Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...

Hypodermis

Hypodermis

The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous tissue) of the bones and muscles. It is not strictly a part of the skin, although the border between the hypodermis and dermis can be difficult to distinguish. The hypodermis consists of well-vascularized, loose, areolar connective tissue and adipose tissue, which functions as a mode of fat storage and provides insulation and cushioning for...

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...

Obesity

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...

Cellular Adaptation I: Introduction and Atrophy

Cellular Adaptation I: Introduction and Atrophy

Cells can adapt to environmental changes to maintain function and avoid injury, a process called cellular adaptation. Adapted cells exist in a reversible intermediate state with changes in size, number, phenotype, metabolism, or function. These responses help cells meet altered physiological or pathological demands; for example, enlargement of breast and uterine tissues during pregnancy. Early adaptations may enhance function, but persistent stress eventually causes tissue damage.Types of...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

OS007. The apoptosis markers are altered in CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+) T regulatorylymphocytes in pre-eclampsia.

Pregnancy hypertension·2015

Same author

PP069. The expressions of B7-H1 and B7-H4 co-stimulatory molecules on myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells in pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy. The expressions of B7-H1 and B7-H4 co-stimulatory moleculeson myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells in pre-eclampsia and normal pregnancy.

Pregnancy hypertension·2015

Same author

PP135. Maternal serum levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and ADMA, an endogenous ENOS inhibitor in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia.

Pregnancy hypertension·2015

Same author

O3. The predominante of Th17 lymphocytes and decreased number and function of Treg cells are present in preeclampsia.

Pregnancy hypertension·2015

Same author

Precision of the retinal tomograph as a screening device.

Klinische Monatsblatter fur Augenheilkunde·2015

Same author

Biological effects of conjugated linoleic acids supplementation.

Polish journal of veterinary sciences·2012

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Published on: June 3, 2016

[Pathophysiological aspects of adipose tissue development in women].

W M Kanadys¹, J Oleszczuk

¹Zespołu Opieki Zdrowotnej w Lublinie.

Ginekologia Polska

|July 15, 2000

Summary

Adipose tissue, crucial for energy balance, involves fat cells (adipocytes) and is regulated by enzymes and hormones. Obesity, an excess of body fat, results from a complex interplay of genetics and environment, increasing disease risk.

More Related Videos

Expansion and Adipogenesis Induction of Adipocyte Progenitors from Perivascular Adipose Tissue Isolated by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting

Expansion and Adipogenesis Induction of Adipocyte Progenitors from Perivascular Adipose Tissue Isolated by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting

Published on: June 30, 2017

Isolation and Culturing of Primary Murine Adipocytes from Lean and Obese Mice

Isolation and Culturing of Primary Murine Adipocytes from Lean and Obese Mice

Published on: January 24, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Mechanism of Regulation of Adipocyte Numbers in Adult Organisms Through Differentiation and Apoptosis Homeostasis

Published on: June 3, 2016

Expansion and Adipogenesis Induction of Adipocyte Progenitors from Perivascular Adipose Tissue Isolated by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting

Expansion and Adipogenesis Induction of Adipocyte Progenitors from Perivascular Adipose Tissue Isolated by Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting

Published on: June 30, 2017

Isolation and Culturing of Primary Murine Adipocytes from Lean and Obese Mice

Isolation and Culturing of Primary Murine Adipocytes from Lean and Obese Mice

Published on: January 24, 2025

Area of Science:

Adipose tissue biology and endocrinology.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of fat metabolism.
Physiology of energy homeostasis.

Context:

Adipose tissue, composed of fat cells (adipocytes), plays a central role in energy storage and mobilization.
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) are key enzymes controlling fat deposition and release.
Adipocytes function as both endocrine cells, secreting various factors, and target cells for numerous hormones, including insulin and catecholamines.

Purpose:

To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of adipose tissue metabolism.
To describe the regional variations in adipose tissue metabolic activity.
To discuss the factors influencing body fat content and the development of obesity.

Summary:

Adipose tissue metabolism is influenced by hormonal signals and exhibits regional differences, with visceral fat being the most metabolically active.
Body fat content naturally changes with age and life stages such as puberty, parity, and menopause.
Obesity arises from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors, leading to an energy imbalance where intake surpasses expenditure.

Impact:

Understanding adipose tissue function is critical for addressing metabolic disorders.
Obesity is a significant public health concern linked to numerous diseases and reduced life expectancy.
The rising prevalence of obesity underscores the need for further research into its causes and effective management strategies.