Protective roles of adipocytokines and myokines in cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Obesity is a major risk factor for progression of cardiovascular disease. Adipose tissue is recognized as an endocrine organ producing various secretory molecules, also known as adipocytokines, and dysregulated production of adipocytokines participates in the pathogenesis of obesity complications, including metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders. Recent evidence indicates that skeletal muscle also functions as an endocrine organ capable of secreting a number of bioactive substances, also referred to as myokines. Several myokines are involved in metabolic and cardiovascular regulation. This review will discuss the clinical and experimental studies that have investigated the protective role of several adipocytokines and myokines in cardiovascular diseases.