Adipokine

Adipokine

Adipokines are a group of bioactive peptides and proteins secreted by adipose tissue. They play a crucial role in the regulation of metabolic processes, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. Adipokines are involved in the pathophysiology of various metabolic disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Types of Adipokines

Adipokines include a variety of molecules, each with distinct functions:

• Leptin: A hormone primarily involved in regulating energy balance by inhibiting hunger, which in turn diminishes fat storage in adipocytes.
• Adiponectin: Enhances insulin sensitivity and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is inversely correlated with body fat percentage in adults.
• Resistin: Implicated in insulin resistance and inflammation, resistin levels are often elevated in obesity.
• Visfatin: Exhibits insulin-mimetic effects and is involved in glucose homeostasis.
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α): A pro-inflammatory cytokine that can induce insulin resistance.
• Interleukin-6 (IL-6): Another cytokine with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles, depending on the context.

Functions of Adipokines

Adipokines are involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes:

• Metabolic Regulation: Adipokines like leptin and adiponectin are crucial in maintaining energy homeostasis and regulating glucose and lipid metabolism.
• Inflammation: Many adipokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, are involved in inflammatory pathways, linking obesity to chronic inflammation.
• Insulin Sensitivity: Adiponectin enhances insulin sensitivity, while resistin and TNF-α are associated with insulin resistance.
• Cardiovascular Health: Adipokines influence vascular function and blood pressure regulation, impacting cardiovascular health.

Clinical Implications

The dysregulation of adipokine secretion and function is associated with several metabolic diseases:

• Obesity: Altered levels of adipokines contribute to the development of obesity-related complications.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, is influenced by adipokines such as resistin and TNF-α.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Adipokines affect endothelial function and atherosclerosis, linking them to cardiovascular risk.

Research and Therapeutic Potential

Research into adipokines continues to uncover their complex roles in health and disease. Therapeutic strategies targeting adipokines are being explored to treat metabolic disorders. For example, increasing adiponectin levels or blocking the effects of pro-inflammatory adipokines could offer new avenues for intervention.

Also see

• Adipose tissue
• Leptin
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome
• Cytokine

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