Fig. 2.

Schematic representation of changes in the role of adiponectin in allergic airway responses in the obese state. In the airways of lean individuals, adiponectin acts on adiponectin receptors to inhibit allergic airway responses. The effects of adiponectin are somewhat inhibited by allergen-induced reductions in the expression of adiponectin receptors. In obesity, there are reductions in the levels of circulating adiponectin, as well as further reductions in adiponectin receptors, limiting the beneficial effects of adiponectin and thus amplifying allergic airway responses.