The role of adipocytokines in adipocyte-related pathological processes.

It is becoming clear that adipose tissue is not merely a storage for excess energy but that it secretes a number of biologically active soluble factors collectively termed adipocytokines that control glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Of these adipocytokines, adiponectin and resistin have been the objects of intensive research, as they are implicated in obesity and diabetes-related diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the roles of adiponectin and resistin in the causation of metabolic diseases and consider the prospects for treating metabolic disorders by targeting these two adipocytokines.