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Fat is not just for storing energy! Why is adipose tissue now considered the body's endocrine organ?
Adipose tissue, or body fat, has traditionally been viewed as a mere storehouse of energy. However, scientific research increasingly shows that adipose tissue also plays important endocrine functions in the human body. This endocrine property has transformed our understanding of fat and impacted the study of obesity and its associated metabolic diseases.
Adipose tissue is not just a passive energy storage, they can actually secrete various hormones and cytokines, affecting the metabolism and immune system of the whole body.
With a deeper understanding of adipose tissue, scientists have discovered that it produces leptin, estrogen, resistin and a variety of cytokines, especially tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). ). These substances not only affect the body's energy balance, but are also closely related to health problems such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Physiological functions of adipose tissue
The main role of adipose tissue is to store energy and release it when needed to meet the body's needs. In addition, adipose tissue also has the function of protecting organs and keeping warm. These functions are closely related to the overall health of the body.
In patients with obesity, excess adipose tissue continuously releases pro-inflammatory markers called adipokines, which may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. . This makes adipose tissue no longer just a simple energy storage tool, but an active endocrine system that can affect the health of the whole body.
The role of adipose tissue is not limited to storing energy, it also resists cellular inflammation and metabolic disorders by secreting hormones.
Types and distribution of fat
There are two main forms of fat in the human body: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). White fat is primarily used to store energy, while brown fat plays a role in thermogenesis. These two types of adipose tissue have different distribution and functions in the human body.
White adipose tissue
White adipose tissue is mainly distributed in the subcutaneous tissue and around the internal organs, and is the most common type of fat. This suggests a strong link between energy storage and related diseases.
Brown adipose tissue
Brown adipose tissue is mainly located near the neck and chest and can generate heat by metabolizing fat, which is particularly important for newborns and winter animals. Recent research has found that brown fat is also present in adults and may play an important role in weight loss.
Obesity and endocrine function
Obesity not only affects appearance, but also causes a variety of health problems. According to research, visceral fat accumulation is considered a major contributor to the problem and is linked to a variety of chronic diseases. This highlights the need to control weight and maintain healthy fat ratios.
Obesity is the root cause of many endocrine problems, which requires us to re-evaluate the function and impact of adipose tissue.
In addition, several studies have shown that obesity may alter the physiological characteristics of adipose tissue, further causing health problems. Therefore, how to flexibly utilize the endocrine function of adipose tissue and adjust a healthy lifestyle has become a major current challenge.
Future directions of research
The scientific community’s research on adipose tissue is still in-depth, and future research may focus on how to stimulate the activity of adipose tissue to improve its endocrine function. For example, promoting the growth of brown fat through diet, exercise, etc. may become a new strategy for controlling obesity and related chronic diseases.
In addition, a comprehensive analysis of the function of all cell types in adipose tissue could help develop treatments for obesity. This means that the complexity and activity of adipose tissue provides new insights into the drivers of health.
It can be seen that the role of adipose tissue is increasingly valued, and future in-depth research in this field will help us understand the complex relationship between health and disease. Against this backdrop, should we redefine the relationship between health and fat?
