Adipokine

Adipokines are a diverse group of bioactive signaling molecules secreted by adipose tissue that play critical roles in systemic metabolism and inflammation (StatPearls, 2023). They act as autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factors, communicating the energy status of the body to the central nervous system and peripheral organs (PubMed, 2021). Key members include leptin, which regulates appetite and energy expenditure, and adiponectin, which enhances insulin sensitivity and exerts anti-inflammatory effects (NIH, 2022). Dysregulation of adipokine production is a hallmark of obesity and is strongly linked to the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 2020). Therapeutic strategies often focus on supplementing beneficial adipokines, such as the use of metreleptin for lipodystrophy, or inhibiting pro-inflammatory ones to restore metabolic homeostasis (PubChem, 2024).

Other names

AdipocytokineAdipose-derived hormoneFat-derived cytokine

Drugs targeting adipokines typically work by replacing deficient hormones (e.g., recombinant leptin), enhancing the expression of beneficial adipokines through PPAR-gamma activation, or neutralizing pro-inflammatory adipokines using monoclonal antibodies (PubMed, 2022; StatPearls, 2023).