Inflammatory Pathways in Metabolic Syndrome: Crosstalk Between Adipose Tissue, Liver, and Gut Microbiota

Zakaria Ali

Department of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

Email:ali.zakaria@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, all of which are closely tied to chronic low-grade inflammation. Emerging evidence reveals a complex interplay between adipose tissue, the liver, and the gut microbiota that sustains this inflammatory milieu. Adipose tissue acts as an active endocrine organ that releases pro-inflammatory adipokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, which impair insulin signaling and promote hepatic steatosis. In parallel, liver inflammation is fueled by lipid accumulation and innate immune activation through pathways including NF-κB and JNK. Furthermore, gut microbiota dysbiosis exacerbates systemic inflammation by increasing intestinal permeability, leading to endotoxemia driven by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation. This review comprehensively explores the bidirectional inflammatory communication among adipose tissue, liver, and gut, with a focus on the molecular mediators and signaling pathways such as TLR4, NLRP3 inflammasome, and cytokine cascades. We also examine the implications of this inter-organ crosstalk for the progression of metabolic diseases and discuss emerging therapeutic interventions targeting inflammatory axes within this triad.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome; Inflammation; Adipose tissue; Gut microbiota; Liver

CITE AS: Zakaria Ali (2025). Inflammatory Pathways in Metabolic Syndrome: Crosstalk Between Adipose Tissue, Liver, and Gut Microbiota. IAA Journal of Biological Sciences 13(2):6-11. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJB/2025/132611