Adipose tissue. Pathophysiology, distribution, sex differences and the role in inflammation and cancerogenesis

Abstract

The role of adipose tissue is energy storage, but there is increasing evidence that adipocytes and adipokines are involved in metabolic and inflammatory processess. This paper reviews the pathophysiology of different adipose tissue depots. Interrelationships between sex hormones, adipose tissue and risk factors are also disscussed. Present study focuses on the effects of adipokines on immune system and on the mechanisms relating adiposity to cancer risk.
(Pol J Endocrinol 2007; 58 (4): 330-342)