Alterations in adipose tissue during critical illness: An adaptive and protective response?
Postmortem adipose tissue biopsies from critically ill patients displayed a larger number of small adipocytes in response to critical illness, revealing an increased ability to take up circulating glucose and triglycerides. Similar morphologic changes were present in vivo. Such changes may render adipose tissue biologically active as a functional storage depot for potentially toxic metabolites, thereby contributing to survival.
Consistent with inhibition theory, EW reduces chronic avoidance and buffers stress-related physical symptoms in stigmatized groups.