Adipose tissue-derived cytokines, CTRPs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in metabolism and the cardiovascular system

Increasing evidence indicates that adipose tissue-originated cytokines mediate communication between obesity-related exogenous molecules and the molecular events that initiate the metabolic syndrome and the inflammatory responses in the cardiovascular system (CVS). Adipose tissue-derived cytokines including the C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs), a 15-member family of novel adipokines, has attracted much interest due to its metabolic regulatory and anti-inflammatory effect and appear to play a pathophysiological role in metabolism and immunity. To date, 15 members of CTRP family have been identified and they also play a role in the CVS, especially as potent biomarkers or therapeutic targets for modulating metabolic or inflammatory functions. Therefore, this review will focus on the characteristics of CTRPs that influence cardiovascular function and on the potential of CTRPs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets