Influence of Adipokines on Metabolic Dysfunction and Aging

Abstract

Currently, 30% of the global population is overweight or obese, with projections from the World Obesity Federation suggesting that this figure will surpass 50% by 2035. Adipose tissue dysfunction, a primary characteristic of obesity, is closely associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, collectively termed metabolic syndrome. In particular, visceral fat accretion is considered as a hallmark of aging and is strongly linked to higher mortality rates in humans. Adipokines, bioactive peptides secreted by adipose tissue, play crucial roles in regulating appetite, satiety, adiposity, and metabolic balance, thereby rendering them key players in alleviating metabolic diseases and potentially extending health span. In this review, we elucidated the role of adipokines in the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders while also exploring the potential of certain adipokines as candidates for longevity interventions.

Keywords: adipokine; adipose tissue; aging; health span; metabolic dysfunction.

Figure 1

Adipokines in healthy and obese fat tissue. The secretion of beneficial adipokines (adiponectin, FGF21, adipsin, omentin, neuregulin) from healthy fat tissue and detrimental adipokines (leptin, resistin, chemerin, FetA, visfatin, RBP4) from obese fat tissue plays important roles in inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and obesity. Obese-related secretion of other adipokines, such as apelin, annexin, vaspin, and LCN2, plays compensatory roles in inhibiting inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and obesity.

Figure 2

Regulation of physiological functions by adiponectin and FGF21. Adiponectin and FGF21, which are induced by fasting or caloric restriction (CR), have diverse roles in various tissues controlling metabolic diseases and promoting longevity.