Table 1 Functions of visceral adipose tissue compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue.
From: HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome (HARS): definition, epidemiology and clinical impact
Visceral Adipose Tissue | Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue |
|---|---|
Major predictor of insulin resistance | Preadipocytes have greater differentiation capacity |
Associated with metabolic syndrome | Unclear association with metabolic syndrome |
Less responsive to adipogenic effects of insulin | Â |
Portal drainage | Â |
May enhance lipolysis of truncal subcutaneous adipose tissue | May replenish visceral adipose tissue |
Produces more interleukin-6 | Produces leptin |
Produces more plasminogen activator-1 | Â |
More surface glucocorticoid receptors | Â |
High density of surface androgen receptors, inhibit expression of lipoprotein lipase and fatty acid uptake | Estrogen promotes accumulation |
Altered glucose uptake | Less glucose uptake |
Enzyme 11-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11-β HSD1) converts cortisone to cortisol | Enzyme 11-β HSD1 barely detectable |
Associated with impaired skeletal muscle fat oxidation | Â |
Associated with atherosclerosis | May protect against atherosclerosis |