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Updated: May 16, 2026
08:53
Localization, Identification, and Excision of Murine Adipose Depots
Published on: December 4, 2014
Toxicological function of adipose tissue: focus on persistent organic pollutants
Michele La Merrill1, Claude Emond, Min Ji Kim
1Department of Preventive Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Adipose tissue (AT) stores persistent organic pollutants (POPs), protecting organs but posing long-term risks through slow release. AT also acts as a target, mediating POPs
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Adipose tissue (AT) plays crucial roles in metabolic regulation, energy storage, and endocrine functions.
- The established functions of AT are vital for maintaining physiological homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- This review examines the evidence for an additional function of AT: modulating the toxicity of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
- We explore the mechanisms by which AT influences POP toxicity.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the interactions between AT and POPs.
- This review synthesizes existing research to propose a model for AT's role in POP toxicity.
Main Results:
- AT functions as a storage depot for lipophilic POPs, significantly impacting their toxicokinetics.
- By sequestering POPs, AT can offer temporary protection to other organs from overload.
- However, long-term accumulation of POPs in AT increases the total body burden and poses risks, especially during weight loss.
Conclusions:
- Adipose tissue plays a dual role in POP toxicity, acting as both a modulator and a target.
- POPs can induce obesogenic and proinflammatory effects in AT, leading to detrimental metabolic consequences.
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