Different adipose depots have distinct endocrine and physiological properties [1], [2], [3]; increased amounts of abdominal adipose tissue are associated with an adverse metabolic risk while gluteal adipose tissue appears to have a relatively protective role with respect to type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension and dyslipidaemia [4], [5]. As the relative distribution of adipose tissue on the human body is related to the risk for general metabolic deregulation and increased morbidity, characterisation of the molecular phenotypes in different adipose depots is an important starting point when attempting to understand individual molecular mechanisms associated with adiposity and related disease risk. Further knowledge of tissue specific, disease-associated mechanisms may help in development of interventions, as well as preventive measures, to reduce risk of severe disease.
