title: Adiponectin: An Endothelium-Derived Vasoprotective Factor?
abstract: Adipose tissue (AT) is now widely accepted as a key secretary organ, as well as an energy storage depot. It secretes a series of cytokines, hormones and bioactive molecules: adipokines. Adiponectin is an abundant systemic adipokine that uniquely is reduced in obesity and increases on weight loss, is anti-inflammatory, promotes insulin sensitivity and affords cardiometabolic protection. It was considered a true adipokine, in that it is exclusively generated by the adipocytes of the adipose tissue. However, recent evidence points to it being secreted by a range of other organs. This review summarizes the non-adipose sources of adiponectin especially that derived from the endothelium, its vasoprotective role and intracellular signalling pathways. Endothelium derived adiponectin may potentially be a new target for clinical intervention in cardiovascular disease.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Ian M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Domingos
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.forename: Mats
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dreifaldt
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Dashwood
authors.affiliation: Life Sciences Research Division, ADLQ, P.O Box 27775, Doha, Qatar. vali@adlqatar.qa.
authors.forename: Mohamed-Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Vidya
mesh_terms: D052242:Adiponectin / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D052242:Adiponectin; D020011:Protective Agents