The role of adipokines in the development of insulin resistance

Abstract

Obesity research has recognized white adipose tissue as an endocrine organ which is responsible in releasing adipokines that have an active role in hemostasis, blood pressure, lipid, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. For instance, some adipokines are the following: adiponectin, chemerin, leptin, omentin, resistin, retinol binding protein (RBP-4), tumor necrosis – α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vaspin, and visfatin. My thesis reviews the role of adipokines in the development of hepatic insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity.