Role of Adipokines Chemerin, Visfatin, and Omentin in Obesity and Their Inflammatory and Metabolic Implications
Wilson José Sena Pedro, Flávio Vecchi Barbosa Júnior, Fernanda N. B. R. Alves, Lenita Vieira Braga, Larissa R. Alves, João Pedro R. Afonso, Iransé Oliveira‐Silva, Carlos Hassel M. Silva, Sérgio Vencio, Paolo Capodaglio, Luís Vicente Franco de Oliveira, Wilson Rodrigues de Freitas
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial disease with endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory underpinnings, leading to numerous comorbidities and increased mortality. This has driven research into adipose tissue's role as an endocrine organ that secretes adipokines. This review critically analyzes three of these adipokines: chemerin, omentin-1, and visfatin. Chemerin and omentin-1 have well-defined roles as pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, respectively. However, the function of visfatin remains controversial, with conflicting data regarding its role in glucose metabolism and inflammation. This conflicting evidence highlights an urgent need for standardized assays and population-specific studies to clarify its true function. We conclude that while chemerin and omentin-1 represent promising targets, the ambiguity surrounding visfatin limits its current clinical utility, and resolving these knowledge gaps is essential for developing effective biomarkers and therapies for obesity and its comorbidities.