Adiponectin administration prevents weight gain and glycemic profile changes in diet-induced obese immune deficient Rag1-/- mice lacking mature lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. Adiponectin is an adipokine that regulates inflammatory responses. The aim of our study was to investigate whether any effects of adiponectin against obesity and insulin-resistance may depend on the adaptive immune system.

METHODS: We treated high-fat-diet fed Rag1-/- mice lacking mature lymphocytes with adiponectin over 7weeks and investigated alterations in their metabolic outcome and inflammatory state.

RESULTS: Adiponectin protects from weight gain despite a small compensatory stimulation of energy intake in mice lacking an adaptive immune system. Additionally, adiponectin protects from dysglycemia. Minor alterations in the macrophage phenotype, but not in the circulating cytokine levels, may contribute to the protective role of adiponectin against hyperglycemia and diabetes.

CONCLUSION: Adiponectin or agents increasing adiponectin may be a promising therapeutic option against obesity and hyperglycemia in immune-deficient populations.