Abstract des Autors

In recent years, views regarding the function of adipose tissue have undergone a fundamental change. Adipose tissue is no longer regarded as providing only protection against heat loss and storage of triglycerides, but is also considered an endocrinologically active organ which produces numerous biologically active peptides known as adipokines, which have significant influence on metabolic changes in the human body. Many studies have noted a correlation between the secretion of adipokines on one hand and obesity, the development of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and the occurrence of inflammatory reactions on the other. Among the hormones produced by adipose tissue are leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge in the literature on these newly discovered adipokines. Verf.-Referat