Adiponectine : les paradoxes d'une adipokine singulière

Adiponectin is an adipokin renowned for its beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, atherogenesis processes, and chronic inflammation. Inverse associations of adiponectin concentrations have been described in insulin resistance states. Several prospective human studies suggested that circulating adiponectin levels may be considered as markers of glucose homeostasis. Adiponectin concentrations are inversely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, low grade inflammation, and cardiovascular risk. However, a positive relationship, rather than the expected negative one, was reported between adiponectin and global or cardiovascular mortality rate. These unexpected paradoxical associations remain until now unexplained and challenge the beneficial role of adiponectin.