title: The adipose tissue as an endocrine organ.
abstract: During the past 2 decades, results of both basic science and clinical studies have changed the physicians' views about adipocyte pathophysiology. Since leptin was discovered in 1994, white adipose tissue was recognized as an endocrine organ and an important source of biologically active substances with local and/or systemic action called adipokines. Inappropriate secretion of several adipokines by the excessive amount of white adipose tissue seems to participate in the pathogenesis of obesity-related pathologic processes including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. In this review endocrine action of selected adipokines (mainly leptin and adiponectin) in the context of kidney diseases is discussed. Specifically, the role of these adipokines in malnutrition, chronic kidney disease progression, and pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications is presented.
authors: Department of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
authors: Marcin
authors: M
authors: Adamczak
authors: Andrzej
authors: A
authors: Wiecek
mesh_terms: D054392:Adipokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D054392:Adipokines