As summarized in Table 2, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC, FPG, apo AI, apo B and Lp(a), but the adiponectin concentrations in peripheral and coronary sinus vein plasma were both significantly lower in the CAD group suggesting that decreased circulating adiponectin may play an independent role in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis. This evidence concerns the gene APOA1 and coronary atherosclerosis.