Adipose tissue is an enormously active endocrine organ, secreting various 
hormones, such as adiponectin, leptin, resistin and visfatin, together with 
classical cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and 
interleukin-6 (IL-6). All these adipocytokines play significant roles in the 
regulation of energy metabolism, glucose and lipid metabolism, reproduction, 
cardiovascular function and immunity. Adipocytokines are significantly regulated 
by nutritional status and can directly influence other organ systems, including 
brain, liver and skeletal muscle. Adiponectin plays a key role as an 
anti-inflammatory hormone. Upregulated expression of resistin, vaspin, apelin 
and TNF-α plays a significant role in induction of insulin resistance linked 
with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Ghrelin, the circulating peptide, has been 
found to stimulate appetite and regulate energy balance. Thus, it can be 
considered 1 of the candidate genes for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Omentin is 
a novel adipokine produced by visceral adipose tissue. Circulating levels of 
omentin are decreased in insulin-resistant states, for example, in obesity and 
diabetes. IL-6 plays a vital role in regulating the accumulation of lipids 
intramyocardially. Based on the biologic relevance of these adipocytokines, they 
can no longer be considered as energy storage sites alone but must also be 
considered in metabolic control. Hence, the present review summarizes the 
regulatory roles of adipocytokines in diabetes linked with obesity.