Adiponectin, also known as AdipoQ, is a plasma protein produced by adipocytes. Downregulation of adiponectin by mutation causes insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The expression level of adiponectin in plasma is lower in obesity. Adiponectin interacts with other proteins produced by adipocytes and is involved in triglyceride synthesis. Adiponectin in plasma lowers the expression of adhesion molecules in vascular endothelial cells and reduces the risk of atherogenic vascular diseases.
