Figure 4.

Hepatokines are closely related to the development of abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in those with obesity. Most hepatokines, including fetuin-A, selenoprotein P (SeP), chemerin and leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2), increase hepatic fat accumulation and activate inflammatory signaling in the liver. Further, they exacerbate hepatic glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. On the other hand, FGF21, as a hepatokine, promotes lipid oxidation, inhibits hepatic steatosis, and improves obesity-induced insulin resistance. Moreover, hepatic FGF21 stimulates lipolysis and improves obesity-induced insulin resistance in WAT.