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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:24
Assessment of Human Adipose Tissue Microvascular Function Using Videomicroscopy
Published on: September 29, 2017
Human visceral fat in different anthropometric patterns and in diabetes: a morphometric study
Maurizio Vertemati1, Maria Goffredi, Claudia Moscheni
1Institute of Endocrinology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Summary
Adipose tissue cellularity and adipocyte size change with weight variations in adults. Hypertrophy, not hyperplasia, is key in significant weight changes, impacting body mass index (BMI) and diabetes risk.
Area of Science:
- Adipose tissue biology
- Human morphometrics
- Metabolic health
Background:
- Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation.
- Understanding adipocyte characteristics is vital for comprehending metabolic disorders.
- Previous research has explored adipocyte size and number in various physiological states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess adipose tissue cellularity and adipocyte size in non-related adults.
- To investigate correlations between adipose tissue morphometrics and anthropometric/clinical variables.
- To explore the role of adipocyte hypertrophy versus hyperplasia in weight fluctuations.
Main Methods:
- Visceral fat biopsies (epiploic appendixes) were collected from 56 adult patients.
- A morphometric model quantified adipocyte volume fraction, size distribution, and number per unit volume.
- Evaluated variables included body mass index (BMI), weight variations, lifestyle, and diabetes status.
Main Results:
- Adipocyte volume fraction, size distribution, and number per unit volume showed opposing trends across BMI and weight change categories.
- A significant negative linear relationship was found between adipocyte number per unit volume and BMI/weight variations.
- Diabetic patients exhibited a plurimodal adipocyte size distribution, unlike the unimodal pattern in normal-weight individuals.
Conclusions:
- Adipocyte hypertrophy, rather than hyperplasia, appears to be the primary mechanism during significant weight changes in adulthood.
- These findings contribute to understanding adipose tissue adaptation in response to weight fluctuations and metabolic conditions.
- The study highlights distinct adipocyte characteristics associated with normal metabolism versus diabetes.
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