Regional differences in adipocyte metabolism and possible consequences in vivo.

Recent studies have shown that adipose tissue metabolism varies in different regions. Thus, hormonal responsiveness and sensitivity to both lipolytic and anti-lipolytic agent is increased in abdominal as compared to femoral cells. Abdominal obesity is also associated with greater aberrations in metabolism than peripheral obesity. The increased lipolytic response in abdominal fat cells may lead to higher FFA concentrations, which may attenuate both glucose uptake and insulin clearance by the liver.