Adipose Tissue Quantification by Imaging Methods: a Proposed Classification

Overview

Journal Obes Res

Specialties Endocrinology
Nutritional Sciences
Physiology

Date 2003 Jan 17

PMID 12529479

Citations 157

Authors

Wei Shen

ZiMian Wang

Mark Punyanita

Jianbo Lei

Ahmet Sinav

John G Kral

Celina Imielinska

Robert Ross

Steven B Heymsfield

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Recent advances in imaging techniques and understanding of differences in the molecular biology of adipose tissue has rendered classical anatomy obsolete, requiring a new classification of the topography of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is one of the largest body compartments, yet a classification that defines specific adipose tissue depots based on their anatomic location and related functions is lacking. The absence of an accepted taxonomy poses problems for investigators studying adipose tissue topography and its functional correlates. The aim of this review was to critically examine the literature on imaging of whole body and regional adipose tissue and to create the first systematic classification of adipose tissue topography. Adipose tissue terminology was examined in over 100 original publications. Our analysis revealed inconsistencies in the use of specific definitions, especially for the compartment termed "visceral" adipose tissue. This analysis leads us to propose an updated classification of total body and regional adipose tissue, providing a well-defined basis for correlating imaging studies of specific adipose tissue depots with molecular processes.

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