Cytokines of the LIF/CNTF family and metabolism

The incidence of obesity is increasing worldwide. Obesity is accompanied by a chronic inflammatory state that increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as insulin-resistance and type 2 diabetes. Over the past two decades, interest in immunomodulatory cytokines as potential mediators and/or targets for treatment or prevention of obesity and metabolic syndrome has increased. In this review, we summarize studies that revealed the effects of LIF family cytokines on adipose tissue, energy expenditure and food intake, highlighting the importance of gp130/LIFRβ signaling in obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.