The secret life of fat: What are fat cells doing for the regulation of metabolism

Abstract

Adipose tissue has long been regarded as an organ the sole purpose of which was to store excess energy as triglycerides, and release energy as free fatty acids, which itself is an essential self-defense system for survival during starvation. This point of view has now changed, fat tissue has emerged as an endocrine and secretory organ affecting more than one metabolic pathway. Its major endocrine function is secreting several hormones, notably leptin and adiponectin. Also, adipose tissue releases adipokines involved in inflammation and hemostasis: growth factors (TNFa, transforming growth factor-beta, nerve growth factor, VEGF), cytokines (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10), chemokines (IL-8), acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, se rum amyloid A) and prothrombotic factor (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1). This review aims to present some of the recent topics of selected adipokine research that may be of particular importance.

Keywords

• adipocytes
• adipokines
• endocrine control