Adipokine-mediated crosstalk between metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory pathways.

Adipokines are bioactive signaling molecules secreted by adipose tissue that play crucial roles in the regulation of energy metabolism and inflammatory responses. With the global rise in obesity and related metabolic disorders, understanding adipokine-mediated regulation has become increasingly important for addressing chronic inflammation and its systemic consequences. However, the adipokine-mediated crosstalk between metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory pathways remains incompletely understood. Beyond classical adipokines, adipose tissue-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as novel paracrine and endocrine signaling molecules, capable of modulating distant cellular functions through exosome-mediated transport. These extracellular vesicle-encapsulated miRNAs are increasingly recognized as key regulators in inter-organ communication and disease development. This review summarizes the current understanding of adipokine secretion mechanisms, roles in metabolic and inflammatory regulation, and the dual functions in both metabolic diseases and cancer. Emerging therapeutic strategies focusing on targeting adipokines and the signaling pathways downstream are also discussed, highlighting the translational potential of adipokines as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases and cancer.