Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Identification and Dissection of Diverse Mouse Adipose Depots
Published on: July 11, 2019
The effect of thiazolidinediones on adiponectin serum level: a meta-analysis
N Riera-Guardia1, D Rothenbacher
1Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany. n.riera-guardia@dkfz-heidelberg.de
Background And Aims:
Adiponectin is a hormone mainly produced by white adipose tissue. Decreased levels of adiponectin are linked with visceral obesity, insulin resistance states, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, several studies have pointed out an increase in adiponectin serum levels in subjects undergoing treatment with thiazolidinediones (TZD). The aim of this study is to systematically review the current state of evidence of the effect of TZD on adiponectin serum level with special attention to avoid publication bias.
Materials And Methods:
An extensive literature search was performed. Meta Analysis Version 2.0 computer program was used to calculate statistical differences in means and 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was assessed using different statistical approaches.
Results:
In the meta-analysis including 19 studies the overall standardized mean difference was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.81-1.06) which means that subjects treated with TZDs on average had means of adiponectin concentration that were about 1 standard deviation higher than the comparison groups even after controlling for possible biases.
Conclusions:
The results obtained agree with a moderate increase of serum adiponectin. The results clearly reveal an increase of endogenous serum adiponectin levels by intake of TZDs and may point to a potential new option to manage obesity-related diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Thiazide-Class Diuretics
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...