Actions Of Adiponectin Research Articles

Adiponectin Reduces Hepatic Stellate Cell Migration by Promoting Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) Secretion

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are central players in liver fibrosis that when activated, proliferate, migrate to sites of liver injury, and secrete extracellular matrix. Obesity, a known risk factor for liver fibrosis is associated with reduced levels of adiponectin, a protein that inhibits liver fibrosis in vivo and limits HSC proliferation and migration in vitro. Adiponectin-mediated activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK) inhibits HSC proliferation, but the mechanism by which it limits HSC migration to sites of injury is unknown. Here we sought to elucidate how adiponectin regulates HSC motility. Primary rat HSCs were isolated and treated with adiponectin in migration assays. The in vivo actions of adiponectin were examined by treating mice with carbon tetrachloride for 12 weeks and then injecting them with adiponectin. Cell and tissue samples were collected and analyzed for gene expression, signaling, and histology. Serum from patients with liver fibrosis was examined for adiponectin and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) protein. Adiponectin administration into mice increased TIMP-1 gene and protein expression. In cultured HSCs, adiponectin promoted TIMP-1 expression and through binding of TIMP-1 to the CD63/β1-integrin complex reduced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase to limit HSC migration. In mice with liver fibrosis, adiponectin had similar effects and limited focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. Finally, in patients with advanced fibrosis, there was a positive correlation between serum adiponectin and TIMP-1 levels. In sum, these data show that adiponectin stimulates TIMP-1 secretion by HSCs to retard their migration and contributes to the anti-fibrotic effects of adiponectin.

Intracerebroventricular injection of adiponectin regulates locomotor activity in rats

Enhancing exercise motivation is the best way to prevent obesity and diabetes. In this study, we examined whether adiponectin affects locomotion activity in Wister and Spontaneously-Running Tokushima-Shikoku (SPORTS) rats using two types of behavioral assays: home cage and wheel running activity. SPORTS rats were established from an original line from Wister strain that had shown high level of wheel running activity in our laboratory. Injection of adiponectin into the lateral ventricle of Wister rats and SPORTS rats decreased home cage activity, but no change was observed in the food intake and oxygen consumption. This result indicates the possibility that adiponectin can reduce non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and physical activity via the central nervous system. In contrast, injection of adiponectin did not change wheel running activity in SPORTS rats. We produced hypothalamus-destructed model rat using monosodium glutamate (MSG) to elucidate the regulation site of adiponectin. Injection of adiponectin into MSG-treated SPORTS rats did not change amount of home cage activity and food intake, suggesting that adiponectin action on home cage activity was in the hypothalamic area. These results suggest that adiponectin regulates locomotion activity through mediobasal hypothalamus.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Myth or Reality?

Previous studies on adipocyte function have revealed that adipose tissue is not only an energy-storing organ, but also a secretor of a variety of biologically active molecules named adipocytokines. Since adipocytokines were discovered, tons of investigators have been examining their role in metabolic homeostasis and diseases. Adiponectin, one of the adipocytokines, has recently attracted widespread attention, especially in the diabetes field, due to its beneficial anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic effects in the regulation of energy homeostasis and insulin sensitivity [1]. In addition, it has been shown that adiponectin function is involved in the pathologies of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis [1]. Because of its numerous beneficial biological functions, it is suggested that adiponectin administration is a potential therapeutic agent and that treatments increasing blood adiponectin levels and stimulating adiponectin action benefits healthy problems.

Adiponectin protects against paraquat-induced lung injury by attenuating oxidative/nitrative stress

The specific mechanisms underlying paraquat (PQ)-induced lung injury remain unknown, which limits understanding of its cytotoxic potential. Although oxidative stress has been established as an important mechanism underlying PQ toxicity, multiple antioxidants have proven ineffective in attenuating the deleterious effects of PQ. Adiponectin, which shows anti-oxidative and antinitrative effects, may have the potential to reduce PQ-mediated injury. The present study determined the protective action of globular domain adiponectin (gAd) on PQ-induced lung injury, and attempted to elucidate the underlying mechanism or mechanisms of action. BALB/c mice were administered PQ, with and without 12 or 36 h of gAd pre-treatment. The pulmonary oxidative/nitrative status was assessed by measuring pulmonary O2•−, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and 8-hydroxy-2-dydeoxy guanosine (8-OHdG) production, and blood 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NT). At a dose of 20 mg/kg, PQ markedly increased O2•−, SOD, MDA, NO and 8-OHdG production 3 h post-administration, but did not significantly increase 3-NT levels until 12 h. gAd inhibited these changes in a dose-dependent manner, via transient activation of MDA, followed by attenuation of MDA formation from 6 h onwards. Histological analysis demonstrated that gAd decreased interstitial edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. These results suggest that gAd protects against PQ-induced lung injury by mitigating oxidative/nitrative stress. Furthermore, gAd may be a potential therapeutic agent for PQ-induced lung injury, and further pharmacological studies are therefore warranted.

