Adiponectin and its potential in the treatment of obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance
Haluzik, M.
Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs 6(10): 988-993
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1472-4472 PMID: 16259219 Document Number: 589962
Adiponectin is a protein hormone produced exclusively by adipocytes. Its circulating levels are decreased in individuals with obesity, atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, suggesting that its deficiency may have a causal role in the aetiopathogenesis of these diseases. Studies have shown that adiponectin administration in rodents has insulin-sensitizing, anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, and under certain settings also decreases body weight. Therefore, adiponectin replacement in humans may represent a promising approach to prevent and/or treat obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, clinical studies with adiponectin administration need to be conducted to confirm this hypothesis. Current experimental and clinical data regarding adiponectin physiology and pathophysiology are detailed in this review.