What is the Origin of Adipocyte Signalling?

The concept of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ, the origin of this signalling framework, emerged definitively in the mid-1990s with the discovery of leptin, a key adipokine. The term combines 'adipocyte,' derived from the Greek words adipo meaning fat and kytos meaning cell, with the biological concept of cellular communication. This realization fundamentally shifted the clinical perspective on obesity and metabolic disease.

What is the Mechanism of Adipocyte Signalling?

The primary mechanism involves the release of adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, which act on distant target organs like the hypothalamus, liver, and skeletal muscle. Leptin modulates satiety and energy expenditure through central nervous system pathways. Adiponectin, conversely, enhances insulin sensitivity and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects, directly linking fat cell communication to glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular health.

Adipocyte Signalling ∞ Area

Adipocyte Signalling

Meaning

Adipocyte signalling refers to the complex communication network orchestrated by adipose tissue, recognizing fat cells not merely as energy stores but as active endocrine regulators. This intricate process involves the secretion of various hormones and cytokines that influence systemic metabolism, appetite regulation, and inflammatory status throughout the body. Understanding this signaling is paramount for addressing metabolic health and longevity concerns.