It has been shown that obesity is linked to low grade inflammation and obesity-associated cardiovascular diseases. Adipose tissue is not only a place for fat storage but also as an endocrine organ. Many adipocytokines play critical roles in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. Adiponectin and resistin, members of adipocytokines, are involved in several metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and inflammation. In many pathological states, adiponectin play anti-inflammatory and protective roles but resistin play proinflammatory and aggravated roles. Plasma adiponectin is down-regulated and resistin is up-regulated in people with obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis and stroke. Adiponectin promotes endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells functions to increase the activity of vasorelaxation and anti-inflammation. But resistin reduces vascular cells functions then impairs the activity of vasorelaxation and anti-inflammation. This review discusses the adaptive roles of adiponectin and resistin on development of hypertension, atherosclerosis and stroke and how they work with different mechanisms.