A second look at leptin and adiponectin actions on the growth of primary porcine myoblasts under serum-free conditions

Abstract. Cross-talk between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle may be mediated in part by adipokines. This study was conducted to elucidate further aspects of a possible role of recombinant adiponectin and leptin in the in vitro growth of primary porcine skeletal muscle cells cultured in energetically balanced, growth factor-supplemented, serum-free medium (GF-SFM). Therefore, the effects of these adipokines on cell number (DNA content), DNA synthesis rate, cell death and on key intracellular signalling molecules were investigated. Short-term adiponectin and leptin treatment decreased DNA synthesis, measured as [3H]-thymidine incorporation, as early as after 4-h exposure (P<0.01), without alterations in DNA content. Both adipokines attenuated the rate of cell death in terms of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture medium after 48-h treatment (P<0.05). The specific activation of p44/42 MAP kinase (MAPK) was reduced (P<0.05) after 15-min incubation with either adipokine. In conclusion, the early decreases in DNA synthesis of primary porcine myoblasts cultured in GF-SFM in response to adiponectin or leptin are related to p44/42 MAPK signalling and adipokine treatment does not impair cell viability.

Skeletal muscle glucose metabolism and inflammation in the development of the metabolic syndrome.

Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction in skeletal muscle play a major role in the development of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of obesity-linked metabolic dysfunction and this review will focus on the contributing role of adiponectin and inflammation. The beneficial effects of adiponectin on both insulin action and inflammation are now well documented and will be reviewed. More recent work provided new insights into adiponectin signaling mechanisms. The development of strategies to mimic adiponectin action holds promise that adiponectin-based compounds may translate into effective therapeutic applications. We will also discussed the novel role of long chain ω-3 PUFA-derived resolution mediators, which in addition to resolving inflammation, can also exert glucoregulatory effects in models of obesity and insulin resistance. We will focus on one resolution mediator, protectin DX (PDX), which was recently shown to act as a muscle interleukin-6 secretagogue. PDX and its isomer PD1 also enhance adiponectin expression and action. Ultimately, it is via a better understanding the molecular mechanisms of action via which inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction occur in skeletal muscle, and also how they crosstalk with each other, that we can generate new and improved therapies for obesity-linked metabolic complications.

Development of second generation peptides modulating cellular adiponectin receptor responses.

