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Abstract: The adipose tissue signals to the brain via its secretory products. However, it is unknown whether the brain itself can directly contact the fat tissue. In order to test this hypothesis, the adipocytic expression of receptors for pituitary hormones and hypothalamic peptides was investigated. Besides FSH- and LH-receptors, adipocytes do express the specific receptors for ACTH, TSH, GH, prolactin, oxytocin and the three receptor subtypes for vasopressin. Thus, the adipose tissue might no longer be regarded as an inert and steady tissue but as a fast acting player downstream of and under the control of the brain. Based on this, the potential existence and clinical impact of a hypothalamic–pituitary–adipose axis should further be investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Genomic structure, promoter region, amino acid sequence and exon-specific primer combinations of the human omentin gene are presented. Omentin mRNA expression differs between omental adipose tissue probes from patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn''s disease. Sequence comparisons revealed a 100% identity of omentin with human intelectin. Based on this, omentin might be a new adipocytokine playing a role in the defense against intestinal bacterial translocation in the context of Crohn''s disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]