Ukr.Biochem.J. 2025; Volume 97, Issue 4, Jul-Aug, pp. 22-33
doi: https://doi.org/10.15407/ubj97.04.022
Chemerin-adiponectin axis in hypothyroidism
M. K. Najim1*, A. F. Al-Shukri2
1Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology,
Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Kufa, Iraq;
Thi-Qar Health Directorate, Al-Rifae Teaching Hospital;
*e-mail: murtadha.najeem.chm@student.atu.edu.iq;
2Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology,
Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Kufa, Iraq;
e-mail: kin.ebt@atu.edu.iq
Received: 09 April 2025; Revised: 30 June 2025;
Accepted: 12 September 2025; Available on-line: 17 September 2025
Hypothyroidism disrupts energy and metabolism due to insufficient thyroid hormones production, leading to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Recent studies have demonstrated the impact of adipokines, chemerin and adiponectin on thyroid function. This review analyzes the involvement of these hormones in the metabolic and inflammatory complications of hypothyroidism, their effects and interactions through complex signaling pathways, as well as their possible contribution to the etiology and treatment of hypothyroidism, considering the importance of integrating biomarker data.
Keywords: adiponectin, biomarker data, chemerin, hormonal interactions, hypothyroidism
References:
- Ratziu V, Bellentani S, Cortez-Pinto H, Day C, Marchesini G. A position statement on NAFLD/NASH based on the EASL 2009 special conference. J Hepatol. 2010;53(2):372-384. PubMed, CrossRef
- Kumar V, Mathur SL, Tuteja RK. Effects of thyroid dysfunction on lipid profile. Int J Med Biomed Stud. 2019;3(6):76-80. CrossRef
- Hage M, Zantout MS, Azar ST. Thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus. J Thyroid Res. 2011;2011:439463. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Ozdemir D, Dagdelen S, Usman A. Serum Adiponectin Levels and Changes in Glucose Metabolism before and after Treatment for Thyroid Dysfunction. Intern Med. 2015;54(15):1849-1857. PubMed, CrossRef
- Barbe A, Bongrani A, Mellouk N, Estienne A, Kurowska P, Grandhaye J, Elfassy Y, Levy R, Rak A, Froment P, Dupont J. Mechanisms of Adiponectin Action in Fertility: An Overview from Gametogenesis to Gestation in Humans and Animal Models in Normal and Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(7):1526. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Solsona-Vilarrasa E, Vousden KH. Obesity, white adipose tissue and cancer. FEBS J. 2025;292(9):2189-2207. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Kiezun M, Dobrzyn K, Kiezun J, Kaminski T, Smolinska N. Chemerin affects the expression of angiogenesis-related factors in the porcine endometrium during early pregnancy and the oestrous cycle: an in vitro study. Reprod Fertil Dev. 2023;35(16):692-707. PubMed, CrossRef
- Kiezun M, Dobrzyn K, Kaminski T, Smolinska N. Chemerin affects the cytokine production and the expression of their receptors in the porcine endometrium during early pregnancy and the estrous cycle: an in vitro study. Biol Reprod. 2024;111(5):1030-1044. PubMed, CrossRef
- Yang S, Wang Q, Huang W, Song Y, Feng G, Zhou L, Tan J. Are serum chemerin levels different between obese and non-obese polycystic ovary syndrome women? Gynecol Endocrinol. 2016;32(1):38-41. PubMed, CrossRef
- Liu Y, Ma X, Le Y, Feng J, Xu M, Wang W, Wang C. Organophosphorus Flame Retardants and Metabolic Disruption: An in Silico, in Vitro, and in Vivo Study Focusing on Adiponectin Receptors. Environ Health Perspect. 2024;132(11):117003. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Helfer G, Wu QF. Chemerin: a multifaceted adipokine involved in metabolic disorders. J Endocrinol. 2018;238(2):R79-R94. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Chyra A, Gawel K, Cichy J. Chemerin – a new regulator of metabolic and immune processes. Postep Biol Komorki. 2011;38(3):407-421.
