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Reduced levels of adiponectin in sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To investigate adiponectin levels in an obese population with and without obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the acute modifications in adiponectin after a whole-night control by auto continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). METHODS: 46 obese subjects [22 males, 24 females, age 55.1+/-11.4 yr, body mass index (BMI) 38.9+/-6.5 kg/m2]: 11 OSAS with apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) from 10/h to 30/h, 14 OSAS with AHI >30/h and 21 without OSAS. Thirty-seven normal weight healthy subjects (20 males, 17 females, age 31.3+/-9.5 yr, BMI 21.5+/-1.8 kg/m2). Serum adiponectin levels, biochemical parameters, anthropometric measurements, pulmonary function, pulse-oxymetry and polisomnography. RESULTS: The 3 groups of obese patients were comparable for gender, BMI, age, fat mass, fat free mass, hip and waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure and glycometabolic parameters. Adiponectin levels were significantly reduced in obese patients compared to healthy normal weight subjects (8.1+/-3.5 vs 11.3+/-4.8 microg/ml p<0.001) In particular, adiponectin showed a trend to decrease according to the severity of OSAS. No differences in adiponectin levels were found after a whole-night control by Auto CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: OSAS is associated with reduced levels of adiponectin independently of insulin-resistance and BMI. These low adiponectin levels may contribute to the increased mortality seen in such patients.

Adiponectin↗

In treatment-naïve and antiretroviral-treated subjects with HIV, reduced plasma adiponectin is associated with a reduced fractional clearance rate of VLDL, IDL and LDL apolipoprotein B-100.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesised that loss of peripheral fat in HIV patients would result in decreased plasma adipocytokines, in particular adiponectin, and that this decrease would be associated with changes in VLDL, IDL and LDL apolipoprotein B kinetics. METHODS: Plasma adiponectin, leptin and other cytokines were measured in uninfected control subjects (n=12) and three HIV-positive groups comprising treatment-naïve patients (n=15) and patients on triple antiretroviral therapy containing protease inhibitors (PI, n=15) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI, n=25). VLDL, IDL and LDL apolipoprotein B kinetics were measured with an infusion of [1-(13)C] leucine. Regional body fat was measured with a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. Insulin resistance was calculated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). RESULTS: Adiponectin (median [interquartile range]) was reduced in the treatment-naive (5.4 microg/ml [4.7-8.5]), PI (5.0 microg/ml [3.3-6.4]) and NNRTI (5.0 microg/ml [3.1-6.7]) groups compared with controls (9.7 microg/ml [6.9-13.3]) (p<0.05). In all subjects adiponectin correlated positively with HDL-cholesterol levels, the VLDL, IDL and LDL apolipoprotein B fractional clearance rates, and with the limb fat:lean body mass ratio (all p<0.01). Adiponectin correlated negatively with plasma triglyceride levels and HOMA (p<0.001). In a linear regression model that included HOMA, adiponectin was an independent predictor of VLDL and HDL-cholesterol levels and the IDL fractional clearance rate. TNF was higher in treatment-naive and PI subjects, and soluble TNF receptor superfamily, members 1A and 1B (previously known as TNF receptors 1 and 2) was higher in PI patients than in control subjects (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Adiponectin levels are significantly reduced in treated and untreated HIV patients and are predictive of VLDL and IDL apolipoprotein B fractional clearance rates. Adiponectin may have a direct effect on lipoprotein metabolism, which may be independent of insulin.

