Adipose tissue as an endocrine organ

• Published in: Molecular and cellular endocrinology Vol. 316; no. 2; pp. 129 - 139
• Main Authors: Galic, Sandra, Oakhill, Jon S., Steinberg, Gregory R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 25.03.2010
• Subjects: Adiponectin; Adiponectin - chemistry; Adiponectin - genetics; Adiponectin - metabolism; Adipose Tissue - cytology; Adipose Tissue - physiology; Adipose tissues; Animals; Cytokines; Endocrine Glands - physiology; Energy Metabolism - physiology; Expenditures; Fatty acids; Humans; IL-6; Innate immunity; Insulin; Insulin Resistance - physiology; Insulin sensitivity; Interleukin-6 - metabolism; Leptin; Leptin - genetics; Leptin - metabolism; Liver; Macrophages; Macrophages - cytology; Macrophages - metabolism; Metabolism; Nutrient signaling; Obesity; Obesity - metabolism; Obesity - physiopathology; Protein Conformation; RBP4; Resistin; Resistin - chemistry; Resistin - genetics; Resistin - metabolism; Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma - genetics; Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma - metabolism; Signal Transduction - physiology; TNFα; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - metabolism; Obesity; TNFα; RBP4; Cytokines; Insulin sensitivity; Leptin; Innate immunity; Nutrient signaling; IL-6; Adiponectin; Resistin

Obesity is characterized by increased storage of fatty acids in an expanded adipose tissue mass and is closely associated with the development of insulin resistance in peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle and the liver. In addition to being the largest source of fuel in the body, adipose tissu...