[Adipose tissue and adipokines]

Adipose tissue is an organ with an endocrine function among others. Adipokines there produced have several roles and can be, according to their main function, grouped in our groups: immunologic, cardiovascular, metabolic and endocrine adipokines. Interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor a and complement factors B, C3 and D (adipsin) and are within the first group. Adipsin was the one of the first adipokines identified. Ali this molecules have well defined roles in inflammation. It is well known the association between obesity and cardiovascular risk, which is demonstrated by the improvement of cardiovascular risk factors associated with weight loss. Among the adipokines with cardiovascular main function the renin--angiotensin axis molecules and plasminogen activator inhibitor--I will be highlighted. Metabolic function is attributed to molecules taught to have a role in energy homeostasis. Adipose tissue is mainly involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. Free fatty acids, adiponectin, resistin, agouti related peptide and visfatin are molecules involved in those metabolic pathways. Leptin is the paradigm of the adipose tissue endocrine function. It is almost exclusively produced by the adipocyte and it has a central role in energy storage regulation and fertility. Steroid inter-conversion also occurs in adipose tissue. Although knowledge regarding these molecules, their function and relations with other systems has increased lately; more studies are necessary in order to clarify mechanisms and clinical applications. Only that way it will be possible to effectively correct the obesity associated metabolic dysfunction and decrease the morbidity and mortality obesity related.