In adults, white adipose is the predominant fat tissue. It is structurally and functionally distinct from brown fat, which contains many mitochondria that can generate heat from stored lipids. White fat differs from brown in other crucial ways, as well. Unlike brown adipocytes, white fat cells are able to expand almost 1000-fold in volume, and white fat is a significant endocrine organ throughout life, secreting a broad range of adipokines (hormones and other signaling factors) that exert considerable influence over whole-body immune balance and inflammatory tone.
Pro-Resolving Mediators Can Shift Immune Balance in Fat Tissue
NUTRITION CONCLUSION
In addition to their many other immune roles, pro-resolving mediators (PRMs) interact with adipose tissues intensively, and can alter their potentially proinflammatory messaging. There is increasing evidence that tissue insufficiency of PRMs may contribute to the metabolic consequences often seen in individuals with heightened body adiposity.