The Role of Leptin and Adiponectin in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease, characterized by chronic synovial inflammation and destruction of cartilage and bone, results in varying degrees of deformity and functional disability. Previous research has shown that there is a link between adipokines and RA, but also other systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Adipokines are biologically active substances, which are predominantly or exclusively secreted from adipocytes of adipose tissue, or other adipose tissue cells such as: preadipocytes, immune cells infiltrated in AT, or other cell types within this tissue. These molecules play a significant role in energy homeostasis and metabolism regulation, and are also involved in chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunctions. Some of the adipokines act like hormones in glucose homeostasis and appetite regulation, while others, like cytokines, support the link between obesity and insulin resistance with the immune system and the inflammatory process. However, the clear role of adipokines in pathological conditions has not yet been established. This review will focus on current knowledge about the role of the two most prominent adipokines, leptin and adiponectin, in the pathogenesis of RA.