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Adipose tissue (AT), composed mainly of adipocytes, plays a critical role in lipid control, metabolism, and energy storage. Once considered metabolically inert, AT is now recognized as a dynamic endocrine organ that regulates food intake, energy homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, thermoregulation, and immune responses. This review examines the multifaceted role of adiponectin, a predominant adipokine released by AT, in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. We explore the regulatory mechanisms of adiponectin, its physiological effects and its potential as a therapeutic target for metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. Furthermore, we analyze the impact of various dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and physical activities on adiponectin levels, highlighting strategies to improve metabolic health. Our comprehensive review provides insights into the critical functions of adiponectin and its importance in maintaining systemic metabolic homeostasis.

This narrative review critically examines the current research on the health implications of whey protein (WP) supplementation, with a focus on potential risks and adverse effects. WP, commonly consumed for muscle building and weight loss, has been associated with various health concerns. Our comprehensive analysis involved a thorough search of multiple databases, resulting in the inclusion of 21 preclinical and human studies that collectively offer a detailed overview of WP's health impacts. The review reveals significant findings, such as WP's potential link to liver and kidney damage, alterations in gut microbiota, increased acne incidence, impacts on bone mass, and emotional and behavioural changes. These findings underscore the complexity of WP's effects on human health, indicating both beneficial and detrimental outcomes in relation to different posologies in a variety of settings. Our study suggests caution for the protein intake in situations of hepatic and renal compromised functions, as well as in acne susceptibility, while possible beneficial effects can be achieved for the intestinal microbiota, humoral and behavioural level, and finally bone and muscle mass in elderly. We emphasizes the importance of balanced WP consumption and call for more in-depth research to understand its long-term health effects. Health professionals and individuals considering WP supplementation should be aware of these potential risks and approach its use with informed caution.

Cachexia is an irreversible condition that involves a significant loss of body weight, muscle mass, and adipose tissue. It is a complex condition that involves a variety of metabolic, hormonal, and immune-related factors, with the precise mechanisms not yet fully understood. In this review, the prevalence of cachexia in different types of cancer as well as the potential risk factors was evaluated from literature retrieved from databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed and Scopus. Potential risk factors evaluated here include tumor-related factors such as location, and stage of the cancer, as well as patient-related factors such as age, gender, and comorbidities. Several findings were observed where cachexia is more prevalent in male cancer patients than females, with higher incidences of weight loss and poorer outcomes. This may be due to the different muscle compositions between gender. Additionally, cachexia is more prevalent at the later stages, which may be brought about by the late-stage diagnosis of certain cancers. The anatomical location of certain cancers such as the pancreas and stomach may play a significant factor in their high prevalence of cachexia. These are sites of the synthesis of digestive enzymes and hormones regulating appetite. Cachexia is an issue faced by cancer patients which could affect their recovery. However, it is poorly understood, which limit therapeutic options. Hence, understanding this disease from different perspectives (clinical and pre-clinical), and bridging those findings could further improve our comprehension and consequently improve therapeutic options.