Obesity and inflammation: the adipocytokines

It is now well documented that obesity is associated with a chronic, low grade, inflammatory state. The serum concentrations of a number of inflammatory markers, such as CRP, fibrinogene or serum amyloids are increased in obese subjects. More importantly, the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFalpha, IL-6 and leptin are significantly higher in the plasma of obese patients. We will review here the possible role of adipose tissue and the production of adipocyte-derived cytokines in this inflammatory state. The observed increase in the concentrations of these adipocytokines is now suspected to play a determinant role in the development of most of the complications of obesity.