Adipokines in obesity and metabolic-related-diseases

The discovery of leptin in the 1990s led to a reconsideration of adipose tissue (AT) as not only a fatty acid storage organ, but also a proper endocrine tissue. AT is indeed capable of secreting bioactive molecules called adipokines for white AT or batokines for brown/beige AT, which allow communication with numerous organs, especially brain, heart, liver, pancreas, and/or the vascular system. Adipokines exert pro or anti-inflammatory activities. An equilibrated balance between these two sets ensures homeostasis of numerous tissues and organs. During the development of obesity, AT remodelling leads to an alteration of its endocrine activity, with increased secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines relative to the anti-inflammatory ones, as shown in the graphical abstract. Pro-inflammatory adipokines take part in the initiation of local and systemic inflammation during obesity and contribute to comorbidities associated to obesity, as detailed in the present review.