It is recognized that maladaptive production of various adipocytokines (e.g. adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, and leptin) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1, are implicated in the development of obesity-related systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. This evidence concerns the gene ADIPOQ and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.