Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (11): 2823-2833.doi: 10.12307/2026.101

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Critical role of lysosomal enzymes in metabolic diseases

Zou Yuxi1, Chen Yanyan2, Jiang Peng1, Chen Ting1, Ding Lingling1   

  1. 1Department of Physiology, 2Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Received:2025-04-03 Accepted:2025-06-04 Online:2026-04-18 Published:2025-09-06
  • Contact: Ding Lingling, PhD, Lecturer, Master’s supervisor, Jiangsu Province Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ph.D. Talent Program, Department of Physiology, Medical School of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
  • About author:Zou Yuxi, MS candidate, Department of Physiology, Medical School of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, Jiangsu Province, China
  • Supported by:
    China Postdoctoral Science Foundation General Program, No. 2023M741425 (to DLL); Natural Science Foundation of Universities in Jiangsu Province, No. 24KJB320001 (to CYY); Jiangsu Province Graduate Student Research and Practice Innovation Program, No. KYCX25_4289 (to ZYX) 

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of developing chronic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Lysosomes are linked to various metabolic disorders, but their specific roles have not been fully elucidated.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the research progress on lysosomes in metabolic syndrome through a literature search, providing insights into the mechanisms by which lysosomes and their enzymes influence metabolic syndrome.
METHODS: The first author conducted a computerized search of PubMed and Web of Science from database inception to October 2024 using the keywords of “metabolic syndrome, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, lysosomes, lysosomal enzymes.” A total of 90 relevant articles were identified and analyzed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Metabolic disturbances are associated with metabolic syndrome and other metabolism-related diseases. These disturbances include glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. Disrupted glucose metabolism can lead to diabetes, causing severe complications and contributing to the development of metabolic syndrome. Abnormal lipid metabolism may result in dyslipidemia and fatty liver disease. (2) Lysosomal enzymes play a crucial role in metabolism, and their dysfunction can lead to various metabolic disorders. (3) Abnormalities in several lysosomal cathepsins are linked to insulin resistance, further contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes. (4) Deficiency in lysosomal acid lipase activity is one of the triggers for the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.


Key words: metabolic syndrome, metabolic disturbances, glucose metabolism disorder, lipid metabolism disorder, lysosome, lysosomal enzymes, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

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