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Review
. 2022 Jan 6;27(2):334.
doi: 10.3390/molecules27020334.

The Roles and Associated Mechanisms of Adipokines in Development of Metabolic Syndrome

Ji-Eun Kim  1 , Jin-Sun Kim  1 , Min-Jee Jo  1 , Eunjung Cho  1 , Shin-Young Ahn  1   2 , Young-Joo Kwon  1   2 , Gang-Jee Ko  1   2
Affiliations
Review

The Roles and Associated Mechanisms of Adipokines in Development of Metabolic Syndrome

Ji-Eun Kim et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic indicators that increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Visceral obesity and factors derived from altered adipose tissue, adipokines, play critical roles in the development of metabolic syndrome. Although the adipokines leptin and adiponectin improve insulin sensitivity, others contribute to the development of glucose intolerance, including visfatin, fetuin-A, resistin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Leptin and adiponectin increase fatty acid oxidation, prevent foam cell formation, and improve lipid metabolism, while visfatin, fetuin-A, PAI-1, and resistin have pro-atherogenic properties. In this review, we briefly summarize the role of various adipokines in the development of metabolic syndrome, focusing on glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism.

Keywords: adipokine; glucose intolerance; lipid metabolism; metabolic syndrome.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Physiological processes regulated by adipokines in each organ. Adipokines secreted from adipose tissue play important roles in adiposity, glucose and lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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