ADIPOQ and endothelial dysfunction: Interestingly, it has been recently reported that in humans there is a sex-specific effect of serum adiponectin in the development of type 2 diabetes [24] and in the progression of chronic kidney disease [25]; also data in mice with genetically induced endothelial dysfunction in which adiponectin exerts its beneficial effect on heart function and remodeling in female but not male are compatible with a sexual dimorphism [26].