Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
06:31
Identification and Dissection of Diverse Mouse Adipose Depots
Published on: July 11, 2019
Endocrine functions of adipose tissue
Hironori Waki1, Peter Tontonoz
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA. hwaki@mednet.ucla.edu
Annual Review of Pathology
|November 28, 2007
Summary
Obesity and abnormal fat tissue impact insulin resistance and lipid disorders. Understanding how fat tissue and its secreted adipokines regulate metabolism is key for treating metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms linking obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Both adipose tissue deficiency and excess contribute to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, highlighting the importance of normal fat function in maintaining systemic glucose and lipid homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity and its connection to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
- To investigate the role of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ and its secreted factors (adipokines) in metabolic regulation.
- To elucidate how dysregulated adipokines contribute to systemic insulin resistance and metabolic disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advances in obesity and adipose tissue research.
- Analysis of the role of adipokines in mediating the link between adipose tissue and systemic metabolic function.
- Examination of the mechanisms by which adipose tissue dysfunction contributes to metabolic disease.
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue functions as an active endocrine organ secreting bioactive factors called adipokines.
- Adipokines link adipose tissue lipid accumulation to the metabolic status of peripheral tissues like the liver and muscles.
- Dysregulation of adipokines is increasingly recognized as a key factor in adipose tissue's contribution to systemic insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Normal adipose tissue function is essential for maintaining systemic glucose and lipid homeostasis.
- Adipokines play a critical role in mediating the metabolic effects of adipose tissue.
- Targeting adipokine dysregulation presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:02Hypodermis
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...
01:17Functions of Connective Tissues
Connective tissues perform a broad range of functions in the body. Their primary function is to connect and link different tissues in the body and act as packaging material between tissues. The areolar tissue, a connective tissue prototype, commonly cements various tissue types in diverse body organs. In contrast, adipose tissue cushions internal organs while insulating the body from heat loss.
Hard connective tissues, such as bones and cartilage, provide structure and support to the body.
Hard connective tissues, such as bones and cartilage, provide structure and support to the body.
00:59Structures of the Endocrine System
The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...
01:29The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is an extensive network of glands – organs or tissues in the body that create chemicals that control many bodily functions, that secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that play essential roles in regulating various bodily functions. These hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. They require specific receptors to convey signals to cells possessing these corresponding receptors. This complex signaling mechanism ensures that every...
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
01:18Functions of Thyroid Hormones
The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...