Adiponectin↗

Upregulation of adiponectin receptor 1 and 2 mRNA and protein in adipose tissue and adipocytes in insulin-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted metabolic disease linked with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity. Adiponectin, which is lower in IR states, exerts its glucose-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects by activating two receptors, ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2. There are no data on the relative expression of these receptors in adipose tissue of PCOS women. METHODS: We investigated the expression of adiponectin receptors from corresponding s.c. and omental (o.m.) adipose tissue in women with PCOS compared with matched non-PCOS women. As there is a disturbance in the steroid milieu in PCOS women, we also assessed the effects of testosterone and oestradiol on adiponectin receptors using adipocytes and adipocyte explants. Real-time RT-PCR and western blotting were used to assess the relative adiponectin receptor mRNA expression and protein production, respectively. Biochemical measurements were performed in our hospital's laboratory. RESULTS: We are the first to describe adiponectin receptor expression and production, in corresponding s.c. and o.m. human adipose tissues at the mRNA and protein level. We demonstrate the upregulation of mRNA expression and protein production of adiponectin receptors in women with PCOS, in s.c. and o.m. adipose tissue. Treatment of adipose tissue explants and adipocytes with testosterone and oestradiol induced the expression of adiponectin receptor mRNA and protein. There was a significant positive association between ADIPOR1/R2 expression and homeostasis model assessment, testosterone, oestradiol and triglycerides and a negative relationship with sex hormone-binding globulin. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The precise reason for the upregulation of adiponectin receptors seen in PCOS women, a pro-diabetic state, is unknown, but it appears that sex steroids may play a role in their regulation in adipose tissue.

Adipocytes↗

Adiponectin is altered after maximal exercise in highly trained male rowers.

The purpose of present study was to investigate plasma adiponectin response to acute exercise in highly trained male rowers. Ten rowers performed a maximal 6,000-m rowing ergometer test [mean performance time approximately 20 min; 1,200.8 (29.9) s], and venous blood samples were obtained before, immediately after and after 30 min of recovery. In addition to adiponectin concentration, leptin, insulin, growth hormone and glucose values were measured. Adiponectin was not changed immediately after the exercise when uncorrected for plasma volume changes (-8.1%; P>0.05). However, adiponectin was decreased immediately after the exercise when adjusted for plasma volume changes (-11.3%; P<0.05). Adiponectin was significantly increased above the resting value after the first 30 min of recovery (uncorrected for plasma volume, +19.3%; corrected for plasma volume, +20.0%). No changes occurred in plasma leptin and insulin concentrations with exercise (uncorrected for plasma volume changes). While growth hormone and glucose values were significantly increased and decreased to the pre-exercise level immediately after the exercise and after the first 30 min of recovery, respectively (uncorrected for plasma volume changes), no differences in the responses to exercise were observed in these measured blood parameters when adjusting for plasma volume changes. There were no relationships between plasma adiponectin and other measured blood parameters before and after the exercise, nor were changes in adiponectin related to changes in other measured blood biochemical values after the exercise. These results suggest that plasma adiponectin is altered as a result of maximal acute exercise in highly trained athletes.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Body composition is related to increase in plasma adiponectin levels rather than training in young obese men.

We assessed the major factors regulating adiponectin levels and the influence of exercise training on adiponectin levels in young obese men (19.2 +/- 1.1 yrs, BMI: 31.1 +/- 4.2, %fat: 27.2 +/- 3.9%). Subjects were separated into three groups (aerobic exercise group [AE: n=7], aerobic and resistance exercise group [AE + RE: n = 7], control group [n = 7]). AE underwent an 8-week training program (three times per week, more than 30 min endurance exercise at ventilatory threshold (VT) intensity). AE + RE went through resistance exercise two or three times per week together with the above endurance exercise for 5 months. Prior to intervention (n = 21), adiponectin levels were significantly correlated with percentage of fat. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that percent body fat was an independent predictor of basal adiponectin levels (r2 = 0.370; P<0.01). After intervention, fat mass, and VT were significantly improved in AE. AE + RE exhibited significant reduction in weight, BMI, percent body fat and fat mass, and had significantly increased VT, VO2max cycling power and torque. Insulin was not changed in both groups. The control group exhibited no significant change in any variables. Although adiponectin levels were unchanged in the three groups, a significant negative correlation between delta fat mass and delta adiponectin levels was observed (n = 21, r = -0.461, P<0.05). In addition, delta percent body fat was an independent predictor of delta adiponectin levels (r2 = 0.327, P<0.05). These findings indicate that for increasing the adiponectin level, improvement of the body composition of young obese men is more important than the way training is performed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Adiponectin and arterial stiffness.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipocytokine, is reduced in hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease (CAD). Arterial stiffness, as aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) in hypertension and diabetes, and as augmentation index (AIx) in CAD, is independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. We explored the relationship between adiponectin and arterial stiffness in essential hypertension. METHODS: Seventy-six untreated patients, 34 women, aged 47 +/- 1 years, mean +/- SEM with essential hypertension, had blood pressure (BP), carotid-femoral PWV, AIx plasma adiponectin, and proinflammatory cytokine C-reactive protein (CRP) measured using ELISA technique after an overnight fast. Results were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant positive relationship between log adiponectin and AIx (r = 0.33, P < .005) and plasma HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.40, P < .001). In contrast there were significant negative relationships with PWV (r = -0.24, P < .05), transit time (r = -0.37, P < .001), and pulse pressure amplification (r = -0.30, P < .005) in addition to waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, height, and weight. In a stepwise regression model, the independent predictors of AIx were heart rate, height, mean arterial pressure, age, and gender (R2= 0.69, P < .0001) with no contribution from adiponectin. However, for PWV (R2= 0.59, P < .0001) the independent determinants were mean arterial pressure, age, and adiponectin. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a divergent relationship between adiponectin and arterial stiffness, negative for PWV, and positive for wave reflection (AIx). Anthropomorphic factors, particularly height, weight, and heart rate may influence the relationship to the latter. Adiponectin is an independent predictor of aortic PWV but not of AIx.

