# Researchers Identify Protein Causing Visceral Fat Hardening THBS1 protein linked to inflammation and fibrosis in visceral adipose tissue. - **Source:** [Kyunghyang](https://www.khan.co.kr) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/97adc053-5300-4a4d-932b-5f40ed414efc ## Visceral Fat and Fibrosis Visceral fat, located between abdominal organs, is known to be more harmful than subcutaneous fat. Recent research highlights that this tissue often undergoes fibrosis, where it hardens like scar tissue. This process is closely linked to metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and various cardiovascular diseases in patients. ## The Role of THBS1 A joint research team from Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and POSTECH identified the protein THBS1 as a key driver of this pathology. By analyzing Korean patients, they discovered that THBS1 expression levels correlate directly with the severity of obesity and diabetes, triggering inflammation and tissue hardening within fat cells. ## Study Methodology and Participants The study compared gene expression in visceral fat cells from 21 Korean participants. The cohort was divided into three distinct groups: eight individuals with normal weight, five with obesity, and eight with both obesity and diabetes. This comparative analysis allowed researchers to map how gene activity changes across different metabolic states. ## Cellular Mechanism of Damage THBS1 acts by stimulating immune cells to release signaling molecules that promote fibrosis. This leads to the accumulation of collagen within the adipose tissue, effectively transforming healthy energy-storing fat into a rigid, inflamed state. Furthermore, this protein hinders the development of healthy fat cells, reducing their ability to absorb blood glucose. ## Impact on Metabolic Health The research demonstrates that the health of visceral fat, rather than just total body weight, is a critical factor in metabolic disease risk. When THBS1 is active, it creates a feedback loop that worsens insulin resistance and systemic inflammation, making it significantly harder for the body to manage blood sugar levels effectively. ## Potential Therapeutic Strategy In laboratory experiments, researchers applied antibodies to block the action of THBS1 in visceral fat tissue taken from patients with obesity and diabetes. This intervention successfully reduced the expression of genes associated with fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting a potential new strategy for treating metabolic diseases by targeting this specific protein. ## Significance of the Findings This study is particularly notable for identifying the core factor responsible for diseased fat tissue directly from human patient samples. By pinpointing THBS1, scientists have provided a clear target for future clinical interventions aimed at reversing or preventing the hardening of visceral fat, which is a major health concern today. ## Future Clinical Implications While the current findings are based on cellular and animal models, they offer a promising path for future drug development. Researchers emphasize that understanding the specific molecular mechanisms behind fat tissue degradation is essential for creating personalized treatments for patients struggling with obesity-related metabolic disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions worldwide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202611070900025/?utm_source=khan_rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=total_news — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._