Role of ectopic fat in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance

Increased total body fat and fat accumulation in the visceral compartment are important determinants of insulin resistance. In addition, particularly accumulation of fat outside adipose tissue - ectopic fat - in muscle and the liver, has been found to impair insulin signaling in these insulin-sensitive tissues. Therefore, ectopic fat has become an important marker and an interesting target in the prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While studying the pathogenesis of fat accumulation in skeletal muscle and the liver, more effort is needed to understand in greater detail the mechanisms of ectopic fat-induced insulin resistance.