Metabolic functions of human adipocytes with different cells sizes from the same subject

Aims: Cell size is a major determinant for the endocrine function of human adipocytes. Singular reports exist showing that also key metabolic functions of fat cells may be affected, but no data are available for adipocytes of different cell sizes from the same individual. Methods: Mature adipocytes were isolated from adipose tissue from plastic surgery of obese subjects. These cells were fractionated according to fat cell size as published recently. Subsequently, metabolic functions like glucose-uptake, insulin-signalling and lipolysis were studied in large and small fat cells. Results: Adipocytes were clearly f…