ADIPOSE-TISSUE - SECRET FACETS

Adipose differentiation is a sequential process (adipoblasts --> pread ipocytes --> adipocytes). Adipogenic factors are only involved in the terminal differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes by means of ci rculating hormones (growth hormone, glucocorticoids, insulin, triiodot hyronine) and locally produced hormones (prostacylin, IGF-I). Fatty ac ids also behave as hormones and act as transcriptional regulators of l ipid-related genes. Once differentiated, adipocytes become secretory c ells able to synthetize and release numerous peptide and nonpeptide co mpounds, suggesting a potential link between excess of adipose tissue mass and various physiopathologic consequences.