Adipose tissue has pleiotropic functions beyond lipid and energy metabolism. Adipose tissue secretes bioactive proteins, termed adipokines, which act through auto-, para- and endocrine pathways. These ensure multidirectional communications between the adipose and other tissues and organs. In obesity, an increased production of various adipokines leads to dysfunctions in food intake, immunity, insulin sensitivity, angiogenesis, hemostasis, and glucose and lipid metabolism, all of which linked to the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases, including atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. Notable exceptions are adiponectin, nerve growth factor and interleukin-10, which circulating levels are decreased in these diseases. Here, we highlight some areas of adipobiology that may be implicated in the development of therapeutic progress through adipopharmacological studies on adipokines and other adipose tissue-derived molecules.
Biomedical Reviews 2006; 17: 73-87.
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