Adiponectin: its role in diabetic and pancreatic cancer

Abstract

Adiponectin (ApN) is an antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory protein synthesized by adipose tissue. It is essential in regulating insulin sensitivity, glucose, and lipid metabolism by controlling AMPK, PPARα, and MAPK signals. It is an anti-inflammatory property that protects pancreatic β-cells. Often, low levels of ApN are linked to obesity, type II diabetes and the development of PDAC. However, changes in lifestyle and the use of certain drugs can improve ApN function and insulin sensitivity. PDAC is a highly aggressive cancer linked to obesity, type II diabetes, and insulin resistance. ApN plays a complex role in PDAC progression and can suppress PDAC development by weakening β-catenin signaling. Decreases in ApN levels are associated with increased PDAC risk in diabetic patients. PDAC and diabetes are interconnected through the development of insulin resistance, islet dysfunction, change in immunological response, inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered hormone secretion. Genetic studies highlight specific genes like HNF4G and PDX1 that influence both conditions and miRNAs such as miR-19a promote tumor progression through the PI3K/AKT pathway. This review discusses the role of ApN in diabetes and PDAC and the interrelation between diabetes and PDAC.

Keywords: AMPK; Adiponectin; Diabetes; Inflammation; PDAC; PPARα.