What is the impact of pentosidine on adipose tissue metabolism?

Pentosidine is an advanced glycation end product (AGE) commonly found in heat-processed foods. It has been linked to chronic diseases and impaired liver and kidney function. Adipose tissue, as an active endocrine organ, plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological functions. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying pentosidine-induced toxicity in adipose tissue have not been fully elucidated.

A study revealed that pentosidine exposure significantly altered the metabolic profiles of adipose tissue in rats. A total of 42 differential metabolites were identified, with 16 upregulated and 26 downregulated metabolites. The most impacted pathways included ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, sulfur metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, and the TCA cycle. Pyruvic acid was identified as a key upregulated metabolite involved in 34 pathways, while α-ketoglutaric acid was a key downregulated metabolite involved in 19 pathways. These findings suggest that pentosidine disrupts energy metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism in adipose tissue, potentially leading to tissue dysfunction.