The C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) in pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic disorders: Focus on type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

The growing evidence has been tried to explain and characterize C1q/TNF- related proteins (CTRPs) family as the potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets of obesity-related metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cardiovascular disorders. However, the underlying mechanism is still obscure. Unraveling the signaling pathways downstream of CTRP family members is of great interest and could certainly be beneficial for finding new insights into therapeutic strategies for improving metabolic abnormalities. This review focused on the role of CTRP members in the initiation and development of obesity-related metabolic disorders with a focus on T2D and cardiovascular diseases. Here we summarize and discuss the role of CTRPs in the regulation of insulin signaling, inflammatory pathways, and energy metabolism, and other signaling pathways pertinent to the pathogenesis of T2D and cardiovascular diseases. We also review available clinical studies to better elucidate the roles of these potential molecules in the initiation and development of the afore-mentioned disorders.