Cardiovascular and metabolic regulation by the adiponectin/C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein family of proteins.

Cardiovascular disease, including ischemic heart disease, is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries.1 Obese states are closely linked to the development of metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders.2,3 It is well established that adipose tissue secretes various hormonal factors, also known as adipokines, and affects nearby or remote organs in a paracrine, and endocrine manner.3–5 Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulated adipokine production caused by excess fat accumulation contributes to obesity-associated complications.4 Most adipokines are upregulated in obese states and usually act as proinflammatory mediators that promote the disease process.4 Conversely, a few adipokines are downregulated by obesity, and these factors typically exert beneficial actions on obesitylinked disorders.