Adiponectin: an adipokine linking adipocytes and type 2 diabetes in humans.
Adipocyte-derived adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing and antiatherosclerotic hormone, and replenishment of adiponectin in animal models ameliorated insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. In humans, recent studies have demonstrated that adiponectin level is a good predictor of developing type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease. Decreasing level of adiponectin is caused by the interaction between genetic factors, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene, and environmental factors, such as high-fat diet. Agents that increase blood level of adiponectin or enhance the actions of adiponectin can be an ideal medicine for ameliorating insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Hara
Kazuo
K
Department of Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
Yamauchi
Toshimasa
T
Kadowaki
Takashi
T
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D052242:Adiponectin; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000502:physiology; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology*
D052242:Adiponectin; D007328:Insulin; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins