[Omentin - a newly-discovered adipocytokine in insulin resistance pathogenesis].

Increased consumption of highly processed food and low level of physical activity are the main culprits of the obesity epidemic. Excessive visceral fat is an independent risk factor for insulin resistance. Pathogenesis of insulin resistance includes increased oxidation of free fatty acids and chronic inflammation. It seems that a recently discovered adipokine - omentin can play a role in the complex phenomenon of insulin resistance. Studies have shown that the concentrations of omentin are reduced in conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes amongst others. Available research also indicate a positive correlation between plasma adiponectin and omentin. Biological functions of omentin and its mechanism of action are not fully understood. It has been determined that omentin enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. However, this adipokine does not stimulate basal glucose transport. It has been shown that omentin increases phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, which indicates a potential role of omentin in energy homeostasis.