Adipokines as novel biomarkers and regulators of the metabolic syndrome

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010 Nov:1212:E1-E19. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05875.x.

Abstract

Over the past two decades our view of adipose tissue has undergone a dramatic change from an inert energy storage tissue to an active endocrine organ. Adipose tissue communicates with other central and peripheral organs by synthesis and secretion of a host of molecules that we generally refer to as adipokines. The levels of some adipokines correlate with specific metabolic states and have the potential to impact directly upon the metabolic homeostasis of the system. A dysregulation of adipokines has been implicated in obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and an ever-growing larger list of pathological changes in a number of organs. Here, we review the recent progress regarding the synthesis, secretion, and physiological function of adipokines with perspectives on future directions and potential therapeutic goals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipogenesis / physiology
  • Adipokines / metabolism
  • Adipokines / physiology*
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / diagnosis
  • Hypertension / metabolism
  • Metabolic Syndrome / complications
  • Metabolic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Metabolic Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / diagnosis
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Overnutrition / complications
  • Overnutrition / diagnosis
  • Overnutrition / metabolism

Substances

  • Adipokines
  • Biomarkers