Final answer:
Adiponectin is a hormone released by adipose tissue that b. signals sufficient fat stores, enhances insulin sensitivity, and promotes fatty acid oxidation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adiponectin is a hormone released by adipose tissue that plays a role in regulating metabolism and insulin sensitivity. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties.
Unlike other adipocytokines, adiponectin does not promote inflammation; instead, it tends to have protective roles against metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis.
One of its primary functions is to signal that the body has ample fat stores, thereby enhancing insulin sensitivity and fatty acid oxidation.
In the postabsorptive state, adipocytes (fat cells) release stored lipids, which can then be converted into glucose, ketone bodies, or ATP for energy.
This process is known as lipolysis. During periods of energy surplus, excess glucose can be converted into fatty acids through a process called lipogenesis, with the fatty acids subsequently being stored in adipose tissue as triglycerides.