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Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition)
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Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition)

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Biology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 4666

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Christa Büchler

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
Interests: adipose tissue; obesity; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; adiponectin; chemerin
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, “Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition)”, will cover a selection of original research articles and review articles related to adipokines.

Soluble proteins produced from adipose tissue are referred to as adipokines irrespective of their cellular source. White fat tissue is organized into different depots in the body. Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues are the best-studied compartments. Adipose tissues are also localized around organs, such as the heart and kidneys. Brown adipose tissue differs greatly from white fat and has its own set of secreted hormones, the so-called “brown adipokines”.

To date, more than 500 adipokines have been described, and most of them are associated with overweight/obesity. Whilst levels of various adipokines are increased in the serum of the obese, others decline. Associations between adipokines and cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, different types of cancers, and many more diseases have been identified. Further research has focused on the role of these proteins in immune responses, in autoimmune diseases, and as antimicrobial peptides. Adipokines in serum, plasma, saliva, or urine may emerge as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers for various diseases.

Adipokine receptors are mostly not well characterized. Cell type and tissue expression, regulation using different metabolites, and signalling pathways have to be studied in more detail. Adipokine receptor agonists/antagonists may finally become new therapeutic targets.

Prof. Dr. Christa Büchler
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • adiponectin
  • receptor
  • agonist
  • biomarker
  • inflammation
  • cancer

