Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hepatic insulin sensitizer regulation during development.

A large body of clinical data, supported by genetic and pharmacological evidence, has demonstrated potent insulin-sensitizing effects of the adipocyte-derived secretory factor adiponectin. In adults, plasma adiponectin is generally negatively correlated with BMI and positively correlated with systemic insulin sensitivity. Only a limited number of studies have been performed in newborns, children and adolescents. Here we summarize the results from these recent findings in younger cohorts and discuss these results in context of the much vaster literature on adiponectin levels in lean, obese and diabetic adults.