in vitroGlobular adiponectin has been shown to enhance intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and prevented these cells from apoptosis. In line, adiponectin−/− mice developed more severe DSS-induced colitis accompanied by a decreased epithelial proliferation, increased apoptosis and cellular stress. This could be reversed in vitro in the presence of adiponectin. The gene discussed is ADIPOQ; the disease is colitis.