The consequences of aging on endocrine function of adipose tissue

Only very recently an increased interest rose in adipocytokines physiology and pathophysiology in geriatric medicine. However, the findings about leptin and adiponectin physiology and pathophysiology in the elderly as well as the relation between these adipocytokines and aging seem not always of univocal interpretation. This review will be focused on the physiology of leptin and adiponectin production in the elderly. Age-related changes in body composition, as well as the decline in function of different hormonal axes with aging, may alter the physiology of adipocytokines secretion in the elderly. The main mechanism regulating circulating leptin and adiponectin levels, even though in opposite ways, is represented by the amount of adipose tissue itself. Aging is associated with significant changes in body composition and in particular in absolute amount of body fat as well as in its distribution. It seems still not completely clear if aging may have an independent effect on leptin and adiponectin secretion itself from adipose tissue.