DNA methylation reshapes the expression of adipokines and adipose factors in white adipose tissues

The expansion of adipose tissue during obesity results in alterations in the expression of adipose-derived hormones or factors, which control whole-body energy metabolism. Epigenetics refers to the heritable modifications in gene function that arise without changes in DNA sequence and are sculped by environmental factors, lifestyles, and nutritional variables. DNA methylation is a well-characterized epigenetic mechanism, and altered expression of adipose-derived hormones or factors is partly ascribed to alterations in DNA methylation levels or patterns. This review aims to summarize the regulatory effects of DNA methylation on the expression of adipokines and adipose factors, including leptin, adiponectin, cytokines as well as insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) under obese conditions. The feasibility of DNA methylation as a biomarker for the prediction and prognosis of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) would be also discussed.