The adipose tissue participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis as an important endocrine organ that secretes a number of biologically active adipokines, including adiponectin. Recently we developed and characterized a first-in-class peptide-based adiponectin receptor agonist by using in vitro and in vivo models of glioblastoma and breast cancer (BC). In the current study, we further explored the effects of peptide ADP355 in additional cellular models and found that ADP355 inhibited chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell proliferation and renal myofibroblast differentiation with mid-nanomolar IC50 values. According to molecular modeling calculations, ADP355 was remarkably flexible in the global minimum with a turn present in the middle of the peptide. Considering these structural features of ADP355 and the fact that adiponectin normally circulates as multimeric complexes, we developed and tested the activity of a linear branched dimer (ADP399). The dimer exhibited approximately 20-fold improved cellular activity inhibiting K562 CML and MCF-7 cell growth with high pM—low nM relative IC50 values. Biodistribution studies suggested superior tissue dissemination of both peptides after subcutaneous administration relative to intraperitoneal inoculation. After screening of a 397-member adiponectin active site library, a novel octapeptide (ADP400) was designed that counteracted 10–1000 nM ADP355- and ADP399-mediated effects on CML and BC cell growth at nanomolar concentrations. ADP400 induced mitogenic effects in MCF-7 BC cells perhaps due to antagonizing endogenous adiponectin actions or acting as an inverse agonist. While the linear dimer agonist ADP399 meets pharmacological criteria of a contemporary peptide drug lead, the peptide showing antagonist activity (ADP400) at similar concentrations will be an important target validation tool to study adiponectin functions.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF ADIPONECTIN PROCESSING IN AMELIORATING INSULIN RESISTANCE AND RELATED COMPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND: The rising prevalence of obesity is recognized as one of the most important risk factors for the development of diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications. The precise mechanisms that link obesity to diabetes and increased atherosclerotic vascular diseases are not yet fully understood. Insulin resistance, a decreased sensitivity to the actions of insulin, results in impaired glucose metabolism and contributes to the cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes. Secretion of adiponectin, an antiatherogenic and anti-diabetic adipokine is decreased in obesity, as fat accumulates and adipocytes enlarge. Even though a link between adipose dysfunction, insulin resistance and diabetes has been identified, the direct physiological effects of adiponectin processing on obesity induced diabetes have yet to be investigated. Recently, it was hypothesized that full-length adiponectin (fAcrp) is inactive and that globular adiponectin (gAcrp) is the functional adipokine. Our group has identified thrombin and not trypsin or leukocyte elastase as generally believed, as the protease responsible for generating gAcrp. Preliminary studies showed that the gAcrp and not fAcrp inhibited the proliferation of primary smooth muscle cells in vitro in response to PDGF. Hence we hypothesize that the generation of gAcrp from fAcrp is essential for eliciting the beneficial actions of adiponectin in reversing insulin resistance. Our aim is to compare the effects of different forms of adiponectin namely fAcrp, gAcrp and prAcrp (protease resistant mutant of fAcrp that cannot be cleaved into gAcrp) on insulin resistance. METHODS AND RESULTS: In in vivo studies, we will use a dietinduced obese adiponectin knockout mouse model and compare the ability of different adiponectin forms to rescue the metabolic phenotype of these mice. In in vitro studies, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and hepatoma cells (HepG2) will be serum starved prior to treatment with different forms of adiponectin and activation of downstream molecular signatories such as AMPKa, MAPK p44/42, p38 MAPK, ACC and Akt will be measured by Western blotting. The purified recombinant fAcrp and prAcrp proteins were tested for sensitivity to thrombin in an in vitro cleavage assay. Recombinant fAcrp was digested in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Treatment of fAcrp but not prAcrp with thrombin resulted in the formation of gAcrp. The expression level of adiponectin receptor1, receptor2 and T-cadherin was similar in different primary human endothelial cells and hepatoma cells. Serum starvation of HUVECs for 6hours in 0% FBS and 16hours in 0.5% FBS was optimum for MAPK p44/42 and AMPK regulation by adiponectin. 428 MAXIMAL CCA IMT AND CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOMES

Divergent Roles for Adiponectin Receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and AdipoR2 in Mediating Revascularization and Metabolic Dysfunction in Vivo

Adiponectin is a well described anti-inflammatory adipokine that is highly abundant in serum. Previous reports have found that adiponectin deficiency promotes cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction in murine models, whereas its overexpression is protective. Two candidate adiponectin receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, are uncharacterized with regard to cardiovascular tissue homeostasis, and their in vivo metabolic functions remain controversial. Here we subjected AdipoR1- and AdipoR2-deficient mice to chronic hind limb ischemic surgery. Blood flow recovery in AdipoR1-deficient mice was similar to wild-type; however, revascularization in AdipoR2-deficient mice was severely attenuated. Treatment with adiponectin enhanced the recovery of wild-type mice but failed to rescue the impairment observed in AdipoR2-deficient mice. In view of this divergent receptor function in the hind limb ischemia model, AdipoR1- and AdipoR2-deficient mice were also evaluated in a model of diet-induced obesity. Strikingly, AdipoR1-deficient mice developed severe metabolic dysfunction compared with wild type, whereas AdipoR2-deficient mice were protected from diet-induced weight gain and metabolic perturbations. These data show that AdipoR2, but not AdipoR1, is functionally important in an in vivo model of ischemia-induced revascularization and that its expression is essential for the revascularization actions of adiponectin. These data also show that, in contrast to revascularization responses, AdipoR1, but not AdipoR2 deficiency, leads to diet-induced metabolic dysfunction, revealing that these receptors have highly divergent roles in vascular and metabolic homeostasis.

