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Adiponectin, a bioactive molecule produced by adipose tissue, has potential effect in increasing insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin levels reduction is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein (TG:HDL) ratio can be used as a predictor of CVD risk in T2DM patients. Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell contains astaxanthin, macro- and micro-nutrients that may exert synergistic beneficial effects. This study aims to determine the effect of L. vannamei shell powder (LVSP) in improving adiponectin, TG, HDL and TG:HDL of T2DM Wistar rat, and to investigate the presence of any correlations between adiponectin and lipid markers.

A total of 25 male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups: control negative [C(−)], control positive [C(+)], treatments 1, 2 and 3 (T1, T2 and T3, respectively). C(+), T1, T2 and T3 were maintained on a high-fat diet for 14 days before streptozotocin (STZ) injection. T1 and T2 groups were administered two different doses of LVSP, while T3 group was provided astaxanthin supplement (AST).

LVSP treatments significantly increase adiponectin (p = 0.04) and HDL (p < 0.001) but reduced TG (p < 0.001) and TG:HDL (p < 0.001). A higher LVSP dose was more effective in improving all markers than the lower dose; moreover, there was a comparable effect as that of AST in increasing the adiponectin levels. Strong correlations were observed between adiponectin and lipid markers.

This study shows that LVSP as a functional food, can ameliorate adiponectin levels and normalizes blood glucose levels. The LVSP reduces the risk of CVD because of the reduction of TG:HDL.