This capsule is part of Clinician's Brief coverage of the One Health Initiative
Obese dogs develop insulin resistance but do not develop type 2 diabetes mellitus. In obese humans, low adiponectin is associated with progression to type 2 diabetes. This study compared total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and the ratio of HMW with total adiponectin in dogs and humans. It also examined whether total or HMW adiponectin or both is associated with insulin resistance in naturally occurring obese dogs. In lean dogs, adiponectin mean total concentrations were approximately 3 times higher and absolute HMW adiponectin approximately 4 times higher than in lean humans. Total adiponectin, HMW adiponectin, and the ratio of HMW-adiponectin-to-total-adiponectin were not associated with insulin sensitivity in dogs. Species differences in adiponectin may provide insight into the molecular basis for species-specific disease development and a greater understanding of therapeutic approaches to prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes.
Distinct adiponectin profiles might contribute to differences in susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in dogs and humans. DOMEST ANIM ENDOCRINOL 41:67-73, 2011.
