In individuals without autoimmune diseases, adiponectin has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and anti-diabetic properties, as it reduces circulating fatty acid concentrations and triglyceride levels in muscle and the liver.[5] Adiponectin shares strong homologies with TNF-α and complement factor C1q, and has been shown to prevent the transformation of macrophages into foam cells and down-regulate TNF-dependent expression of several adhesion molecules,[6] thus dampening atherogenic processes. This evidence concerns the gene ADIPOQ and autoimmune disease.