The role of adiponectin in pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease

The aim of this review is to present the up-to-date data about adiponectin and it's role in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Adiponectin is a hormone derived from adipose tissue which regulates energy metabolism, and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Serum levels of adiponectin are reduced in obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, plasma adiponectin concentration is inversely associated with LDL-cholesterol, TG and is positively related to HDL-cholesterol. Recent studies have indicated that adiponectin has antiinflammatory and antiatherogenic properties. Review of the data confirmed the hypothesis that adiponectin plays an important role in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.