- Stojek M. The role of chemerin in human disease. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2017;71(0):110-117. PubMed, CrossRef
- Rourke JL, Dranse HJ, Sinal CJ. Towards an integrative approach to understanding the role of chemerin in human health and disease. Obes Rev. 2013;14(3):245-262. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Mattern A, Zellmann T, Beck-Sickinger AG. Processing, signaling, and physiological function of chemerin. IUBMB Life. 2014;66(1):19-26. PubMed, CrossRef
- Liu Y, Liu A, Ye RD. Structural Basis for Chemerin Recognition and Signaling Through Its Receptors. Biomedicines. 2024;12(11):2470. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Fischer TF, Beck-Sickinger AG. Chemerin – exploring a versatile adipokine. Biol Chem. 2022;403(7):625-642. PubMed, CrossRef
- Laffranchi M, Schioppa T, Sozio F, Piserà A, Tiberio L, Salvi V, Bosisio D, Musso T, Sozzani S, Del Prete A. Chemerin in immunity. J Leukoc Biol. 2025;117(3):qiae181. PubMed, CrossRef
- Wittamer V, Franssen JD, Vulcano M, Mirjolet JF, Le Poul E, Migeotte I, Brézillon S, Tyldesley R, Blanpain C, Detheux M, Mantovani A, Sozzani S, Vassart G, Parmentier M, Communi D. Specific recruitment of antigen-presenting cells by chemerin, a novel processed ligand from human inflammatory fluids. J Exp Med. 2003;198(7):977-985. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Hu S, Shao Z, Zhang C, Chen L, Mamun AA, Zhao N, Cai J, Lou Z, Wang X, Chen J. Chemerin facilitates intervertebral disc degeneration via TLR4 and CMKLR1 and activation of NF-kB signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY). 2020;12(12):11732-11753. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Li J, Lu Y, Li N, Li P, Wang Z, Ting W, Liu X, Wu W. Chemerin: A Potential Regulator of Inflammation and Metabolism for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Biomed Res Int. 2020;2020:4574509. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Zhao L, Yamaguchi Y, Sharif S, Du XY, Song JJ, Lee DM, Recht LD, Robinson WH, Morser J, Leung LL. Chemerin158K protein is the dominant chemerin isoform in synovial and cerebrospinal fluids but not in plasma. J Biol Chem. 2011;286(45):39520-39527. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Zabel BA, Allen SJ, Kulig P, Allen JA, Cichy J, Handel TM, Butcher EC. Chemerin activation by serine proteases of the coagulation, fibrinolytic, and inflammatory cascades. J Biol Chem. 2005;280(41):34661-34666. PubMed, CrossRef
- Monnier J, Lewén S, O’Hara E, Huang K, Tu H, Butcher EC, Zabel BA. Expression, regulation, and function of atypical chemerin receptor CCRL2 on endothelial cells. J Immunol. 2012;189(2):956-967. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Ha YJ, Kang EJ, Song JS, Park YB, Lee SK, Choi ST. Plasma chemerin levels in rheumatoid arthritis are correlated with disease activity rather than obesity. Joint Bone Spine. 2014;81(2):189-190. PubMed, CrossRef
- Herenius MM, Oliveira AS, Wijbrandts CA, Gerlag DM, Tak PP, Lebre MC. Anti-TNF therapy reduces serum levels of chemerin in rheumatoid arthritis: a new mechanism by which anti-TNF might reduce inflammation. PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e57802. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Askin L, Duman H, Özyıldız AG, Tanriverdi O. Association of serum chemerin levels with coronary artery disease: pathogenesis and clinical research. Cardiovasc Innov Appl. 2020;4(4):251. CrossRef
- Cinar N, Gurlek A. Association between novel adipocytokines adiponectin, vaspin, visfatin, and thyroid: An experimental and clinical update. Endocr Connect. 2013;2(4):R30-R38. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Khatiwada S, Sah SK, Kc R, Baral N, Lamsal M. Thyroid dysfunction in metabolic syndrome patients and its relationship with components of metabolic syndrome. Clin Diabetes Endocrinol. 2016;2:3. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Edrees HM, Fahmy EK, Esmaeel SE. A Study on Serum Level of Chemerin in Experimentaly – Induced Thyroid Dysfunctions. Basic Sie Med. 2018;7(2):21-26. CrossRef
- Walczak K, Siemińska L. The relationships between selected serum adipokines and thyroid function in patients with obesity. Endokrynol Pol. 2022;73(2):353-360. PubMed, CrossRef
- Al Doghaither HA, Alshaikh EM, Omar UM, Alsufiani HM, Mansouri RA, Tarbiah NI, Alshaikh AA, Alshaikh AM. Insulin resistance and its correlation with chemerin and visfatin in Saudi patients with hyperthyroidism. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2019;13(5):18-21. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Gong N, Gao C, Chen X, Wang Y, Tian L. Effect of levothyroxine replacement therapy on adipocyte expression in subclinical hypothyroidism rats. Chinese J Endem. 2018;(7):541-546.
