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Adiponectin

What is Adiponectin

Adiponectin is a protein of 244 amino acids, belonging to the category of adipokines. As such it is synthesized by the cells of adipose tissue, in particular by mature white adipocytes, and with its action influences the functionality and structural activity of other tissues.

Adiponectin, isolated for the first time in 1995, is measurable in plasma, where it represents 0.01-0.05% of total plasma proteins, with levels varying between 3 and 30 μg / mL of blood. These concentrations, precisely because they are clearly superior to those of the other circulating hormones, can also be dosed on very small blood samples.

Functions and Effects

The synthesis of this protein is regulated by the ADIPOQ gene, specifically and highly expressed in adipocytes.

Since the first studies conducted on animal models (mice) the anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of this substance have emerged. A clear relationship between adiponectin levels and fat mass extension has also been demonstrated. Unlike what was discovered for the other proteins synthesized by adipose tissue, in fact, the levels of adiponectin are significantly lower in the obese than in normal weight subjects.

Not only that, in the course of some studies, it has emerged that the adiponectin plasma levels are negatively correlated - as well as with BMI (body mass index) - with systolic blood pressure, fasting gligemic levels, insulinemia, l insulin resistance, total cholesterol and LDL, triglycerides and uric acid. In contrast, adiponectin levels correlate positively with those of HDL cholesterol and weight reduction.

Therefore, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties, adiponectin appears to have an important protective effect on cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, at the heart level, it acts as a regulator of heart damage, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertrophic remodeling effects.

MAIN ACTIONS OF ADIPONECTIN

Increased adiponectin

Adiponectin decrease

↑ Glucose tolerance

↑ HDL cholesterol

↓ Insulin resistance

↓ Triglyceride synthesis

↓ Glucose tolerance

↓ HDL cholesterol

↑ Insulin resistance

↑ Synthesis of triglycerides

Decreased risk of atherosclerosis and type II diabetesIncreased risk of atherosclerosis and type II diabetes

A reduction in serum concentrations is appreciated not only in obesity but also in subjects suffering from the typical diseases related to it, such as type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.

ADIPONECTINA, SYNONYMS: apM1, Acrp30, GBP-28 and AdipoQ

Similar to what was seen for leptin, adiponectin concentrations appear to be sex-dependent, with higher levels in women than in men.

In the future, the plasma adiponectin dosage could have an important diagnostic and prognostic significance. Moreover, the possibility of modulating serum concentrations according to specific pharmacological treatments - but also with lifestyle and diet - will contribute to revive the researchers' interest in this substance.