Adiponectin and metabolic syndrome.
In this review article, the crucial roles of adipocytes in the development of so-called metabolic syndrome and vascular disease are reviewed, focusing on adipocyte-derived bioactive substances, adipocytokines. Recent progress in adipocyte biology shows that adipocytes are not merely energy-storing cells but that they secrete a variety of hormones cytokines, growth factors, and other bioactive substances. To search for novel adipocytokines by the large-scale random sequence analysis of expressed genes in adipocytes, we identified an adipose-specific collagen-like molecule, adiponectin. This novel adipocytokine has plural biofunctions, such as antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, and antiinflammatory functions. Adiponectin plasma levels decrease with the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue. In this review, we discuss the link of adiponectin to visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and vascular diseases.
Matsuzawa
Yuji
Y
Department of Internal Medicine and Molecular Science, Osaka University Graduate School, Sumitomo Hospital, Osaka, Japan. matsuzawa-yuji@sumitomo-hp.or.jp
Funahashi
Tohru
T
Kihara
Shinji
S
Shimomura
Iichiro
I
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D052242:Adiponectin; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D000818:Animals; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D020738:Leptin / Q000378:metabolism; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008954:Models, Biological; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue; D014781:Viscera
D052242:Adiponectin; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D020738:Leptin; D011506:Proteins