Adipocytokine Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease

Adipose tissue functions as an active endocrine organ, secreting a spectrum of adipocytokines that orchestrate energy balance, inflammatory responses and vascular homeostasis. Key mediators such as adiponectin, leptin and interleukin-6 modulate insulin sensitivity, lipid handling and endothelial integrity. In physiological states, adiponectin confers anti-inflammatory and vasculoprotective effects, whereas overproduction of leptin and pro-inflammatory cytokines promotes oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling. In obesity and metabolic syndrome, altered adipocytokine profiles drive insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension, collectively accelerating the development of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and stroke. Recent insights into molecular mechanisms have highlighted cross-talk between adipocytokine signalling, mitochondrial function and immune cell activation, opening avenues for targeted interventions such as adiponectin receptor agonists and strategies to restore leptin sensitivity.

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Adipocytokine Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in adipocytokine metabolism and cardiovascular disease across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Adipocytokine: Bioactive proteins secreted by adipose tissue that regulate metabolism, immune responses and vascular function.

Adiponectin: An adipocytokine with anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitising properties that supports endothelial health.

Leptin: A hormone produced by adipocytes that controls appetite and energy expenditure but can promote vascular inflammation when chronically elevated.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6): A cytokine with both pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, produced by adipocytes and immune cells, implicated in atherogenesis.

C-reactive protein (CRP): An acute-phase protein synthesised by the liver in response to inflammation, widely used as a cardiovascular risk marker.

Endothelial glycocalyx: A carbohydrate-rich layer lining the luminal surface of endothelial cells, essential for vascular barrier function and nitric oxide bioavailability.

References

1. Serum Adiponectin Levels Increase in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Correlate with Patients’ Outcomes: A Pilot Study. Biomedicines (2024).
2. Adipocytokines, C-Reactive Protein, and Cardiovascular Disease: A Population-Based Prospective Study. PLOS ONE (2015).
3. Overview and New Insights into the Metabolic Syndrome: Risk Factors and Emerging Variables in the Development of Type 2 Diabetes and Cerebrocardiovascular Disease. Medicina (2023).