Adipokines and Insulin Resistance; The important role of Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Retinol Binding Protein-4 Download PDF

Adipose tissue (AT) was believed to be just an energy-storage organ, but it is now recognized to be an active organ, which secretes a variety of products known as “adipokines” such as leptin and adiponectin, as well as cytokines and chemokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and retinol binding protein (RBP)-4. The adipokines have broad activities on metabolical pathways, endothelial function and inflammation and are implicated in the pathogenesis of several disorders, particularly insulin resistance. The aim of this review is to explain of basic mechanisms that are used by mentioned adipokines (including IL-6, TNF-α and RBP-4) to influence on insulin resistance.