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Veterinary clinical pathology2009; 38(2); 136-156; doi: 10.1111/j.1939-165X.2009.00133.x

Adipokines: a review of biological and analytical principles and an update in dogs, cats, and horses.

Abstract: In addition to its role as an energy storage depot, adipose tissue is now recognized as a complex endocrine organ. Adipose tissue releases a variety of factors, termed adipokines, that regulate energy metabolism, cardiovascular function, reproductive status, and immune function. Some of the better-studied adipokines include leptin, adiponectin, and components of the renin-angiotensin system such as angiotensinogen. The function of more recently discovered adipokines such as resistin are under intense scrutiny. Abnormal production or regulation of adipokines occurs in obese individuals and is implicated in the development of a variety of associated co-morbidities including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and cancer in people, although evaluation in domestic species is just beginning. Adipokines are now being examined as potential biomarkers for risk assessment for development of complications related to obesity. This article summarizes the function and regulation of some better-characterized adipokines. It also reviews the current information on the characterization of adipokines in some domestic species in which rates of obesity and obesity-related disorders are increasing, such as the dog, cat, and horse.
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Publication Date: 2009-04-06 PubMed ID: 19392760DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-165X.2009.00133.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research focuses on adipokines, factors released from fat tissue, and their role in managing various body functions, including energy metabolism and immune function. The article also presents an update on the study of these factors in pets like dogs, cats, and horses, which are experiencing increasing rates of obesity.

Adipokines: An Overview

  • The researchers describe adipokines as factors that are released by adipose tissue, more commonly known as fat tissue. While widely recognized for its role in storing energy, this type of tissue is increasingly understood to function as a complex endocrine organ.
  • The release of adipokines affects several physiological processes, including energy metabolism regulation, cardiovascular function, reproductive status, and immune response.
  • The study particularly speaks about well-studied adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, and angiotensinogen (a component of the renin-angiotensin system) and more recently discovered ones like resistin.

Adipokines in Obesity and Related Disorders

  • The article notes that abnormal production or regulation of adipokines occurs in obese individuals. This imbalance is believed to contribute to the development of several associated conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer in people.
  • The role of adipokines is, however, less explored in domestic species. Given the increasing rates of obesity and obesity-related disorders among them, the researchers underscore the need for further examination in this area.

Adipokines as Potential Biomarkers

  • Given their connection to various health conditions, adipokines are being considered as potential biomarkers for assessing the risk of developing obesity-related complications. More research in this area could make possible early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

In-Depth Look at Adipokines in Domestic Species

  • The article offers updated information on the study of adipokines in some domestic species such as dogs, cats, and horses. These animals have, in recent years, been experiencing increasing incidences of obesity and related disorders.
  • The researchers call for the characterization of adipokines in these species with the aim of better understanding and managing their health in the face of rising obesity rates.

Cite This Article

APA
Radin MJ, Sharkey LC, Holycross BJ. (2009). Adipokines: a review of biological and analytical principles and an update in dogs, cats, and horses. Vet Clin Pathol, 38(2), 136-156. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-165X.2009.00133.x

Publication

Veterinary clinical pathology
ISSN: 0275-6382
NlmUniqueID: 9880575
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 38
Issue: 2
Pages: 136-156

Researcher Affiliations

Radin, M Judith
  • Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. radin.1@osu.edu
Sharkey, Leslie C
    Holycross, Bethany J

      MeSH Terms

      • Adipokines / metabolism
      • Adipose Tissue / immunology
      • Adipose Tissue / physiology
      • Animals
      • Cats / physiology
      • Dogs / physiology
      • Energy Metabolism
      • Horses / physiology
      • Obesity

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