The implication of hepatokines in metabolic syndrome.

Hepatokines are liver-derived proteins with equivocal roles in metabolic syndrome (MetS). These proteins have prominent role in pathogenesis of MetS component such as obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The identification and functional characterization of hepatokines may provide significant insights that could help in better understanding of MetS pathogenesis. Fetuin-A, Hepatocyte-derived fibrinogen-related protein 1, Fibroblast growth factor 21, Angiopoietin-related growth factor, Selenoprotein-P, Angiopoietin like proteins, Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 are regarded as the most significant hepatokines. We describe recent data on these new hormones in progression of MetS. Understanding of the accurate role of these proteins in pathophysiology of MetS can help improving prevention and treatment of this syndrome.

Adiponectin: an adipokine with protective features against metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) as a collection of obesity-associated disorders is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, pro-thrombotic state, elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin is one of the most abundant peptide hormones derived from adipose tissue. This protein plays a major role in glucose and lipid metabolism and prevents development of vascular changes. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects are the other features of adiponectin. Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with hypertension and pro-thrombotic state. In this review, we discuss the crucial role of adiponectin in prevention of metabolic syndrome considering its effects on the components of this syndrome. Pharmacological interventions and lifestyle modification may increase plasma adiponectin level or tissue sensitivity which seems to be a promising target for prevention and therapeutic approaches of MetS and related diseases.