Adiponektiinia

Adiponektiinia, known in English as adiponectin, is a protein hormone produced primarily by adipose tissue in humans. It circulates in the blood as several oligomeric forms, including trimers, hexamers, and high-molecular-weight multimers, with the high-molecular-weight form most closely linked to insulin sensitivity.

Biological role: Adiponektiinia helps regulate glucose levels and fatty acid oxidation. It enhances insulin sensitivity in liver and muscle, suppresses hepatic glucose production, and promotes lipid oxidation. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects, which may contribute to cardiometabolic health.

Mechanism of action: Adiponektiinia mediates its effects mainly through adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2. Receptor activation stimulates signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), with downstream effects on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Genetics and measurement: The ADIPOQ gene encodes adiponektiinia. Circulating levels vary with body fat, sex, age, and ethnicity and are influenced by genetic variation. In adults, total adiponektiinia typically ranges from about 3 to 30 micrograms per milliliter, with the high-molecular-weight fraction providing a stronger indication of insulin sensitivity.

Clinical relevance: Lower adiponektiinia levels are commonly observed in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, while higher levels are generally associated with favorable metabolic profiles. Weight loss and regular physical activity tend to increase adiponektiinia levels; smoking cessation and certain medications can also modulate levels.

In Finnish biomedical usage, adiponektiinia is the term used for adiponectin.