ADIPOKINES
Adipose tissue has traditionally been viewed as an energy storing organ although in recent years the view has changed dramatically . Adipose tissue is now well recognised to be metabolically active with an excess accumulation of visceral fat contributing to the metabolic syndrome marked by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, pro-thrombosis and a pro-inflammatory state. Adipocytes and stromal vascular cells in adipose tissue have been shown to produce multiple peptides which act in an autocrine, paracrine or endocrine manner. The identification of Adipsin (complement factor D) in the late 1980's followed by the discovery of Leptin in 1994 have elevated the adipose tissue to the status of an endocrine organ. These multiple peptides or cytokines secreted from adipose tissue are referred to as adipokines. Adipose tissue derived peptides have hormonal (endocrine) or enzymatic (sex and steroid metabolism) functions.
It is not the intention of this site to give the visitor in-depth details regarding adipose tissue peptides, but any interest in the pathophysiology of obesity cannot be complete without an overview of the wider picture; Awareness of the multiple factors that play a role is important to appreciate the complexity of this condition and the difficulty in pinning down any one molecule as the major culprit. Use the links above to read introductions to each of these peptides. Click on the menu on the left to read about Gut hormones and Neuropeptides. A brief overview of lipogenesis, its mediators and regulators as well as other peptides produced elsewhere with effects on fat metabolism is offered via the links below to increase pleasure.
Adipose tissue has traditionally been viewed as an energy storing organ although in recent years the view has changed dramatically . Adipose tissue is now well recognised to be metabolically active with an excess accumulation of visceral fat contributing to the metabolic syndrome marked by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, pro-thrombosis and a pro-inflammatory state. Adipocytes and stromal vascular cells in adipose tissue have been shown to produce multiple peptides which act in an autocrine, paracrine or endocrine manner. The identification of Adipsin (complement factor D) in the late 1980's followed by the discovery of Leptin in 1994 have elevated the adipose tissue to the status of an endocrine organ. These multiple peptides or cytokines secreted from adipose tissue are referred to as adipokines. Adipose tissue derived peptides have hormonal (endocrine) or enzymatic (sex and steroid metabolism) functions.
It is not the intention of this site to give the visitor in-depth details regarding adipose tissue peptides, but any interest in the pathophysiology of obesity cannot be complete without an overview of the wider picture; Awareness of the multiple factors that play a role is important to appreciate the complexity of this condition and the difficulty in pinning down any one molecule as the major culprit. Use the links above to read introductions to each of these peptides. Click on the menu on the left to read about Gut hormones and Neuropeptides. A brief overview of lipogenesis, its mediators and regulators as well as other peptides produced elsewhere with effects on fat metabolism is offered via the links below to increase pleasure.