Adipose tissue hormones
Adipose tissue ranks among the large endocrine organs with the production of its many actions. Individual hormones (see below), the most famous of which is probably the hormone leptin, are currently undergoing intensive research, as it is hoped that they could be useful in the treatment of obesity. For example, it was the discovery of leptin and mutations of the gene for its receptor (LEP-R) that explained several types of familial obesity.
The currently known hormones are:
Leptin
Leptin (from the greek leptos − narrow, thin) is a hormone produced by cells of adipose tissue − adipocytes. Leptin production increases with the amount of fat in the cells. In general, a low leptin concentration signals starvation. Most obese patients have hyperleptinemia. Leptin regulates food intake and energy expenditure. Peripherally affects insuline sensitivity. Phylogenetically designed to adapt the body to long-term starvation.
