Adiponectin, also known as apM1, Acrp30, GBP28 and adipoQ, is a circulating hormone predominantly produced from adipose tissue. Many pharmacological studies demonstrated that this protein possesses potent anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic, cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory functions. Supplementation of adiponectin protein can decrease blood glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, alleviate fatty liver and prevent atherosclerosis. The protein is post-translationally modified by hydroxylation and glycosylation, and forms three different oligomeric complexes in the circulation. Many clinical studies demonstrated that plasma adiponectin is a useful biomarker for metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and several types of cancers. Decreased circulating levels of plasma adiponectin (hypoadiponectinaemia) are associated with increased body mass index (BMI), decreased insulin sensitivity, less favourable plasma lipid profiles, increased levels of inflammatory markers and increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart diseases. Low adiponectin concentrations were found to be predictive of a future reduction in insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular disorders. Administration of the anti-diabetic drugs thiazolidinediones (TZDs) raises circulating adiponectin levels. In addition, low plasma adiponectin levels are also associated with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and certain types of cancers.
Relevant publications:
1. Adiponectin: mechanistic insights and clinical implications. Turer AT & Scherer PE. Diabetologia. 2012 55(9):2319-26.
4. Adiponectin, the past two decades. J Mol Cell Biol. 2016 Apr;8(2):93-100. doi: 10.1093/jmcb/mjw011.
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