THE TRADITIONAL VIEW of adipose tissue as a passive reservoir for energy storage is no longer valid. This review presents an overview of the endocrine functions of adipose tissue. A better understanding of the endocrine function of adipose tissue will likely lead to more rational therapy for these increasingly prevalent disorders. The important endocrine function of adipose tissue is emphasized by the adverse metabolic consequences of both adipose tissue excess and deficiency. Adipose tissue is also a major site for metabolism of sex steroids and glucocorticoids. These factors include leptin, other cytokines, adiponectin, complement components, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, proteins of the renin-angiotensin system, and resistin. Adipose tissue not only responds to afferent signals from traditional hormone systems and the central nervous system but also expresses and secretes factors with important endocrine functions. Together these components function as an integrated unit. Besides adipocytes, adipose tissue contains connective tissue matrix, nerve tissue, stromovascular cells, and immune cells. Adipose tissue is a complex, essential, and highly active metabolic and endocrine organ.
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