Adiponectin ameliorates hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling

We have demonstrated that adiponectin has anti-atherosclerotic properties. We also reported hypoadiponectinemia and nocturnal reduction in circulating adiponectin concentrations in patients of severe obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAS). OSAS is often complicated with pulmonary hypertension. In this study, we investigated the effect of adiponectin on chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling in mice. Exposure of mice to 3-weeks sustained hypoxia (10% O2) resulted in significant accumulation of adiponectin in pulmonary arteries. The percentage media wall thickness (%MT), representing pulmonary arterial remodeling, under hypoxic condition, was greater in adiponectin-knockout mice than wild-type mice. Overexpression of adiponectin significantly decreased hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial wall thickening and right ventricular hypertrophy. These findings demonstrate for the first time that overexpression of adiponectin suppresses the development of hypoxic-induced pulmonary remodeling, and that adiponectin may combat a new strategy for pulmonary vascular changes that underlie pulmonary hypertension in OSAS.