The Peritoneum

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  Streamed on 19 Jan, 2026, 07:00 PM

ABOUT THIS SESSION

The peritoneum is more than just a lining; it is a dynamic, multifunctional organ central to abdominal health and disease. From its role in metabolic regulation to its influence on inflammation, immunity, and drug absorption, the peritoneum influences outcomes across several clinical specialties. Yet, its importance is often under-recognised in routine practice. In this webinar, Dr. Sanjay Kalra will unravel the clinical relevance of the peritoneum, bridging foundational science with real-world insights to enhance everyday decision-making.

Q&A

The peritoneum is a thin, smooth, serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers many abdominal organs. It contains a fluid layer that allows organs to move smoothly within the abdomen.

Earlier viewed as a structural or immune-support membrane, the peritoneum is now recognized as an endocrine organ because its mesothelial cells secrete hormones, cytokines, adipokines, growth factors, and microRNAs that influence local and systemic metabolism.

The peritoneum secretes cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6, interleukin-8), adipokines, VEGF, fibronectin, pro-inflammatory mediators, and hormone-like molecules that act in endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine manners.

The peritoneum works in parallel with visceral adipose tissue and secretes similar adipokines. These substances communicate locally and systemically, influencing insulin resistance, inflammation, and metabolic health.

Hormones and adipokines are found in higher concentrations in peritoneal fluid than in blood, suggesting strong local endocrine effects, particularly on nearby visceral fat and reproductive organs.

The peritoneum is an active site of insulin resistance due to its secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, making it an important target in obesity and metabolic disorder management.

Ovarian hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione are present in high concentrations in peritoneal fluid, suggesting the peritoneum helps localize these hormones and supports gamete transport.

With aging, mesothelial cells of the peritoneum become senescent and develop a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), leading to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, metabolic dysfunction, and potential cancer progression.

SASP (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype) refers to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by aging cells, including those of the peritoneum, contributing to insulin resistance, fibrosis, and metabolic inflammation.

Because of its role in insulin resistance, inflammation, and interaction with visceral fat, the peritoneum may become a future therapeutic target for managing obesity, metabolic syndrome, aging, and endocrine disorders .

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