Adiponectin and metabolic cardiovascular diseases: Therapeutic opportunities and challenges

Metabolic cardiovascular diseases have become a global health concern, and some of their risk factors are linked to several metabolic disorders. They are the leading causes of death in developing countries. Adipose tissues secrete a variety of adipokines that participate in regulating metabolism and various pathophysiological processes. Adiponectin is the most abundant pleiotropic adipokine and can increase insulin sensitivity, improve atherosclerosis, have anti-inflammatory properties, and exert a cardioprotective effect. Low adiponectin concentrations are correlated with myocardial infarction, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertrophy, hypertension, and other metabolic cardiovascular dysfunctions. However, the relationship between adiponectin and cardiovascular diseases is complex, and the specific mechanism of action is not fully understood. Our summary and analysis of these issues are expected to contribute to future treatment options.