Adiponectin - a New Element in Pathogenesis of Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Adiponectin (APM1) is one of the protein produced in adipose tissue. The adiponectin gene, located on 3q27 chromosome, consist of 3 exons and 2 introns. APM1 is 244 amino acids protein similar to colagen VIII, Xa and C1q complement. The adiponectin plasma concentration is decreased in obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus 2 and angina pectoris. The body mass reduction, both after dietary restriction and after surgery intervention caused lowering of plasma adiponectin level. The groving evidence suggest that proteins produced in adipose tissue, including also adiponectin, influence the lipid accumulation in coronary arteries and the inflammatory processes in this area. It seems, that adiponectin diminish the progress of atherosclerosis processes in its early stage. The assessment of APM1 concentration can help in assessment of total coronary risk. The data prooved, that APM1 plasma concentration is significantly lower in patients with angina pectoris than in healthly control, independing on age and BMI. APM1 is one of the proteins which seem to play a role in pathogenesis of insulin resistance. The role of adiponectin in physiology and in pathology connected with metabolic disorders and its consequences requires further studies.