (2). increased release of adipocyte-produced steroidogenic enzymes leading to increased paracrine estrogen release. These alterations could result in increased activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), free fatty acid entry into adipocytes, glucose uptake, and angiogenesis while decreasing lipolysis, mitochondriogenesis, and mitochondrial function. Together, these metabolic alterations would lead to increased adipogenesis and adipocyte lipid deposition, resulting in increased adipose depot mass. This review summarizes research characterizing estrogen-mediated adipose tissue metabolism and its possible relation to excessive adipose tissue accumulation associated with lipedema.
Publication
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume
22
Issue
21
Pages
11720
Date
2021/10/01
Language
en
Accessed
11/12/21, 1:17 PM
Library Catalog
Extra
Number: 21 Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Lipedema Foundation Award
LF13
Citation
Katzer, K., Hill, J. L., McIver, K. B., & Foster, M. T. (2021). Lipedema and the Potential Role of Estrogen in Excessive Adipose Tissue Accumulation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(21), 11720. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111720
Publication