Summary 　Obesity and related metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are increasingly prevalent medical and social problem in developed and developing countries. These conditions are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death. Recently, the concept has emerged that chronic low-grade inflammation in obese adipose tissue directly promotes systemic metabolic dysfunction. Adipose tissue is not only involved in energy storage but also functions as an endocrine organ that secretes various bioactive substances, known as adipocytokines. Adipocytokines have pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory activities, and the dysregulated expression of these factors, caused by excess adiposity and adipocyte dysfunction, contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-related diseases. Here, we focus on the role of adipocytokines in obesity-related chronic inflammation and review their potential as metabolic regulators.