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Horm Metab Res 2007; 39(10): 722-725
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-990274
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Adipose Tissue Metabolism - An Aspect We Should not Neglect?

M. D. Jensen 1
  • 1Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
Further Information

Publication History

received 16.10.2006

accepted 27.04.2007

Publication Date:
22 October 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Free fatty acids (FFAs) are the most metabolically important products of adipose tissue lipolysis. Experimentally creating high FFA concentrations can reproduce the metabolic abnormalities of obesity in lean, healthy persons and lowering FFA concentrations can improve the metabolic health of upper body obese individuals. FFA concentrations are determined by both the release of FFAs into the bloodstream and the clearance of FFAs from the bloodstream. Normal FFA release rates are different in men and women and total FFA release is closely linked to resting energy expenditure. Upper body subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and leg fat depots contribute differently to the exposure of various tissues to FFAs. The implications of regional adipose tissue lipolysis to systemic FFA availability and the effect of different approaches to treatment of obesity are discussed.

Key words

free fatty acids - lipolysis - body fat distribution - obesity

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Correspondence

M. D. JensenMD 

Endocrine Research Unit

Mayo Clinic

200 1st Street SW

Rm 5-194 Joseph

Rochester

55905 MN

USA

Phone: +1/507/255 65 15

Fax: +1/507/255 48 28

Email: jensen.michael@mayo.edu