Mini-Review NATURE AND MECHANISMS OF INSULIN RESISTANCE – ROLE OF ADIPOKINES IN ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS

Insulin resistance is the main link between obesity and a number of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Still mechanisms, by which white adipose tissue impairs insulin sensitivity, are not well understood. White adipose tissue produces hormones, such as leptin, resistin and adiponectin, and a great number of protein signals known as adipokines. These include proteins, playing role in energy balance, lipid and glucose metabolism, angiogenesis and blood pressure regulation. Visceral obesity is associated with a state of low grade inflammation, which has a direct impact on development of diabetes type 2 and atherosclerosis. Intraabdominal adipose depots produce a number of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8), which together with some adipokines (leptin, resistin, adiponectin) take part in pathogenesis of inflammation and acute phase response. The aim of the present overview is to summarize the existing scientific data, concerning the role of white adipose tissue secretory products in etiology and pathogenesis of obesity- associated insulin resistance