Scientific interest in adipose tissue-derived peptides has increased dramatically in recent years.1 Several mediators known as adipo(cyto)kines were first associated with the pathophysiology of obesity-related complications; however, a significant role for adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin and visfatin in regulating immune responses and inflammation has recently been discovered.1 2 Several reports3,–,6 have already demonstrated association of these adipokines with the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Vaspin, a member of the serine protease inhibitor family, and omentin (also known as intelectin) were recently identified in adipose tissue.7 8 Vaspin is an adipokine with insulin-sensitising effects that has been suggested to be a compensatory mediator for abrogating obesity and its inflammatory complications.7 Expression of the omentin gene was demonstrated in omental adipose tissue of patients …