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.
