背景 | Adiponectin is a secreted protein. It is synthesized exclusively by adipocytes and secreted into plasma. Adiponectin is an important adipokine that is involved in the control of fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity, with direct anti-diabetic, anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. Adiponectin Stimulates AMPK phosphorylation and activates in the liver and the skeletal muscle, enhancing glucose utilization and fatty-acid combustion. Adiponectin also antagonizes TNF-alpha by negatively regulating its expression in various tissues such as liver and macrophages, and also by counteracting its effects. It inhibits endothelial NF-kappa-B signaling through a cAMP-dependent pathway. Adiponectin may play a role in cell growth, angiogenesis and tissue remodeling by binding and sequestering various growth factors with distinct binding affinities, depending on the type of complex: LMW, MMW or HMW. |