Comment on: Hattori et al. (2007) Globular Adiponectin Activates Nuclear Factor-κB and Activating Protein-1 and Enhances Angiotensin II–Induced Proliferation in Cardiac Fibroblasts: Diabetes 56:804–808

We read with interest the recent articles by Hattori et al. (1,2), which report activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription by the recombinant globular domain of adiponectin. However, these findings contrast directly with a substantial body of published and ongoing work. As initially reported by Ouchi et al. and confirmed by other groups (3,4), a major effect of adiponectin is the suppression of proinflammatory endothelial responses, which include reversing the activation of NF-κB, reducing adhesion molecule expression, and enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability. We have shown that the globular domain of adiponectin also suppresses endothelial reactive oxygen species generation in response to various agonists, including oxidized LDL and high glucose (5,6). At the American Diabetes Association 66th …