The Insulin-sensitizing Role of the Fat Derived Hormone Adiponectin

Title: The Insulin-sensitizing Role of the Fat Derived Hormone Adiponectin

Volume: 9 Issue: 17

Author(s): K. L. Heilbronn, R. S. Smith and E. Ravussin

Affiliation:

Keywords: adiponectin, fatty acid oxidation, insulin sensitivity, type 2 diabetes, hepatic glucose production

Abstract: Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing hormone whose blood concentration is reduced in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Administration of recombinant adiponectin in rodents increases glucose uptake and increases fat oxidation in muscle, reduces fatty acid uptake and hepatic glucose production in liver, and improves whole body insulin resistance. The exact receptor and signaling systems are unknown, however, recent studies suggest adiponectin activates AMPK, a putative master metabolic regulator. Thus, excitement surrounds the potential for adiponectin, or a homologue of adiponectin, as pharamacotherapy agents for patients suffering from the metabolic syndrome and more particularly for individuals with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Cite this article as:

Heilbronn L. K., Smith S. R. and Ravussin E., The Insulin-sensitizing Role of the Fat Derived Hormone Adiponectin, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2003; 9 (17) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1381612033454766