Omentin 1 (intelectin-1; endothelial lectin HL-1; intestinal lactoferrin receptor; galactofuranose-binding lectin) is a newly identified adipokine that is preferentially produced by visceral adipose tissue compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue. It is secreted from stromal vascular cells but not adipocytes. In vitro studies revealed omentin 1 to enhance insulin-mediated glucose-uptake in isolated adipocytes and to activate Akt/PKB. The expression of omentin 1 and its homolog omentin 2 [intelectin-2] has been shown to be decreased with obesity. Omentin 1 is the major circulating form and its plasma levels are decreased in obesity. In other tissues omentin 1 is expressed at lower levels and has originally been shown to be involved in body defense by binding to galactofuranoses on bacteria. Rat omentin is homolog to human omentin 1.