Abstract
An analysis of 290 postmenopausal women, subdivided into four distinct body fat distribution groups, showed that peripheral fat mass (PFM) confers insulin-sensitizing and anti-atherogenic effects. PFM contributes to circulating adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone with insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic effects. In generally obese women, the secretion of adiponectin by PFM provides effective anti-atherogenic protection. In postmenopausal women, body fat distribution has more critical implications for metabolic and cardiovascular risk than overall obesity per se.
MeSH terms
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Absorptiometry, Photon
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Adiponectin
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Adipose Tissue / diagnostic imaging*
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Adipose Tissue / metabolism
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Anthropometry
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Aorta, Abdominal / pathology
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Aortic Diseases / etiology
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Arteriosclerosis / etiology*
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Body Composition
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Body Mass Index
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Cytokines / blood
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Estradiol / blood
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Female
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Humans
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Insulin Resistance*
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
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Obesity / complications*
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Obesity / metabolism
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Phenotype
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Postmenopause
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Risk Factors
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Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / analysis
Substances
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Adiponectin
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Cytokines
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
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Estradiol