65
Views
49
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
REVIEW ARTICLE

Adiponectin in childhood

, , , , , , & show all
Pages 130-140 | Received 17 Sep 2007, Published online: 12 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Adiponectin, a hormone produced and secreted by adipocytes, is present in circulation in high circulating concentrations, suggesting an important physiological role. An indirect regulator of glucose metabolism, adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity, improves glucose tolerance and inhibits inflammation. Plasma adiponectin relates inversely to adiposity and, importantly, reflects the sequelae of accumulation of excess adiposity.

The role of adiponectin in adults has been explored in detail. Studies in children are now available and, given the increasing rates of childhood obesity, it is important to establish the role of adiponectin in mediating insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease in this age group. This paper reviews the regulation of adiponectin, its effect on body mass, glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk in infants, children and adolescents. It demonstrates clear links between adiponectin and features of the metabolic syndrome in obese children and adolescents. However, adiponectin's role as a predictor of metabolic dysfunction in healthy, normal-weight youngsters is less clear.

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the help of research technician Karen Brookes, and the EarlyBird children and their families. Alison Jeffery is supported by an educational grant from Novo Nordisk UK Research Foundation. EarlyBird is currently supported by the Bright Futures Trust, Child Growth Foundation, Kirby Laing Foundation, GSK, Nestle and the EarlyBird Diabetes Trust.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.