Our data support the concept that adiponectin is an important marker in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis since adiponectin remains significantly associated with plaque morphology in a fully adjusted multivariate model containing age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, family history of CAD, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, hsCRP, medication and PAT volume. The gene discussed is ADIPOQ; the disease is atherosclerosis.