Adipose tissue and its relation to inflammation: the role of adipokines

J Ren Nutr. 2005 Jan;15(1):131-6. doi: 10.1053/j.jrn.2004.09.034.

Abstract

An activated inflammatory response is a common feature of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and predicts outcome. Although various factors related to the dialysis procedure may contribute to inflammation in ESRD, a number of nondialysis-related factors also are of importance. Adipose tissue is a complex organ with functions far beyond the mere storage of energy and secretes a number of proinflammatory adipokines, such as leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, as well as one anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin. It has been proposed that adipose tissue may be a significant contributor to increased systemic inflammation in nonrenal patients. In this review, we put forward the hypothesis that a reduction of renal mass will contribute to retention of proinflammatory adipokines, thus generating adipokine imbalance. Such an imbalance may, via effects on the central nervous system and the vasculature, contribute to wasting, atherosclerosis, and insulin resistance--all common features of ESRD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adiponectin / physiology*
  • Adipose Tissue / physiopathology*
  • Body Composition
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cytokines / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Infections / complications
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Interleukin-6 / physiology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy
  • Leptin / physiology*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Resistin / physiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology
  • Wasting Syndrome

Substances

  • Adiponectin
  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-6
  • Leptin
  • Resistin
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha