Production and Secretion of Adiponectin from 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: Comparison of Antihypertensive Drugs

BACKGROUND Adiponectin is an important vascular protective adipocytokine that possesses antidiabetic, antiatherogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various antihypertensive drugs on the production and secretion of adiponectin from adipocytes. METHODS 3T3-L1 adipocytes were incubated for 6 h with increased doses of the following drugs: hydrochlorothiazide, atenolol, losartan, telmisartan, captopril, and nifedipine. Adiponectin levels, as well as adiponectin-mRNA expression, were measured in the medium and cells. RESULTS Significant increases of adiponectin were induced by telmisartan: 56% with a dose of 0.1 micromol/l (P < 0.05), 131% with 10 micromol/l (P < 0.05), and 125% with 100 micromol/l (P < 0.01). Losartan (100 micromol/l) also increased adiponectin by 65% (P < 0.05). Conversely, hydrochlorothiazide, 0.1 micromol/l, reduced adiponectin by 37% (P < 0.01). Captopril, atenolol, and nifedipine had no effect on adiponectin. Gene expression of adiponectin correlated with these results: with telmisartan, it increased by 27%, and with hydrochlorothiazide it decreased by 38% (P < 0.05 for both compared to the control). CONCLUSION In this comparative model, telmisartan, and to a lesser extent, losartan, increased production and secretion of adiponectin from 3T3-L1 adipocytes compared to the other antihypertensive drugs.