Uploaded on 1 Feb 2012
As noted earlier, obesity is one of
the underlying causes of insulin resistance.3 The adipocyte is an active
metabolic and endocrine organ, capable of producing several factors,
referred to as adipocytokines or adipokines. With the increase in fat
mass, several adipose-related factors are upregulated and may affect
local and distant inflammatory processes, including atherothrombosis.
the underlying causes of insulin resistance.3 The adipocyte is an active
metabolic and endocrine organ, capable of producing several factors,
referred to as adipocytokines or adipokines. With the increase in fat
mass, several adipose-related factors are upregulated and may affect
local and distant inflammatory processes, including atherothrombosis.
However, adiponectin, the most abundant known factor, is downregulated
with increase in fat mass. This reduction in adiponectin along with the
upregulation of otherfactors may result in increased inflammation and
thrombotic tendency (Figure 1).4 Adiponectin is initially synthesized as
a monomer, but is later secreted and circulated in the plasma as
complex isoforms. In humans, the two majorly separated isomeric forms
are available; low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight
(HMW) adiponectin.5
Several in vitro and in vivo studies have stated
that blood levels of adiponectin are low in individuals with Type 2
diabetes, insulin resistance, coronary heart disease and other features
of metabolic syndrome.5,6 Based on the above properties, adiponectin
appears to be a major modulator of insulin action and its levels in Type
2 diabetes. It also seems to possess insulin-sensitizing,
antiinflammatory properties and antiatherogenic properties.
that blood levels of adiponectin are low in individuals with Type 2
diabetes, insulin resistance, coronary heart disease and other features
of metabolic syndrome.5,6 Based on the above properties, adiponectin
appears to be a major modulator of insulin action and its levels in Type
2 diabetes. It also seems to possess insulin-sensitizing,
antiinflammatory properties and antiatherogenic properties.
Hence,
adiponectin is found to be a promising target for managing insulin
resistance, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.7 This was also proved in a
study by Matasuzawa et al., wherein the plasma levels of adiponectin
strongly correlated with insulin sensitivity evaluated as glucose
disposal rates.
adiponectin is found to be a promising target for managing insulin
resistance, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.7 This was also proved in a
study by Matasuzawa et al., wherein the plasma levels of adiponectin
strongly correlated with insulin sensitivity evaluated as glucose
disposal rates.
