Adipokine Signaling
White adipose tissue (WAT), in humans, can account for 20 % of body weight in men and 25% of the body weight in women. Its cells which include a single large fat droplet also have receptors for insulin, growth hormones, norepinephrine and glucocorticoids. Moreover, adipose tissue is an important endocrine tissue that secretes numerous highly active molecules into circulation such as the adipocytokines (or adipokines) which include, in part, leptin, resistin, adiponectin and visfatin. More classical cytokines are also released possibly by inflammatory cells infiltrating fat and include TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TGF-β, nerve growth factor, etc. which are linked to the inflammatory response.
Obesity is accompanied by generalized inflammation and dys-regulation of cytokine production. The adipokine Leptin, a protein product of the Ob gene, is a strong appetite suppressant and once a lead candidate for hopes of treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Although brain resistance to leptin has suggested this treatment may be impossible there is still strong interest in the plethora of protein hormones secreted by adipose tissue, especially since research has shown that receptors for these adipokines are widely expressed throughout the cardiovascular and immune system.
The effects of adipocytokines (including both adipokines and the classical cytokines) on vascular function, immune regulation and adipocyte metabolism makes them key players in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of clinical symptoms including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia.
BioVision is proud to offer a variety of reagents for the study of adipokine signaling as well as diabetes and obesity research.
Obesity is accompanied by generalized inflammation and dys-regulation of cytokine production. The adipokine Leptin, a protein product of the Ob gene, is a strong appetite suppressant and once a lead candidate for hopes of treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. Although brain resistance to leptin has suggested this treatment may be impossible there is still strong interest in the plethora of protein hormones secreted by adipose tissue, especially since research has shown that receptors for these adipokines are widely expressed throughout the cardiovascular and immune system.
The effects of adipocytokines (including both adipokines and the classical cytokines) on vascular function, immune regulation and adipocyte metabolism makes them key players in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of clinical symptoms including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia.
BioVision is proud to offer a variety of reagents for the study of adipokine signaling as well as diabetes and obesity research.
