Impact of visceral adipose tissue on liver metabolism Part I: Heterogeneity of adipose tissue and functional properties of visceral adipose tissue

Excess visceral adipose tissue is associated with anomalies of blood glucose homoeostasis, elevation of plasma triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol that contribute to the later appearance of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular syndromes. Visceral adipose tissue releases a lame amount of free fatty acids and hormones/cytokines in the portal vein that are delivered to the liver, and interact with hepatocytes and various immune cells in the liver. The functional characteristics of visceral adipose tissue will be compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue to clarify the major mechanisms affecting free fatty acid metabolism and cytokine production. (c) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.