Effects of interventions on adiponectin and adiponectin receptors

Adiponectin secreted from adipose tissue binds to two distinct adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) identified and exerts its anti-diabetic effects in insulin-sensitive organs including liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue as well as amelioration of vascular dysfunction in the various vasculatures. A number of experimental and clinical observations have demonstrated that circulating levels of adiponectin are markedly reduced in obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Therapeutic interventions which can improve the action of adiponectin including elevation of circulating adiponectin concentration or up-regulation and/or activation of its receptors, could provide better understanding of strategies to ameliorate metabolic disorders and vascular disease. The focus of the present review is to summarize accumulating evidence showing the role of interventions such as pharmacological agents, exercise, and calorie restriction in the expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptors.

Adiponectin/T-cadherin and apelin/APJ expression in human arteries and periadventitial fat: implication of local adipokine signaling in atherosclerosis?

Adipose tissue is considered an endocrine organ, producing bioactive peptides, called adipokines. Adipokines produced by periadventitial fat have been implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular disease, including atherosclerosis. Adiponectin has established antiatherogenic actions, while the role of T-cadherin as an adiponectin receptor is not fully elucidated. The apelinergic system, consisting of apelin and its APJ receptor, is a mediator of various cardiovascular functions and may also be involved in the atherosclerotic process. We investigated the protein expression of adiponectin, T-cadherin, apelin and APJ in human aortas, coronary vessels, and the respective periadventitial adipose tissue and correlated their expression with the presence of atherosclerosis and clinical parameters. Immunohistochemistry for adiponectin, T-cadherin, apelin, and APJ was performed on human aortic and coronary artery samples including the periadventitial adipose tissue. Aortic and coronary atherosclerotic lesions were assessed using the american heart association (AHA) classification. Adiponectin immunostaining, of varied intensity, was detected only in adipocytes, while T-cadherin was localized to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells. Apelin immunostaining was detected in adipocytes, VSMCs, endothelial cells, and foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions, while APJ was found in VSMCs and endothelia. Periadventitial adiponectin and VSMC T-cadherin expression were negatively correlated with atherosclerosis in both sites, as was VSMC apelin expression. Several other - depot specific - associations were observed. Our results suggest a possible role for T-cadherin as a mediator of antiatherogenic adiponectin actions, while they support the putative antiatherogenic profile for apelin and its APJ receptor in human arteries. Further research is absolutely necessary to confirm these notions. Periadventitial adipose tissue adipokines are implicated in vascular physiology and pathology. Adiponectin/T-cadherin and apelin/APJ immunoreactivity is detected in human aortas and coronary arteries. Adiponectin/T-cadherin and apelin/APJ expression patterns were found to be inversely associated with human aortic and coronary atherosclerosis.

Central Adiponectin Acutely Improves Glucose Tolerance in Male Mice

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. It is also antiinflammatory. During obesity, adiponectin levels and sensitivity are reduced. Whereas the action of adiponectin in the periphery is well established the neuroendocrine role of adiponectin is largely unknown. To address this we analyzed the expression of adiponectin and the 2 adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) in response to fasting and to diet-induced and genetic obesity. We also investigated the acute impact of adiponectin on central regulation of glucose homeostasis. Adiponectin (1 μg) was injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV), and glucose tolerance tests were performed in dietary and genetic obese mice. Finally, the influence of ICV adiponectin administration on central signaling cascades regulating glucose homeostasis and on markers of hypothalamic inflammation was assessed. Gene expression of adiponectin was down-regulated whereas AdipoR1 was up-regulated in the arcuate nucleus of fasted mice. High-fat (HF) feeding increased AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 gene expression in this region. In mice on a HF diet and in leptin-deficient mice acute ICV adiponectin improved glucose tolerance 60 minutes after injection, whereas normoglycemia in control mice was unaffected. ICV adiponectin increased pAKT, decreased phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase, and did not change phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 immunoreactivity. In HF-fed mice, ICV adiponectin reversed parameters of hypothalamic inflammation and insulin resistance as determined by the number of phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3 β(Ser9) and phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (Thr183/Tyr185) immunoreactive cells in the arcuate nucleus and ventromedial hypothalamus. This study demonstrates that the insulin-sensitizing properties of adiponectin are at least partially based on a neuroendocrine mechanism that involves centrally synthesized adiponectin.

