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Adipose tissue quantification by imaging methods: a proposed classification.
Wei Shen1, ZiMian Wang, Mark Punyanita
1Obesity Research Center, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10025, USA. ws2003@columbia.edu
Obesity Research
|January 17, 2003
Summary
Classical anatomy is outdated for adipose tissue. This review proposes a new adipose tissue topography classification, defining depots by location and function for better research correlation.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Classical anatomical classifications of adipose tissue are insufficient due to recent advances in molecular biology and imaging.
- A standardized taxonomy for adipose tissue depots, based on location and function, is currently lacking.
- Inconsistent terminology, particularly for visceral adipose tissue, hinders research in adipose tissue topography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing literature on whole-body and regional adipose tissue imaging.
- To establish the first systematic classification of adipose tissue topography.
- To provide a well-defined basis for correlating imaging studies with molecular processes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of over 100 original publications on adipose tissue imaging and terminology.
- Critical analysis of definitions and classifications of adipose tissue depots.
- Development of a proposed updated classification system.
Main Results:
- Identified significant inconsistencies in the definitions and usage of adipose tissue terminology across studies.
- Highlighted the lack of a clear, functional classification for specific adipose tissue depots.
- Revealed particular ambiguity surrounding the definition of visceral adipose tissue.
Conclusions:
- A revised classification of adipose tissue topography is necessary to align with modern imaging and molecular biology.
- The proposed classification provides a standardized framework for future adipose tissue research.
- This updated taxonomy will facilitate more accurate correlations between imaging findings and the functional roles of specific adipose tissue depots.