**Author details**

Xin Wang

probable "candidate" that could mediate those extensive reactions. The large amount and extensive distribution of members in redox family provide a general and microenvironment

Adipocyte differentiation is a time-dependent process, which consists of different stages, including confluence, MCE, early differentiation, and late differentiation. In different stages of adipocyte differentiation, redox status is dramatically altered. It appears that redox system works as an "on-off switch" and orchestrates the transition from preadipocyte to adipocyte. During this process, redox regulation on the expression of key proteins for adipocyte differentiation may occur in diverse levels, including transcriptional, epigenetic, and posttranslational modulations (**Figure 3**). Indeed, the "tridimensional" redox regulatory mechanism is not limited in the process of adipocyte differentiation, but has general implications in a variety of biological processes. A specific molecular mechanism would definitely play a role in a given background. However, one molecule or even one signaling pathway could not account for all the redox-sensitive events. Thereof, a more integrated view of redox biology should be highlighted. Considering the burst of various omics concept and technology, we suggest that redoxomics should be applied extensively and widely to help us understand the biological effects of redox alterations in a more integrated way. We need a stable and standardized "redox index" to evaluate the general redox status under a certain condition. Just like BMI, "redox index" represents a value to assess the overall situation of redox state in an organ or in a whole body. In our future work, we need to find the representative and easily obtained indicators and establish a simple equation to calculate "redox index." Moreover, adipose tissue-targeted redox interventions may be more attractive because disturbance of insulin signaling in other main organs, such as liver, could also result in insulin resistance and metabolic syndromes. Differential redox state in different organs may influence the overall metabolic end-points by using antioxidants. Our aim is to establish and maintain general and fine-tuned redox balance rather than to conduct simple prooxidant and antioxidant interventions. Individualized intervention according to their respective redox state should be emphasized to treat obesity and other redox-related metabolic disorders [13].

**Figure 3.** The "tridimensional" redox regulatory mechanism in the process of adipocyte differentiation.

for thousands of reactions.

200 Redox - Principles and Advanced Applications

Address all correspondence to: xinwang@fmmu.edu.cn

Department of Toxicology, Shaanxi Key Lab of Free Radical Biology and Medicine, The Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
