Adipokineillä

Adipokineillä, commonly known as adipokines in English, are bioactive molecules secreted primarily by adipose tissue, which is also referred to as fat tissue. These signaling proteins play crucial roles in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including energy metabolism, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, and appetite control. Adipokines include a diverse group of cytokines, hormones, and growth factors, with notable examples such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).

Leptin is one of the most studied adipokines and primarily functions to regulate energy balance by signaling satiety to the hypothalamus in the brain, thus influencing food intake and energy expenditure. Adiponectin enhances insulin sensitivity, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties, and its levels tend to decrease in obesity. Resistin has been associated with insulin resistance and inflammation, although its exact physiological significance remains under investigation. TNF-α, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, links adipose tissue inflammation to metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Adipokines are involved in both healthy physiology and various disease states. In obesity, an imbalance of adipokine secretion contributes to systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. The study of adipokines offers insights into the mechanisms connecting adipose tissue with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding their functions and regulatory pathways may help develop targeted therapies for obesity-related conditions.

Research on adipokines continues to evolve, emphasizing their importance as mediators between adipose tissue and other organs. This broader understanding underscores the significance of adipose tissue not merely as fat storage but as an active endocrine organ influencing overall health.