Anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic properties of adiponectin

Obesity-related disorders, such as insulin resistance, hypertension and atherosclerosis, are associated with chronic inflammation. Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived secreted factor that is down-regulated in obese states. Adiponectin exerts the protective actions on obesity-linked diseases, such as insulin resistance and atherosclerosis by attenuating chronic inflammation in its target organs. Adiponectin also exerts the salutary effects on vascular disorders by directly acting on vascular component cells including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages. This review will focus on the role of adiponectin in control of inflammatory responses and atherogenic processes.

► Adiponectin exerts anti-atherogenic functions via attenuating chronic inflammation.
► Adiponectin directly protects vascular component cells including macrophages.
► Adiponectin changes macrophage phenotype toward anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.
► Adiponectin attenuates systemic inflammation by promoting macrophage phagocytosis.