The role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome and approach to therapy

Abstract

In this adiponectin-focused review, the pathophysiological role and the potential therapeutic benefits of adiponectin in metabolic syndrome (MetS) are analysed. MetS is recognized as clusters several metabolic abnormalities and the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. Insulin resistance (IR) is a key factor in the pathogenesis MetS. Adiponectin is the most abundant and adipose-specific adipokine. Аdiponectin acts through the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) pathways. The wide distribution of adiponectin receptors in various organs and tissues suggests that adiponectin has pleiotropic effects on numerous physiological processes. Its well-known insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic properties, accumulating evidence suggests that adiponectin may have cardioprotective properties. There is an evidence that adiponectin decreases systematic IR and generally predicts cardiovascular diseases. Recent therapeutic strategies have focused on the indirect upregulation of adiponectin through the administration of various therapeutic agents and/or lifestyle modifications. Weight loss, diet, lifestyle changes and/or medications including orlistat, sibutramine, rimonabant, increase level of adiponectin. Also insulin sensitizers, including thiazolidinediones, and lipid-lowering agents, including statins and fibrates, upregulate adiponectin and may improve IR. The wider use of new treatment approaches appears to signal of a new era in the management of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and MetS.