Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Encapsulation Thermogenic Preadipocytes for Transplantation into Adipose Tissue Depots
Published on: June 2, 2015
Chemerin and vaspin: possible targets to treat obesity?
Stephan Schultz1, Annette G Beck-Sickinger
1Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology, Universität Leipzig, Brüderstrasse 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
Abstract:
Obesity is one of the main human epidemics today. The increase in fat accumulation, which is associated with obesity, may significantly change the expression of several bioactive molecules known as adipokines. These adipokines interact not only with adipose tissue, but also with metabolically relevant organs such as liver and muscle. Understanding the molecular basics of potential novel targets might help to improve the therapeutic treatment of people who suffer from obesity. Herein we summarize the state of the art of two novel adipokines and their impaired or protective action in obesity: chemerin and vaspin. Their expression patterns, signal transduction activity, and resulting functions within the human body are introduced. We also discuss various possibilities to target these adipokines, which may represent promising new targets for the treatment of obesity by small and synthetic compounds.
Insights
Obesity
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Obesity is a major global epidemic.
- Obesity alters the expression of adipokines, bioactive molecules from fat tissue.
- Adipokines influence adipose tissue, liver, and muscle metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel adipokines, chemerin and vaspin, in obesity.
- To explore their roles and therapeutic potential.
- To identify new targets for obesity treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on chemerin and vaspin.
- Analysis of expression patterns and signal transduction.
- Evaluation of impaired or protective actions in obesity.
Main Results:
- Chemerin and vaspin exhibit altered expression in obesity.
- Their functions impact metabolic health.
- These adipokines show potential as therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- Chemerin and vaspin are key players in obesity's molecular pathology.
- Targeting these adipokines offers promising therapeutic strategies.
- Further research could lead to novel obesity treatments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Obesity
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