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 1528 KB  
Article
GDF15 (Growth/Differentiation Factor-15) Expression in Human Adipose Tissue and in Adipocyte Cell Lines
by Emily Wilfurth, Alexandra Höpfinger, Edita Islami, Thomas Karrasch, Andreas Schäffler and Andreas Schmid
Biomedicines 2026, 14(6), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14061329 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Background: GDF15 (growth/differentiation factor-15) is part of the transforming growth factor-beta family and represents a cellular stress-induced gene. It might have a role in metaflammation and adipoflammation. We aimed to investigate the effects of Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation and hypoxia-related pathways together [...] Read more.
Background: GDF15 (growth/differentiation factor-15) is part of the transforming growth factor-beta family and represents a cellular stress-induced gene. It might have a role in metaflammation and adipoflammation. We aimed to investigate the effects of Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation and hypoxia-related pathways together with metabolic factors on GDF15 regulation in adipocytes and adipose tissue (AT). Methods: GDF15 mRNA quantities in the human adipocyte cell line SGBS, in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (resected from n = 96 obese and characterized patients), and in murine 3T3-L1 adipocytes were measured by real-time RT-PCR. GDF15 protein concentrations in cell supernatants and serum were quantified by ELISA. The following stimuli/pathways were investigated: insulin, glucose, TLR ligands (TLR2/6, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR9), bile acids, synthetic FXR/TGR5 activators, and HIF1α activators. Results: Basal GDF15 expression is low and only marginally induced in SGBS cells. In contrast, GDF15 is expressed in human SAT and VAT and correlates positively with the corresponding GDF15 protein concentration in peripheral blood serum of obese patients. Among metabolic factors, insulin and bile acids such as ursodeoxycholic acid upregulate GDF15 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the latter via FXR but not via TGR5. Among innate immune regulators, only TLR7 activation and hypoxic mediators upregulate whereas STAT3 signaling downregulates GDF15. Conclusion: GDF15 expression in human SAT and VAT is correlated to peripheral blood GDF15 concentrations and is regulated by metabolic and innate immune response pathways involved in AT inflammation and metaflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition))
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14 pages, 1226 KB  
Article
Circulating Novel Adipokines in Critically Ill Patients with and Without Sepsis
by Vassiliki Giannopoulou, Ioannis Ilias, Chrysi Keskinidou, Charikleia S. Vrettou, Olga Kampouropoulou, Nikolaos S. Lotsios, Matina Kardara, Kostas A. Papavassiliou, Georgios-Ioannis Poupouzas, Vasileios Issaris, Anastasia Kotanidou, Alice G. Vassiliou and Ioanna Dimopoulou
Biomedicines 2026, 14(6), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14061324 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 155
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Adipokines are candidate biomarkers in critical illness due to their roles in immunity and metabolism, both profoundly altered in sepsis. Omentin-1, vaspin, and chemerin have been studied in selected septic cohorts, but not concurrently in a heterogeneous ICU population including both [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Adipokines are candidate biomarkers in critical illness due to their roles in immunity and metabolism, both profoundly altered in sepsis. Omentin-1, vaspin, and chemerin have been studied in selected septic cohorts, but not concurrently in a heterogeneous ICU population including both septic and non-septic patients. Methods: Prospective observational cohort of 200 consecutive ICU patients with 28-day follow-up. Biomarkers were measured by ELISA within 24 h of admission. Analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests, Spearman correlations, ROC curves, and logistic regression with APACHE II and SOFA as comparators. Results: Vaspin was significantly higher in septic versus non-septic patients (406.4 [190.0–799.6] vs. 275.8 [101.8–559.8] pg/mL; p = 0.009). Omentin-1 was elevated in 28-day non-survivors (34.4 [22.5–56.1] vs. 25.1 [15.0–48.4] ng/mL; p = 0.037; AUROC 0.599), but lost significance after APACHE II adjustment (p = 0.295). Chemerin trended lower in non-survivors (p = 0.099); in septic patients, it correlated inversely with SOFA (r = −0.43) and lactate (r = −0.40), both p < 0.001. IL-6 and IL-10 were higher in non-survivors; IL-10 predicted 28-day mortality (AUROC 0.783), comparable to APACHE II (0.785). Conclusions: Vaspin distinguishes sepsis in mixed ICU populations. Omentin-1 shows a severity-driven association with mortality that does not survive APACHE II adjustment (AUROC 0.599, poor standalone discrimination), while chemerin inversely tracks hypoperfusion markers in septic patients, suggesting a potential counter-regulatory role requiring mechanistic confirmation. Individually, these adipokines do not add prognostic value beyond established severity scores, but their biological orthogonality to classical cytokines warrants exploration in multi-marker panel studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition))
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16 pages, 2110 KB  
Article
Age-Dependent Systemic Regulation of C1q/TNF-Related Protein 3 and Progranulin in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: Biomarkers or Therapeutic Targets?
by Andreas Schmid, Miriam Arians, Caroline Gunchick, Andreas Schäffler, Martin Roderfeld and Elke Roeb
Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030706 - 18 Mar 2026
Viewed by 543
Abstract
Background/Objectives: C1q/TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3), progranulin (PGRN), and chemerin are adipokines that participate in systemic inflammation. This study systematically examined adipokine levels in cystic fibrosis patients of different ages to evaluate their role in inflammatory, metabolic, and hepatic processes. Thirty-seven pediatric and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: C1q/TNF-related protein 3 (CTRP3), progranulin (PGRN), and chemerin are adipokines that participate in systemic inflammation. This study systematically examined adipokine levels in cystic fibrosis patients of different ages to evaluate their role in inflammatory, metabolic, and hepatic processes. Thirty-seven pediatric and thirty-three adult CF patients were enrolled to assess the potential of these adipokines as biomarkers. Methods: Anthropometric and physiological data, pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume, FEV1; vital capacity, VC), and liver fibrosis score FIB-4 were assessed. Liver stiffness was measured by transient elastography. Serum samples from 40 healthy adult volunteers served as the control group. Serum concentrations of chemerin, CTRP3, and PGRN were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Compared with healthy controls, adults with CF had markedly lower circulating CTRP3 levels, whereas PGRN concentrations were significantly higher. Among CF patients, both CTRP3 and PGRN were higher in the pediatric group than in adults, while chemerin did not vary with age. The presence of cystic fibrosis-related liver disease (CFLD) did not significantly alter adipokine levels relative to CF patients without liver disease. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that circulating PGRN could reliably differentiate CF patients from controls; none of the three adipokines predicted the presence of CFLD. CTRP3 and PGRN were inversely correlated with age, BMI, and pulmonary function. Conclusions: Overall, our data support systemic PGRN as a potential biomarker for CF and indicate an age-dependent regulation of circulating CTRP3 and PGRN. Both proteins were inversely associated with BMI, inflammatory markers, liver fibrosis, and pulmonary capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition))
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16 pages, 1733 KB  
Article
Resistin as Modulator of Functional Activity of Phagocytes in Colostrum and Blood of Overweight and Obese Mothers
by Carla Roberta Silva Souza Antônio, Elisia Possidônea Pereira, Danielle Cristina Honorio França, Patricia Gelli Feres de Marchi, Emanuelle Carolina Honorio França, Anibal Monteiro de Magalhães Neto, Elton Brito Ribeiro, Danny Laura Gomes Fagundes-Triches, Adenilda Cristina Honorio-França and Eduardo Luzía França
Biomedicines 2025, 13(11), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13112815 - 18 Nov 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Resistin is an adipokine involved in obesity pathogenesis, but its effects on blood and colostrum immune cells from obese mothers remain unclear. This study evaluated the functional activity of phagocytes modulated by resistin in blood and colostrum from overweight and obese [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Resistin is an adipokine involved in obesity pathogenesis, but its effects on blood and colostrum immune cells from obese mothers remain unclear. This study evaluated the functional activity of phagocytes modulated by resistin in blood and colostrum from overweight and obese mothers. Methods: An observational study was conducted with 82 postpartum women divided according to pregestational BMI into control, overweight, and obese groups. Blood and colostrum samples were collected to determine resistin levels and assess the functional activity of mononuclear (MN) cells. Results: Plasma resistin levels were higher in overweight mothers, whereas colostrum levels were lower in obese mothers. Resistin treatment enhanced superoxide release in both colostrum and blood phagocytes, independent of maternal weight status. In the presence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), resistin-treated phagocytes from both colostrum and maternal blood showed increased superoxide production. In blood cells from overweight mothers, resistin reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration, while in colostrum, the highest SOD levels were observed in cultures of resistin-treated cells from mothers with altered weight, regardless of weight status. Blood and colostrum cells treated with resistin increased phagocytosis rates. In colostrum, resistin-treated cells from eutrophic mothers showed high microbicidal indices, whereas cells from mothers with altered weight showed reduced microbicidal indices. In colostrum cells, adipokine levels were reduced in the obesity group. Conclusions: Resistin modulates oxidative metabolism and the functional activity of blood and colostrum phagocytes across all maternal weight statuses, suggesting a possible role for resistin in the maternal immune response associated with obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition))
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Review

