Title:The Role of Adiponectin in Maintaining Metabolic Homeostasis
VOLUME: 16 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Suleyman Cem Adiyaman*, Muhammet Ozer, Basak Ozgen Saydam and Baris Akinci
Affiliation:Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Department of Internal Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir
Keywords:Adiponectin, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, mortality, obesity, insulin resistance.
Abstract:
Background: Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived cytokine closely associated with obesity,
altered body adipose tissue distribution, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases.
Introduction: Evidence from animal and human studies demonstrate that adiponectin plays an important
role in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity
and improves systemic lipid metabolism. Although research efforts on adiponectin mostly aim towards
its endocrine functions, this adipocyte-derived molecule also has profound autocrine and paracrine
functions.
Conclusion: In this review, our aim is to discuss the role of adiponectin in maintaining metabolic homeostasis
and its association with cardiovascular health. The proper identification of these roles is of
great importance, which has the potential to identify a wealth of novel targets for the treatment of diabetes
and related cardio-metabolic diseases.