Adiponectin↗

A novel IKKbeta inhibitor stimulates adiponectin levels and ameliorates obesity-linked insulin resistance.

Adiponectin is an anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic hormone that is exclusively secreted from fat cells. Serum adiponectin levels are reduced in obese patients and obese model mice, despite increased adipose tissue mass. Elucidation of the mechanism(s) by which plasma adiponectin levels are decreased in obese and diabetic patients would provide insight into the cause of obesity-induced diabetes and the development of therapeutic advances. In the present study, the regulation of adiponectin secretion was investigated using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and a diabetic-/obese-mouse model. A novel insulin sensitizer, IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta) inhibitor, ameliorated insulin resistance and up-regulated plasma levels of adiponectin without producing a significant change in body weight in KKAy mice that were fed a high-fat diet. The IKKbeta inhibitor cancelled the TNFalpha-mediated down-regulation of adiponectin secretion and simultaneously up-regulated the phosphorylation of Akt in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Using dominant-negative mutants of Akt or PKClambda (downstream effectors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase), insulin-stimulated Akt activity was found to be important in the regulation of adiponectin secretion by insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These observations suggest that "insulin-stimulated Akt activity in adipocytes" may play an important role in the regulation of adiponectin secretion.

3T3-L1 Cells↗

Identification of the promoter region required for human adiponectin gene transcription: Association with CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Adiponectin, an adipose tissue-specific plasma protein, is involved in insulin sensitizing and has anti-atherosclerotic properties. Plasma levels of adiponectin are decreased in obese individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes with insulin resistance. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) decreases the expression of adiponectin in adipocytes. The aims of the present study were: (1) to identify the promoter region responsible for basal transcription of the human adiponectin gene, and (2) to investigate the mechanism by which adiponectin was regulated by TNF-alpha. The human adiponectin promoter (2.1kb) was isolated and used for luciferase reporter analysis by transient transfection into 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Deletion analysis demonstrated that the promoter region from -676 to +41 was sufficient for basal transcriptional activity. Mutation analysis of putative response elements for sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) (-431 to -423) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) (-230 to -224) showed that both elements were required for basal promoter activity. Adiponectin transcription was increased 3-fold in cells that over-expressed constitutively active C/EBP-beta. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, using nuclear extract from 3T3-L1 cells and the -258 to -199 region as a probe, demonstrated specific DNA-protein binding, which was abolished by TNF-alpha treatment. The present data indicate that the putative response elements for SREBP and C/EBP are required for human adiponectin promoter activity, and that suppression by TNF-alpha may, at least in part, be associated with inactivation of C/EBP-beta.

3T3-L1 Cells↗

Adiponectin increases bone mass by suppressing osteoclast and activating osteoblast.

