Obesity and adipose tissue endocrine function

Anuradha Rajiv Joshi

doi:10.7439/ijbar.v4i11.549

Abstract

Many studies have profoundly changed the concept of adipose tissue from being an energy depot to an active endocrine organ. Adipose tissue secretes bioactive peptides, termed as ‘adipokines’.They act through autocrine, paracrine and endocrine pathways. In obesity, increased production of most adipokines affects multiple functions such as appetite and energy balance, immunity, insulin sensitivity, angiogenesis, blood pressure, lipid metabolism and haemostasis. Increased activity of the tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6 are involved in the development of obesityrelated insulin resistance. Angiotensinogen has been implicated in hypertension and plasminogen activating inhibitor-1 in impaired fibrinolysis. Decreased levels of adiponectin indicate adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity. Thus increased adipose tissue mass plays a key role in the development of obesity-associated diseases and the development of obesity alters adipocyte-derived hormones or cytokines expression. This provides a link between obesity, impaired insulin sensitivity and metabolic defects in other tissues. The present review will focus on effect of obesity on adipose tissue endocrine function.

Highlights

Prevalence of obesity in children and in adults is rapidly increasing in India.[1]
white adipose tissue (WAT) is the main site for the storage of energy
The present review will focus on effect of obesity on adipose tissue endocrine function

Summary

Introduction

Prevalence of obesity in children and in adults is rapidly increasing in India.[1] It is an emerging major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Hippocrates wrote, “Corpulence is a disease itself, but the harbinger of others”. He recognized that obesity is a medical disorder that leads to much co-morbidity. While obesity itself is not considered a specific disease, it is responsible for accelerating degenerative changes. This leads to multiple organ specific pathological consequences like atherosclerosis, Type II diabetes, hypertension and gall bladder diseases.[4]

Adipose Tissue

Obesity

Conclusions