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Updated: May 29, 2026
Localization, Identification, and Excision of Murine Adipose Depots
Published on: December 4, 2014
Is adipose tissue metabolically different at different sites?
Angel Gil1, Josune Olza, Mercedes Gil-Campos
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Insights
This review explores how white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) differ metabolically, especially in children. Understanding these differences, including subcutaneous WAT and visceral WAT, may help treat childhood obesity.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic differences in adipose tissue.
- Pediatric focus on adipose tissue metabolism.
Background:
- Adipose tissue comprises adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction cells.
- Two main types: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT), with distinct properties.
- WAT stores energy; BAT dissipates energy as heat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review metabolic differences of adipose tissue at various body sites, with an emphasis on pediatrics.
- To highlight the distinct roles and properties of WAT and BAT.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies for childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on adipose tissue metabolism.
- Comparison of functional, morphological, and molecular characteristics of WAT and BAT.
- Analysis of the distinct properties of subcutaneous WAT (SWAT) and visceral WAT (VWAT).
Main Results:
- WAT and BAT exhibit significant functional, morphological, and molecular differences.
- Visceral WAT (VWAT) is linked to metabolic diseases, while SWAT and BAT possess beneficial properties.
- SWAT and VWAT adipocytes originate from different progenitors with distinct gene expression patterns.
Conclusions:
- SWAT and BAT have beneficial metabolic properties, contrasting with VWAT's association with metabolic dysfunction.
- Research into BAT and SWAT transplantation, including novel progenitor sources, shows promise for treating childhood obesity.
Abstract:
This review focuses on metabolic differences of adipose tissue at different sites of the body, with emphasis in pediatrics. Adipose tissue is composed of various cell types, which include adipocytes and other cells of the stromal vascular fraction such as preadipocytes, blood cells, endothelial cells and macrophages. Mammals have two main types of adipose tissue: white adipose tissue (WAT), and brown adipose tissue (BAT), each of which possesses unique cell autonomous properties. WAT and BAT differ at the functional, as well as the morphological and molecular levels. WAT accumulates surplus energy mainly in the form of triacylglycerols and BAT dissipates energy directly as heat. Recently, functional BAT in humans has been located in the neck, supraclavicular, mediastinal and interscapular areas. WAT is distributed throughout the body in the form of two major types: subcutaneous adipose tissue (SWAT) and the intra-abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VWAT). VWAT tissue is associated with insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis, hepatic steatosis, and overall mortality whereas SWAT and BAT have intrinsic beneficial metabolic properties. Subcutaneous and visceral adipocytes derive from different progenitor cells that exhibit a different gene expression pattern. SWAT responds better to the antilipolytic effects of insulin and other hormones, secrets more adiponectin and less inflammatory cytokines, and is differentially affected by molecules involved in signal transduction as well as drugs compared with VWAT. Current research is investigating various approaches of BAT and SWAT transplantation, including new sources of adipocyte progenitors. This may be important for the potential treatment of childhood obesity.
