Adiponectin is a protein hormone produced by differentiating adipocytes and has been proposed to have anti-diabetic and immunosuppressive properties. We previously reported that the globular form of adiponectin (gAd) induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), followed by caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death in RAW 264 cells. Here, we demonstrate that gAd-induced ROS generation and apoptosis were diminished by suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). The phosphorylation level of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 detected by Western blotting was highest at 20 min in gAd-treated RAW 264 cells. This phosphorylation was inhibited by AG490, a specific inhibitor of janus-activator kinase (JAK). The gAd-induced ROS and NO were reduced by administration of AG490 and Jak-2-specific siRNA in RAW 264 cells. The gAd stimulation transiently induced SOCS3 mRNA expression and protein production. We examined SOCS3-overexpressing RAW 264 cells to investigate the role of the JAK-STAT pathway in gAd-induced ROS and NO generation. SOCS3 overexpression significantly reduced both ROS and NO generation. Additionally, gAd-induced caspase activation and apoptotic cell death were reduced in SOCS3 transfectants compared with vector control transfectants. These results suggest that the JAK-STAT pathway, which can be suppressed by SOCS3 expression, is involved in gAd-induced ROS and NO generation followed by apoptotic cell death. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 597-606, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
