About

Recent attention has been given to the ability of adipose to function as endocrine organ via secretion of adipokines and cytokines. But at the most basic level adipose tissue has two major functions;

1. Take up fatty acids and glucose to store as triglycerides as the body’s energy reserves (Anabolic signaling in response to insulin).
2. Release fatty acids and glycerol through lipolysis for energy use  when nutrients are low (Catabolic signaling in response to catecholamines, etc.).

These signaling events do not occur in isolation. Adipose tissue has an important role in responding to anabolic and catabolic signals to regulate WHOLE BODY metabolic homeostasis.

Overall, our conviction is that derangements in these anabolic and catabolic processes underlie many aspects of obesity-induced pathophysiology.