adiponektini

Adiponektin, commonly known as adiponectin, is a protein hormone produced primarily by adipocytes in white adipose tissue. It circulates in the blood in several multimeric forms and plays a role in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid oxidation. The human ADIPOQ gene on chromosome 3 encodes adiponectin; expression declines with increased adiposity and tends to rise with weight loss and physical activity.

Adiponectin exists in low molecular weight trimers, medium hexamers, and high-molecular-weight multimers. The high-molecular-weight form is thought to be the most active in promoting insulin sensitivity.

Adiponectin signals through specific receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, as well as T-cadherin. Receptor activation stimulates pathways such as AMPK and PPAR-α, increasing fatty acid oxidation in liver and muscle and suppressing hepatic glucose production, while exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

Clinically, adiponectin levels are inversely related to obesity and insulin resistance. Low adiponectin is associated with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk, whereas higher levels correlate with improved metabolic health. It is studied as a biomarker of metabolic status and response to lifestyle interventions.

Therapeutic research investigates adiponectin receptor agonists and strategies to raise adiponectin levels. Experimental compounds and lifestyle measures can influence adiponectin, but no adiponectin-based drug is approved for metabolic disease as of now. Preclinical studies have explored agents such as adiponectin receptor agonists that activate adiponectin signaling.