Fig. 4
From: Fetuin-A levels are increased in the adipose tissue of diabetic obese humans but not in circulation
Proposed model for the presence of fetuin-A in white adipose tissue. Liver-derived fetuin-A is abundantly secreted into the bloodstream and acts as a hormone to promote metabolic effects on the targeted tissue, such as white adipose tissue (WAT). Fetuin-A from circulation is taken up by the WAT either directly and concomitantly with FFA or through macrophages infiltrating the WAT during chronic inflammation. The potential production and secretion of marginal levels of SAT-derived fetuin-A and their contribution to overall circulating fetuin-A levels are difficult to determine; however, if these occur, they probably act at the autocrine level in the interstitial compartment. Images were adapted from “Servier Medical Art”