Table 1.

Biological effects of adipokines on health and diseases.

Adipokines	Roles
Adiponectin	Improves glucose homeostasis; has antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic effects
FGF21	Improves age-related tissue dysfunctions; extends lifespan;
	positively associated with longevity
Adipsin	Improves glucose tolerance and beta-cell functions;
	stimulates triacylglycerol synthesis and storage in adipose tissue;
	positively associated with longevity; increases cell survival and SIRT1 activity and has neuroprotective effects
Apelin	Regulates food intake; improves glucose disposal
Omentin	Improves insulin sensitivity; has an anti-inflammatory effect
Annexin	Regulates inflammation, lipolysis, lipogenesis, and adiposity
Neuregulin	Regulates cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation;
	reduces hepatic glucose production and lipogenesis;
	stimulates thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue
Leptin	Regulates appetite and energy expenditure;
	negatively associated with longevity
Resistin	Positively associated with obesity and insulin resistance; accelerates inflammation;
	positively correlated with cellular senescence and aging
Visfatin	Stimulates triacylglycerol synthesis and storage in adipose tissue;
	positively associated with longevity; increases cell survival and SIRT1 activity and has neuroprotective effects
Chemerin	Regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and energy metabolism;
	negatively associated with longevity
Vaspin	Regulates insulin sensitivity, adipocyte differentiation, and angiogenesis; inhibits inflammation
Lipocalin-2	Regulates dyslipidemia and insulin resistance; inhibits inflammation
RBP4	Positively associated with obesity and insulin resistance;
	impairs mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation
Fetuin A	Positively associated with insulin resistance and inflammation

The adipokines discussed in this review are summarized in this table.