- Tamer S, Turan T, Taşkan T, Karakoç MA, Arslan İE, Gönenç A. Serum Chemerin, Vaspin, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Markers in Subclinical Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism. J Basic Clin Heal Sci. 2024;8(2):296-307. CrossRef
- Hu S, Shao Z, Zhang C, Chen L, Mamun AA, Zhao N, Cai J, Lou Z, Wang X, Chen J. Chemerin facilitates intervertebral disc degeneration via TLR4 and CMKLR1 and activation of NF-kB signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY). 2020;12(12):11732-11753. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Goralski KB, Jackson AE, McKeown BT, Sinal CJ. More than an adipokine: the complex roles of chemerin signaling in cancer. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(19):4778. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Gao Y, Sheng M, Zhao Y, Jiang H, Zhang Y. Serum Chemerin and thyrotropin expression levels in patients with thyroid cancer and roles in predicting survival. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2019;12(6):7561-7568.
- Lee B, Shao J. Adiponectin and energy homeostasis. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2014;15(2):149-156. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Ramakrishnan N, Auger K, Rahimi N, Jialal I. Biochemistry, adiponectin. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. PubMed
- Yamauchi T, Kadowaki T. Physiological and pathophysiological roles of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors in the integrated regulation of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Int J Obes (Lond). 2008;32(Suppl 7):S13-S18. PubMed, CrossRef
- Takemura Y, Ouchi N, Shibata R, Aprahamian T, Kirber MT, Summer RS, Kihara S, Walsh K. Adiponectin modulates inflammatory reactions via calreticulin receptor-dependent clearance of early apoptotic bodies. J Clin Invest. 2007;117(2):375-386. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- van Stijn CM, Kim J, Barish GD, Tietge UJ, Tangirala RK. Adiponectin expression protects against angiotensin II-mediated inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis. PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e86404. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Wang Y, Wang X, Lau WB, Yuan Y, Booth D, Li JJ, Scalia R, Preston K, Gao E, Koch W, Ma XL. Adiponectin inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced vascular inflammatory response via caveolin-mediated ceramidase recruitment and activation. Circ Res. 2014;114(5):792-805. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Wolf AM, Wolf D, Rumpold H, Enrich B, Tilg H. Adiponectin induces the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-1RA in human leukocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;323(2):630-635. PubMed, CrossRef
- Ohashi K, Parker JL, Ouchi N, Higuchi A, Vita JA, Gokce N, Pedersen AA, Kalthoff C, Tullin S, Sams A, Summer R, Walsh K. Adiponectin promotes macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. J Biol Chem. 2010;285(9):6153-6160. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Huang H, Park PH, McMullen MR, Nagy LE. Mechanisms for the anti-inflammatory effects of adiponectin in macrophages. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008;23(Suppl 1):S50-S53. PubMed, CrossRef
- Antoniades C, Antonopoulos AS, Tousoulis D, Stefanadis C. Adiponectin: from obesity to cardiovascular disease. Obes Rev. 2009;10(3):269-279. PubMed, CrossRef
- Khoramipour K, Chamari K, Hekmatikar AA, Ziyaiyan A, Taherkhani S, Elguindy NM, Bragazzi NL. Adiponectin: Structure, Physiological Functions, Role in Diseases, and Effects of Nutrition. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1180. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Monks M, Irakleidis F, Tan PH. Complex interaction of adiponectin-mediated pathways on cancer treatment: a novel therapeutic target. J Cancer Metastasis Treat. 2019;5:24. CrossRef
- Balsan GA, Vieira JL, Oliveira AM, Portal VL. Relationship between adiponectin, obesity and insulin resistance. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2015;61(1):72-80. PubMed, CrossRef
- Shehzad A, Iqbal W, Shehzad O, Lee YS. Adiponectin: regulation of its production and its role in human diseases. Hormones (Athens). 2012;11(1):8-20. PubMed, CrossRef
- Fasshauer M, Blüher M. Adipokines in health and disease. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2015;36(7):461-470. PubMed, CrossRef
- Li S, Han X, Song J, Dong M, Xie T. Mechanism of Action and Risk Prediction of Adiponectin in Cardiovascular Diseases. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2024;29(8):286. PubMed, CrossRef
- Begum M, Choubey M, Tirumalasetty MB, Arbee S, Mohib MM, Wahiduzzaman M, Mamun MA, Uddin MB, Mohiuddin MS. Adiponectin: A Promising Target for the Treatment of Diabetes and Its Complications. Life (Basel). 2023;13(11):2213. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Lozanov LB, Gorcheva D, Lozanov BS, Argirova R, Koleva V, Kostova B, Borisov RP, Nedeva M. Role of Thyroid Deficiency on Adiponectin, Leptin, and Metabolic Status in Visceral Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study. Horm Metab Res. 2017;49(9):667-672. PubMed, CrossRef
- Altinova AE, Törüner FB, Aktürk M, Bukan N, Cakir N, Ayvaz G, Arslan M. Adiponectin levels and cardiovascular risk factors in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2006;65(4):530-535. PubMed, CrossRef
- Ozdemir D, Dagdelen S, Usman A. Thyroid dysfunction related abnormalities in adiponectin and glucose metabolism before and after treatment. In: Endocrine Abstracts. Bioscientifica; 2010;22:ea0022oc2.5.
