Activation of AMPK by berberine promotes adiponectin multimerization in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

► In this paper, we investigated the effect of berberine on adiponectin multimerization in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ► Berberine inhibits adiponectin expression, but promotes adiponectin multimerization during differentiation of preadipocytes and in mature adipocytes. ► Knockdown of AMPKα1 abolishes the effect of berberine on adiponectin multimerization. ► Activation of AMPK by AICAR also promotes adiponectin multimerization. ► The AMPK signaling pathway plays a positive role in regulating adiponectin multimerization.