What Histological Changes Occur in Adipose Tissue?
Adipose tissue serves as the body's primary energy reserve. With a high carbohydrate diet, the excess glucose is converted into triglycerides, leading to hypertrophy of adipocytes (fat cells). This expansion is visible histologically as enlarged cells with a reduced cytoplasmic space. Over time, the chronic energy surplus can contribute to obesity, characterized by an increase in both adipocyte size and number, known as hyperplasia.
The inflammation associated with obesity can lead to macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue. Histologically, this presents as crown-like structures, where macrophages surround necrotic adipocytes, contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
