Adiponectin Quest

Adiponectin - Adipocytes (fat cells) express a variety of proteins that function in the homeostatic control of glucose and lipid metabolism. Insulin regulates the translocation and secretion of many of these proteins in response to changes in energy balance. Adiponectin is a protein whose secretion from adipocytes is enhanced by insulin stimulation. It has been suggested that the development of non-insulin dependent (Type II) diabetes may involve dysregulation of adiponectin secretion. In support of the link between obesity and Type II diabetes, it has been shown that decreased expression of adiponectin correlates with insulin resistance, and that adiponectin appears to be a potent insulin enhancer linking adipose tissue and whole-body glucose metabolism.

• Individuals with low adiponectin levels have a 3X greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome [1].
• Men with two or more risk factors for metabolic syndrome and high adiponectin levels are half as likely to develop metabolic syndrome as men with low adiponectin levels [2].
• Individuals with low levels of adiponectin are up to 9X as likely to develop type 2 diabetes [3].
• Individuals with low adiponectin levels have a 2X increase in the prevalence of CAD [4].
• Adiponectin levels in the blood can be increased by thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone [5].