Pathophysiological Role of Adiponectin, Leptin and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in the Process of Atherosclerosis

Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2016 Dec 1;58(4):234-240. doi: 10.1515/folmed-2016-0039.

Abstract

Adipose tissue is recognized as a rich source of proinflammatory mediators that may directly contribute to vascular injury, insulin resistance, and atherogenesis. Many studies have shown that adiponectin has antiatherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Adiponectin acts not only as a factor increasing insulin sensitivity, and the protective effect may result from its ability to suppress production of proinflammatory cytokines. It negatively regulates the expression of TNF-alpha and C-reactive protein (CRP) in adipose tissue; reduces expression of vascular and intracellular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1), E-selectin, interleukin-8 (IL-8). Hyperleptinemia has been linked with the development of hypertension and endothelial dysfunction/atherosclerosis, two main pathophysiological conditions associated with cardiovascular disease development. Leptin-mediated increases in sympathetic nervous system activity may be among the principal mechanisms evoking obesity related hypertension. Leptin stimulates the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and increases the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1), which may promote hypertension. Increased serum levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a physiological regulator of the biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO), promote the process of atherosclerosis, leading to the occurrence of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adiponectin / immunology
  • Adiponectin / metabolism*
  • Arginine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Arginine / immunology
  • Arginine / metabolism
  • Atherosclerosis / immunology
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism*
  • C-Reactive Protein / immunology
  • E-Selectin / metabolism
  • Endothelin-1 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-8 / immunology
  • Leptin / immunology
  • Leptin / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Adiponectin
  • E-Selectin
  • Endothelin-1
  • Interleukin-8
  • Leptin
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Nitric Oxide
  • N,N-dimethylarginine
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Arginine