[Adipose tissue: a real endocrine gland synthesizing hormones and cytokines: clinical implications].

Adipose tissue (AT) is not considered anymore as a passive depot for storing excess energy in the form of triglycerides but as an active organ secreting several hormones or adipokines. With the exception of adiponectin the serum levels of adipokines are increased in obesity. Leptin regulates food intake, reproductive and immune system. Adiponectin decreases insulin resistance and has antiinflammatory properties. On the contrary, resisting, tumor necrosis factor and Interleukin-6 are diabetogenic and induce inflammatory reactions. It is believed that atherosclerosis is due to the inflammation induced by oxydized LDL-cholesterol in vessels. Abdominal obesity is associated with increased incidence of metabolic disorders and insulin resistance. The role of adipokines in these disorders is described as well as their role in the antidiabetic effect of thiazo-linedinediones. AT contains also enzymes responsible for the aromatization of androstenedione into estrone, which could explain an increase of breast and uterus cancer in obese people.