Adipokines, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance in Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is associated with a chronic low grade inflammatory state. The serum concentrations of a number of inflammatory markers, such as CRP, fibrinogen or serum amyloid A are increased. More importantly, the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα, IL-6 and leptin are significantly higher in the plasma of obese patients whereas others, such as adiponectin are reduced. The authors review here the possible role of adipose tissue, by the production of adipocyte-derived cytokines, in this inflammatory state. The observed increase in the concentrations of TNFα, IL-6 and leptin associated with the reduced concentration of adiponectin is now suspected to play a determinant role in the development of most of the complications of obesity.