Adipose Tissue

Adipose Tissue Latest News

Recently, scientists highlighted that adipose tissue (fat) is not only a passive storage site for excess calories but acts as metabolic and endocrine organ.

About Adipose Tissue

• Adipose tissue, otherwise known as body fat, is a connective tissue that extends throughout the body.
•  It’s found under skin (subcutaneous fat), between internal organs (visceral fat) and even in the inner cavities of bones (bone marrow adipose tissue).

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Types of Adipose Tissue

• White adipose tissue
  • It is the most abundant type of fat in adults, and it stores energy in the form of triglycerides
  • Functions:
    • It releases hormones like leptin that reduce appetite, as well as adiponectin, which regulates insulin and blood sugar levels.
    •  It also cushions organs, insulates against heat loss and acts as a metabolic buffer, safely storing excess lipids.
    • They contribute to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk.
• Brown adipose tissue (Fat)
  • It is specialized to burn energy.
  • Brown adipose cells are packed with mitochondria and contain a protein called UCP1 that allows them to convert chemical energy directly into heat.
• Beige fat cells

• • These cells arise within white fat depots under certain conditions – such as cold exposure or specific hormonal signals.
  • They acquire some of the heat-producing properties of brown fat.

Source: TH