Adipocytokines and cardio-renal diseases

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Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ by secreting adipocytokines that can directly affect nearby or remote organs. Adiponectin is an adipocytokine whose concentration is down-regulated in subjects with obesity-related disorders. Low levels of circulating adiponectin appear to associate with the increased prevalence of obesity-linked diseases including cardiac and renal dysfunction. In our study, we have shown that adiponectin exerts beneficial effects on the cardio-renal system by directly acting on the component cells in the heart and kidney. The cardiovascular protection by adiponectin is mediated through its ability to attenuate apoptotic activity in the target organs. Thus, adiponectin could represent a therapeutic target molecule for prevention or treatment of cardio-renal diseases.