There is increasing evidence that the high-molecular weight (HMW) complex of adiponectin rather than total adiponectin may have an anti-atherogenic effect that could protect against the development of atherosclerosis. In this context, von Eynatten et al. examined the relationships between HMW adiponectin, the HMW-to-total adiponectin ratio (HMW/total adiponectin), and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in 240 male patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. The study revealed that HMW adiponectin and the HMW/total-adiponectin ratio were both negatively correlated with the extent of CAD. In addition, HMW adiponectin in particular seemed to be a better marker of CAD extent than total adiponectin. These results suggest that HMW adiponectin measurement may provide a better marker of CAD than total adiponectin levels.
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