Review on Adiponectin: A Benevolent Adipokine

Adiponectin is a most abundant secretory protein produced by adipocytes of white adipose tissue. Adiponectin circulates in blood as three different (high-molecular, middle-molecular, and low-molecular weight) isoforms, gives its effects through AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 receptor. Primary data suggesting that adiponectin has insulin-sensitizing, anti-atherogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. High serum level of adiponectin is positively associated with inflammation severity and pathological progression in chronic kidney disease, liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease. It has emerged as a valuable biomarker for insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular risk and inflammation. Adiponectin is gaining attention for its therapeutic role in Alzheimer’s disease. Adiponectin appears to play a crucial role not only in glucose and lipid metabolism but also the development and progression of different cancers. Adiponectin also produced locally in the retinas participate in defense of various eye diseases. This review summarizes the role of  adiponectin as benevolent adipokine in different disorders.