The dysregulation of these adipo- and hepatokines (e.g., leptin, chemerin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, afamin, fetuin-A, retinol-binding protein 4 etc.)has been associated with central obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and enhanced atherogenesis. The gene discussed is RBP4; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.