Question

adipose tissue may serve as an endocrine organ in our body. what hormone/factor is secreted to improve insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles?

Answer 1

Adiponectin is the hormone secreted by adipose tissue to improve insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adipose tissue, commonly known as fat, is now recognized as more than just a passive energy storage depot. It functions as an endocrine organ, producing various bioactive molecules known as adipokines. One crucial adipokine involved in metabolic regulation is adiponectin. Adiponectin plays a pivotal role in enhancing insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles.

Insulin sensitivity refers to the responsiveness of cells, particularly muscle cells, to insulin. In conditions of obesity and insulin resistance, adiponectin levels tend to decrease. This decline is significant because adiponectin facilitates glucose uptake in skeletal muscles and suppresses hepatic glucose production, ultimately improving overall insulin sensitivity.

Adiponectin achieves these effects by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) pathways.

AMPK is an energy-sensing enzyme that promotes glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation in muscles. Additionally, PPAR-alpha activation enhances insulin sensitivity by regulating genes involved in lipid metabolism. In summary, the secretion of adiponectin by adipose tissue emerges as a crucial mechanism in maintaining glucose homeostasis and preventing insulin resistance, emphasizing the intricate interplay between adipose tissue and metabolic regulation in the human body.

Answer 2

Adiponectin is the hormone secreted by adipose tissue that improves insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles, and it is crucial for reducing insulin resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hormone/factor secreted by adipose tissue to improve insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscles is known as adiponectin. This hormone plays a crucial role in reducing cellular insulin resistance and protecting blood vessels from inflammation and atherosclerosis. When body fat levels increase, adipose tissue secretes more leptin; however, it is adiponectin that is directly associated with enhancing insulin sensitivity in muscles, contrary to the primary appetite-regulating role of leptin. Moreover, higher levels of adiponectin are typically observed after weight loss, which correlates with improved insulin sensitivity.