Adiponectin is an abundantly secreted adipocytokine that modulates various biological functions. The increase in plasma adiponectin that accompanies exercise training has been shown to play a significant protective role against insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. However, a previous study demonstrated that moderate intensity exercise training increases insulin sensitivity, despite decreases in plasma adiponectin. This study investigates the association between exercise and blood adiponectin concentration in subjects with metabolic syndrome.
　A total of 37 subjects were randomly assigned to an exercise or a diet group. The exercise group was instructed to perform exercise training for 300 min/wk at lactate threshold intensity. The diet group was instructed by a dietician to restrict energy intake using the following formula: Height² (m) × 22 (BMI) × 25 (kcal/d). Body composition, aerobic capacity, glucose and lipid metabolism were assessed in pre and post intervention for all subjects.
　Body mass, fat mass, fat percentage, and visceral fat were reduced in both groups after intervention. Aerobic capacity was increased only in the exercise group. Lean body mass significantly decreased only in the diet group. Exercise training decreased HbA1c (JDS), and plasma glucose as indicated by a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test. HOMA-IR was significantly lower in post intervention compared to baseline in the diet group. However, blood adiponectin concentration was unchanged in both groups. Furthermore, high molecular adiponectin concentration was reduced in the exercise group.
　This study suggests that exercise training improves glucose metabolism without an associated increase in plasma adiponectin.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.33/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE