Adipose tissue is the source of soluble mediators (adipokines), secreted mainly by adipocytes. Leptin acts
on the brain and peripheral organs to regulate energy homeostasis and the neuroendocrine axis.
Adiponectin regulates glucose and lipid metabolism by targeting the liver and skeletal muscle. Adiposederived
proinflammatory cytokines, vasoactive peptides, coagulation and complement factors, visfatin,
vaspin and retinol-binding protein signal through paracrine and hormonal mechanisms. Understanding
the biology of adipose tissue and the rapidly growing list of adipokines provides new insights into normal
physiological regulation, as well as the pathogenesis and treatment of obesity, diabetes and disorders
of lipid metabolism and cardiovascular system.
