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 it influences the functionality and structural activity of other tissues.
Adiponectin, isolated for the first time in 1995, is detectable in plasma, where it represents 0.01-0.05% of total plasma proteins, with levels ranging from 3 to 30 μg / mL of blood. , precisely because they are clearly superior to those of other circulating hormones, they 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 antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of this substance have emerged. A clear relationship was also demonstrated between adiponectin levels and fat mass extension. Unlike what was discovered for other proteins synthesized by adipose tissue, in fact, adiponectin levels 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 plasma levels of adiponectin are negatively correlated - as well as with the BMI (body mass index) - with systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose levels, insulinemia, l "insulin resistance, total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid. On the contrary, adiponectin levels correlate positively with those of HDL cholesterol and with the reduction of body weight."
Therefore, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties, adiponectin seems to have an important protective effect on cardiovascular risk. At the heart level, moreover, it acts as a regulator of heart damage, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. - hypertrophic remodeling.
Increased adiponectin
Drop in adiponectin
typical of obese and type II diabetics
↑ Glucose tolerance
↑ HDL cholesterol
↓ Insulin resistance
↓ Synthesis of triglycerides
↓ Glucose tolerance
↓ HDL cholesterol
↑ Insulin resistance
↑ Synthesis of triglycerides
A reduction in serum concentrations is appreciated not only in obesity but also in subjects suffering from typical related diseases, such as type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases.
ADIPONECTIN, SYNONYMS: apM1, Acrp30, GBP-28 and AdipoQ
Similarly to what has been seen for leptin, adiponectin concentrations appear to be sex-dependent, with levels being higher in women than in men.
In the future, the plasma dosage of adiponectin could take on an important diagnostic and prognostic significance. Furthermore, the possibility of modulating serum concentrations according to specific pharmacological treatments - but also with lifestyle and diet - will help to revive the "Researchers' interest in this substance.
