Relationships of plasma adiponectin level and adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 gene expression to insulin sensitivity and glucose and fat metabolism in monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
BACKGROUND
Adiponectin is a key insulin-sensitizing adipokine acting on muscle metabolism via two specific receptors [adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, respectively)].


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic and nongenetic control of plasma adiponectin and muscle AdipoR1/R2 gene expression and the impact of these components on in vivo glucose and fat metabolism.


METHODS
Plasma adiponectin and muscle gene expression of AdipoR1/R2 were measured before and during insulin infusion in 89 young and 69 elderly monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Insulin action, and glucose and fat oxidation rates were determined using hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps and indirect calorimetry.


RESULTS
We demonstrated a genetic component in the control of plasma adiponectin and AdipoR1/R2 gene expression. Furthermore, levels of adiponectin and AdipoR1/R2 were influenced by age, sex, abdominal obesity, and aerobic capacity. Intrapair correlations in monozygotic twins indicated a nongenetic influence of birth weight on plasma adiponectin and AdipoR2 expression. Nonoxidative glucose metabolism was associated with AdipoR1 and plasma adiponectin, in young and elderly twins, respectively. In addition, plasma adiponectin was related to glucose and fat oxidation in younger subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma adiponectin and muscle gene expression of its specific receptors are controlled by genetic and several specific nongenetic factors. The data suggest that the "adiponectin axis" plays a role in in vivo insulin action and nonoxidative glucose metabolism.
Storgaard
Heidi
H
Steno Diabetes Center, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark.
Poulsen
Pernille
P
Ling
Charlotte
C
Groop
Leif
L
Vaag
Allan A
AA
D052242:Adiponectin / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D005223:Fats / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism; D054419:Receptors, Adiponectin; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic
C475418:ADIPOR1 protein, human; C475420:ADIPOR2 protein, human; D052242:Adiponectin; D005223:Fats; D054419:Receptors, Adiponectin; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D005947:Glucose