Abstract

ELISSONDO, Natalia; GOMEZ ROSSO, Leonardo; MAIDANA, Patricia  and  BRITES, Fernando. Adiponectin: an adipocytokine with multiple protective functions. Acta bioquím. clín. latinoam. [online]. 2008, vol.42, n.1, pp.17-33. ISSN 0325-2957.

The adipose tissue is considered a dynamic organ, which is involved in a wide range of physiological and metabolic processes. This tissue expresses and secretes a variety of bioactive peptides, known as adipocytokines, which act both at the local and at the systemic levels. The adipose tissue also expresses several receptors that allow it to respond to afferent signals from different endocrine organs, as well as form the central nervous system. Adiponectin is a 30 kDa hormone exclusively secreted by adipocytes. Unlike the other known adipocytokines, its concentration is reduced in conditions associated to insulin resistance, like obesity, type2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Several studies suggest that adiponectin has antidiabetic, antiinflammatory and antiatherogenic actions. The aim of this work is to review the new advances in structure, biological functions, mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications of adiponectin evaluation.

Keywords : Adiponectin; Adipose tissue; Adipocytokines; Obesity; Type 2 diabetes; Insulin resistance; Atherosclerosis.

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