脂肪細胞の科学

Adipose tissue secretes a variety of bioactive molecules (adipocytokines) that directlycontribute to the development of life-style related diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension,and cardiovascular diseases. TNF-α is a well - known inhibitor of insulin signaling and PAI(plasminogen activator inhibitor) - 1 contributes to thrombus formation. Adiponectin has anaction both insulin sensitivity and anti - atherogenic action. Interestingly, low plasmaadiponectin concentrations were observed in patients with obesity, coronary artery disease(CAD), and type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin from the plasma adhered to the injured arteryand suppressed the endothelial expression of adhesion molecules, the proliferation ofvascular smooth muscle cells, and the transformation of macrophage to foam cells. Thesefindings support that accumulation of fat produces not only insulin resistance but alsoatherosclrosis in obese subjects.