Advances in Adiponectin

Dear Colleagues,

Adiponectin, an adipokine secreted predominantly by adipose tissue, has garnered significant interest in recent years for its myriad beneficial roles in metabolic processes. Adiponectin operates via interaction with two primary receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, signaling primarily through Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α (PPAR-α) pathways. A plethora of studies underscored the inverse correlation between adiponectin levels and incidences of metabolic syndromes, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Adiponectin exhibits insulin-sensitizing properties by increasing glucose uptake, suppressing hepatic glucose output, and boosting fatty acid oxidation. It also exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects, thereby providing cardiovascular protection. Recent advancements revealed that hypoadiponectinemia is implicated in several pathologies, from insulin resistance to cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and various types of cancer, signifying its diagnostic and prognostic potential. Moreover, adiponectin treatment or interventions elevating circulatory adiponectin levels may present therapeutic modalities to counteract these disorders. The regulation of adiponectin and its receptors is multifaceted, involving intricate genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-translational processes. Unraveling the complexities of these regulatory mechanisms can help explain adiponectin’s role in health and disease. Furthermore, the exploration of adiponectin's association with other hormones and metabolic pathways is propelling the research field toward a more comprehensive understanding of endocrine and metabolic regulation. In particular, studies are beginning to unravel adiponectin’s distinct roles in males and females, pointing towards sex-specific therapeutic approaches. Notwithstanding these advances, there remain challenging questions in the field. The molecular mechanisms underlying adiponectin’s seemingly contradictory roles in various tissues and conditions remain to be elucidated. Future investigations necessitate a deeper dive into the complexities of adiponectin signaling and its interplay with other metabolic pathways.

Prof. Dr. Puran S. Bora
Dr. Mayank Choubey
Topic Editors