Endocrinology of adipose tissue - an update

Abstract

Adipose tissue is the body's largest repository of energy and it plays an important role in total energy homeostasis. Moreover, it is now well recognized as an endocrine organ. A wide range of different factors including complex proteins as well as fatty acids, prostaglandins, and steroids are either synthesized de novo or converted in adipose tissue and released into the blood stream. These so-called adipokines contribute to the development of obesity-related disorders, particularly type-2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we present an overview on the endocrine functions of adipose tissue with a special focus on discoveries reported within the past 5 years.