The Endocrine Role of Adipose Tissue and Its Management of Obesity-Related Diseases.

Abstract

Adipose tissue plays a central role in regulating whole-body energy. Moreover, adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organ and produces numerous bioactive factors called adipokines which communicate with other organs and modulate a range of metabolic pathways: proteins (adiponectin, angiopoietins, chemerin, etc.), lipids (fatty acid esters of hydroxyl fatty acids, lysophosphatidic acids and sphingolipids), metabolites (uric acid and uridine) and microRNAs. However, excessive adipose tissue is associated with a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, caused by unbalanced production or secretion of these adipokines and can contribute to the development of obesity [1].