Advances in the Relationship between Adipokines and β-cell Failure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

β-cell failure coupled with insulin resistance plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Changed adipokines in circulating level form a remarkable link between obesity and both β-cell failure and insulin resistance. Some adipokines have beneficial effects,whereas others have detrimental properties. The overall contribution of adipokines to β-cell failure mainly depends on the interactions among adipokines. This article reviews the role of individual adipokines such as leptin,adiponectin,and resistin in the function,proliferation,death,and failure of β-cells. Future studies focusing on the combined effects of adipokines on β-cells failure may provide new insights in the treatment of T2DM.