Adiponectin: an intriguing hormone for paediatricians.
Adiponectin, a protein hormone produced by adipocytes, is also found in breast milk, which in turn is implicated in childhood obesity prevention. Although a biological role for adiponectin has not been firmly established, clinical and experimental research indicates that it regulates lipid and glucose metabolism, affects foetal development, and exerts anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects.


CONCLUSIONS
This review demonstrates an emerging interest of paediatric research on adiponectin. A better understanding of adiponectin's bioactivity might clarify whether breast milk indeed prevents childhood obesity.
Savino
F
F
Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. francesco.savino@unito.it
Petrucci
E
E
Nanni
Ge
G
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D052242:Adiponectin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020738:Leptin; D008895:Milk, Human; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D010372:Pediatrics
D052242:Adiponectin; D020738:Leptin