Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: The Secret Life of Fat: What are Fat Cells Doing for the Regulation of Metabolism 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 adipo-kines involved in inflammation and hemostasis: growth factors (TNFα, transforming growth factor-beta, nerve growth factor, VEGF), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10), chemokines (IL-8), acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum 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.
Source: Journal of Medical Biochemistry
Author: Anna Tzontcheva
Institution: Medical University of Sofia
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2020104979