Health&Wellness Magazine May 2015 | Page 9

For advertising information visit www.samplerpublications.com or call 859.225.4466 | May 2015 Bone Marrow is a Vital Organ It helps keep us moving, influences overall health By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer Contrary to common imagery, our bones are not rigid and stiff. Although they are dense and solid, inside the outer layer is our bone marrow, one of the body’s vital organs. Bone marrow does a lot to keep our bodies moving smoothly. The red marrow that is in some of our bones produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues; white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, help fight infection; and platelets are fragments of cells that help stop bleeding. Red marrow produces about 3 million new red blood cells per second. It’s also been recently revealed that bone marrow adipose tissue may be part of the body’s endocrine system, thereby contributing to overall health. A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism shows bone marrow secretes a little-studied hormone that influences metabolism and is linked to a reduced risk for diseases such as diabetes. Researchers from the University of Michigan found bone marrow adipose tissue is a significant source of the hormone adiponectin, which helps break down fat and maintain insulin sensitivity. This hormone has also been linked to reduced risk of obesity-related diseases, such as certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Prior to this study, bone marrow adipose tissue had been linked to reduced bone mass and an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis. In this study, the scientists concentrated on the role of bone marrow adipose tissue in patients receiving chemotherapy and those who have anorexia. They found when calories are restricted, the fat tissue may have a positive and protective role that can influence adaptive functions outside of the bone tissue. It was already known that low adiponectin is correlated with several health problems. Now it seems an important source of this protein – and potentially others that have not yet been identified – is the fat tissue inside bone marrow, according to co-lead author Dr. Erica Scheller. Another known process is that adiponectin is secreted by white adipose tissue, the white body fat that troubles us. Adiponectin plays a key role in balancing insulin sensitivity, and higher levels of the hormone have been linked to lower risk of diabetes and cardiovascular & Bone marrow adipose tissue may be part of the body’s endocrine system, thereby contributing to overall health. ITS TIME, NOW! Home of Lexington’s Premier Board Certified Bariatrician Initial Consult Includes: Provider Consult, Review of Medical History, & Body Composition Analysis www.medicalbariatrics.com 9 disease. However, adiponectin levels paradoxically rise as body fat decreases. So as an individual loses body fat, their adiponectin levels increase, rather than decreasing, as might be expected. Obese people have the lowest levels of adiponectin, which adds to their risks for developing diseases. The Michigan research team suggests the reason this relationship has been frustrating scientists is because investigations were limited to white adipose tissue, believing it was the only source of adiponectin. Photo by Earlane Cox Lexington’s Premier Board Certified Bariatrician