The insulin sensitizing effects of PPAR-γ agonist are associated to changes in adiponectin index and adiponectin receptors in Zucker fatty rats

► Pioglitazone increases HMW-adp form in visceral but not subcutaneous adipose tissue ► PPAR-gamma agonists increase adiponectin index ► PPAR-gamma agonist modified the receptors expression both in muscle and liver ► PPAR-gamma agonist insulin sensitizing effects are in part dependent on adiponectin