Effects of Lipid-Lowering Drugs on Adiponectin

Adiponectin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease. We review the literature describing the effect of lipid-lowering agents on adiponectin bioavailability. Statins exert variable effects that can be influenced by patient-dependent characteristics (i.e. diabetes or insulin resistance). Fibrates and especially niacin can raise adiponectin levels. The impact of plant sterols, ezetimibe and ω-3 fish oils on adiponectin in humans remains to be defined.There was no literature on whether resins can alter adiponectin levels As far as mechanisms are concerned, statins enhance peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor (PPAR)-γ activation and have antioxidant or anti-inflammatory potential. Niacin, ω-3 fatty acids, plant sterols and bezafibrate primarily act by increasing PPAR-γ activity and possibly by reducing oxidative stress or inflammation. Both fibrates and ω-3 fish oils act as synthetic ligands for PPAR-γ. Hypolipidaemic drugs can affect adiponectin bioavailability, although the impact depends on the individual drug administered and patient characteristics. However, with the exception of niacin, the results observed are not conclusive.