Adiponectin and Asthma: Knowns, Unknowns and Controversies

Abstract

Adiponectin is an adipokine associated with the healthy obese phenotype. Adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity and has cardio and vascular protection actions. Studies related to adiponectin, a modulator of the innate and acquired immunity response, have suggested a role of this molecule in asthma. Studies based on various asthma animal models and on the key cells involved in the allergic response have provided important insights about this relation. Some of them indicated protection and others reversed the balance towards negative effects. Many of them described the cellular pathways activated by adiponectin, which are potentially beneficial for asthma prevention or for reduction in the risk of exacerbations. However, conclusive proofs about their efficiency still need to be provided. In this article, we will, briefly, present the general actions of adiponectin and the epidemiological studies supporting the relation with asthma. The main focus of the current review is on the mechanisms of adiponectin and the impact on the pathobiology of asthma. From this perspective, we will provide arguments for and against the positive influence of this molecule in asthma, also indicating the controversies and sketching out the potential directions of research to complete the picture.

Regulatory Peptides in Asthma

“…At the same time, in OVA-sensitized mice, continuous administration of exogenous adiponectin alleviated symptoms of the disease (Table 4) [162]. More research data about adiponectin, its mechanisms of action and its role in asthma were recently presented in an excellent review by Otelea et al [163].…”

Severe Asthma and Biologics: Managing Complex Patients

“…From a pathogenic perspective, adipocytes produce a large panel of factors including immune modulating molecules, able to promote a Th2 response, mast cell degranulation and airway remodeling [36]. Adiponectine (ADPN) is one of the most important adipocytes-derived factors due to its multiple biological functions and the observation that low serum ADPN levels in obese asthmatics, particularly in women, has been described [37]. In fact, ADPN: (i) inhibits apoptosis of epi- cells, particularly in a Th2 milieu [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46].…”

Obesity-Mediated Immune Modulation: One Step Forward, (Th)2 Steps Back

“…Interestingly, women have more adiponectin in their blood than men. Taking the immunomodulatory effects of adiponectin into account, this could lead to a stronger activation of a type 2 immune response in females ( 107 ), which could be relevant to sex differences in obesity and allergic disorders ( 108 ). Additionally, as adiponectin promotes insulin sensitivity it supports a potential important player in the context of obesity ( 109 ).…”