Adipokines and melanocortins in the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Metabolic syndrome is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its more aggressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Adipokines produced by white adipose tissue possess broad physiological activity and play an important autocrine role in obesity-associated complications, including metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Various adipokines may have beneficial or harmful effects. Other tissues, particularly stomach and intestine, produce active molecules that can influence the function of adipocytes and, possibly, the levels of adipokine secretion. In some cases, the production sites of these molecules remain unknown. The review focuses on our current understanding of the disease-related effects of the adipokines and the melanocortins on various peripheral tissues, and discusses some of their potential interactions with each other. Potential therapeutic applications are also considered.