Role of cardiotrophin-1 in obesity and insulin resistance.

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is a member of the gp130 family of cytokines. In a recent study we examined the metabolic features of ct-1 null mice and the effects on body composition, glucose and lipid metabolism of acute and chronic administration of recombinant CT-1. Our data revealed that CT-1 is a key regulator of energy metabolism with potential applications in the treatment of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. This commentary discusses the significance of these findings in the context of other key studies in the field of obesity and insulin resistance.