Adiponectin: A potential therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome

Adiponectin is an important adipocytokine secreted chiefly by fat containing adipocytes, and plays a crucial role in glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress. Alterations in adiponectin levels have been shown to directly affect lipid and glucose metabolism that further increase the synthesis of lipids, free fatty acids and inflammatory cytokines. Changes in adiponectin levels also contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of the role of adiponectin and its molecular mechanisms in metabolic syndrome. Clinical improvement in adiponectin levels have been shown to positively modulate lipid and glucose metabolism, thus further substantiating its role in regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Currently adiponectin is being investigated as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome, although more research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms controlling adiponectin levels, including dietary and lifestyle interventions, that may target adiponectin as a therapeutic intervention in metabolic syndrome.