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24 pages, 2766 KB  
Review
Anti-Angiogenic Features of Endostatin in Obesity, Liver Fibrosis, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
by Thomas Grewal and Christa Buechler
Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030734 - 23 Mar 2026
Viewed by 958
Abstract
Background/objectives: Endostatin is a cleavage product of collagen XVIII and a potent anti-angiogenic factor. Angiogenesis is essential for adipose tissue growth and contributes to liver fibrosis and cancer, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for endostatin in obesity, chronic liver diseases, and hepatocellular [...] Read more.
Background/objectives: Endostatin is a cleavage product of collagen XVIII and a potent anti-angiogenic factor. Angiogenesis is essential for adipose tissue growth and contributes to liver fibrosis and cancer, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for endostatin in obesity, chronic liver diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review article summarises published data on the role and expression of endostatin in obesity, liver injury, and HCC. Methods: PubMed and Google databases were searched using the terms “endostatin and liver”, “endostatin and HCC”, “endostatin and obesity”, and “endostatin and adipose”. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals relevant to this review were considered and reviewed for valuable insights. Results: Endostatin is much more than an inhibitor of angiogenesis; it exerts direct effects on adipocytes and myofibroblasts. Endostatin inhibits adipose tissue growth, and studies using Endostar—a modified form of endostatin approved in China for treating lung cancer—have demonstrated its protective effect in liver fibrosis. However, other studies have shown that endostatin activates hepatic stellate cells, indicating a role in tissue regeneration. Most research on endostatin has focused on cancer, and animal and human studies have shown the benefits of Endostar therapy in HCC. Conclusions: Endostar is a promising treatment for HCC and may also become an attractive drug for liver fibrosis. Hence, angiostatic therapy is not without risks and may only be suitable for selected patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition))
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17 pages, 1049 KB  
Review
Adipose-Specific Cytokines as Modulators of Reproductive Activity
by Marcelo Martinez-Barbitta, Andrea Biagini, Egidia Costanzi, Margherita Maranesi, Juan García-Díez, Cristina Saraiva, Beniamino Cenci Goga and Massimo Zerani
Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 3067; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13123067 - 12 Dec 2025
Viewed by 990
Abstract
Adipose tissue is characterized by specialized lipid handling cells called adipocytes, which function as the primary energy reservoir. Like many other cell types, adipocytes have highly plastic properties, such as the conversion of white adipocytes into brown or beige adipocytes, which produce heat, [...] Read more.
Adipose tissue is characterized by specialized lipid handling cells called adipocytes, which function as the primary energy reservoir. Like many other cell types, adipocytes have highly plastic properties, such as the conversion of white adipocytes into brown or beige adipocytes, which produce heat, and pink adipocytes into mammary cells synthesizing and secreting milk. Highly specialized adipose tissue depots are present in various species, such as male orangutans with prominent fat-filled facial flanges indicating hierarchical status, or cetaceans with the melon, a specialized adipose tissue for echolocation. Adipose tissue is now considered a true endocrine organ that regulates various physiological mechanisms through the hormonal secretion of adipokines, which modulate systemic metabolism and physiological processes. In particular, the role of adipokines in the control of the reproductive axis and their participation in the regulation of fertility have been widely reported. This review summarizes the current state of research on the effects of adipose-specific cytokines on the male and female reproductive systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Adipokines (3nd Edition))
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