The role of TNF alpha in adipocyte metabolism

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) is a multifunctional cytokine which exerts a myriad of biological actions in different tissues and species. Ma ny of these actions can perturb the normal regulation of energy metabolism. In adipose tissue, in particular, TNF alpha has been demonstrated to regul ate or interfere with adipocyte metabolism at numerous sites including tran scriptional regulation, glucose and fatty acid metabolism and hormone recep tor signaling. The implications of these perturbations in disease states an d the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms utilised by TNF alp ha are discussed herein.