What is the Origin of Adipose Tissue Endocrinology?

The term combines "adipose tissue," derived from the Latin adeps (fat), and "endocrinology," from the Greek endon (within) and krinein (to secrete). The clinical concept solidified with the discovery of leptin in the mid-1990s, revealing fat's true function as a major secretory organ. This recognition fundamentally shifted the scientific paradigm regarding body fat's complex physiological function and its link to chronic disease.

What is the Mechanism of Adipose Tissue Endocrinology?

Adipocytes release a diverse array of signaling proteins, collectively termed adipokines, which include leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. These adipokines travel through the circulation to modulate distant target organs like the liver, muscle, and brain, influencing energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity. Dysregulation in this precise secretory pattern, often seen in excess adiposity, contributes directly to insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation, fundamentally impacting metabolic health.

Adipose Tissue Endocrinology

Meaning

The study of adipose tissue (body fat) as an active endocrine organ that secretes a diverse array of hormones and signaling molecules. This critical field examines how fat cells influence systemic metabolism, inflammation, and overall hormonal balance throughout the body. The perspective moves beyond viewing fat solely as an inert energy storage depot, recognizing its powerful role in whole-body communication.