Adipose tissue-derived proteins, or ‘adipokines’, exert a wide range of physiological actions, connecting this tissue with the rest of organs and systems in the body, and thus linking fat storage depots with central regulation of energy balance, metabolic homeostasis, immune status, reproductive capacity, angiogenesis or inflammatory response (Trayhurn and Wood 2004). Adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity takes place with an altered production of most adipokines; this outcome is also shown in related pathological conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle habits, in particular physical activity, are modifiable risk factors for obesity and obesity-related disturbances. Both physical activity and fitness have been inversely associated with all-cause mortality and chronic diseases, including CVD, in early ages as well as in adulthood (Eisenmann 2007; Kamper et al. 1996). Adipose tissuederived proteins, or adipokines, have revealed themselves as key modulators of energy homeostasis and inflammatory balance, playing a determinant role in the regulation of systemic insulin sensitivity. The mechanisms through which physical activity and fitness influence chronic disease risk have not been entirely clarified yet, although the new inflammatory markers, amongst them adipokines, are likely candidates in mediating physical activity and fitness health benefits. Physical activity and physical fitness provide many health benefits, which appear to be not only a consequence of changes in body weight and composition, but that may also be mediated by stimulation of insulin sensitivity and amelioration of the inflammatory response, through direct and indirect regulatory actions on adipokine secretion.

Trabajo presentado al 20th European Childhood Obesity Group (ECOG) Meeting, celebrado en Bélgica en noviembre de 2010.

Peer reviewed