Omentin 1 (human), (recombinant)

Has no effect on basal glucose uptake but enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in adipocytes. Increases AKT phosphorylation in the absence and presence of insulin. May play a role in the defense system against microorganisms. May specifically recognize carbohydrate chains of pathogens and bacterial components containing galactofuranosyl residues, in a calcium-dependent manner. May be involved in iron metabolism.

Omentin 1 (also named intelectin-1, endothelial lectin HL-1 and intestinal lactoferrin receptor) has been identified as a visceral fat (or omental fat) depot-specific adipokine. Omentin 1 is a secreted protein of ~38kDa containing a fibrinogen-related domain. Omentin 1 is highly expressed in the omental fat, and much less in intestine, lung and heart. Addition of recombinant omentin in vitro did not affect basal, but enhanced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in subcutaneous as well as in omental human adipocytes. Omentin 1 triggers AKT signalling in the absence of insulin.