title: Adipose tissue as an endocrine organ.
abstract: Obesity is one of the most important health challenges faced by developed countries and is increasingly affecting adolescents and children. Obesity is also a considerable risk factor for the development of numerous other chronic diseases, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The epidemic proportions of obesity and its numerous comorbidities are bringing into focus the highly complex and metabolically active adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is increasingly being considered as a functional endocrine organ. This article discusses the endocrine effects of adipose tissue during obesity and the systemic impact of this signaling.
authors.affiliation: College of Science, Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic Diseases, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McGown
authors.forename: Aybike
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Birerdinc
authors.forename: Zobair M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Younossi
mesh_terms: D054392:Adipokines / Q000502:physiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D050152:Intra-Abdominal Fat / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D054392:Adipokines; D016207:Cytokines
keywords: Adipose tissue; Endocrine; Hypoxia; Inflammation; Insulin resistance; Obesity