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Endocrine disorders and body fat distribution.
S Yoshida1, H Inadera, Y Ishikawa
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chiba University, Japan.
International Journal of Obesity
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Hormones significantly influence body fat distribution. Insulin promotes visceral fat accumulation, while estrogen supports subcutaneous fat growth, impacting regional fat patterns.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Regional fat distribution is influenced by hormonal factors.
- Understanding hormonal roles in visceral vs. subcutaneous fat is crucial for metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of specific hormones in the differential formation of visceral and subcutaneous fat.
- To correlate hormone levels with fat distribution patterns in various endocrine disorders.
Main Methods:
- Computer tomography and ultrasonography were used to assess abdominal fat distribution (visceral vs. subcutaneous fat ratios).
- Analysis of fat distribution in patients with Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, insulinoma, and during pregnancy.
- In vitro studies using cultured adipose-derived fibroblast-like cells to assess cellular responses to insulin and estrogen.
Main Results:
- Visceral fat accumulation was observed in most patients with Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, and insulinoma.
- Visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio positively correlated with cortisol and growth hormone levels, and strongly with insulin levels.
- In vitro, visceral fat showed higher sensitivity to insulin for glucose uptake and triglyceride synthesis.
- Estrone enhanced the growth of subcutaneous fat-derived cells more than visceral fat-derived cells.
Conclusions:
- Hyperinsulinism is a primary driver of visceral fat tissue enlargement.
- Estrogen plays a significant role in promoting subcutaneous fat tissue enlargement.
- Hormonal imbalances critically affect regional fat deposition, with distinct roles for insulin and estrogen.