MINIREVIEW
Adiponectin and Its Role in the
Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance and Related Complications
M. HALUZÍK1, J. PAŘÍZKOVÁ1, M. M. HALUZÍK1, 2
1Third Department of Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine and
University Hospital, Prague and 2Department of Chemistry,
Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
Received May 15, 2003
Accepted June 20, 2003
Summary
It is now generally accepted that adipose tissue acts as an endocrine
organ producing a number of substances with an important role in the
regulation of food intake, energy expenditure and a series of metabolic
processes. Adiponectin is a recently discovered protein produced
exclusively by adipocytes. A number of studies have shown that obesity,
insulin resistance and atherosclerosis are accompanied by decreased
adiponectin levels and that adiponectin replacement under experimental
settings is able to diminish both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.
The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the
physiology and pathophysiology of adiponectin and to discuss its potential
in the treatment of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.
Key words
Adipose tissue • Adiponectin • Leptin • Insulin resistance •
Atherosclerosis • Obesity
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