Diagnostic value of chemerin in lower gastrointestinal diseases-a review.

Chemerin is a protein secreted among others by adipose tissue and liver, with a dual pro- and anti-inflammatory role in the body. These molecules exert systemic effects by modulating tissue-specific immune response and metabolism. Chemerin isoforms correlate with the turnover of fatty acids and lipoproteins that could affect intestinal inflammation. Although chemerin may interact with three types of receptors, CMKLR1 is the best studied. In this paper we reviewed current knowledge about the relationship between chemerin and lower gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). A more detailed understanding of the role of the adipose tissue in the GI tract will not only unravel the pathophysiology of chronic intestinal diseases, but may also indicate a new therapeutic tool for their management.