Adiponectin Mediated APPL1-AMPK Signaling Induces Cell Migration, MMP Activation, and Collagen Remodeling in Cardiac Fibroblasts

Defects in adiponectin action have been implicated in the development of cardiac dysfunction in obesity and diabetes. Cardiac fibroblasts play an important role in regulating extracellular matrix remodeling yet little is known regarding the direct effects of adiponectin on cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, we first demonstrated temporal relocalization of cellular APPL1 in response to adiponectin in primary cardiac fibroblasts and that siRNA-mediated knockdown of APPL1 attenuated stimulation of AMPK by adiponectin. The cell surface content of MT1-MMP and activation of MMP2 were induced by adiponectin and these responses were dependent on AMPK signaling. Enhanced MMP activity facilitated increased fibroblast migration in response to adiponectin which was also prevented by inhibition of AMPK, with no change in cell proliferation observed. Collagen and elastin immunofluorescence demonstrated reorganization of the extracellular matrix in accordance with increased MMP activity, whereas quantitative mRNA analysis, (3) H-proline incorporation and picrosirius red assays showed no change in intracellular or extracellular total collagen levels in response to adiponectin. In summary, these data are the first to report the adiponectin stimulated APPL1-AMPK signaling axis in cardiac fibroblasts and characterize MT1-MMP translocation, MMP2 activity and cell migration as functional outcomes. These effects may be of significance in heart failure associated with obesity and diabetes.

Adiponectin Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Induced Vascular Inflammatory Response via Caveolin-Mediated Ceramidase Recruitment and Activation

Anti-inflammatory and vascular protective actions of adiponectin are well recognized. However, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. The current study attempted to identify the adiponectin receptor subtype responsible for adiponectin's vascular protective action and investigate the role of ceramidase activation in adiponectin anti-inflammatory signaling. Adiponectin significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression and attenuated TNFα-induced oxidative/nitrative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These anti-inflammatory actions were virtually abolished by adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1-), but not AdipoR2-, knockdown (KD). Treatment with adiponectin significantly increased neutral ceramidase (nCDase) activity (3.7-fold; P<0.01). AdipoR1-KD markedly reduced globular adiponectin-induced nCDase activation, whereas AdipoR2-KD only slightly reduced. More importantly, small interfering RNA-mediated nCDase-KD markedly blocked the effect of adiponectin on TNFα-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression. AMP-activated protein kinase-KD failed to block adiponectin-induced nCDase activation and modestly inhibited adiponectin anti-inflammatory effect. In contrast, in caveolin-1 KD (Cav1-KD) cells, >87% of adiponectin-induced nCDase activation was lost. Whereas adiponectin treatment failed to inhibit TNFα-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, treatment with sphingosine-1-phosphate or SEW (sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist) remained effective in Cav1-KD cells. AdipoR1 and Cav1 colocalized and coprecipitated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Adiponectin treatment did not affect this interaction. There is weak basal Cav1/nCDase interaction, which significantly increased after adiponectin treatment. Knockout of AdipoR1 or Cav1 abolished the inhibitory effect of adiponectin on leukocyte rolling and adhesion in vivo. These results demonstrate for the first time that adiponectin inhibits TNFα-induced inflammatory response via Cav1-mediated ceramidase recruitment and activation in an AdipoR1-dependent fashion.

Adiponectin: a manifold therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and coronary disease?

