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Adipokines – Signaling Molecules of Fat Tissue

Adipokines are signaling molecules secreted by fat tissue that play key roles in metabolism, immune function, and cardiovascular health.

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Things worth knowing about "Adipokines"

Adipokines are signaling molecules secreted by fat tissue that play key roles in metabolism, immune function, and cardiovascular health.

What Are Adipokines?

Adipokines (singular: adipokine) are a class of signaling proteins – a type of cytokine – produced and released primarily by adipocytes, the fat cells of the body. The term is derived from the Latin adeps (fat) and the Greek kinein (to move, to stimulate). Adipokines act as messenger molecules that regulate a wide range of physiological processes, including metabolism, appetite control, inflammation, and cardiovascular function.

For many years, fat tissue was regarded simply as a passive energy store. It is now well established that adipose tissue functions as an active endocrine organ, exerting systemic effects throughout the body through the secretion of adipokines.

Key Adipokines and Their Functions

Leptin

Leptin is one of the most extensively studied adipokines. It is secreted in proportion to total body fat mass and acts on the hypothalamus in the brain to suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure. In individuals with obesity, a state of leptin resistance can develop, in which the brain fails to respond appropriately to elevated leptin levels, perpetuating excessive food intake.

Adiponectin

Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties. It enhances the action of insulin and provides protective effects on blood vessels. Notably, adiponectin levels are typically reduced in individuals with obesity, and low levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Resistin

Resistin promotes insulin resistance and inflammatory responses. Elevated resistin levels are linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis.

Visfatin

Visfatin (also known as NAMPT) is produced predominantly by visceral adipose tissue – the fat stored around the abdominal organs. It exerts insulin-like effects and participates in inflammatory signaling pathways.

Chemerin

Chemerin is involved in the regulation of fat cell differentiation and plays a role in inflammatory processes. Elevated chemerin levels are associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory conditions.

Adipokines and Disease

An imbalance in adipokine secretion – commonly resulting from excess body fat, particularly visceral adipose tissue – can contribute to the development and progression of several diseases:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Reduced adiponectin and elevated resistin levels promote insulin resistance.
Cardiovascular disease: Pro-inflammatory adipokines contribute to atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions including insulin resistance, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, and abdominal obesity, partly driven by adipokine dysregulation.
Chronic inflammation: Adipokines such as TNF-alpha and interleukin-6 (IL-6) promote low-grade systemic inflammation.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Adipokines significantly influence hepatic fat metabolism.

Clinical Relevance and Research

Research into adipokines has expanded greatly over recent decades. Adipokines are considered promising biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of metabolic diseases. They are also being investigated as potential therapeutic targets. For example, strategies aimed at increasing adiponectin levels or inhibiting pro-inflammatory adipokines may offer future treatment options for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.

Regular physical activity and a balanced diet have been shown to positively modulate the adipokine profile – reducing pro-inflammatory adipokines and increasing levels of protective molecules such as adiponectin.

References

Ouchi N, Parker JL, Lugus JJ, Walsh K. Adipokines in inflammation and metabolic disease. Nature Reviews Immunology, 2011; 11(2): 85-97.
Fasshauer M, Blueher M. Adipokines in health and disease. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 2015; 36(7): 461-470.
World Health Organization (WHO). Obesity and overweight. Fact Sheet. Geneva: WHO, 2024. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

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