Adiponectin, an adipose-derived hormone, exhibits various biological functions, such as increasing insulin sensitivity, protecting hypertension, and suppression of atherosclerosis, liver fibrosis, and tumor growth. Here, we report the role of adiponectin on bone metabolism. C57BL/6J mice were treated with adenovirus expressing lacZ or adiponectin, and their bones were analyzed by three-dimensional microcomputed tomography. Adiponectin-adenovirus treatment increased trabecular bone mass, accompanied by decreased number of osteoclasts and levels of plasma NTx, a bone-resorption marker. In vitro studies showed that adiponectin inhibited M-CSF- and RANKL-induced differentiation of mouse bone marrow macrophages and human CD14-positive mononuclear cells into osteoclasts and also suppressed the bone-resorption activity of osteoclasts. Furthermore, adiponectin enhanced mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase and mineralization activity of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Our results indicate that adiponectin exerts an activity to increase bone mass by suppressing osteoclastogenesis and by activating osteoblastogenesis, suggesting that adiponectin manipulation could be therapeutically beneficial for patients with osteopenia.

Adenoviridae↗

Adiponectin represses gluconeogenesis independent of insulin in hepatocytes.

Adiponectin plays important roles in regulating insulin sensitivity and atherogenesis. Adiponectin has been shown to suppress hepatic glucose production in rodents. It has not been reported whether ectopically expressed adiponectin could regulate glucose metabolism in cultured hepatocyte-like cells. In the current study, the effect of adiponectin on glucose production was analyzed by ectopically expressing the protein in hepatoma H4IIE cells using an adenovirus delivery system to generate both human full-length and the globular domain of the protein. Expression of adiponectin in hepatoma H4IIE cells, in the absence of insulin, suppressed expression of the genes encoding glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, rate-limiting enzymes in the gluconeogenic pathway. Furthermore, expression of adiponectin in H4IIE cells suppressed glucose production from lactate and pyruvate. Purified recombinant human adiponectin also reduced glucose production in H4IIE cells and in rat primary hepatocytes in the absence of insulin. These data suggest that adiponectin protein could exert its function independent of the presence of insulin in these culture systems.

Adiponectin↗

Changes of skeletal muscle adiponectin content in diet-induced insulin resistant rats.

The current study examined the relationship between skeletal muscle levels of adiponectin and parameters of insulin sensitivity. A high fat/sucrose diet (HFD) for 20 weeks resulted in significant increases in body weight, serum insulin, triglycerides (TG), and free fatty acids (FFA) (all p < 0.01). Interestingly, this diet leads to a slight increase in serum adiponectin, but significant decreases in gastrocnemius muscle and white adipose adiponectin (all p < 0.05). HFD for 4 weeks also resulted in a significant decrease in muscle adiponectin, which correlated with serum insulin, TG, and FFA (all p < 0.05). Treatment of the 4-week HFD rats with a PPARgamma agonist GI262570 ameliorated the diet-induced hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia, and effectively restored muscle adiponectin (all p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that HFD-induced hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia appeared without changes in serum adiponectin, but were associated with decreased tissue adiponectin. This provides the first evidence for a connection between tissue adiponectin and diet-induced hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia.

Adiponectin↗

Evaluation of two fully automated novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the determination of human adiponectin in serum.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to RIA, recently available ELISAs provide the potential for fully automated analysis of adiponectin. To date, studies reporting on the diagnostic characteristics of ELISAs and investigating on the relationship between ELISA- and RIA-based methods are rare. METHODS: Thus, we established and evaluated a fully automated platform (BEP 2000; Dade-Behring, Switzerland) for determination of adiponectin levels in serum by two different ELISA methods (competitive human adiponectin ELISA; high sensitivity human adiponectin sandwich ELISA; both Biovendor, Czech Republic). Further, as a reference method, we also employed a human adiponectin RIA (Linco Research, USA). Samples from 150 patients routinely presenting to our cardiology unit were tested. RESULTS: ELISA measurements could be accomplished in less than 3 h, measurement of RIA had a duration of 24 h. The ELISAs were evaluated for precision, analytical sensitivity and specificity, linearity on dilution and spiking recovery. In the investigated patients, type 2 diabetes, higher age and male gender were significantly associated with lower serum adiponectin concentrations. Correlations between the ELISA methods and the RIA were strong (competitive ELISA, r=0.82; sandwich ELISA, r=0.92; both p<0.001). However, Deming regression and Bland-Altman analysis indicated lack of agreement of the 3 methods preventing direct comparison of results. The equations of the regression lines are: Competitive ELISA=1.48 x RIA-0.88; High sensitivity sandwich ELISA=0.77 x RIA+1.01. CONCLUSIONS: Fully automated measurement of adiponectin by ELISA is feasible and substantially more rapid than RIA. The investigated ELISA test systems seem to exhibit analytical characteristics allowing for clinical application. In addition, there is a strong correlation between the ELISA methods and RIA. These findings might promote a more widespread use of adiponectin measurements in clinical research.

