Comparative analysis of adipose tissue mitophagy and inflammatory markers in obesity and health

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and disruptions in cellular homeostasis, including impaired autophagy in adipose tissue. This study aimed to investigate the key mitophagy markers in the adipose tissue of individuals with obesity, compared to healthy controls. A total of 60 participants were enrolled, comprising 30 individuals with obesity and 30 healthy controls. Adipose tissue and peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants. Biochemical analyses included measurement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), leptin, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and oxidative stress markers. Gene expression levels of mitophagy-related genes, PARK2, PINK1, and BNIP3L were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate BNIP3L protein levels in adipose tissue. Compared to the control group, individuals with obesity showed significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and SDH, along with evidence of oxidative stress. Moreover, the expression of PARK2, PINK1, and BNIP3L was significantly upregulated in the obesity group, suggesting increased mitophagy activity in adipose tissue. These findings indicate heightened inflammation and upregulation of mitophagy pathways in the adipose tissue of individuals with obesity. The upregulation of mitophagy-related genes seems to indicate a possible activation of mitophagy-associated pathways in the altered metabolic and inflammatory environment of obesity.