Abstract
The function of adipose tissue is influenced by many factors as hormones, cytokines, but adipose tissue is active also as an endocrine organ. The amount of adipose tissue and its function is also influenced by external factors as nutrition and physical activity. The age and the stage of sexual development has to be taken into account too, and the differences between children in prepubertal, pubertal age and in adults in adipose tissue metabolism can be therefore found. The factors which influence adipose tissue’s metabolism and the factors produced by adipocytes will be also presented. All mentioned factors are influenced by external factors, specially by exercise. Acceptable work load and exercise and the adaptation to it has to be considered and applied in children as compared to the adults. Hormonal and cytokines regulation of adipose tissue can be also changed by exercise in obese subjects.
Keywords: Adipose tissue, Age, Cytokines, Exercise, Hormones, Physical activity, Sex maturation.