Summarizing the Role of Selected Adipokines in Parkinson’s Disease: What Is Known About Leptin, Adiponectin, Resistin, Visfatin, and Progranulin in Neurodegeneration?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. It is characterized by the accumulation of α-synuclein, and its symptoms arise from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, contributing to the development of both motor (MS) and non-motor (NMS) symptoms. The detailed pathomechanism of the disease progression is unknown, although microglia activation and ongoing neuroinflammation are thought to play key roles. It is known that adipokines have a wide-ranging impact on various processes, including those implicated in PD. We have analyzed a series of studies regarding the significance and involvement of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, and progranulin in neurodegeneration. Available evidence suggests that adipokines modulate PD pathology through their effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, or α-synuclein accumulation. Thus, the examined adipokines may serve as potential targets for PD treatment or as biomarkers of disease progression.