- Rashad NM, Saad MSS, Ramadan BM, El Shabrawy SM. The association of adiponectin gene expression and serum levels with susceptibility to peripheral polyneuropathy in Egyptian patients by women with hypothyroidism. Egypt J Intern Med. 2019;31:302-313. CrossRef
- Yu H, Yang Y, Zhang M, Lu H, Zhang J, Wang H, Cianflone K. Thyroid status influence on adiponectin, acylation stimulating protein (ASP) and complement C3 in hyperthyroid and hypothyroid subjects. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2006;3:13. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Gómez-Zamudio JH, Mendoza-Zubieta V, Ferreira-Hermosillo A, Molina-Ayala MA, Valladares-Sálgado A, Suárez-Sánchez F, de Jesús Peralta-Romero J, Cruz M. High Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Levels Increase Proinflammatory and Cardiovascular Markers in Patients with Extreme Obesity. Arch Med Res. 2016;47(6):476-482. PubMed, CrossRef
- Hsieh CJ, Wang PW. Serum concentrations of adiponectin in patients with hyperthyroidism before and after control of thyroid function. Endocr J. 2008;55(3):489-494. PubMed, CrossRef
- Chu SH, Lee MK, Ahn KY, Im JA, Park MS, Lee DC, Jeon JY, Lee JW. Chemerin and adiponectin contribute reciprocally to metabolic syndrome. PLoS One. 2012;7(4):e34710. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Goralski KB, McCarthy TC, Hanniman EA, Zabel BA, Butcher EC, Parlee SD, Muruganandan S, Sinal CJ. Chemerin, a novel adipokine that regulates adipogenesis and adipocyte metabolism. J Biol Chem. 2007;282(38):28175-28188. PubMed, CrossRef
- Sell H, Laurencikiene J, Taube A, Eckardt K, Cramer A, Horrighs A, Arner P, Eckel J. Chemerin is a novel adipocyte-derived factor inducing insulin resistance in primary human skeletal muscle cells. Diabetes. 2009;58(12):2731-2740. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Sinha R, Yen PM. Cellular Action of Thyroid Hormone. 2018 Jun 20. In: Feingold KR, Ahmed SF, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, Boyce A, Chrousos G, Corpas E, de Herder WW, Dhatariya K, Dungan K, Hofland J, Kalra S, Kaltsas G, Kapoor N, Koch C, Kopp P, Korbonits M, Kovacs CS, Kuohung W, Laferrère B, Levy M, McGee EA, McLachlan R, Muzumdar R, Purnell J, Rey R, Sahay R, Shah AS, Singer F, Sperling MA, Stratakis CA, Trence DL, Wilson DP, editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000. PubMed
- Pingitore A, Gaggini M, Mastorci F, Sabatino L, Cordiviola L, Vassalle C. Metabolic Syndrome, Thyroid Dysfunction, and Cardiovascular Risk: The Triptych of Evil. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25(19):10628. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Teixeira PFDS, Dos Santos PB, Pazos-Moura CC. The role of thyroid hormone in metabolism and metabolic syndrome. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2020;11:2042018820917869. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Grygiel-Górniak B, Grzelak T, Czyżewska K, Puszczewicz M. Chemerin, Resistin, and Adiponectin in Patients with Connective Tissue Diseases. J Med Biochem. 2018;37(2):148-154. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Kalra S, Aggarwal S, Khandelwal D. Thyroid Dysfunction and Dysmetabolic Syndrome: The Need for Enhanced Thyrovigilance Strategies. Int J Endocrinol. 2021;2021:9641846. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Aydogan Bİ, Sahin M. Adipocytokines in thyroid dysfunction. ISRN Inflamm. 2013;2013:646271. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Tan L, Lu X, Danser AHJ, Verdonk K. The Role of Chemerin in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease: A Literature Review of Its Physiology and Pathology from a Nutritional Perspective. Nutrients. 2023;15(13):2878. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Bianco AC. Emerging Therapies in Hypothyroidism. Annu Rev Med. 2024;75:307-319. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
- Yazdaan HE, Jaya F, Sanjna F, Junaid M, Rasool S, Baig A, Natt MZ, Maurya N, Iqbal S, Yeldo BA, Khan AS, Varrassi G, Kumar S, Khatri M, Awan SK. Advances in Thyroid Function Tests: Precision Diagnostics and Clinical Implications. Cureus. 2023;15(11):e48961. PubMed, PubMed, CrossRef
