Adipokines and Atherosclerotic Inflammatory Process

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Adipokines and Atherosclerotic Inflammatory Process

Increased TNF-α, IL-6, PAI-1, leptin, and resistin, and decreased adiponectin promote insulin resistance, leading to impaired glucose management and diabetes. Some adipokines also affect endothelial function and the coagulation system, promoting atherosclerosis. The low-grade inflammatory state created by abnormal adipokine levels is likely an important connection between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

Adipokines play several roles in the atherosclerotic inflammatory process:
  • TNF-α activity produces inflammatory changes in vascular tissue and adhesion molecules. This increases the ability of monocytes to adhere to vessel walls.
  • Resistin also promotes cell adhesion.
  • Angiotensin II from angiotensinogen enhances the adhesion process of monocytes and platelets to vessel walls.
  • When glucose levels are increased, leptin assists in the incorporation of lipids by enhancing the uptake of cholesterol by macrophages.
  • IL-6 enhances the inflammatory process and increases CRP.
  • If there are ruptured atherosclerotic plaques, PAI-1 increases the probability of thrombus formation and inhibits fibrin clot lysis.