Adipose tissue: its colors and versatility ; Tecido adiposo: suas cores e versatilidade

Introduction: The adipose tissue and adipocytes have been widely studied due to its relationship with obesity. Objective: Identify historical and relevant topics about the adipose tissue metabolic function, especially regarding its potential as therapeutical target handling metabolic diseases. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was done after a search with no date restriction in the PubMed database. Results: The demonstration of a termogenic adipose tissue existence in human adults, promoted a great interest in the adipose tissue study, due it potential as therapeutic target do treat obesity. The plasticity and versality of adipose tissue are evidenced by several adipocytes investigated nowadays. The classically known white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT), the recent discovered: beige/brite, also known as inducible BAT; besides the pink adipocyte and bone marrow adipocytes. Regarding the functional differences, the WAT is responsible for energy storage as lipids, thus directly related to obesity. While BAT can increase metabolic rate and reduce obesity, because of its high oxidative capacity. In this context, the beige adipose tissue has double function: Behave as WAT and store energy excess as lipids or when stimulated (cold exposure, simphathetic stimulation), the beige adipose tissue termogenic program is activated and UCP1 (Uncoupling Protein-1) expression is elevated to same level as BAT, what increases energy dissipation. The adipose tissue shows its versality adapting to distinctive metabolic conditions, in specific conditions as lactation, hematopoiesis, by its action as endocrine organ or energy metabolism modulation. Conclusion: Thus, the understanding of functional and molecular adipocyte features, enable to identify new treatments for metabolic disorders. ; Introdução: O tecido adiposo e suas células tem sido amplamente estudados devido à sua relação íntima com a obesidade. Objetivo: Identificar aspectos históricos e relevantes sobre o avanço na compreensão da função ...