Heat stress (HS) induces adaptive responses that are responsible for alterations of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. However, few data are available on the interactions between HS and adipokine expression and secretion. Morera et al. conducted a study on C57BL/6 mice to evaluate whether chronic HS rather than a reduction in voluntary food intake is associated with changes in the expression and secretion of leptin and adiponectin and in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues.

Heat treatment resulted in decreased blood glucose and non-esterified fatty acids; increased leptin, adiponectin and insulin secretion; and greater glucose disposal. Leptin, adiponectin, leptin and adiponectin receptors, insulin receptor substrate-1 and glucose transporter mRNAs were up-regulated in HS mice. This study provides evidence that HS improves leptin and adiponectin signalling in adipose tissue, muscle and liver. Heat stress was responsible for improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in peripheral tissues, probably mediated by adipokines Collectively, these data indicate that moderate chronic heat treatment could be a potential therapeutic treatment for disorders associated with insulin resistance. Morera et al. (2012) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 48 129-138.

Read the full article at: DOI: 10.1530/JME-11-0054.