Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide in the last 50 years, reaching pandemic levels. The etiology of obesity is multifactorial, involving a complex of interaction among genetics, hormones and the environment. The adipose tissue plays a central role in regulating whole body energy. In one hand, the adipose tissue stores energy in the form of lipid and controls the lipid mobilization and distribution in the body, and on the other hand, adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organ and produces numerous bioactive factors such as adipocytokines. Moreover, brown and beige adipose tissue burn lipid by dissipating energy in the form of heat to maintain euthermia and have been considered as a new way to counteract obesity. In this review, we will summarize the recent findings of the types of adipose tissue and their role in controlling metabolism, focusing on its endocrine function. This review describes the molecular actions and clinical significance of the some important adipocytokines.
