Adiponectin is a protein which in humans is encoded by the ADIPOQ gene. It is involved in regulating glucose levels as well as fatty acid breakdown. The hormone plays a role in the suppression of the metabolic derangements that may result intype 2 diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome. Adiponectin binds to a number of receptors. Two receptors have been identified with homology to G protein-coupled receptors, and one receptor similar to the cadherin family: adiponectin receptor 1 and adiponectin receptor 2.