Rise in Age-Related Diseases Spurs Research on Lipid Droplets as Potential Therapeutic Targets

April 28, 2025
Rise in Age-Related Diseases Spurs Research on Lipid Droplets as Potential Therapeutic Targets
  • Age-related diseases are becoming a significant public health issue, with the World Health Organization forecasting that the population aged 60 and older will double by 2050, thereby increasing the prevalence of metabolic disorders.

  • There exists a complex bidirectional relationship between aging and LD accumulation, where aging promotes the buildup of LDs, which in turn accelerates the aging process.

  • Lipid droplets are composed of a neutral lipid core encased in a phospholipid monolayer, along with associated proteins that regulate their formation, breakdown, and transport.

  • Currently, there are no specific drugs targeting LDs for the treatment of ARMDs, highlighting the urgent need for further research into the role of lipid metabolism in these conditions.

  • In the early stages of these diseases, LDs may provide protective benefits; however, their excessive accumulation in later stages can exacerbate disease conditions.

  • Future therapeutic strategies may focus on regulating LD-associated proteins to effectively manage lipid levels and combat metabolic diseases.

  • Exercise and dietary interventions have proven effective in managing ARMDs by preventing LD accumulation, enhancing lipophagy, and improving metabolic homeostasis, especially in conditions like NAFLD.

  • Given their crucial role in cellular metabolism and energy storage, lipid droplets are being explored as potential therapeutic targets for age-related metabolic diseases.

  • Research is examining the relationship between lipid droplets (LDs) and various age-related metabolic diseases (ARMDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease, sarcopenia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic cardiomyopathy, and cancer.

Summary based on 1 source


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