Adiponectin↗

Adiponectin serum concentrations in men with coronary artery disease: the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin, the most abundant adipocytokine of adipose tissue cells, has recently been found to be decreased in coronary artery disease (CAD). Data concerning adiponectin in different stages of CAD are rare, and it was not investigated if adiponectin levels are influenced by the severity of angina pectoris. METHODS: Thus, we measured adiponectin serum levels by means of ELISA in 1626 male probands, including 273 control subjects, 367 subjects with silent CAD, 608 patients with stable, and 378 patients with unstable angina. RESULTS: As compared to controls (8.56; 5.85 to 12.85 microg/ml) and subjects with silent CAD (8.60; 5.99 to 12.64 microg/ml), adiponectin was significantly decreased in patients with stable (7.22; 5.06 to 10.41 microg/ml; p < 0.001 for both) and unstable angina (6.72; 4.08 to 10.08 microg/ml; p < 0.001 for both). By a logistic regression analysis, low adiponectin levels were identified as a significant independent predictor for stable and unstable angina (p < 0.001 for both). No significant differences of adiponectin were observed, neither between the stable and unstable angina group, nor between any classes of angina according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Angina Score for stable angina. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest, that decreased adiponectin levels are indicative for symptomatic CAD, but are not further influenced by the progression of this disease.

Adiponectin↗

Increased oxidative stress is associated with decreased circulating levels of adiponectin in Japanese metabolically obese, normal-weight men with normal glucose tolerance.

To investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and circulating levels of adiponectin in Japanese metabolically obese, normal-weight [MONW; BMI<25 and visceral fat area; VFA > or =100 cm2 by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scanning] men with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), we measured the plasma levels of free 8-epi-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-epi-PGF2alpha) and adiponectin in 28 MONW and 23 normal men. The plasma levels of free 8-epi-PGF2alpha were measured using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI). The plasma levels of adiponectin were measured using a radioimmunoassay kit (LINCO Research, St. Charles, MO). Plasma levels of 8-epi-PGF2alpha in MONW subjects (30.4+/-4.0 pg/ml; P<0.01) were significantly increased compared to controls (8.1+/-1.3 pg/ml). The plasma levels of adiponectin were significantly decreased in MONW subjects (8.6+/-0.9 microg/ml; P<0.01) as compared to normal subjects (11.6+/-0.6 microg/ml). The plasma levels of 8-epi-PGF2alpha and adiponectin were significantly correlated in MONW (r=-0.617, P<0.01) and in all (MONW+normal) (r=-0.620, P<0.01) subjects. The plasma levels of 8-epi-PGF2alpha and adiponectin were significantly correlated after adjustment for VFA in MONW subjects (F=11.042, P<0.01). The present study showed that systemic increase in oxidative stress correlates with decreased circulating levels of adiponectin in Japanese MONW men with NGT. Although correlation does not prove causation, this observation suggests that increased oxidative stress may decrease the production of adiponectin in Japanese MONW men with NGT.

Adiponectin↗

A patient with Werner syndrome and adiponectin gene mutation.

