INS and breast cancer: In brief, the comprehensive role of adiponectin could be embodied within two pathways: first, by directly inhibiting breast cancer cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis; second, by acting on the receptors AdipoR1/R2, binding the APPL-1 protein, and stimulating the downstream pathway leading to insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory effects, in turn, directly suppressing metabolic syndrome and indirectly suppressing antineoplastic properties.