Adiponectin: protection of the endothelium.
Low levels of adiponectin, a fat-derived hormone, are found in coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other insulin-resistant states. Conversely, high adiponectin levels are predictive of reduced coronary risk in long-term epidemiologic studies. A close association between hypoadiponectinemia and endothelial dysfunction has also been demonstrated. The various mechanisms through which adiponectin may protect the endothelium, via its insulin-sensitizing, antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, are reviewed.
Lam
Karen S L
KS
Department of Medicine and Research Centre of Heart, Brain, Hormone & Healthy Aging, Medical Faculty, University of Hong Kong, 21, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. ksllam@hkucc.hku.hk
Xu
Aimin
A
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D052242:Adiponectin; D000975:Antioxidants