Adiposo

Adiposo is an adjective used in several languages to describe adipose tissue, or fat-related structures. In medical English, the corresponding term is adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is a loose connective tissue dominated by adipocytes that store energy as triglycerides and contribute to cushioning and insulation. It also contains preadipocytes, immune cells, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix.

Adipose tissue exists in several functional forms. White adipose tissue stores energy and secretes hormones and cytokines; brown adipose tissue is enriched in mitochondria and expresses the thermogenic protein UCP1 to generate heat. Beige adipocytes can appear within white fat in response to cold or adrenergic stimulation. Development starts from mesenchymal stem cells that differentiate into preadipocytes and mature adipocytes, a process governed by transcription factors such as PPARγ and C/EBPs.

Endocrine and metabolic roles: adipocytes secrete adipokines including leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and others that regulate appetite, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and lipid metabolism. Adipose tissue participates in immune responses and extracellular signaling. Location matters: visceral fat around internal organs and subcutaneous fat under the skin have different associations with metabolic risk; excess visceral fat is linked to insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease.

Pathology and clinical relevance: obesity involves expansion of adipose tissue through adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia and is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Lipodystrophy and aging alter adipose tissue distribution and function. Imaging and measurement of adipose tissue distribution are used in clinical and research settings.