Adiponectin, a recently discovered protein produced exclusively by adipocytes, is thought to be a possible mediator between obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although its function is not entirely known, body fat distribution, insulin, sex hormones, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α may contribute to its regulation. Along with being associated with cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes and dyslipidemia, deficiency in adiponectin may also directly compromise endothelial action and promote atherosclerosis.