Adiponectin is the most abundant peptide secreted by adipocytes, being a key component in the interrelationship between adiposity, insulin resistance and inflammation. Central obesity accompanied by insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) and future macrovascular complications. Moreover, the remarkable correlation between coronary artery disease (CAD) and alterations in glucose metabolism has raised the likelihood that atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may share a common biological background. We summarize here the current knowledge about the influence of adiponectin on insulin sensitivity and endothelial function, discussing its forthcoming prospects and potential role as a therapeutic target for MS, T2DM, and cardiovascular disease. Adiponectin is present in the circulation as a dimer, trimer or protein complex of high molecular weight hexamers, >400 kDa. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are its major receptors in vivo mediating the metabolic actions. Adiponectin stimulates phosphorylation and AMP (adenosin mono phosphate) kinase activation, exerting direct effects on vascular endothelium, diminishing the inflammatory response to mechanical injury and enhancing endothelium protection in cases of apolipoprotein E deficiency. Hypoadiponectinemia is consistently associated with obesity, MS, atherosclerosis, CAD, T2DM. Lifestyle correction helps to favorably modify plasma adiponectin levels. Low adiponectinemia in obese patients is raised via continued weight loss programs in both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals and is also accompanied by reductions in pro-inflammatory factors. Diet modifications, like intake of fish, omega-3 supplementation, adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and coffee consumption also increase adiponectin levels. Antidiabetic and cardiovascular pharmacological agents, like glitazones, glimepiride, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are also able to improve adiponectin concentration. Fibric acid derivatives, like bezafibrate and fenofibrate, have been reported to enhance adiponectin levels as well. T-cadherin, a membrane-associated adiponectin-binding protein lacking intracellular domain seems to be a main mediator of the antiatherogenic adiponectin actions. The finding of novel pharmacologic agents proficient to improve adiponectin plasma levels should be target of exhaustive research. Interesting future approaches could be the development of adiponectin-targeted drugs chemically designed to induce the activaton of its receptors and/or postreceptor signaling pathways, or the development of specific adiponectin agonists.

Evidences that estrogen receptor α interferes with adiponectin effects on breast cancer cell growth

Adiponectin, the most abundant protein secreted by adipose tissue, exhibits insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, antiatherogenic, and antiproliferative properties. In addition, it appears to play an important role also in the development and progression of several obesity-related malignancies, including breast cancer. Here, we demonstrated that adiponectin induces a dichotomic effect on breast cancer growth. Indeed, it stimulates growth in ERα+ MCF-7 cells while inhibiting proliferation of ERα− MDA-MB-231 cells. Notably, only in MCF-7 cells adiponectin exposure exerts a rapid activation of MAPK phosphorylation, which is markedly reduced when knockdown of the ERα gene occurred. In addition, adiponectin induces rapid IGF-IR phosphorylation in MCF-7 cells, and the use of ERα siRNA prevents this effect. Moreover, MAPK activation induced by adiponectin was reversed by IGF-IR siRNA. Coimmunoprecipitation studies show the existence of a multiprotein complex involving AdipoR1, APPL1, ERα, IGF-IR, and c-Src that is responsible for MAPK signaling activation in ERα+ positive breast cancer cells. It is well known that in addition to the rapid effects through non-genomic mechanisms, ERα also mediates nuclear genomic actions. In this concern, we demonstrated that adiponectin is able to transactivate ERα in MCF-7 cells. We showed the classical features of ERα transactivation: nuclear localization, downregulation of mRNA and protein levels, and upregulation of estrogen-dependent genes. Thus, our study clarifies the molecular mechanism through which adiponectin modulates breast cancer cell growth, providing evidences on the cell-type dependency of adiponectin action in relationship to ERα status.

Implications of adiponectin in linking metabolism to testicular function

Obesity is a major health problem, contributing to the development of various diseases with aging. In humans, obesity has been associated with reduced testosterone production and subfertility. Adipose tissue is an important source of hormones having influences on both metabolism and reproduction. Among them, the production and secretion of adiponectin is inversely correlated to the severity of obesity. The purpose of this review of literature is to present the current state of knowledge on adiponectin research to determine whether this hormone affects reproduction in men. Surprisingly, evidences show negative influences of adiponectin on GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus, LH and FSH secretion from the pituitary and testosterone at the testicular level. Thus far, the involvement of adiponectin in the influence of metabolism on reproduction in men is limited. However, adiponectin and its receptors are expressed by different cell types of the male gonad, including Leydig cells, spermatozoa, and epididymis. In addition, actions of adiponectin at the testicular level have been shown to promote spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Therefore, autocrine/paracrine actions of adiponectin in the testis may contribute to support male reproductive function.

The role of adiponectin signaling in metabolic syndrome and cancer

The increased prevalence of obesity has mandated extensive research focused on mechanisms responsible for associated clinical complications. Emerging from the focus on adipose tissue biology as a vitally important adipokine is adiponectin which is now believed to mediate anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and cancer modifying actions. Adiponectin mediates these primarily beneficial effects via direct signaling effects and via enhancing insulin sensitivity via crosstalk with insulin signaling pathways. Reduced adiponectin action is detrimental and occurs in obesity via decreased circulating levels of adiponectin action or development of adiponectin resistance. This review will focus on cellular mechanisms of adiponectin action, their crosstalk with insulin signaling and the resultant role of adiponectin in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer and reviews data from in vitro cell based studies through animal models to clinical observations.

