Adipokines and dementia

The aim of the article is to review the current knowledge of mechanisms linking adipokines, insulin resistance and dementia. Adipose tissue secretes into the bloodstream a number of hormones named adipokines, which regulate many aspects of the metabolism and energy balance. They also play a role in blood pressure regulation, hemostasis and immunity, and in the development of various pathological conditions which are often accompanied by insulin resistance. Leptin and adiponectin are important adipokines related with dementia. Both diminish insulin resistance, can cross the blood/brain barrier and exert influence on nervous tissue. It has been found that leptin accelerates beta amyloid disintegration and also decreases tau phosphorylation, thus favoring the removal of two of the main pathological elements of Alzheimer disease and creating future therapeutic possibilities. Adiponectin decreases glucose levels by increasing the oxidation of fatty acids and inhibiting gluconeogenesis. Adiponectin is produced as monomer, which can change into a more active multimeric form. Some of the polymorphic forms of adiponectin favor its multimerization. Other adipokines – resistin and adipokine – like ghrelin are also connected with dementia. The possibility of using resistin in Alzheimer disease therapy has been raised. Ghrelin's role in neuroprotection, memory consolidation and cognitive functions has been found showing a relationship between ghrelin and Alzheimer disease. Adipokines play an important role in the mechanisms connected with dementia.