Role of adipokines in cardiovascular disease

Abstract

The discovery of leptin in 1994 sparked dramatic new interest in the study of white adipose tissue. It is now recognised to be a metabolically active endocrine organ, producing important chemical messengers -adipokines and cytokines (adipocytokines). The search for new adipocytokines or adipokines gained added fervour with the prospect of the reconciliation between cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity and metabolic syndrome. The role these new chemical messengers play in inflammation, satiety, metabolism and cardiac function has paved the way for new research and theories examining the effects they have on (in this case) CVD. Adipokines are involved in a 'good-bad', yin-yang homoeostatic balance whereby there are substantial benefits: cardioprotection, promoting endothelial function, angiogenesis and reducing hypertension, atherosclerosis and inflammation. The flip side may show contrasting, detrimental effects in aggravating these cardiac parameters.

Reference values for leptin and adiponectin in children below the age of 10 based on the IDEFICS cohort

“…These peptides have numerous central and peripheral functions and have an important role in fat-and whole-body metabolism. 1 Leptin and adiponectin have endocrine and metabolic functions. Leptin was the first identified adipocytokine secreted mainly in white adipose tissue, but it has also been detected in many other tissues including placenta, endometrium and in gastrointestinal tracts.…”

The acute effect of high intensity aerobic training on ANP and Endothelin-1 in obese women

“…Available results have shown that Diabetes and not having physical activity cause coronary heart disease [2]. Considering the roles of Natriuretic peptide (NP) in regulation of hypertension and not balancing on theses hormones in many dysfunctions of the coronary vascular system can supply valuable information in the field of prevention and control of heart failures.…”

Serum Leptin is Decreased Thirty Days after Surgery

“…The leptin production is mainly stimulated by the cytokines TNF α, IL 6, and IL 1β [9] leading to a rapid increase in leptin concentrations. Increased leptin levels are reported in a number of acute inflammatory conditions such as infections and sepsis but also in more chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and atherosclerosis [10][11][12][13][14].…”