Fat tissue metabolism and adrenal steroid secretion.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in Western societies, contributing to metabolic diseases, hypertension, and vascular diseases. White adipose tissue has traditionally been regarded merely as lipid, and consequently, as energy storage. However, recent data revealed the importance of adipose tissue as a highly active endocrine organ and its involvement in the body's metabolism and homeostasis. Obesity is associated with several endocrine disorders, including adrenocortical malfunction. Because of the central role of adrenal function in the body's homeostasis, adrenal malfunction is important in the development of other obesity-related abnormalities. Therefore, in this short review, we summarize recent data on obesity-induced changes in adrenocortical mineralocorticoid, glucocorticoid, and androgen secretions and their consequences for metabolism.