Multiple hormones and enzymes participate in the lipid storage. One of them is acylation stimulating protein. Acylation stimulating protein is produced predominantly by adipocytes. After the binding on specific receptor at the surface of adipocytes, acylation stimulating protein leads to enhancement of triglyceride synthesis. This process is mediated by protein-kinase C. Concurrently, glucose transporters move from the cytoplasm to the adipocyte surface. Higher glucose disposal leads to a sufficient substrate availability for triglyceride synthesis. Acylation stimulating protein also stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion. Total acylation stimulating protein level in plasma is related to the adipose tissue mass and it positively correlates with many anthropometric parameters and with serum insulin level. In acylation stimulating protein deficient mice, resistance to the obesity development after a high fat diet was observed. Adipose tissue mass is lower in the acylation stimulating protein deficient mice and higher insulin sensitivity was shown in acylation stimulating protein deficient mice compared to a wild type mice. Acylation stimulating protein pathway may have an important role in the obesity development.

        Key words: obesity, acylation stimulating protein, lipid metabolism.