Adipokine


The adipokines, or adipocytokines are cytokines secreted by adipose tissue. Some contribute to an obesity-related low-grade state of inflammation or to the development of metabolic syndrome, a constellation of diseases including, but not limited to, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The first adipokine to be discovered was leptin in 1994. Since that time, hundreds of adipokines have been discovered.
Members include:
Interleukin 8, interleukin 10, interferon gamma and inducible protein 10 have been shown to be associated with excessive body weight.