Abstract 110: Adiponectin Inhibits TNF-a-Induced Vascular Inflammatory Response via Caveolin-Mediated Ceramidase Recruitment and Activation

Anti-inflammatory and vascular protective actions of adiponectin (APN) are well-recognized. However, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. The current study attempted to identify the APN receptor subtype responsible for APN’s vascular protective action, and investigate the role of ceramidase activation in APN anti-inflammatory signaling. Wild type (WT) or gene manipulated HUVEC were treated with TNFα in the presence and absence of APN. The effect of APN on TNFα-induced inflammatory and oxidative/nitrative stress was determined. In WT HUVEC, APN significantly reduced TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression and attenuated TNFα-induced superoxide and peroxynitrite formation (P&lt;0.01). These anti-inflammatory actions were virtually abolished by AdipoR1-, but not AdipoR2-, knockdown (KD). Treatment with APN significantly increased neutral ceramidase (nCDase) activity (3.7-fold, P&lt;0.01). AdipoR1-KD markedly (P0.05), reduced APN-induced nCDase activation. More importantly, siRNA mediated nCDase-KD markedly blocked the effect of APN upon TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression (P0.05), and modestly inhibited APN anti-inflammatory effect (P87% of APN-induced nCDase activation was lost. Whereas APN treatment failed to inhibit TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression, treatment with S1P or SEW (S1P receptor agonist) remained effective in Cav1-KD cells in reducing TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression (P&lt;0.01). AdipoR1 and Cav1 co-localized and co-precipitated in HUVECs. APN treatment did not affect this interaction. Moreover, re-expression of WT Cav1 in Cav1-KD cells restored nCDase activation in response to APN (P&lt;0.01 vs. vehicle), whereas re-expression of a mutated Cav1 blocking AdipoR1/Cav1 interaction failed to restore APN-mediated nCDase activation. Finally, there is weak basal Cav1/nCDase interaction, which significantly increased following APN treatment. These results demonstrate for the first time that APN inhibits TNFα-induced inflammatory response via Cav1-mediated ceramidase recruitment and activation in an AdipoR1- dependent fashion.

Abstract 109: Adiponectin Inhibits TNF-a-Induced Vascular Inflammatory Response via Caveolin-Mediated Ceramidase Recruitment and Activation

Anti-inflammatory and vascular protective actions of adiponectin (APN) are well-recognized. However, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. The current study attempted to identify the APN receptor subtype responsible for APN’s vascular protective action, and investigate the role of ceramidase activation in APN anti-inflammatory signaling. Wild type (WT) or gene manipulated HUVEC were treated with TNFα in the presence and absence of APN. The effect of APN on TNFα-induced inflammatory and oxidative/nitrative stress was determined. In WT HUVEC, APN significantly reduced TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression and attenuated TNFα-induced superoxide and peroxynitrite formation (P&lt;0.01). These anti-inflammatory actions were virtually abolished by AdipoR1-, but not AdipoR2-, knockdown (KD). Treatment with APN significantly increased neutral ceramidase (nCDase) activity (3.7-fold, P&lt;0.01). AdipoR1-KD markedly (P0.05), reduced APN-induced nCDase activation. More importantly, siRNA mediated nCDase-KD markedly blocked the effect of APN upon TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression (P0.05), and modestly inhibited APN anti-inflammatory effect (P87% of APN-induced nCDase activation was lost. Whereas APN treatment failed to inhibit TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression, treatment with S1P or SEW (S1P receptor agonist) remained effective in Cav1-KD cells in reducing TNFα-induced ICAM-1 expression (P&lt;0.01). AdipoR1 and Cav1 co-localized and co-precipitated in HUVECs. APN treatment did not affect this interaction. Moreover, re-expression of WT Cav1 in Cav1-KD cells restored nCDase activation in response to APN (P&lt;0.01 vs. vehicle), whereas re-expression of a mutated Cav1 blocking AdipoR1/Cav1 interaction failed to restore APN-mediated nCDase activation. Finally, there is weak basal Cav1/nCDase interaction, which significantly increased following APN treatment. These results demonstrate for the first time that APN inhibits TNFα-induced inflammatory response via Cav1-mediated ceramidase recruitment and activation in an AdipoR1- dependent fashion.