Adipøst

Adipøst is a Danish adjective used to describe something relating to adipose tissue or with high fat content. In medical and anatomical contexts it most often denotes tissue or substances composed predominantly of adipose tissue.

Adipose tissue stores energy in the form of triacylglycerols within adipocytes. It also cushions organs and provides insulation. Beyond storage, adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ that secretes adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and inflammatory cytokines, influencing appetite, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism.

Two main types are recognized: white adipose tissue (WAT) for energy storage and brown adipose tissue (BAT) for thermogenesis via UCP1; beige adipocytes arise in WAT under stimuli like cold exposure. Distribution matters: visceral fat surrounds internal organs and is linked to higher metabolic risk compared with subcutaneous fat.

Regulation of adipose tissue mass depends on caloric balance; adipocyte size increases (hypertrophy) and can also increase in number (hyperplasia). Hormones (insulin, cortisol), catecholamines, and inflammatory signals modulate lipolysis and lipogenesis.

Clinical relevance includes the association of excess adipose tissue with obesity and metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Lipodystrophies involve loss of adipose tissue and metabolic complications. Adipose tissue dysfunction can accompany aging and chronic inflammation.

Terminology: the root adip- derives from Greek lipos; in Danish usage adipøst describes fat-rich or adipose tissue-related characteristics.