Adiponectin, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Several adipocyte-secreted factors have been demonstrated to potentially link obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Among those, adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory adipokine, concentrations of which are decreased in obesity-associated metabolic and vascular disorders. Recently, two adiponectin receptors (AdipoR) have been isolated and adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK), as well as acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), appear to be critical downstream mediators for various effects of this adipokine. In addition to beneficial metabolic effects, adiponectin seems to be vasoprotective by interfering with various atherogenic processes. Of clinical interest, thiazolidinediones (TZDs) which are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes stimulate adiponectin expression and secretion whereas several hormones dysregulated in insulin resistance and obesity downregulate this adipokine. The current knowledge on regulation and function of adiponectin in obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease is summarized in this review and its clinical implications are discussed.
Fasshauer
Mathias
M
Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Leipzig, Rosenthal-Street 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
Paschke
Ralf
R
Stumvoll
Michael
M
D000103:Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase / Q000378:metabolism; D052242:Adiponectin; D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D017868:Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000627:therapeutic use
D052242:Adiponectin; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D017868:Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; D000103:Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase