Obesity is associated with several endocrine alterations and, more interestingly, the possible bidirectionality of the relationships between obesity and endocrine changes has been previously described.
Adipose tissue and skeletal muscle are highly malleable tissues often closely related to the same phenotype or outcome. Both tissues secrete molecules capable of modulating local and systemic metabolism. Myokines and adipokines secreted from the corresponding tissues have a key role in the modulation of body composition and metabolism. Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue can affect bone homeostasis through its endocrine activity. However, the human skeleton has also been considered as a new endocrine organ involved in the regulation of several metabolic processes by the production of osteokines.
Although the effects of obesity on glucose and lipid metabolism are largely explored, there is a lack of knowledge on the relationship and crosstalk amongst skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and bone in obesity as well as its endocrine adaptations associated with obesity. Future research focused on the network of molecules produced by muscle, adipose tissue and bone under physiological and pathological conditions may provide novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity.
The aims of this Research Topic are (but not limited to):
1. The relationship between the newly described endocrine organs (skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and bone).
2. The secretion of new hormones, miRNAs or exosomes by skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and bone.
3. Investigations on the network of molecules produced by muscle, adipose tissue and bone under obesity conditions
4. The adaptive hormonal physiology of skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and bone associated with obesity.
5. Identification and characterization of novel myokines, adipokynes or osteokines.
6. Elucidating the roles of these newly discovered hormones.
7. The effect of physical activity on endocrine adaptations in subjects with and without obesity (children, adults or pregnant woman).
8. The effect of gestational obesity in the offspring tissue crosstalk.
9. Novel hormonal strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity.