THE ACYLATION STIMULATING PROTEIN-ADIPSIN SYSTEM

Considerable evidence indicates that obesity, and in particular abdomi nal obesity, is a risk factor for both heart disease and non-insulin d ependent diabetes mellitus. In spite of this, little is known of the r egulation of triacylglycerol synthesis in adipose tissue other than by insulin. Acylation stimulating protein (ASP), a human plasma protein, stimulates triacylglycerol synthesis in adipose tissue and is also pr oduced by human adipocytes. ASP may play a physiological role in the r egulation of efficiency of adipose tissue fat storage and affect clear ance of triglycerides from plasma.