Adiponectin is a 30kDa protein and its percentage in serum proteins is 0.01%. In vivo, it appears with different oligomers and it is mainly synthesized by adipocytes. Until now, IGF-1 is the only known natural inductor of synthesis.
Low Adiponectin levels are closely associated with insulin resistence and metabolic syndrome as well as an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.
Today, Adiponectin is thought to act as an endogenic insulin sensitizer by decreasing excessive glucose levels without increasing insulin concentrations and by stimulating the burning of adipose tissue in muscle and liver.
Adiponectin is associated with glucose and lipid metabolism and is assumed to have direct antiatherogenic characteristics. Furthermore, it is involved in inflammatory processes.
Clinical significance:
• Obesity
• Arteriosclerosis
• Energy metabolism
• Coronary diseases