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Table 1 Physiological functions of adiponectin

From: Clinical review: Adiponectin biology and its role in inflammation and critical illness

Enhanced insulin sensitivity

   Increased muscle glucose uptake

   Decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis

Increased lipid metabolism

   Fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and liver

   VLDL catabolism in skeletal muscle with reduction in plasma triglycerides

Vascular protection

   Preservation of endothelial cell function

   Anti-atherogenic

Hepato-protective

? Protective against malignancy

Anti-inflammatory

   Decreases TNF-α, IL-6, CRP

   Regulation of inflammatory cell function

   ? Neutralises endotoxin

  1. CRP, C-reactive protein; VLDL, very-low-density lipoprotein.
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Critical Care

ISSN: 1364-8535