Abstract:
Adiponectin (Acrp30) is a novel polypeptide classified among adipokines that are chiefly secreted by adipocytes
within adipose tissue. Besides the adipose tissue, levels of the adipocytokine also circulate in human plasma.
Functionally, Acrp30 possesses a primary role in regulation of body fat stores with its anti-inflammatory, glucose and
lipid metabolism and weight loss effects. Thus, circulating Acrp30 levels govern obesity and metabolic abnormalities
including; dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disorders and renal disease. A lipodystrophic syndrome including metabolic
derangements are common features presenting in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Decreased
Acrp30 levels have been documented in lipodystrophic patients as a consequence of adverse effects attributable to
various antiretroviral agents. Interestingly, Acrp30 levels are revealed to be suppressed in HIV-infected patients
relative to healthy persons even prior to HAART commencement, indicative of HIV infection itself playing a role in
Acrp30 dysregulation. On the contrary, circulating Acrp30 levels inversely correlate with body fat composition in
healthy non-obese individuals. Thus, lowered Acrp30 concentrations are associated with weight accumulation in
obese subjects. More importantly, illicit drug and substance use has been revealed to accelerate HIV disease
progression while also impairing Acrp30 production within the adipose tissue. Consequently, these observations
collectively portray Acrp30 as a metabolic correlate of adipose tissue inflammation and low fat store during episodes
of HIV infection, lypodystrophyic syndrome and illicit substance use. Therapeutic interventions should identify new
approaches to restore Acrp30 production and supply during the aforementioned events.
