Received 28 January 2009; received in revised form 20 March 2009; accepted 24 March 2009. published online 08 July 2009.
Adipose tissue has been viewed as the primary source of stored energy, but with the discovery of novel adipose tissue gene products, i.e., adipokines, another equally important role has emerged. Adipose tissue is a key endocrine organ involved in multiple processes, including glucose homeostasis, steroid production, immunoregulation, hematopoesis, and reproduction. The distribution of adipose tissue may also have a significant impact on reproductive function.
aDivision of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
bDivision of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky
Reprint requests: Henry Bohler, Jr., M.D., Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Healthcare, University of Louisville, 401 E. Chestnut Street, 4th Floor, Suite 410, Louisville, KY 40202 (FAX: 502-271-5984).
H.B. has nothing to disclose. S.M. has nothing to disclose. S.W. has nothing to disclose.
ABSTRACT