Aging Stem Cells: The Culprit Behind Middle-Aged Spread?

New research unveils the cellular mechanism behind age-related abdominal fat accumulation. Scientists discovered that aging triggers the emergence of a new type of adult stem cell, called committed preadipocytes (CP-As), within white adipose tissue (WAT). These CP-As actively generate new fat cells, especially in the abdomen, with their activity significantly increasing in middle age. The leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in this process. This finding offers a novel therapeutic target for preventing belly fat and extending healthy lifespan.