Resumen

MARCANO, Yamileth et al. Funciones endocrinas del tejido adiposo. Rev. Venez. Endocrinol. Metab. [online]. 2006, vol.4, n.1, pp.15-21. ISSN 1690-3110.

Adipose tissue has been considered as an endocrine organ which is able to secreting several peptides directly involved with obesity. Adipose tissue is also the main body energetic storage and its functional unit is the adipocite. Two types of adipose tissue are known: white and brown adipose tissue; the first one has an endocrine function and it is widely spread in whole body including two compartments: subcutaneous and visceral. Peptides secreted by adipose tissue are involved in different systems: body weight regulation: leptin, adiponectin; immune system: alpha tumour necrosis factor, interleukin 1 and 6; vascular function: angiotensin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-l; and insulin resistance pathogenesis: resistin. The knowledge of these substances open a new door for understanding of obesity and its treatment.

Palabras clave : Adipose tissue; endocrine organ; obesity.