Update on Adipocyte Hormones

Hormones produced by adipose tissue play a critical role in the regulation of energy intake, energy expenditure, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. This review will address the biology, actions, and regulation of three adipocyte hormones-leptin, acylation stimulating protein (ASP), and adiponectin-with an emphasis on the most recent literature. The main biological role of leptin appears to be adaptation to reduced energy availability rather than prevention of obesity. In addition to the well-known consequences of absolute leptin deficiency, subjects with heterozygous leptin gene mutations have low circulating leptin levels and increased body adiposity. Leptin treatment dramatically improves metabolic…