Description
Adiponectin is a hormone mainly produced by adipocytes. Adiponectin forms a homotrimer and exists as higher order multimers in vivo. The receptors of Adiponectin are seven transmembrane G protein coupled receptors: Receptor 1 is expressed in skeletal muscle and Receptor 2 in liver. Adiponectin receives a lot of attention because of its anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Adiponectin increases the expression of molecules involved in fatty acid transport, combustion of fatty acid, and energy dissipation, and increases insulin sensitivity of the body. Decreased levels of Adiponectin are associated with hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndromes. Therefore, Adiponectin has promising potential as a pharmacological agent.