Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Mathematical Models of Adipose Tissue
Dynamics
Junghyo Jo, Zeina Shreif, Jonathan R. Gaillard, Matilde Arroyo,
Samuel W. Cushman and Vipul Periwal
Abstract Adipose tissue is the main organ for long term storage of energy in the
body. Adipose cells store excess energy by enlarging and/or increasing in number,
while they provide energy by releasing fat and shrinking as needed. The regulation
of energy storage capacity is not a simple problem considering the uncertainty of
following food intakes and physical activities. In this Chapter, we introduce the
inference of adipose tissue dynamics from adipose cell-size distributions using
mathematical modeling and Bayesian inference. We examine recruitment of new
adipose cells, growth/shrinkage and death of existing cells under positive/negative
energy balance. A comprehensive understanding of adipose tissue dynamics can
provide new insights into metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes.
1 Adipose Cells
Lipid and glucose are two primary fuels in our body. In particular, lipids are an
efficient form for storing energy because of their high calorie density, but they are
cytotoxic. Adipose cells store lipids as neutral triglycerides, and protect non-adipose
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