This book presents a comprehensive survey of adipose tissue, its physiological functions, and its role in disease. The volume spans the entire range of adipose tissue studies, from basic anatomical and physiological research to epidemiology and clinical studies. Groundbreaking recent studies are incorporated into traditional models of adipose tissue properties. A description of the role of macrophages in obesity and metabolism in included.

Functions of Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease.

This timely and most comprehensive reference available on the topic covers all the different aspects vital in the fight against the global obesity epidemic. Following a look at adipose tissue development and morphology, the authors go on to examine its metabolic and endocrine functions and its role in disease. The final section deals with comparative and evolutionary aspects of the tissue. The result is an essential resource for cell and molecular biologists, physiologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, and those working in the pharmaceutical industry.

Adipose tissue, a kind of connective tissue, plays different and significant roles in the human body. Its function includes protection against environmental factors, storage of lipids and triacylglycerol, and the process of thermogenesis. It is also involved in the secretion of highly active biomolecules such as steroid hormones, prostaglandins, as well as proteins called “adipokines.” On the other hand, disturbances in functions of adipose tissue may cause several pathologies such as obesity and insulin resistance. Obesity is a worldwide health problem, whereas diabetes mellitus due to insulin resistance is defined by the World Health Organization as “a progressive worldwide epidemic.” Especially dangerous is visceral accumulation of adipose tissue.This book describes a series of up-to-date topics about physiological and pathological processes in adipose tissue.

Nutritional genomics paves the way for novel applications in medicine and human nutrition, and this volume presents the latest data on how genetic variation is associated with dietary response and how nutrients influence gene expression. In so doing, it brings together the various disciplines involved in this field of research, making this essential reading for nutritionists, biochemists and molecular biologists.