Werner syndrome is a premature aging disease characterized by genomic instability and increased cancer risk. Here, we report a 45-year-old diabetic man as the first Werner syndrome patient found to have an adiponectin gene mutation. Showing graying and loss of hair, skin atrophy, and juvenile cataract, he was diagnosed with Werner syndrome type 4 by molecular analysis. His serum adiponectin concentration was low. In the globular domain of the adiponectin gene, I164T in exon 3 was detected. When we examined effects of pioglitazone (15 mg/day) on serum adiponectin multimer and monomer concentrations using selective assays, the patient's relative percentage increased in adiponectin concentration was almost same as that in the 18 diabetic patients without an adiponectin mutation, but the absolute adiponectin concentration was half of those seen in diabetic patients treated with the same pioglitazone dose who had no adiponectin mutation. The response suggested that pioglitazone treatment might help to prevent future Werner syndrome-related acceleration of atherosclerosis. Present and further clinical relevant to atherosclerosis in this patient should be imformative concerning the pathogenesis and treatment of atherosclerosis in the presence of hypoadiponectinemia and insulin resistance.

Adiponectin↗

Adiponectin is synthesized and secreted by human and murine cardiomyocytes.

Adiponectin is thought to play a decisive role in the relationships among obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. This study investigated whether cardiomyocytes synthesize and secrete adiponectin, and the effects of this hormone on cardiac cells. RT-PCR showed that mouse, rat and human cardiomyocytes produced mRNA for adiponectin and adiponectin receptors 1 and 2. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of adiponectin in the cytoplasm of cultured cardiomyocytes, and radioimmunoassay showed that these cells secreted adiponectin into the culture medium. Exogenous adiponectin enhanced glucose and fatty acid uptake and induced AMPK phosphorylation in cultured cardiomyocytes. Our results demonstrate that adiponectin is synthesized and secreted by isolated murine and human cardiomyocytes, and suggest that the local production of this hormone by cardiomyocytes could be involved in the regulation of cardiac metabolism and function.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

Adiponectin I164T mutation is associated with the metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association of mutations in adiponectin gene with the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD). BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease is a major cause of mortality in the industrial countries. Adiponectin gene locus, chromosome 3q27, is the candidate site for CAD. We have reported that adiponectin has antiatherogenic and antidiabetic properties, and that the plasma levels negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) are significantly low in patients with CAD or type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The study subjects were 383 consecutive patients with angiographically confirmed CAD and 368 non-CAD subjects adjusted for age and BMI in the Japanese population. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene were determined by Taqman polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method or a PCR-based assay for the analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism. The plasma adiponectin concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Among SNPs, the frequency of I164T mutation was significantly higher in CAD subjects (2.9%) than in the control (0.8%, p < 0.05). The plasma adiponectin levels in subjects carrying the I164T mutation were significantly lower than in those without the mutation, and were independent of BMI. In contrast, SNP94 and SNP276, which are reported to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, were associated neither with CAD prevalence nor with plasma adiponectin level. Subjects with I164T mutation exhibited a clinical phenotype of the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The I164T mutation in the adiponectin gene was a common genetic background associated with the metabolic syndrome and CAD in the Japanese population.

Adiponectin↗

Adiponectin-mediated stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in pancreatic beta cells.

The adipocyte-derived hormone adiponectin was recently shown to stimulate glucose-utilization and to increase fatty acid oxidation in liver and muscle. The effects were ascribed to adiponectin-receptor mediated activation of the key metabolic regulator AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In pancreatic beta cells, AMPK-activation is known to affect cellular function. We therefore investigated a possible adiponectin-induced activation of AMPK in beta cells. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the expression of adiponectin receptor subtypes 1 and 2 in rat beta cells and showed their expression in insulin-secreting MIN6 cells. Culture with physiological concentrations (2.5 microg/ml) of globular adiponectin was found to increase the phosphorylation of both AMPK and acetylcoA carboxylase (ACC) in these cell types. Like the pharmacological AMPK activator 5-amino-imidazole-4-carboxamide-riboside (AICAR), adiponectin activated AMPK in beta cells and MIN6 cells. In short-term incubations of MIN6 cells with either adiponectin (2.5 microg/ml) or AICAR (1 mM), the flux of glucose-carbon to acyl CoA/cholesterol biosynthetic intermediates was reduced. We conclude that adiponectin induces an activation of AMPK in beta cells, which inhibits their cataplerosis of glucose-carbon to lipids.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