Study highlights potential new approach for early intervention for diabetic patients at risk of kidney disease (Adiponectin restores the glycocaylx lining the kidney blood vessels)

Medical Xpress / University of Bristol / Diabetes ^ | March 26, 2024 | Rebecca Foster et al

[ConservativeMind]

Researchers have uncovered a mechanism by which a hormone can protect the blood vessels in the kidneys from the damage caused by diabetes. In doing so, the team has identified a potential early treatment strategy to prevent or slow progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes.

Kidney damage from diabetes usually happens slowly over many years. One of the ways damage can be caused is by disruption of the glycocalyx—a thin gel-like layer lining the surface of the blood vessels forming part of the tiny filters of the kidney ('glomeruli')—due to high blood sugar levels over a long period of time. This layer plays a crucial role in kidney function; it has a barrier function, preventing larger molecules like proteins from leaving the body in the urine. One of the first signs of kidney disease in patients with diabetes is the presence of a protein called albumin in the urine.

Adiponectin, a hormone produced by fat cells in the body, plays a protective role: helping the body use sugar more efficiently, reducing inflammation and preventing blood vessel damage. Previous studies have shown that adiponectin levels are lower in people with diabetes.

Using several laboratory-based models of DKD, the team were able to show that adiponectin both reduced glycocalyx damage, and restored its depth, which reduced the leakiness of the vessels.

Dr. Rebecca Foster explains, "We knew that adiponectin was protective, but we wanted to understand whether it might be acting by supporting the barrier function of the blood vessels to stop them from becoming leaky. We were really excited because it's the first time that this fat hormone has been shown to play a role in glycocalyx health. It's a new mechanism of action."

These findings suggest adiponectin could help to protect this layer, potentially preventing them from DKD.

[ConservativeMind]

Adiponectin can be naturally increased by exercise or weight loss. Medications such as metformin and thiazolidinediones can also help, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Omega-3 fats appear to increase it up to 60%, according to one site. This same site says fiber can increase it over 100%. Blueberries, raspberry ketones, and curcumin can also boost it.

This seems something everyone could use.

[ConservativeMind]

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[ConservativeMind]

Here’s the site that describes the various ways to increase adiponectin:

https://fivejourneys.com/how-to-increase-adiponectin-the-fat-burning-hormone/