The colors of adipose tissue and the relationship with irisin

Abstract

Excess adipose tissue is considered one of the main causes of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Initially, the adipose tissue was considered the main lipid and energy storage of the organism. Subsequently, it was discovered that adipose tissue had other functions such as endocrine, controlling different metabolic and immune processes. At present, different types of adipose tissue are recognized. The white adipocyte represents the main energy reserve, on the contrary, the brown adipocyte is responsible for the oxidation of lipids for thermogenesis. The beige adipocyte originates from the white adipocyte, by a process known as "browning," which leads to lipolysis and thermogenesis. The three previous types have recently joined the blue adipocyte, which has a role in liver retinoid homeostasis and the pink adipocyte that participates in lactogenesis and is present in the mammary gland of animals; its role is still unknown in humans. The newly identified hormone irisin is secreted by the skeletal muscle and promotes browning of white to beige adipose tissue, thus favoring thermogenesis. Another interesting aspect of this hormone is that it represents a connection between muscle activity and lipolysis. The above suggests that irisin may be the key in the prevention and treatment of obesity.