Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism, energy storage and as an endocrine tissue within the human body. Adipose-related lipids and lipoproteins are essential components regulating various physiological processes, including energy balance, lipid transport, and systemic homeostasis. Lipids are structurally diverse hydrophobic molecules primarily composed of fats and oils, serving as a major source of stored energy and structural components of cells. In adipose tissue, lipids are stored in the form of triglycerides within specialized fat cells called adipocytes. Adipocytes not only store excess energy in the form of triglycerides but can also release fatty acids and other lipids into the bloodstream when energy demands rise. Lipoproteins are complexes of lipids and proteins that facilitate the transport of hydrophobic lipids, such as triglycerides and cholesterol, through the aqueous environment of the bloodstream. They consist of a central core of lipids surrounded by a shell of proteins, which helps solubilize lipids and shield them from the aqueous surroundings. Lipoproteins are classified based on their density, which is determined by the relative amounts of lipids and proteins they contain. The major classes of lipoproteins include chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Chylomicrons are formed in the intestine after the absorption of dietary fats and transport them to tissues. VLDL, produced by the liver, carry endogenously synthesized triglycerides to peripheral tissues. IDL is a transient intermediate formed during the conversion of VLDL to LDL. Elevated LDL can lead to the accumulation of cholesterol in arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, HDL’s role is in removing excess cholesterol from tissues and transporting it to the liver for excretion. The regulation of adipose-related lipids and lipoproteins is controlled by various hormones, enzymes, and molecular signalling pathways. For example, insulin, produced by the pancreas, promotes the storage of triglycerides in adipose tissue by enhancing glucose uptake and triglyceride synthesis. Adipose tissue itself also secretes hormones termed adipokines, including leptin and adiponectin, which regulate appetite, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation. Finally, a distinct form of adipose tissue is brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is a specialized adipose tissue that plays a critical role in thermogenesis and energy expenditure. Unlike white adipose tissue (WAT), which is primarily responsible for energy storage in the form of triglycerides, brown adipose tissue is specialized for generating heat through a process known as non-shivering thermogenesis. Finally, an imbalance in adipose-related lipid metabolism can lead to disease. Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue, particularly visceral fat, is associated with obesity and its related complications, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. Dysregulation of lipoprotein metabolism, such as elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol levels, contributes significantly to atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart disease. We offer a comprehensive product range of research tools for investigating adipose tissue, including Adiponectin antibodies, ADFP antibodies, ITLN1 antibodies, Adiponectin ELISA Kits, and Adiponectin Receptor 1 ELISA Kits. Explore our full adipose tissue product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Adiponectin and Lipid Droplet Protein product ranges.